Pioneer new approaches to compact-model, design, implement and test hardware security solutions

The influence of semiconductor technology on cybersecurity is essential, yet often not recognized. Semiconductor technology evolves rapidly and in multiple directions. Continued device scaling, as per Moore’s law, gives potential attackers much stronger computation power. It means that also security solutions need to follow. These solutions require roots of trust. A root of trust is the ability to create and store, in a secure way, keys and other confidential material which can be trustfully used in cryptographic algorithms and protocols. Security also entails verification required in IC supply chains: how can you prevent third-party contract manufacturers to produce extra copies of your legitimate IC design, which they want to sell for their own benefit, or, reselling already used, hence aged and degraded, ICs with reduced remaining operating lifetime?
Novel technologies and new usage of existing semiconductor technologies and circuits, provide novel opportunities to make these roots of trust. Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs) or True random number generators are such essential building blocks to provide freshness, and nonces into security protocols. Yet randomness requires understanding of physical phenomena, e.g. jitter, metastability or device degradation, in semiconductor technologies.
In this position, you will work in the Advanced Reliability, Robustness, and Test (AR2T) department in imec, while interacting with security experts of COSIC, KU Leuven. In the context of this job, you will have the possibility to work on multiple projects that emphasize the strong interaction between IC technology and security.
Specifically, you will:

• Pioneer new approaches to compact-model, design, implement and test hardware security solutions that can measure the use (or abuse) of integrated circuits and/or detect and protect devices from emerging threats, such fault injection
• Explore novel techniques for device identification and authentication
• Perform vulnerability assessments on prototype hardware
• Work closely with imec’s interdisciplinary teams—such as logic device and memory integration teams—to evaluate security features across device architectures.
• Share your research through scientific publications, patents, and presentations at industry-leading conferences

What we do for you
We offer you the opportunity to join one of the world’s premier research centers in nanotechnology at its headquarters in Leuven, Belgium. With your talent, passion and expertise, you’ll become part of a team that makes the impossible possible. Together, we shape the technology that will determine the society of tomorrow.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and proud of our open, multicultural, and informal working environment with ample possibilities to take initiative and show responsibility. We commit to supporting and guiding you in this process; not only with words but also with tangible actions. Through imec.academy, 'our corporate university', we actively invest in your development to further your technical and personal growth.
We are aware that your valuable contribution makes imec a top player in its field. Your energy and commitment are therefore appreciated by means of a market appropriate salary with many fringe benefits.
Who you are

• You are a passionate researcher with a deep understanding of hardware security and a drive to protect cutting-edge technologies against emerging threats. You are proactive, analytical, and able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• You have a Ph D or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, with a specialization in hardware security, cryptography, reliability, or semiconductor device physics.
• You are proficient in IC design and simulation tools
• You have a proactive research mindset with strong analytical skills and a drive to solve complex security challenges.
• Previous expertise in hardware security fundamentals, such as side-channel attack mitigation, fault tolerance, and physical security methods is a plus
• You exhibit strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey your ideas and collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• You are a real team player in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• You master the English language in all modalities.

If you react, we strongly encourage you to include a motivation letter, your resume, and university grade lists if applicable.
IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter “Agency”) to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.