Senior Postdoctoral Researcher - Photonic Integration

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

Photonics at Tyndall has a vibrant and expanding world-class research ecosystem comprising more than 200 researchers with activities that include photonic theory, III-V and III-Nitride material epitaxy, photonic integration, hybrid integration and packaging together with applications in microelectronics, bio-photonics and communication systems. Tyndall hosts the Research Ireland funded Irish Photonic Integration Centre (IPIC) a €30M initiative with 30 industry partners, including large multinationals, indigenous companies and start-ups. Tyndall National Institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.

About the Role

The Photonic Devices group at Tyndall National Institute is now seeking a Research Scientist to join our team in developing active (photonic, electronic and other functionality) components and their integration in compact photonic circuits for an exciting opportunity in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) funded through a European collaborative project. A key focus of the research will be the utilisation of one of the leading emerging technologies for large-scale photonic-electronic heterogeneous integration, namely Micro-Transfer Printing (MTP), which Tyndall has pioneered. Tyndall has outstanding fabrication, characterisation and test facilities to enable the research. You will join a dedicated team of highly skilled research staff where you will contribute to device design, fabrication, integration and characterisation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust process flows for fabrication of compound semiconductor, lithium niobate and SiN components and circuits, with appropriate risk management.
• Complete high quality device fabrication with appropriate in-line testing.
• Integrate the components with SiN waveguides.
• Characterising the electro-optic performance of the devices
• Disseminate research achievements through publications in high profile journals and at significant conferences.
• Participate in mentoring activities within the group.
• 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

• PhD degree in Photonic devices, Communications, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant knowledge of compound semiconductor devices with more than 2 years of experience in processing of these materials for photonic devices.
• Evident strong knowledge of device design, processing, integration and characterisation.
• Evident proficiency in managing process flows and in report writing for research projects.
• Good publication record in IEEE and/or Optica journals and conference publications.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience working on industry projects

What We Offer

Apart from offering a position in a 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 24 months with possibility for extension based on the availability of funding and progress.

Appointment may be made on either the Post-Doctoral Researcher Salary Scale €44,847 - €51,313 or Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Scales €52,715 - €57,332 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to [email protected]

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.