Postdoctoral Researcher – Advanced Woundcare Technologies

Postdoctoral Researcher – Advanced Woundcare Technologies
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term (1 Year)

Background
Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and a flagship Institute of University College Cork. Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall is Ireland’s R&D hub on semiconductor technologies and works with global industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech and the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, Tyndall is focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. Tyndall is home to a research community of over 650 people of more than 50 nationalities.

Tyndall is currently engaged in an ambitious ‘ICT for Health’ strategy that will leverage our strengths in Information and Communications Technologies to develop the next generation of intelligent medical devices and systems. A significant part of this activity is focussed on the development of wearable technologies for the management and treatment of wounds and associated conditions and, in partnership with the Research Ireland ARC Hub for Healthtech, Tyndall has recently been awarded funding to develop and bring to commercial readiness a ‘smart dressing’ for the monitoring of chronic wounds. It is the goal of the researchers driving this project that a spin-out company is formed from the successful completion of the program.

Purpose of the Role
Tyndall National Institute is therefore seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong entrepreneurial mindset to help drive the creation of a new spin-out company in the field of smart woundcare technologies.

The primary goal of this position is not only the technical development of next-generation woundcare devices but also the preparation for the commercial launch of a startup. You will play a central role in undertaking and transforming research into a viable business, engaging with future customers, refining product-market fit, and building the foundation for a company capable of scaling internationally.

We are looking for someone with the drive, energy, and ambition to potentially join as an early founding team member when the company is created. This person will be working with a strong cross functional team with extensive experience in startups/spinouts.

Key Responsibilities
The candidate will be required to:

• Assemble and test demonstrator devices to support commercial conversations and investor showcases;
• Drive the commercialisation strategy for smart woundcare technologies, and participate in customer discovery, competitor analysis, and market validation exercises;
• Assist in preparing compelling business cases, investor pitches, and funding proposals;
• Work closely with Tyndall’s technology transfer team to define intellectual property, licensing, and spin-out strategy;
• Engage directly with clinicians, patients, and industry partners to refine product requirements and market fit;
• Contribute to the development of regulatory and reimbursement roadmaps for  future market entry;
• Travel to international meetings, conferences and tradeshows as required;
• Contribute to project management, reporting requirements and supervision of team members while fostering an entrepreneurial team culture.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria
The successful candidate must have:

• A PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, medical device design);
• 2+ years experience in applied medical device or healthtech research and development;
• Proven experience in the development and experimental characterisation of embedded systems hardware or firmware for healthcare applications such as microcontroller programming, PCB design & layout, circuit design, etc
• A demonstrated track record in high quality scientific publication;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills as evidenced by prior experience such as industrial partnerships, participation in multipartner projects, or conference presentations;
• a willingness to contribute to the establishment of new ventures and spin-out companies.

Desirable Criteria

• A strong motivation to develop a spin-out from your research work;
• Experience in contributing to the foundation of a new venture or spin-out;
• An understanding of regulatory strategy, IP management, or fundraising processes in medtech;
• Experience with woundcare, biosensors, or wearable medical devices;
• An international outlook with readiness to travel and engage globally;
• Evidence of entrepreneurial drive such as prior involvement in a startup, business planning, customer engagement, or technology commercialisation.

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. 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.

Terms of Employment Contract
Contract: Full-Time/Fixed Term
The duration of the project is 12 months in the first instance, although this may be extended for a second year pending funding and the impact of the candidate.

Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Post-Doctoral Researchers €46,306 - €52,863 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

For further information, please contact Dr. Conor O’Mahony
Closing date of applications is 1pm, 8th December 2025.

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.

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.