Senior Programme Manager

Senior Programme Manager – MCCI

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 Team
MCCI is Ireland’s national Microelectronic Circuits Research Centre. Hosted by Tyndall Research Institute (www.tyndall.ie), MCCI has a large team of researchers in silicon chip design, at various stages of their careers, from Masters researcher through to Principal Researcher and all are creating world leading, innovative and high impact Integrated Circuit technologies, which will shape our future lives. Specifically, MCCI’s mission is to carry out industry-driven, excellent research in areas such as Analog Precision Circuits, RF and High-Speed Transceivers, Cryogenic CMOS and Integrated Power Systems research. For more information, click here.

About the Role
Reporting to the MCCI Head of Group, the Program Manager will be responsible for managing research projects within the MCCI Centre, assisting in management of the research infrastructure, assisting in development of new projects and funding opportunities, and assisting in business management of the Centre.

The Work Ready Graduate Training Programme (WRGP) is a structured initiative supported by Enterprise Ireland to accelerate and nurture graduates through intensive company-based R&D engagement. The programme provides hands-on experience in real-world projects, mentorship, and targeted training. It addresses industry skills gaps and builds a steady supply of high-calibre, industry-ready Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) professionals for SMEs, supporting innovation and productivity in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland, in partnership with technology centres and SMEs, established WRGP to enhance the talent pool in key sectors through effective management and industry collaboration. The programme requires targeted training and impactful graduate placements.

The Program Manager will lead the establishment and implementation of WRGP, sourcing and matching candidates with participating SME companies, and managing all aspects of the training programme, graduate placement, supervision, reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage project development from initiation to closure, including developing a work breakdown structure and schedule for each project.
• Assist research Principal Investigators and be jointly accountable for the success of project results.
• Liaise with MCCI Centre management to secure appropriate resources per project.
• Clearly communicate expectations to team members and stakeholders.
• Track and report on project milestones and provide status to project sponsors.
• Manage the budgets for projects in collaboration with the project research Principal Investigators and finance team in Tyndall.
• Resolve any issues and solve problems throughout the project life cycle and effectively manage project scope and related changes.
• Develop tools and best practices for project management and execution and maintain all appropriate project documentation.
• Develop and manage the WRGP structure and delivery for MCCI, ensuring compliance with funder and partner requirements.
• Lead recruitment, selection, and matching of suitable graduates with host companies in the microelectronics and technology sectors.
• Oversee training delivery, including subcontracted courses, mentoring, and upskilling of programme participants.
• Manage all aspects of graduate company placements, including monitoring progress, assisting supervisors, and ensuring fulfilment of KPIs.
• Prepare contracts and service agreements, maintain programme records, manage the program budget, and provide regular reports to Enterprise Ireland and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, academic institutions, and technology centres.
• Represent the programme and promote its outcomes at relevant industry events and forums.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering or related technical discipline, along with professional or postgraduate certification in project management, R&D administration, or innovation management.
• Typically, 7 years industrial and/or postgraduate research & development management and administrative experience relevant to microelectronics, R&D, or technology sectors.
• Proven experience as a proactive organiser in execution of complex R&D programmes, projects or technical placement activities, within technical or engineering sectors.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated success interacting with senior professionals within technical companies.
• Measurable experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship building, and conflict resolution.
• Demonstrable negotiation and persuasion skills in successfully influencing internal or external stakeholders.
• Ability to clarify and communicate the high-level nature of graduate backgrounds and placement opportunities in industry.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as taking a leadership role.

Desirable Criteria

• 10 years industrial and/or postgraduate research & development management and administrative experience relevant to microelectronics, R&D, or technology sectors.
• Experience in recruitment or placement of candidates in technical roles.
• Experience in supervising and mentoring early-career technical graduates.
• Experience representing an organisation or programme at industry events or in public forums.
• Track record in financial management of projects with multiple stakeholders.

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
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Appointment may be made on the Grade 6a Admin II Scale B (new entrants salary range € 72,044 - € 91,259 per anum) or lower depending on experience and competency. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy and years of experience. Multiple appointments may be made.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Paul Hyland or Vishal Jagtap.
Closing date for applications for this position is 20th 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.

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.
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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.