Research Assistant - Laser-Induced Graphene for Circular E-Textiles

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

As part of the EU-funded Transformational e-Textiles: Materials And Processes For Stretchable, Durable And Sustainable Wearable Electronics (e-FLOWER) project, the Nanotechnology (NTG) group at Tyndall is is seeking a Research Assistant to support the development of biodegradable material formulations and direct laser writing processes for the fabrication of three-dimensional, porous and conductive laser-induced graphene (LIG). The Research Assistant will contribute to the fabrication and characterisation of LIG electrodes and sustainable e-textile components, including sensors and energy-storage devices intended for land, water and space applications. The position builds on the group's expertise in direct laser writing, LIG electrode fabrication, flexible electrochemical sensors and sustainable wearable technologies.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Work under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior research staff to contribute to the delivery of research activities within the e-FLOWER project.
• Assist with the preparation, fabrication and characterisation of biodegradable material formulations, including flexible and/or transparent biopolymer substrates suitable for direct laser writing.
• Assist with the development and optimisation of direct laser writing methods for producing porous, conductive laser-induced graphene electrodes on biopolymer substrates.
• Assist with the fabrication, functionalisation and testing of LIG-based electrodes and e-textile components for electrochemical sensing and energy-storage applications.
• Perform laboratory experiments and contribute to the collection, analysis, interpretation and accurate documentation of experimental results.
• Maintain laboratory records, prepare technical reports and present research progress and findings at project and team meetings.
• Collaborate with researchers across Tyndall and with e-FLOWER project partners to assist in the development and integration of sustainable e-textile sensing platforms.
• Contribute, where appropriate, to research publications, project deliverables, presentations and dissemination activities.
• Participate in education and public engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management System, research integrity requirements, health and safety procedures, and other applicable regulations.
• Carry out other duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• Academic background: Honours undergraduate degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering.
• Research experience: prior experience in (nanoscale) materials synthesis and/or fabrication. Characterisation of materials and devices (e.g. electrochemical sensors and supercapacitors). Experience in Direct Laser Writing and Laser Induced Graphene (LIG) materials highly desirable.

Desirable Criteria

• Good laboratory and problem-solving skills.
• High levels of initiative, project management, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are encouraged.
• Expertise in electrochemistry, electrical/electrochemical sensing, nanomaterial fabrication.

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 Type: Full Time
Contract Category: Fixed Term
Duration: Approximately 2 years

Appointment may be made on the Research Assistant Salary Scale i.e. € 34,129 - € 44,311 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Daniela Iacopino

The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm 17th August 2026

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. 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.