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R&D Team Lead Sustainability for Semiconductor Devices

imec in Vlaanderen • Belgium • Added on Aug 21, 2026
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This dual-responsibility role combines high-level people management with specialized technical research. You will lead a dedicated sustainability team, overseeing resource planning and professional development while actively contributing to life cycle assessment (LCA) models for next-generation semiconductor technologies. By balancing mentorship with hands-on research, you ensure the team delivers robust environmental data that shapes the future of microchips.

The semiconductor industry faces immense pressure to reduce its carbon and resource footprint, and this position sits at the heart of that transition. By refining imec.netzero—a virtual fab model—you will help global tech leaders identify decarbonization pathways and quantify the impact of complex fabrication processes. Your work directly influences how the electronics sector addresses its Scope 3 emissions and resource intensity through data-driven innovation.

This suits someone who possesses a deep academic background in engineering or science and at least three years of industrial experience. You should be a communicative leader who thrives on bridging the gap between complex hardware technology and environmental science.

Job-FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

As an R&D Team Lead, you will wear two hats: one as a people manager and the other as a technical researcher. You will be responsible for the professional growth and daily resource planning of your team, ensuring that project commitments align with their research interests. On the technical side, you will spearhead the development of life cycle assessments (LCA) for CMOS technologies. This involves contributing to imec.netzero, a virtual fab model used to simulate the environmental impact of integrated circuit fabrication, helping to identify more sustainable manufacturing pathways for the semiconductor industry.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Joining imec provides unparalleled exposure to nanotechnology and semiconductor R&D. You will likely deepen your expertise in bottom-up parametric modeling and learn how to apply LCA methodologies to one of the world's most complex manufacturing processes. Furthermore, through the imec.academy, you will have access to structured training in both technical domains and soft skills. The role offers a unique chance to learn how to lead high-level scientific researchers while staying at the forefront of global ESG standards for the tech sector.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or M.Sc. in Engineering or Sciences with at least three years of industrial experience. You must have a strong technical foundation in LCA methodologies and a clear understanding of semiconductor fabrication processes. Soft skills are equally critical; imec seeks a strong communicator who can act as a soundboard for colleagues and foster a creative, inclusive team culture. Prior experience leading teams is highly valued, as is the ability to navigate shifting R&D demands with a detail-oriented approach.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, highlight your specific experience with environmental impact modeling and how you have translated complex data into actionable insights. Showcasing a portfolio or publication list related to LCA or semiconductor materials will demonstrate your technical credibility. Since imec values team spirit and professional development, your application should emphasize your leadership philosophy. Mentioning how you mentor colleagues or cultivate a collaborative R&D environment will align well with their cultural priorities.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses intensely on the environmental footprint of hardware. You will be quantifying energy consumption, chemical usage, and carbon emissions associated with chip manufacturing. This is not about corporate social responsibility in a generic sense, but about the technical decarbonization of the digital world. By improving the imec.netzero model, you enable the industry to move toward circularity and resource efficiency. Your work provides the data necessary for technology companies to set science-based targets and reduce the environmental burden of future electronic devices.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is the complexity of semiconductor supply chains and fabrication steps, which makes accurate LCA modeling difficult. You will need to manage data gaps and ensure the models remain relevant as technology evolves at a rapid pace. Additionally, balancing managerial duties with individual research requires excellent time management. You must ensure your team feels supported and developed while meeting the high-stakes delivery timelines of international research partners.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a team stand-up to discuss resource allocation and project progress, followed by a mentoring session with a junior researcher. Mid-day might be spent reviewing LCA data or refining the parameters of the virtual fab model. Afternoons often involve cross-functional meetings with academic partners or industry stakeholders to disseminate research findings. You will spend time balancing your own scientific contributions with the strategic planning needed to keep the sustainability roadmap on track.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This position offers a clear path toward senior research leadership or specialized executive roles within sustainability and R&D. Being at the headquarters of a global research hub means your work has high visibility among the world's leading tech companies. You can expect to grow your professional network across both academia and the semiconductor industry. Over time, you may take on larger strategic roles, shaping how imec integrates sustainability across all its diverse research programs.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with your R&D team members and fellow researchers within the sustainability department. You will also report to senior imec management regarding resource planning and project milestones. External interactions are frequent, involving global semiconductor manufacturers, material suppliers, and academic collaborators. You will act as a bridge between imec's technical teams and the wider industry, ensuring research results are communicated effectively to stakeholders looking to reach their sustainability goals.

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