Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Researcher in Power Electronics for Integrated Voltage Regulators with Advanced Magnetic Device

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

This position is based within the Integrated Power and Magnetic Research Group at Integrated Power and Energy Systems (IPES) Research Programme at Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork. The group focuses on advanced magnetics, high-density power conversion, integrated voltage regulation, and co-design methodologies spanning circuits, magnetic devices, packaging, and system-level optimisation.

The Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Researcher will work on a project focused on model-based design methodologies for integrated voltage regulators (IVRs) with advanced magnetic devices, PMICs and packaging technology, targeting next-generation high-performance and energy-efficient power delivery solutions.

About the Role

The purpose of this role is to conduct advanced research on model-based design, simulation, and optimization of integrated voltage regulators with PMICs, bridging circuit-level, magnetic, and system-level considerations. The Research Assistant/Postdoctoral Researcher will play a key role in shaping the technical direction of the project, delivering high-impact research outputs.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop physics-based and behavioural models for integrated voltage regulators, including power stages, control loops, and magnetic components.
• Establish model-based design workflows enabling fast design space exploration and optimisation of IVR-PMIC-Magnetic systems.
• Integrate commercial magnetic components into electrical and system-level models, including parasitic and loss mechanisms.
• Validate models through simulation-to-measurement correlation, working with experimental data from prototypes where available.
• Disseminate research outcomes through high-quality journal publications, conference papers, and technical reports.
• Contribute to project management activities, including milestone planning and technical reporting.
• Participate in the funding proposal and grant submissions.
• Engage in appropriate professional and development training and opportunities to develop research skills and competencies.
• Act as a support for Masters and PhD Students, as required.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• Carry out any additional duties reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• Research Assistant applicants: A B.E., B.Sc., or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Postdoctoral Researcher applicants: A PhD, or equivalent experience, in Power Electronics, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Background in power converter design, modelling and experimental validation, particularly in high-frequency DC-DC converters and integrated voltage regulators.
• Demonstrated experience and competence with circuit modelling and simulation (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, SPICE and Cadence Virtuoso).
• Proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience with integrated voltage regulators (IVRs), discrete-component converter and/or PMIC design with 10 - 50 MHz operating frequency.
• Knowledge of magnetics modelling and loss analysis.
• Experience working on industry-collaborative or applied research projects.
• Familiarity with design optimization or design automation techniques.
• Evidence of entrepreneurial or translational research activities.

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: Fixed Term (approximately 2 years)

Salary: Appointment will be made on the appropriate Research Assistant Salary Scale (???33,791 - ??? 43,872/Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale (???46,805 - ??? 53,391), dependent on experience, in line with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Senior Researcher, Yi Dou.