PhD student: flexible antenna communication systems

Job Description

The Advanced RF Technologies (ART) Group and the Integrated Nanomaterial Group at Tyndall National Institute (TNI) and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland are inviting applications for a sponsored PhD degree in Flexible Antenna Communication Systems for sustainable health and wellbeing applications as part of EU-funded Transformational e-Textiles: Materials And Processes For Stretchable, Durable And Sustainable Wearable Electronics (e-FLOWER) project. E-FLOWER is centered around next generation sustainable, stretchable, and durable electronic textiles (e-textiles) for sensing, communication and energy harvesting. By combining advanced biocompatible materials, additive manufacturing technologies, Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles, and circular-design approaches, e-FLOWER will create high-performance wearable electronic systems that are comfortable, reliable, repairable, and recyclable. We are looking for a highly-motivated research-driven individual with strong interest in antenna design, new materials and integration strategies to become a member of an inter-disciplinary team that aims to deliver cutting-edge wearable electronics, antennas and sensor systems.

The PhD student will become a member of a diverse and vibrant community of students, research professionals and academics at TNI and UCC and will have access to world-class RF characterization, antenna measurement and manufacturing facilities at TNI and UCC. Further information on our community and infrastructure can be found in the following websites: Advanced RF Technology Group: https://advancedrftechnologies.com/ University College Cork: https://www.ucc.ie/en/, Tyndall National Institute: https://www.tyndall.ie/.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Develop antennas systems that can be integrated on flexible substrates alongside electronic components and sensor.
• Design and analyse the performance of antenna elements, high-frequency interconnects and RF components/ using electromagnetic analysis tools.
• Define suitable materials, manufacturing and integration strategies.
• Design test structures to characterize the electrical and mechanical properties of materials.
• Develop digital manufacturing methods for flexible RF components and antennas.
• Experimentally validate the performance of materials, components and systems.
• Provide regular progress updates, prepare technical reports and publications.
• Prepare literature reviews and training tutorials.
• Deliver technical presentations to sponsors and conferences.
• Carry out independent research which result in high-impact IEEE publications.
• Collaborate with other researchers and students as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Support the teaching, training and lab organization activities of the group.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• Engage in education and public engagement activities.
• Meet the post-graduate degree requirements.

Essential Criteria

• First class honours degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or relevant discipline.
• Successfully completed lectures in antennas and propagation, electromagnetics, microwave engineering, electronic/RF circuits or similar discipline and received high grades.
• Experience with RF/Electromagnetic design tools such as HFSS/FEKO/CST, ADS/CADENCE or similar.
• Bachelor's thesis in areas relevant to the position.
• The candidate must have high analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in English alongside with good scientific writing and communication skills.
• The candidate must be available to start no later than Sept. 7th, 2026

Desired Criteria

• Experience in antenna design and characterization.
• Experience in using network analyser and antenna chamber
• Experience in manufacturing.
• IEEE conference/journal publications

What we offer

The succesfull candidate will be initially enrolled for 12 months in the MS by Research Degree Programme at UCC. Upon successful completion of the annual progress review the student will be transferred to the PhD Programme and will graduate with a PhD degree.

• A tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
• 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
• Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
• Training and development opportunities are also provided.
• Also see here for more information

Terms of Employment

Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Category: Full Time
Contract Duration: 4 Years Studentship

The annual stipend is €25,000.00. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

Informal inquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Dimitra Psychogiou.

Closing date of applications is 1pm, 14th August 2026

Application Instructions

Return the following documents: 1) CV, 2) Detailed academic transcripts showing overall GPA and marks in every module, 2) Motivation letter and 4) 3 reference contacts

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/)..) Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process. The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the 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.