Postdoctoral Researcher in Electrochemical Sensor Development using Nanoporous Catalysts

Postdoctoral Researcher in Electrochemical Sensor Development using Nanoporous Catalysts
Contract : Full Time/Fixed Term for 2 Months

Tyndall is one of Europe’s leading ICT institutes, with over 600 people and a capital infrastructure in excess of €250m.
As part of a Research Ireland-funded project, applications are invited for a short-term 2 month Post-Doctoral research position at the Tyndall National Institute – University College Cork.

Purpose of the role
The candidate will co-develop new electrochemical sensors for dissolved gases. The candidate will develop and fabricate novel catalysts for on-chip electrodes. The work will involve the development of state-of-the-art research methods that involve the sensor development and fabrication (in collaboration with an industry partner) for nanoporous catalyst integration and test, characterisation, evaluation, and integration with potentiostats for operation. The researcher is expected to have a strong track record of achievement and experience in the field of electrochemical sensor development, including experience of working on Research Ireland funded projects in collaboration with and reporting regularly to the industrial partner and funding agency. The position will require a percentage of the working week to be undertaken at the industrial partner site.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• To assist in managing sensor laboratory activities when appropriate.
• To be a thought leader and proactively generate research initiatives and ideas.
• To independently manage, when necessary, the quality assurance and methods definition for project development and delivery.
• Anticipate and highlight potential innovation opportunities that meet and grow the strategic needs of the centre.
• To carry out administrative work for the programme of research.
• To interact closely with postgraduate research students and support, supervision and training in their day to day research, when appropriate.
• Assist with co-supervision and training of junior group members
• To take ownership of the specification and development of research projects.
• To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, such as outreach activities and Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Work with financial managers to assess the level of required project funding
• To initiate, enforce and comply with UCC and Tyndall’s health and safety and quality policies.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential criteria

• A PhD qualification in electrochemical sensors
• Relevant research experience in experimental electrochemical sensors research, with a proven track record of accomplishment, publications and presentations at international conferences
• In-depth knowledge and track-record of achievement in sensor modification and development
• In-depth knowledge and proven experience with microfabrication techniques, particularly for on-chip electrochemical sensors
• Proven experience of working collaboratively with industry
• Previous experience of working in a research project team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable criteria

• Experience of writing grant proposals
• Highly self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative
• A commitment to personal growth and development

Appointment may be made on the Postdoctoral Researcher  point 1 €46,306- €52,863 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to James Rohan.

Closing date for application is 1pm, 17th October 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.

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