Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Biosensors

Job Description

Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the 'Chips for Europe Initiative' (EU Chips Act).

Tyndall is Ireland's leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

The Institute's key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall's mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than ???50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall's existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

Tyndall's expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M???10's) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.

About the Team

Within the Micro & Nano Systems (MNS) Centre at Tyndall, one of our core strengths is development and integration of materials, devices and systems for smart sensing. The Nanotechnology (NTG) group has expertise in materials development at nano- and micro-scale and their integration into sustainable sensing platforms for health and environmental applications. One of our core expertise is the Direct Laser Writing of low cost and scalable sensors and energy components from flexible (bio)polymers.

About the Role

Following the successful award of major EU funding (MSCA DN FERNS and e-FLOWER), the Integrate Nanomaterials (InMat) Team, in collaboration with the Nanotechnology (NTG) Group at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, invites applications for a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainable Biosensors.

This role will play a leading part in the development of flexible, wearable, and environmentally responsible biosensing technologies, combining Direct Laser Writing (DLW), laser-induced graphene (LIG), and bio-based polymer substrates for next-generation wearable and e-textile applications.

The successful candidate will lead applied research activities focused on the design, fabrication, and validation of sustainable wearable biosensors, with an emphasis on:

• DLW of bio-based and biodegradable polymer substrates
• Laser-induced graphene electrodes for electrochemical sensing and biofuel cells
• Integration of self-powered sensing platforms to reduce reliance on batteries
• Translation of laboratory-scale technologies toward real-world validation, including ethically approved human trials
• Collaboration with colleagues on sustainability assessment through Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and co-design with social scientists and designers

The position offers an outstanding opportunity to shape a rapidly emerging research area at the intersection of biosensing, sustainability, and wearable electronics, while contributing to the strategic leadership of Tyndall in this field.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of the NTG Group and the InMat Team Leader the Senior Postdoctoral Researcher will:

• Define, manage, and implement day-to-day applied research and technical project management across EU- and nationally funded projects
• Design, fabricate, and characterise electrochemical biosensors and biofuel cells for wearable and e-textile platforms
• Advance DLW and LIG methodologies, particularly on sustainable and bio-derived substrates
• Manage the development of self-powered biosensing systems, including enzymatic biofuel cells
• Ensure timely delivery of technical milestones, work packages, and project deliverables
• Contribute to and manage research proposal development at EU and national levels
• Supervise, support and mentor PhD, MSc, and undergraduate researchers
• Actively disseminate research outcomes through high-impact journals, invited talks, and international conferences
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline
• Typically 6+ years' postdoctoral experience
• A strong, evidenced track record in biosensor and biofuel cell design, supported by High-impact peer-reviewed publications, Invited conference presentations, Competitive research funding
• Advanced expertise in Electrochemistry, Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) materials, Direct Laser Writing (DLW) on polymer and bio-based substrates
• Hands-on experience with: Wearable and flexible biosensor fabrication, Sustainable materials and substrates, Laser engraving, 2D/3D printing, and micro/nanofabrication tools
• Demonstrated success in project management, including: Work package definition, Scheduling and reporting, Deliverable management, Coordination with internal and external partners
• Proven ability to supervise, support and mentor students
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with multiplexed wearable biosensing
• Development of battery-free or energy-harvesting systems
• Knowledge of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainability metrics
• Engagement with public outreach, co-design, or social science collaboration
• Evidence of leadership potential and progression toward research independence

What We Offer

Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following:

• Impactful Work: Opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland's economy and the society at large.
• Continuous Learning: Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development.
• Interdisciplinary Environment: Where academia, industry, and innovation intersect - supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and expert knowledge.
• Blended Working: Flexibility to work remotely and on-site, where the role allows.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to UCC pension, long-term illness benefit, life assurance, and more.
• Generous Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlements.
• Equity & Inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder, with ongoing initiatives led by a dedicated People and Culture team to ensure equity for all.
• Core Values: A culture grounded in Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, innovation-driven environment that welcomes entrepreneurial and creative thinkers, including those with start-up experience.
• Supportive Onboarding: Structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.
• Vibrant Culture: A collaborative, people-first workplace with a strong sense of community.

Terms of Employment

Contract Category: Full-Time
Contract Type: 12 months, with extension subject to funding and performance

Appointment may be made on the Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale ???54,850 - ???59,654 per annum.
Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Daniela Iacopino.

Closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 8th May 2026.

Application Instructions

Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the 'Essential Criteria' for this role.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on university approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.