Principal Scientist - Piezoelectric MEMS / Microsystems

COM- 24 Principal Scientist - Piezoelectric MEMS / Microsystems

Contract Type: Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) hardware and systems. Specialising in both electronics and photonics – materials, devices, circuits and systems – we are globally leading 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

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork has an established PiezoMEMS research activity which, for many years, has been developing smart materials and MEMS devices with a focus on piezoelectrics. The PiezoMEMS Group is part of the world leading MicroNano Systems Centre that has recently won global awards for its micro-magnetics on silicon technology (MagIC - Making Magnetics Disappear onto Silicon).

The PiezoMEMS team specializes primarily in the deposition of CMOS compatible Aluminium Nitride (AlN) and Aluminium Scandium Nitride (AlScN) thin film materials and their integration into various MEMS devices such as RF Filters and resonators, ultrasonic transducers and actuators, and vibrational energy harvesters. The team works on both 200mm (8 inch) and 100mm (4 inch) wafer diameters.

The team also works with other piezoelectric materials such as PVDF, PZT, Lithium Niobate, and quartz.

Key applications for the teams’ research include Reconfigurable RF Front-Ends for 5G/6G, PMUTs for next generation medical devices and piezo membranes for drug delivery. Funding for this work has been provided by global industry partners, Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the EU.

We now wish to hire a Principal Scientist to drive the PiezoMEMS research programme. In this newly created senior positon, you will have the opportunity to grow your own research team and to establish a research activity which, based on your prior experience and your future career plans, may include materials R&D, process design and development, device fabrication, test and characterisation. You will also become part of Tyndall’s Research Leaders Development Programme to support you in positioning yourself to achieve your career goals.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and develop your own research team (including researchers, post-docs and graduate students) in piezoMEMS technology, components and/or applications generating excellent research outputs that can deliver trained graduate students, key publications/presentations in leading journals and international conferences as well as high impact innovative and commercialisable technology and intellectual property.
Collaborate closely with the existing piezoMEMS fabrication team.
Lead the definition and implementation of your team’s research strategy in line with the Tyndall2025 strategic plan.
Attract funding from public programmes such as Horizon Europe, Science Foundation Ireland, Enterprise Ireland as well as international industry.
Engage with other Tyndall teams including Tyndall Fab, Business Development, Test and Characterisation, Packaging and Failure Analysis.
Lead and manage your own research projects to create new knowledge and intellectual property that will impact the sustainable development of society and the planet as per the United Nations Sustainability and Development Goals.
Develop collaborative relationships with world-leading research teams, in Tyndall, in academia and industry.
Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
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

PhD qualified, in Engineering, Science, Physics or related technical discipline.
Typically 10 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
Piezoelectric technologies on silicon or similar platforms
Microsystems component design, simulation, test and characterisation
MEMS/microsystems fabrication
Packaging and integration at wafer or chip level
Expertise in the theory and application of piezoelectric-based MEMS technologies, devices and applications.
Experience of publishing research in journals/conferences and/or via granted patents.
Evidence of leading other researchers or graduate students to develop novel MEMS/microsystems technologies and devices.
Experience in acquiring research funding from competitive National, International and/or Industry sources.
Proven ability in successful project completion with a focus on delivery on schedule and within budget
Capability in communications encompassing report writing, process documentation, operating procedures, publications and presentations.

Desirable Criteria

Demonstrated knowledge of idea-generation and problem solving techniques.
Experience of technology transfer, IP and patent processes.
Experience in supervision of graduate students studying at Masters and/or PhD.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Cian O’Mathuna at cian.omathuna@tyndall.ie

Appointment may be made on the Grade7 (Admin I) Scale B (new entrants) salary scale €77,404- €101,965 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Closing date of applications is 30th June, 2023

Application Instructions

Step 1 - candidates should apply in confidence by clicking here to download and complete the application form and indicate the Job Reference COM-24

Step 2 – return the completed application form, together with your CV and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie.

Please ensure that your motivation letter, CV and application letter are submitted in pdf format.

For an information package including full details of the post, selection criteria and application process click here.

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.

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.