PhD Position in Smart Microfluidic systems for Methane Sensing, Capture and Conversion

PhD Position in Smart Microfluidic systems for Methane Sensing, Capture and Conversion
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

The Research Ireland funded VistaMilk Centre programme at Tyndall National Institute and University College Cork is offering a PhD position in the development of smart microfluidic systems for methane sensing, capture and conversion. The research will be hosted in the Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) group and involve a strong collaboration with the Precision Electrochemcial Nanosensor Group who synthesise, test and characterise catalysts for methane conversion that will be integrated into the IoT-enabled autonomous Smart Methane conversion system that will be developed.

About Us

As part of University College Cork, Tyndall is a leading European research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) materials, devices and systems. It is one of Ireland’s five National Labs, specialising in both electronics and photonics. Tyndall works with industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech & the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, they are focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. A research flagship of University College Cork, Tyndall is home to a research community of 600 people of 52 nationalities. www.tyndall.ie

The WSN group within Tyndall is a multi-national transdisciplinary team of researchers developing embedded systems incorporating sensors, energy sources/conversion, communications and edge AI to create new data sets from sensors deployed ubiquitously in and around our working and living environment – Human Centric Systems.

Key Responsibilities and Research Objectives

The overall VistaMilk programme involves the development of novel methane capture and conversion embedded systems for in field deployment test and characterisation.

This involves the integration of novel methane oxidation catalysts for conversion and methane sensors developed in the Tyndall Materials Modelling and Precision Electrochemical Sensor Groups into low power consumption, miniaturised, microfluidic systems with integrated power supplies wireless communications and low power consumption sensor interface electronics.

The project will combine Tyndall’s expertise in electrochemical micro and nanofabrication with simulation studies to inform sensor & catalyst materials, design and deployment.

The successful candidate will be part of a team in the WSN group developing autonomous methane capture and conversion systems integrating new catalysts for methane sensing and conversion into new IoT-enabled, smart platforms, taking these materials out of the lab and ultimately in to field deployment. These miniaturised smart microfluidic systems will incorporate energy autonomous capability, resource constrained electronics, communication protocols and edge processing to measure, capture and convert methane in relevant agricultural settings.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must have a first, upper second class honours undergraduate or masters postgraduate degree in Electronics, Engineering, or similar with experience in electronics design and embedded system integration.

Desirable Criteria

• A background or demonstrated experience in wireless embedded system low power electronics analog / digital design – schematic capture, PCB design, firmware development and system programming, test and characterisation
• Experience and knowledge in Sensor integration (in particular electrochemical sensors) in practical applications would be beneficial.
• Skills in mechanical design (solidworks or equivalent) for microfluidic applications would be beneficial.
• Experience in Data analytics (Matlab/Python) would be of benefit
• Experience in working in multidisciplinary projects is a plus
• Evidence of scientific writing skills.
• Applicants should include a description of their experience career goals and how this opportunity will assist them in meeting their targets.

Additional Responsibilities

• Activities will include focused research including literature reviews, hypothesis development and identification of novelty associated with the development of peer reviewed publications commensurate with a PhD thesis.
• Collaboration with the Tyndall Materials Modelling and Precision Electrochemical Sensor Groups on the methane sensing and conversion catalysts will be essential
• Engagement in the wider VistaMilk 2 Centre
• The candidate will be expected to write scientific publications associated with their work and travel to international conferences, workshops, industry and project meetings.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management, and Health and Safety standards.
• Perform additional duties as required within the scope of the post.

The annual stipend is €25,000 pa. In addition, yearly University academic fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

For inquiries, please contact Brendan O’Flynn

The closing date for applications is 4th July 2025

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the 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.

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.