AQ-26 Head of Group – Precision Electrochemical Nanosensors
Contract: Full Time/ Fixed Term
Overview. Tyndall National Institute is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) hardware and systems. Our inclusive, collaborative community of research scientists, engineers, postgraduate students and support staff, with over 52 nationalities at present, makes Tyndall a unique place to work or study. We specialise in both electronics and photonics – materials, devices, circuits and systems. We are globally excellent in our core research areas of:
- Smart sensors and systems
- Optical communication systems
- Mixed signal and analog circuit design
- Microelectronic and photonic integration
- Semiconductor wafer fabrication
- Nano materials and device processing
Your Role. Building on our research expertise in nanoelectrochemical sensing devices, Tyndall is establishing a Precision Electrochemical Nanosensors Group (PEN). We are seeking a talented researcher with a strong track record of research excellence and impact. This opportunity will enable you to grow your research vision and advance your career within our multi-disciplinary research ecosystem with cutting-edge facilities.
As Head of Group, you will lead an interdisciplinary research group focused on collaborative development of novel nanoelectrochemical sensors, including:
- Simulation of molecular mass transport to nanoelectrode interfaces.
- Development of novel functionalization routes for selective electrochemical sensing of key chemical and biochemical analytes, with particular focus on sensing for food, agriculture and environmental applications.
- Nanofabrication and device development.
- Development of novel measurement approaches for low-power, reagent-free electrochemical sensing.
- Microfluidic integration, device packaging and circuit interfacing.
- Building collaborations with Tyndall groups, as well as key national and international academic and industry partners, you will integrate these sensors into full end-to-end systems that provide sustainable solutions for societal challenges in food, agriculture and the environment. You will be encouraged and supported to identify and pursue strategic commercialisation opportunities with industry and/or through development of new ventures.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop an innovative strategic research vision for Precision Electrochemical Nanosensor modelling, design, fabrication and integration that leverages the unique infrastructure and expertise within Tyndall.
- Innovate new electrochemical sensor technologies that eliminate/reduce the need to add chemical reagents for different applications.
- Grow the group’s portfolio and establish its international reputation for research excellence and impact.
- Generate strong research outputs as evidenced by influential or milestone publications in leading journals and conferences, e.g., in the top 10% in their field.
- Attract, retain and develop high-calibre talent including research staff, post-graduate students and support staff.
- Grow and develop talented researchers at all levels within Tyndall, providing appropriate mentoring and coaching.
- Create a team culture that results in high-quality postgraduate training and supervision and where professional / personal / career development is a priority.
- Grow and sustain the group by co-ordinating and partnering in successful bids for large-scale grants/awards from national and European funding sources, and Industry.
- Co-ordinate the group’s development of intellectual property and innovations; and support their commercialisation through high-value ventures or licencing to industry.
- Ensure that the Group enjoys strong partnerships and collaborations across Tyndall.
- Develop strong relationships and collaborations with national and international stakeholder groups and academia, particularly those focused on digitalising the agriculture and food processing sectors.
- Promote Tyndall and the Group within the international research community and nationally across wider society.
- Promote Open Science and Research Integrity within the group and Tyndall.
- Ensure high levels of Education and Public Engagement (EPE) activity across the group in coordination with Tyndall EPE programmes.
- As a senior research leader within Tyndall, ensure the delivery of the Tyndall 2025 strategic plan, leading and participating in strategic actions or working groups as requested by the CEO or nominee.
- Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Health and Safety standards and with Tyndall’s Quality Management System with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria
- A PhD degree in a relevant technical discipline – chemistry, physics, materials science with typically 10+ year’s post-PhD experience.
- Research leadership experience with demonstrated capability to develop research strategies, create and grow world-class international research teams, and produce excellent research outputs.
- An excellent and growing international research profile as evidenced by invited talks and publications, awards or prizes, patents or other relevant outputs.
- Strong funding track record from national and international agencies and industry.
- A proven or growing track record of supervising postgraduate students to completion together with inspiring and mentoring early-career researchers, helping them to establish careers as independent researchers.
- Strong evidence of collaboration and teamwork, in both research and organisational environments, with good communication skills.
Desirable Criteria
- A growing track record and/or evidence of commitment to innovation and commercialisation of IP, for example by successful technology transfer to industry and/or track record in attracting industry support.
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.
Appointment may be made on the Grade 8 Senior Admin IV Scale B range, €93,779-€112,731 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Aidan Quinn at aidan.quinn@tyndall.ie
Closing date of application is 21st June, 2024.
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.
Click here to Apply
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.
At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer
