Postdoctoral Researcher for the development of hardware and firmware for a novel wearable electrochemical sensor for veterinary applications

Postdoctoral Researcher for the development of hardware and firmware for a novel wearable electrochemical sensor for veterinary applications

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Background
Established in 1982, the Tyndall National Institute (formerly NMRC) is one of Europe’s leading centres in deep tech ICT research and development. It hosts over 600 researchers, engineers and support staff and has a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide. Tyndall National Institute is performing breakthrough research in photonics, electronics, micro-nano-technology and smart systems to deliver innovative solutions in life sciences including medtech, biopharma and agritech. Tyndall’s ICT for Health Strategic Programmes are driving an ABC ecosystem (i.e. combining Academic, Business and Clinical stakeholders, together with Design thinking), in which Tyndall researchers are working with academic leaders (national and international), many leading companies in the medtech and pharma industries, and in collaboration with clinical scientists.  This ensures that research outputs from Tyndall combine excellence with impact in terms of clinical utility and commercial opportunity.

Purpose of the role
Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork invites applications for a position as a postdoctoral researcher for the development of novel wearable electrochemical sensor system for veterinary applications in the Life Sciences Interface Group.  This is an exciting opportunity for you to help define and implement a wearable system solution for as part of a future product. The position would be for an initial 12 months with potential for an extension.

Working as part of a project team, you will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary industry-aligned group of researchers and engineers, with a focus on design, development and characterisation of a wearable potentiostat system for multiparameter electrochemical sensors, including development of the associated firmware, digital signal processing, and user interface. Design optimisation will include parameters such as signal to nose ratio, power consumption, and form factor, and the successful candidate will collaborate closely with a team of experienced electronic engineers, providing support and specifications to develop the required bespoke hardware and firmware for the development of the electrochemical sensor instrumentation.

Technical activities will include evaluation of current state of the art and the associated IP landscape, definition of user requirements specifications based on the proposed application scenario, design of experiments as appropriate for testing and comprehensive characterisation of the novel sensor system in combination with the proposed sensors, including the design of test setups as applicable for lab-based evaluation of the devices. The position will involve preparation of technical reports, invention disclosures, presentations to internal and external stakeholders, and potential travel to meetings with relevant stakeholders.

This project is designed to progress from an academic research programme into a commercial spin-out company and offers a unique pathway from academia to entrepreneurship. Once the spin-out company is established, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to transition into a key role within the company, leaving the university post to continue their work in an entrepreneurial capacity.

Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of the Life Sciences Interface Group or their nominee, you will:

• Contribute to selected tasks including electronic layout for the electrochemical sensor instrument design, leading the engagement of third parties for PCB manufacture and systems integration.
• Manage and implement the creation of bespoke firmware for operation of the electrochemical sensor system, including functionalities for sensing, communications, power management etc. Lead the firmware bring up for system evaluation and characterisation.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary commercially-aligned Tyndall team of researchers and engineers, with a focus on developing and testing a multiparameter electrochemical sensor solution.
• Drive innovation in the project, through evaluation of current state of the art and the associated IP landscape; precise definition of user requirements specifications in collaboration with the project team and relevant stakeholders; design, testing and characterisation of the novel sensor system.
• Prepare technical reports, invention disclosures and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the Head of the Life Sciences Interface (LSI) Group or their nominee to engage relevant stakeholders including representatives of the funding agency, potential end users of the proposed veterinary sensor system and /or potential investors as applicable.
• Ensure excellence in the delivery of all research/engineering outputs, including technical reports, filed intellectual property, prototypes and demonstrators.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health & Safety standards.
• Participate in in education and public engagements as required
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• A PhD in electronic engineering (or an equivalent discipline of science or engineering), or a minimum of four years R&D experience in electrochemical instrumentation design in academic or industry.
• A demonstrated track record of postgraduate experience in the development of novel electrochemical biosensor devices.
• A demonstrated track record of developing working prototype electrochemical sensor devices.
• Evidence of experience working on commercially focussed R&D projects.
• Evidence of experience of using the Altium DesignerTM PCB design tool.
• Strong communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in collaborating with researchers in electrochemistry involved in the design and development of sensor solutions.
• Track record of engaging with external customers for development of system specifications.
• Experience in developing novel healthtech sensor solutions and systems compliant with regulatory requirements.

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.

Informal inquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Paul Galvin, Head of Life Sciences Interface Group
Closing date of application is 1pm  8th October 2025.

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter (400 words) 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.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the 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.