Principal Scientist/Senior Researcher II – Heterogeneous Integration of III-V and Silicon Photonics

Principal Scientist/Senior Researcher II - Heterogeneous Integration of III-V and Silicon Photonics
 

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.

Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.

About the Role
As Tyndall’s Principal Scientist/Senior Researcher II for Heterogeneous Integration of III-V and Silicon Photonics you will drive a cutting-edge research programme that will address some of the outstanding challenges in photonic-electronic integration in order to deliver new technology solutions for applications ranging from smart medical devices to advanced communication systems.

In particular, you will develop a new research team to advance large scale photonic-electronic integration. The key focus of the research will be the integration of III-V active devices (lasers, modulators, detectors etc.), together with active and passive silicon photonic ICs and associated electronic ICs using Micro-Transfer Printing (MTP). The research will be enabled by Tyndall’s advanced fabrication, characterisation and test facilities, which include all of the elements needed for the programme, including a dedicated MTP tool. Working initially under the guidance of the Head of the III-V Devices Group, you will be expected to lead a number of existing projects whilst also growing your own independent funding and research streams in order to develop a dedicated team of highly skilled research staff and PhD students.

You will join the Photonics Centre at Tyndall, a vibrant and expanding world-class research ecosystem comprising more than 150 researchers with activities that include photonic theory, III-V and III-Nitride material epitaxy, photonic integration, hybrid integration and packaging, microelectronics, biophotonics and communication systems. You will be expected to develop collaborations across the centre as well internationally through programmes such as the European Horizon Europe funding framework and its successors. Tyndall also hosts the Research Ireland funded Irish Photonic Integration Centre (IPIC)  with 30 industry partners, including large multinationals and indigenous companies and start-ups. In addition to advancing photonic integration science and engineering, you will have the opportunity to lead a number of research collaborations with industry partners to advance the technology towards market deployment.

In order to achieve this, Tyndall seeks a highly motivated and dynamic individual with a proven track record of research excellence and achievement in photonic integration research, including a deep knowledge of III-V and silicon photonic device design and fabrication. You will have at least 5 years’ experience working in a leading academic institution or industrial research organisation and ideally a proven track-record of securing research contracts and defining and leading research programmes. The post offers a superb opportunity for an ambitious individual to establish a long-term research career in a world-leading research institute working on exciting, cutting-edge science at the interface between academia and industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the development in Tyndall of photonic integrated circuits utilising micro-transfer printing of active components 
• Disseminate research achievements through publications in key journals and conferences
• Develop a dynamic research group, supported by funding secured from national and European funding sources and industry
• Develop partnerships with Tyndall colleagues and external collaborators.
• Develop new intellectual property and support its commercial exploitation
• Contribute to postgraduate training and supervision
• Contribute to the strategic planning and future success of the Tyndall Photonics Centre
• Support education and public engagement activities
• Support and enhance safety rules and laboratory protocols.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• A PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject area.
• Typically 7+ years’ experience working in a prestigious academic institution or industrial research organisation.
• A proven track record of research excellence and achievement in photonics, including a deep knowledge of III-V and silicon photonic device design and fabrication.
• A proven track record of generating independent competitively won funding.
• Expertise in coordinating, supporting and managing large scale research projects.
• A track record of high quality research and innovation as evidenced by publications/patents and presentations at leading conferences.
• Self-motivated, dynamic, supportive and collaborative
• Capable of defining and implementing a broad-based, world-leading research programme spanning from fundamental science and engineering to applied projects with industry partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as taking a leadership role in growing a fully funded research team.
• Excellent communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in proposal writing and a history of securing funding from internal company or external public funding sources
• Demonstrated track record of IP generation.
• Experience of student/staff supervision

What we Offer

• 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
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Appointment may be made on the Grade 7 Admin I Scale (B) €86,119 - €113,446 per annum (Principal Scientist) or Grade 6a Admin II Scale (B) €73,492 - €93,094 (Senior Researcher II), dependent on experience .  Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Brian Corbett.
Closing date for applications is 1pm, 7th July 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.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

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.

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.