PhD Position in electrochemical methane sensing and conversion.

PhD Position in electrochemical methane sensing and conversion.
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

About Tyndall
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
This Research Ireland funded Vistamilk Centre programme at Tyndall National Institute and University College Cork is offering a PhD position in microelectrode fabrication for methane sensing and conversion. The research will involve a collaboration with the Materials Modelling for Devices Group who will specify the catalyst materials to be investigated and the Wireless Sensor Networks Group who will develop the prototype wireless sensor device.

About the Role
This programme involves the combination of atomistic simulations and catalyst development to fabricate novel methane oxidation catalysts for sensors and conversion reactions. The project will build on the Group’s expertise in electrochemical microelectrode sensors design, fabrication, modification and test. The work will involve simulation studies to inform sensor materials, design and deployment requirements.

Key Duties & Responsibilities
The successful candidate will perform electrochemical research for novel methane microelectrode sensors. They will be part of a team developing optimised catalysts for 1) new sensing and 2) conversion platforms with atomistic simulation studies and well defined electrochemical characterisation for a range of parameters at lab scale and ultimately  field deployment for the target application.

• Design microelectrode structures and electrochemical cells for methane sensing
• Fabricate and test microelectrode arrays for methane sensing
• Investigate electrolytes appropriate for methane sensing
• Perform advanced sensor characterisation
• Optimise materials and device designs in collaboration with other members of the Vistamilk project team
• Work alongside colleagues in the Vistamilk research centre to achieve the most impactful outcomes
• Reporting and presenting the work regularly (internal and external) within the framework of the project
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and where appropriate invention disclosure documents
• Assist lab colleagues, interns, undergraduates and visiting researchers
• 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

• Applicants must have a first, upper second class honours undergraduate or masters postgraduate degree in Chemistry, Chemical Physics, or Materials Science.
• Applicants must include a description of their career goals and how this opportunity will assist them in meeting their targets
• Educational and research experience in electrochemistry, catalyst materials processing and sensor devices
• Experience with appropriate lab equipment, simulation tools and modelling software
• Demonstrated delivery of research projects at the undergraduate level
• Ability to work independently according to schedule
• Demonstrable English language proficiency is essential
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desirable Criteria

• A background or demonstrated experience in electrochemistry theory and practical applications particularly with respect to sensor materials and cells would be beneficial
• Skills in electrochemical simulation are beneficial
• Skills in micro/nanofabrication are beneficial
• Evidence of scientific writing skills
• Evidence of successful contribution to a research team
• High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement orientation and motivation are encouraged

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

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to James Rohan.
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 19th 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.

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/). 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.