Pursue your PhD at imec: a unique research experience

Why choose a PhD at imec?

• Build expertise before the world needs it. Develop knowledge in emerging technologies long before they become part of everyday life.
• Work on tomorrow's technology today. Tackle research challenges years before they reach industry or society.
• Bridge academia and industry. Combine scientific excellence with real-world relevance in one unique research environment.
• Push boundaries with world-class infrastructure. Access advanced facilities and equipment few PhD researchers can work with.
• Join the world's leading semiconductor ecosystem. Collaborate with universities, start-ups and global technology leaders across one connected innovation network.
• See your research become reality. Help turn scientific discoveries into technologies that create real-world impact.

General information

The next application window will open from November 10th till December 2nd, 2026, 13:00 CET. The PhD Topic Overview List is already available and can be viewed to see which topics are planned for the upcoming call. Please note that applications can only be submitted once the official PhD call opens and the topics are officially published. Imec doesn’t grant PhD degrees directly but acts as a host research institute in collaboration with selected Belgian universities:

• KU Leuven
• UGent
• Vrije Universiteit Brussel
• Universiteit Antwerpen
• UHasselt
• Université libre de Bruxelles
• UCLouvain
• ...

Imec is offering you the opportunity to work with top professors and experts in the PhD field. Also, imec explores (dual) degree agreements with international universities for a selection of the topics posted (initiated by imec). Whether you’re an engineer or a scientist, our multidisciplinary research opens doors to cutting-edge discoveries.

Prepare

Before submitting an application, candidates are strongly advised to carefully review the PhD Admission Requirements.
You can send in one application in which you can identify a maximum of two topics of your choice. Note that the first topic indicated will automatically be considered your first choice, the second topic will be considered your back-up choice.
Do not submit a separate application for your second topic. If multiple applications are submitted, all applications will be removed from the selection process.
Please carefully review your application, supporting documents, and topic selection before submitting. Changes after submission will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. To request a modification or withdrawal, contact phd@imec.be and explain the reason for your request. 

Collect your documents in PDF format:

• Resume
• Motivation letter
• Bachelor's transcript of grades
• Master's transcript of grades. Final-year Master’s students can apply before officially obtaining their degree, provided they complete it within six months
• Proof of your English language proficiency (refer to the PhD Admission Requirements for details)
• One independent recommendation letter is required for your application. It is advised that candidates contact a referent person for a recommendation letter well in advance of the application process. Note that submission of the reference letter by your referent can only be done during the actual application process. Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an automated e-mail with instructions on how to invite your referee to submit the reference letter before the deadline. Recommendation letters sent via email will not be accepted.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Submit

• When the application window opens, go to the submission form under the PhD topic and click on 'Apply’
• Upload all your application documents in separate PDF files. Do not upload secured or password protected files. Please only upload the required documents.

Attention points

• PhD candidates are selected through a centralized application procedure. While candidates may discuss research topics with potential supervisors in advance, the selection and final decision are not made by individual supervisors. Candidates are therefore kindly requested not to contact professors regarding the outcome of the selection process. All questions can be addressed to phd@imec.be. We will respond as soon as possible, but replies may take some time.
• Please do not submit unsolicited documents with your application (e.g. high school diplomas or papers not explicitly requested).
• Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. No revised documents or additional information can be accepted. Candidates are therefore strongly advised to carefully review all documents, including the motivation letter, before actual submission.
• If we do not receive your complete application (i.e.all required documents), by the application deadline, your application will not enter the screening process.
• We will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. Please take into account that processing your application - especially around the application deadline - may take several days.

Selection

Review of application

• After the application window closes, a panel of senior researchers and experts will carefully review and evaluate all complete applications.

Interviewing with topic owners

• If you have been shortlisted for an interview, you will be contacted by email to set a date. The interview phase for this call will be held from January to early-February 2027.
• The interview will likely be via Microsoft Teams, or eventually face-to-face if you are residing in Belgium. The interviewers will share details on how to prepare for the interview. Typically, for the interview you will receive a technical paper related to the topic. We expect you to analyse and present the key content. Additionally, a brief profile description and a 5’ summary of your thesis work can also be presented. During this elaborate in-depth interview both your technical and non-technical competencies will be evaluated, including your English proficiency. 

Final result

• After all interviews have been completed, the PhD committee consolidates the feedback and decides which candidates will receive an offer of admission. Note that official decision is made and communicated by phd@imec.be (not by the interviewers).
• Candidates who are not selected at any stage of the selection process will be informed by email. If you have not yet received an update on your application, this means that a final decision has not yet been reached. Once the admissions committee has finalized its decisions, all applicants will be notified of their final status. 

Onboarding

Once you receive and accept imec’s admittance offer the next steps of onboarding will be managed by imec. The next formal step in the process is review and acceptance of your application by the University Doctoral School. You will receive email communication on the steps to take. Once formally accepted by the Doctoral School a starting date can be agreed upon. Financial support and employment-related arrangements will be handled by imec.

Check out our PhD opportunities