Postdoctoral Researcher in Precision Electrochemical Nanosensor Development for detection of chlorine in harsh environments

Postdoctoral Researcher in Precision Electrochemical Nanosensor Development for detection of chlorine in harsh environments

About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).

Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

About the Team
The Precision Electrochemical Nanosensor Research Group comprises research and support staff, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students. The Group focuses on developing high-sensitivity, silicon-chip-based nanoelectrochemical devices for various applications, including environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics. Utilizing semiconductor fabrication techniques, the group creates nanowire and nanoband electrode arrays that achieve ultra-low detection limits and high signal-to-noise ratios for chemical and biological analytes. Key advancements involve nanoscale sensitivity, scalable manufacturing, and multimodal sensing, with applications designed to transition from laboratory settings to commercial use.

About the Role
The candidate will co-develop new electrochemical sensing approaches for detection of chlorine is salt water.  The work will involve the development of state-of-the-art research methods that involve nanosensor development and fabrication (in collaboration with the nano-fabrication facility at Tyndall) chemical modification of BDD or platinum nanoelectrodes using additive chemical approaches, test, characterisation, evaluation, integration with electronic circuitry field deployment and benchmarking.  Flexibility in the electrochemical approaches will be required.

In general, researchers at Tyndall are also expected to participate in the full range of activities of the group, contributing to collaborative projects, particularly where their special expertise can make a direct contribution. MNS plays a leading role in the Research Ireland / Department of Agriculture Food and the VistaMilk Centre which involves close collaboration with industry as well as national and international academic research groups. The candidate is expected to contribute to these collaborations, in particular helping to generate and deliver EU projects which are mainly in the area of sensor development and system validation and test.

The researcher will have additional responsibilities of acting as an investigator on collaborative or external (e.g. EU) funded projects, where appropriate, and will also be required to initiate and contribute to writing of new proposals and the seeking of new funding opportunities.  Researchers are expected, at times, to lead both the technical and project management functions for projects and as such provide process expertise as and when needed to improve the operational functions of the group. The researcher is also expected to contribute to student (e.g. PhD) supervision, and, when required, to take the main supervision role.

The researcher is expected to have a strong track record of achievement and experience in the field of electrochemical sensor development for chloring sensing. This post is an initial 16 month post-doctoral position linked to the funding opportunities of the MNS centre.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• To assist in managing certain nanosensor laboratory activities when appropriate.
• Assist with co-supervision and training of junior group members.
• To take responsibility for the specification and development of research projects.
• Independently manage potential work with EU partners on specific chemical sensor projects and to coordinate technical and programmatic research activities for collaborative EU projects.
• Work with financial managers to assess the level of required project funding.
• 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.
• Conduct specified programmes of research as required by the MNS centre.
• Initiate and take responsibility, as appropriate, in grant proposal writing for EU, SFI and other funding streams.
• To engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of the research group, such as outreach activities.
• To interact closely with postgraduate research students and provide support, supervision and training  in their day to day research and, when appropriate..
• To carry out, as required, administrative work for the programme of research, as necessary.
• To initiate, enforce and comply with UCC and Tyndall’s health and safety and quality policies.
• To carry out any additional duties as may be reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• A PhD qualification in Science, engineering or a related discipline.
• Relevant research experience in experimental electrochemical sensors research, with a proven track record of publications in peer reviewed leading journals
• In-depth knowledge and track-record of achievement in chlorine sesnor development particularly with in-situ pH control
• Detailed knowledge of Comsol Multiphysiscs tools and developing diffusion and hydrodynamic models.
• Previous experience of working in a research project team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of writing grant proposals
• Some experience of working collaboratively with industry
• Highly self-motivated and able to demonstrate initiative
• A commitment to personal growth and development
• A background or experience in the agricultural sector

What We Offer 
Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following: 

• Impactful Work: Opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland’s economy and the society at large. 
• Continuous Learning: Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development. 
• Interdisciplinary Environment: Where academia, industry, and innovation intersect - supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and expert knowledge. 
• Blended Working: Flexibility to work remotely and on-site, where the role allows. 
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to UCC pension, long-term illness benefit, life assurance, and more. 
• Generous Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlements. 
• Equity & Inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder, with ongoing initiatives led by a dedicated People and Culture team to ensure equity for all. 
• Core Values: A culture grounded in Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, and Integrity. 
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, innovation-driven environment that welcomes entrepreneurial and creative thinkers, including those with start-up experience. 
• Supportive Onboarding: Structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.  
• Vibrant Culture: A collaborative, people-first workplace with a strong sense of community. 

Terms of Employment
Contract Category: Full-Time /Fixed Term
Duration: 16 Months

Appointment may be made on the Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale €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 Dr Alan O’ Riordan.
Closing date for applications for this position is 24th February 2026.

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.
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.

Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.