Senior Scientist 1

Job Description

The Wireless Sensor Network Group (WSN) at the Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork is currently advertising for the position of Senior Scientist in Scalable Sustainable and batteryless RF IoT Sensing Platforms.

The Tyndall National Institute is a world leader in the development of Smart Sensing systems for use in the body, on the body and around the body. Working closely with a global range of academic, business and clinical partners, our technology is under evaluation by several multinational corporations and is approaching market readiness in a number of areas.

Having recently secured funding from Research Ireland as part of the "Frontiers for the Future" programme, the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) Group at the Tyndall National Institute invites applications for a key position as Senior Researcher-I (Senior Scientist) in scalable, sustainable battery-less RF IoT sensing platforms. The successful candidate will lead innovative research and development in sustainable electronics and battery-free wireless sensing systems through the development of Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technologies, with a strong emphasis on translating research into manufacturable solutions with low environmental footprint impacts.

About the Role

Key aspects include leading and developing research program in:

• Resource-efficient routes for component and circuit design, fabrication and integration, including:
  • Sustainable metal interconnects and antennas
  • RFID sensors (Carbon, LIG, LIC etc)
  • Plastic and bioplastic and other sustainable flexible substrates
• Advanced wireless power transfer architectures for RF-to-DC power conversion at low input powers enabling energy harvesting directly from 4G/5G and other ambient networks

As well as developing translational research outputs in the form of

• System prototyping and demonstration of sustainable IOT systems in real-world environments

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in RF/microwave engineering and electronic circuit design, supported by a proven track record of publications in top-tier journals (e.g., Q1 IEEE, Nature). Experience supervising MSc, PhD, and undergraduate students is essential, along with a demonstrated ambition to secure research funding and lead proposal development to establish and grow a research team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and resource a research program in the Design and implementation of advanced RF/Microwave circuits and sensors through competitive proposals nationally and internationally.
• RF characterization and integration of novel materials for advanced Electromagnetic systems.
• Develop next generation Wireless power Transfer systems.
• Implement and support the development of new advanced battery-less wireless systems.
• Collaborate with researchers in the WSN group and other research teams (e.g. materials, 2D-materials, ...) to design and develop the systems.
• Operate and optimise state-of-the-art RF characterized equipment.
• Develop, support and fund a research team through the supervision and mentoring of research staff and students.
• Lead the successful proposal writing process to secure independent competitive post-doctoral funding/awards.
• Contribute to the formation of research consortia and securing research funding from research councils/industry
• Lead projects, manage multiple aspects of research projects, including planning, execution, and documentation.
• Prepare and submit detailed technical reports and publications on research outcomes.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• 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 qualified with typically of 6+ years of experience in RF/Microwave, Electronics engineering, or a closely related field.
• Typically, 3+ years of experience as senior postdoctoral researchers in the field.
• Demonstrated expertise in the design and simulation of RF electronics (Specifically Rectenna, wireless power transfer, Battery-free IoT sensors, Energy Harvesting).
• Experience in developing innovative wireless power transfer, with demonstrated proficiency in using sustainable materials in this context.
• Familiarity with LIG/LIC (Laser Induced Graphene/Copper) printing and low-cost additive manufacturing techniques, e.g. screen, dip coating and Inkjet printing.
• Proven ability to lead and support research projects and collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Show a strong background in securing research funding and proposal development.
• Demonstrated strong track record of Tier-1 IEEE/Nature publication in the field (h-index >15).
• Experience in contributing to and support the supervision of post graduate students .Strong communication skills, with experience presenting technical information at prestigious international conferences and chairing of session at international conferences.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• Experience with RF/Microwave system development, from design to prototype.
• Proficiency in the battery-less wireless sensing systems design of photonic systems using advanced CAD tools (ADS, CST, MATLAB, PCB Design).
• Expertise with RF/Microwave test and equipment, particularly in wireless power transfer testbed and RF characterization.
• Experience managing Research Ireland/EU-funded research projects, such as MSCA, SFI projects.
• Expertise in reporting project updates, including presenting results to European Commission reviewers.
• Expertise in attending Tier-1 conferences and workshops and chairing/co-chairing of technical sessions.

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: Part-Time/Full-Time Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Duration: Approximately Two years

Appointment may be made on the UCC Admin Grades - Grade 6 Pt 1 €60,862 - €72,665 per annum.
Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Brendan O'Flynn
Closing date for applications for this position is July 14th 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.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

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.