Programme Manager – Emerging Materials and Devices (CMOS++)

Programme Manager – Emerging Materials and Devices (CMOS++)
Contract: Full time/Fixed Term

About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and a flagship Institute of University College Cork. Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall works with global industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech and the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, Tyndall is focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. Tyndall is home to a research community of 650 people of over 50 nationalities.

Background to the Role
Within Tyndall’s Micro Nano Systems Centre we have created a strategic research programme focusing on materials, emerging devices and architectures for future information processing, interfacing with CMOS and Beyond (“CMOS++ Materials & Devices”).

CMOS++ brings together over 15 research leaders across Tyndall with links to academic department at the University College Cork and Munster Technological University. The aim of the cluster is to align the research of their teams (approx. 50 researchers) with the vision to enable deep-tech innovation for next-generation and emerging information-processing technologies.

Our mission is to deliver state-of-the-art solutions for achieving: 
•            quantum advantage using solid-state platform technologies
•            low-power, energy-efficient, high-performance devices and architectures
•            increased functionality through novel materials integration.

CMOS++ researchers are currently involved in individual research projects and large-scale initiatives funded through Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the European Commission as well as through partnerships with industry.

Purpose of the Role
Applications are invited for a Programme Manager to support and enable the research activities of CMOS++ researchers and their projects. The successful candidate will act as a Programme Champion, creating an environment for teamwork, collaboration, open communications and ownership required to ensure a highly successful programme. This will include monitoring of all research programmes, facilitating timely delivery of commercialisation outputs, managing partner company engagements (in partnership with Business Development and the Technology Transfer Office) and the monitoring and reporting of Key Performance Indicators and deliverables. They will establish, develop and execute best-in-class programme- and project- management processes that will ensure timely delivery, within budget, of multiple, complex and high value, multi-year, and multi-group projects. They will work with Tyndall’s EU Programmes Office to explore and contribute to the internationalisation of the CMOS++ programme through EU and international project collaborations.  The candidate will build close working relationships with the research teams within Tyndall, international academic collaborators and industry partners. They will also contribute to the continued development of a ‘high engagement/high performance” working environment amongst all staff.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Programme, project and budget management for platform research and industry driven projects. This includes:
  • Establishment of detailed programme databases, project plans and targets / deliverables/ milestones
  • Continuous monitoring of progress against plans, performance indicators and arrangement of regular project review meetings
  • Preparation and management of project budgets from kick-off to project closure including finance projections and burn rates to provide guidance on project resource assignments ensuring adequate time and budget allocation for each project
  • Develop and implement business processes to ensure all responsibilities are kept on track and to streamline overall project management
  • Monitoring the inventory of research infrastructure available to the programme and take responsibility for managing the procurement of new equipment as required
• Strategic planning of the research programme and industry engagement:
  • Liaison with internal and external stakeholders to inform and oversee the strategic planning of the CMOS++ research programme and industry engagement
  • Identify opportunities to engage in EU-funded proposals and assist in their development (proposal meetings) in collaboration with the Tyndall EU Programmes Office
  • Liaise with the researchers and the Commercial Centre team to amplify existing industry partnerships
  • Communication on progress to stakeholders via reports and meetings
• Visible technology transfer of IP generated so that it delivers the best economic outcome for Ireland:
  • Develop and maintain a research innovation strategy
  • Liaise with the researchers, TTO and the Commercial Centre team to identify and protect IP that emerges from the projects
  • Work with the TTO and the Commercial Centre team to exploit licensing opportunities where appropriate
  • Track direct economic benefits as a result of IP transfer to partner companies
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Health and Safety standards and with Tyndall’s Quality Management System with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Additional duties as may be reasonably required within the scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in a science, engineering or relevant discipline or equivalent research experience
• Typically 6 years experience in R&D programme management and/or project management
• Experience in the management of national and international research projects and related management of project budgets valued at over €1 M
• Proven track record of managing research activities in industry driven projects and fostering industry engagement through stakeholder collaboration
• Experience in strategic planning, R&D innovation
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as taking a leadership role

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• Demonstrated ability in leading high performing technical teams with successful outcomes
• Qualification at project management or innovation and commercialisation or related business administration topic, ideally at postgraduate level
• Strong communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills
• Experience in road mapping of research infrastructure
• Experience of drafting national and international research proposals
• Experience in Intellectual Property (IP) management, Technology Transfer and exploitation
• Experience and track record in the use of KPIs to monitor and track performance
• Domain expertise in materials and devices applied to semiconductor technologies

What we Offer
We offer progressive employment and training policies including opportunities for further studies. At Tyndall we value Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence and Integrity. You will be supported throughout to grow your skillset and learn how to adapt in new challenges to develop your career.

As an equal opportunity employer we offer a comprehensive suite of flexible working and family friendly initiatives. A list of such initiatives is available on our webpage.

Tyndall has an Athena Swan Bronze award, reflecting our commitment to ensuring equity of opportunity for all researchers regardless of gender or ethnicity. We are actively improving our internal processes to build on the Athena Swan award and have a vibrant People and Culture team driving initiatives.

Tyndall has an active EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) group which delivers initiatives to enhance EDI within the Institute.

At Tyndall, your work will shape the future contributing to technology innovation for Ireland’s economy and the society at large. As a key national institute, Tyndall’s world-class research teams perform ground-breaking research with an ‘excellent impact from excellent research’ philosophy.

Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.

Appointment may be made on the Grade 6A Admin II Scale B range € 69,932- € 88,584 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy. 

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Giorgos Fagas.
Closing date for application is 24th March 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.

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