Geert Van Steenberge

imec is advertising a PhD position in microfluidics and photonics packaging focused on the capillary underfill process for optical interconnects in next-generation AI and high-performance computing (HPC) systems. The project studies how epoxy-based underfill materials flow through micron- and sub-micron-scale gaps between photonics dies. The research addresses key challenges such as void formation, wetting behavior, rheology in confined geometries, and non-uniform gap heights. The goal is to improve reliability and performance of optical/CMOS packaging technologies used in advanced computing hardware. The work is split between 45% modelling , 45% experimental , and 10% literature . Research activities include experimental microfluidics, optical characterization, data analysis, and predictive modelling of capillary filling. The position is well suited to candidates interested in fluid mechanics , wetting phenomena , materials science , and advanced packaging . Eligibility highlights: a background in engineering, science, physics, materials science, or a related field; strong analytical skills; interest in hands-on experimental work; and willingness to learn computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or related modelling methods. Experience with experimental techniques and/or computational modelling is considered an advantage. Supervision: Geert Van Steenberge (Ghent University / imec) is listed as supervisor and co-supervisor, with Naghmeh Fatemi as daily advisor. Application: apply before 2026-07-08 . The reference code is 2026-180 .