Research Fellow – FastNet Photonics

Research Fellow – FastNet Photonics
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork is seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join an exciting, recently funded project focused on developing high-speed electro-absorption modulated laser (EML) devices. As part of the Photonics Centre team, you will contribute to the commercialization of an innovative, cost-effective method for producing high-speed EML chips. This technology aims to address the growing market demand for 400G, 800G, and faster optical network upgrades, with the global optical transceiver market projected to exceed $15 billion within the next five years.
Our goal is to bring this breakthrough technology to optical module manufacturers, enabling the production of faster, more efficient transceivers that deliver enhanced performance and profitability. To achieve this, we plan to establish a Tyndall start-up company, set to launch in mid-2026.

Key Roles Description
An essential part of your role will be taking a leading position in all critical commercial aspects of the project. We anticipate that the successful candidate will play a pivotal role as the CEO of the start-up company once it is established.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Discovery: Engage with existing contacts and actively reach out to new ones through marketing, trade show attendance, company visits, and web channels. The goal is to identify sustainable revenue streams for the start-up company.
• Customer Development: Identify specific requirements for device performance across applications. Establish pricing strategies, volume projections, and potential revenue opportunities.
• Sales and Marketing Focus: Place significant emphasis on sales and marketing activities, including direct engagement with customers to drive business growth.
• Business Planning: Develop a scalable and investible business plan, and engage potential investors, including public funding sources, seed funding, and venture capital, to secure the necessary investment for the start-up to be formed by the Q2 2026.
• Start-Up Formation Support: Support the formation of the start-up company and complete the spinout process, culminating in a successful License and Shareholders’ Agreement with UCC.
• Team Leadership: Build and lead the team through the company formation and spinout process, driving its development and subsequent scaling.
• Strategic Leadership: Lead the company’s strategic discussions and decision-making, including the product roadmap and funding plans.
• Supply Chain Development: Develop a viable and sustainable supply chain for the company’s products.
• COO Role Coverage: Oversee COO responsibilities during the company formation phase, including finance, legal, and HR functions.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Develop and manage key stakeholder relationships, including customers, investors, Tyndall/UCC, and suppliers.
• Post Spinout Structure: Establish the company’s board and organizational structure following the spinout formation.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management System.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.

Essential Criteria

• 10+ years of industry experience and 5+ years of direct experience in relevant Management (operations) roles.
• Holds a relevant degree.
• Experience of leading a technology-based start-up company, SME or business unit.
• Experience of spinning a company out of a university or research environment.
• Proven track record of raising different types of funding.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding from a variety of sources, both public and private.
• Business development experience.
• Proven track record of solving challenging problems and overcoming barriers to achieve agreed business goals.
• Ability to communicate company vision and goals at all levels.

Desirable Criteria

• Direct experience in the photonics sector.
• Experience in the IP strategy
• Strong communicator who can lead by example and motivate staff.
• Established network of relevant contacts.
• Passionate about leading and growing a new spin-out company.
• A leader and a person that is driven and ambitious to succeed.

Appointment may be made on the Research Fellow Scale, with a salary range €58,479 - €71,085 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

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.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Xing Dai.
Closing date for application is 1pm on 12th May 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.