We are looking for a scientifically strong, hands-on and well-organized researcher with a clear interest in MEMS and project coordination.The ideal candidate:
1. Holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering, Microelectronics, Physics or a related field, with a background in MEMS/NEMS, microfabrication or micro/nanosensors.
2. Has experience with MEMS design and optimization, ideally including multi-physics modelling and/or freeform geometries.
3. Has hands-on experience in cleanroom microfabrication and is comfortable working with process flows, fabrication runs and basic process characterization.
4. Has worked with or is strongly interested in measurement setups for MEMS devices (e.g. resonant characterization, vibrometry, electronic readout, multi-signal sensing).
5. Shows clear affinity with data-driven methods; experience with machine learning, genetic algorithms or other advanced optimization techniques for MEMS design, fabrication or characterization is considered a strong asset.
6. Has experience with research projects and/or consortia, and is motivated to support proposal writing and project follow-up.
7. Is organized, proactive and communicative, and enjoys connecting people and structuring complex technical activities.
8. Is fluent in written and spoken English; additional languages are a plus.
Candidates with prior experience in international collaborations and competitive funding environments are particularly encouraged to apply.You will have the following key responsibilities:Project coordination:
9. Follow up the full life cycle of research projects (idea, proposal, execution, reporting).
10. Maintain an overview of the MNS project portfolio and ensure alignment with group strategy.
Grant and proposal support:
11. Initiate, coordinate and co-write proposals for regional, national and European funding.
12. Help define work packages that combine MEMS design, fabrication, measurement and ML/GA-based optimization.
Fabrication & infrastructure coordination:
13. Support the planning and coordination of cleanroom fabrication runs and process development.
14. Contribute to process documentation, process control and the definition of shared test structures.
Measurement setups and characterization:
15. Support the definition and organization of resonant, multi-parameter and long-term stability measurements.
16. Promote standardized, reusable measurement setups and protocols across projects.
Internal coordination & training:
17. Facilitate communication between design, fabrication and measurement teams.
18. Support supervision structures and internal training on project management, fabrication workflows and measurement practices.
Networking and valorization:
19. Help build and maintain collaborations with academic and industrial partners.
20. Contribute to identifying valorization opportunities and to representing the MNS group at events and conferences.
The employee will be part of the Research Division Micro- and Nano-systems (MNS) in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), Group Science, Engineering and Technology of KU Leuven.The Micro and Nano Systems (MNS) group at KU Leuven performs internationally leading research on micro- and nanoscale sensors and actuators, with a strong focus on MEMS/NEMS devices, microfabrication and system-level integration with electronics and signal processing. The group works on inertial sensors, resonant sensors, pressure and gas sensors, infrared sensing, ultrasonic transducers and related devices, in close collaboration with industrial and academic partners in Europe and worldwide. MNS combines advanced MEMS design, state-of-the-art cleanroom fabrication and high-end measurement setups. In recent years, the group has invested heavily in: - MEMS optimization using modern machine learning (ML), genetic algorithms (GA) and freeform device geometries, and - sophisticated fabrication flows and dedicated characterization setups for resonant devices, multi-signal readout (e.g. piezoresistive and capacitive), low-noise electronics and automated data acquisition. The ambition is to be a reference lab where ML/GA-driven freeform MEMS design, experimentally validated fabrication processes and dedicated measurement setups are tightly integrated into one workflow. To strengthen and strategically coordinate this portfolio, we are looking for a Research Manager who will take a central role in the scientific project management and development of the MNS group, with particular emphasis on ML/GA-based optimization, MEMS fabrication and advanced measurement setups.
Our Offer
21. A full-time Research Manager position for unlimited duration in an international, multidisciplinary research environment at KU Leuven.
22. A central role in coordinating projects that combine MEMS design, fabrication, measurement and ML/GA-based optimization.
23. Close interaction with academic staff, postdocs and PhD students, and the opportunity to help shape the long-term strategy of the MNS group.
24. Flexible working conditions in line with KU Leuven regulations and a competitive salary according to KU Leuven scales, commensurate with experience.