PhD Position in RF Characterization of Advanced Materials (m/w/d)

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 Role

The WSN group within Tyndall is a multi-national transdisciplinary team of researchers developing embedded systems incorporating sensors, energy sources/conversion, communications and edge AI to create new data sets from sensors deployed ubiquitously in and around our working and living environment - Human Centric Systems.

The Wireless Sensor Networks group at the Tyndall National Institute and University College Cork is offering a PhD position in RF Characterization of Advanced Materials (MXene, Laser Induced Copper, ...)for use in electromagnetics systems Rectifying-Antenna (Rectenna) design for Energy Harvesting and Wireless Power Transfer. The project has recently been funded by Research Ireland to develop next-generation of wireless sensing systems using advanced nanomaterials and additive manufacturing technologies.

The research will be hosted in the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) group and involve a strong collaboration with the Nano technology and Materials Group who characterise materials for a wide variety of applications such as the sensing and energy harvesting system that will be developed.

Key Responsibilities and Research Objectives

The GREEN-MONITORING project aims to develop a supply chain monitoring system that does not require batteries, using innovative technology to harvest energy from 4G/5G signals. This approach relies on advanced circuits that efficiently convert low levels of wireless energy into usable power. To develop this battery-free system, the project uses sustainable materials and affordable additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing and inkjet printing. By focusing on energy harvesting and eco-friendly design, the project supports a greener future and reduces the need for disposable batteries,This involves the simulation and design of electromagnetic antenna and rectifier (Rectennaa) systems, their synthesis and implementation in IoT sensing technology and the test and characterisation of the Energy Harvesting enabled wireless sensing technologies developed.
The PhD project will combine Tyndall's expertise in electromagnetic design, energy harvesting and materials nanofabrication to develop novel MXene based wireless sensing systems for real world deployment of energy harvesting enabled sensing technologies.

The successful candidate will be part of a team in the WSN group developing electromagnetic simulations, manufacturing recetnna using a variety of deposition techniques and the test and characterisation of the recetenna systems envisaged. These will be integrated in real world IOT sensing systems for deployment as part of the WSN research agenda.

Additional Responsibilities

• Activities will include focused research including literature reviews, hypothesis development and identification of novelty associated with the development of peer reviewed publications commensurate with a PhD thesis.
• Work with RF experts and researchers in the WSN group and having Collaboration with the Tyndall Materials Nano technology Group
• Engagement in the wider Micro Nano Systems Centre
• The candidate will be expected to write scientific publications associated with their work and travel to international conferences, workshops, industry and project meetings.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management, and Health and Safety standards.
• Perform additional duties as required within the scope of the post.

Essential Criteria

Applicants should have a first, upper second class honours (in top-5%) undergraduate or masters postgraduate degree in Electronics, Engineering, or similar with experience in electronics design, materials characterisation, embedded system integration and Electromagnetics design.

Desirable Criteria

• A background and demonstrated experience in RF characterization of materials, Electronics, PCB design and simulation using CST, Altium Designer, COMSOL or similar systems
• Experience and knowledge in materials deposition would be beneficial. Also, knowledge about microscopy characterization methods (X-ray, SEM, 4-point probe, ...) and dielectric measurement facilities (DAK-TL system, ...) would be great.
• Experience in deposition of materials using different methods would be of benefit
• Experience in working in multidisciplinary projects is a plus
• Experience in PCB design and Electronics would be benefit.
• Applicants should include a description of their experience career goals and how this opportunity will assist them in meeting their targets.
• Self- motivated and able to work as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English suitable for technical documentation, presentations, and publication.
• A clear motivation letter describing why you want to pursue this PhD and how your skills and experience relate to the project.
• Evidence of research experience through an undergraduate project, internship, publication or conference presentation.

What we offer

• A generous 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.
• Mardyke Sports Arena - Students - free when registered with UCC
• Free Park and Ride Service
• Also see here for more information

Terms of Employment

The annual stipend is €25,000. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Any queries concerning this PhD position can be sent to Gholamhosein (Farzad) Moloudian or Brendan O'Flynn.
The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Moloudian (technical leader of the project), and Prof. Brendan O'Flynn (Head of the WSN group and the project's PI) and Co-supervised by a material expert.

Closing date for application is 1pm, 9th January 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.

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/)..%20) 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.