Senior Research Engineer in Optical Packaging

Senior Research Engineer in Optical Packaging 
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

The Photonics Packaging and Systems Integration Group at the Tyndall National Institute invites applications for the Senior Researcher position in Optical Packaging. This role will involve developing new optical packaging technologies, supporting new and ongoing research projects, and transferring newly developed optical packaging technologies to the PIXEurope Pilot Line for scaling to volume production. A significant part of the role will focus on process and equipment optimisation to develop new optical packaging technologies, utilising Tyndall's state-of-the-art clean room facilities to develop innovative multilevel interposer technologies, advancing integration capabilities for next-generation systems. The successful candidate will lead efforts in new technology development, manage research projects, supervise early-career researchers and students, and collaborate with academic and industrial stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

•  Develop and optimise novel optical packaging technologies using novel approaches such as solder-based attachment to replace conventional epoxy bonding processes.
• Develop optical packaging processes to photonic chips using micro-optic and fibre-optic components.
• Development and optimise optical packaging equipment and processes in partnership with equipment providers.
•  Transition research outcomes to manufacturing by promoting the group’s Pilot Line initiatives and ensuring process scalability and manufacturability.
•  Manage a portfolio of industry and EU-funded projects, ensuring timely delivery of outcomes and effective resource utilisation.
• Supervise and mentor early-career researchers and students, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Build relationships with stakeholders, including academic collaborators and industry partners, to drive impactful research and development.
• Prepare detailed technical reports and publications on research outcomes.
• Engage in education and public outreach activities as required.
• Ensure compliance with organisational Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• Perform additional duties as reasonably required within the scope and level of the role.

Essential Criteria

• PhD qualified with typically six years of academic and/or industrial experience in photonics, electronics, or a closely related field.
• Extensive expertise in photonics with relevant experience in optical device physics, including device design and simulation.
• Experience in photonic device fabrication (in cleanroom) and device testing
• Experience designing complex optical experiments to analyse and test device characteristics.
• Proven ability to manage complex research projects, such as industry or academic research projects.
• A demonstrated ability to participate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrate success in winning or contributing to competitive project funding calls.
• Strong communication skills, with experience presenting research at conferences and engaging with stakeholders.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• Experience with optical packaging processes, including alignment and bonding processes.
• Familiarity with equipment optimisation for packaging processes.
• Experience in securing external funding from public or private sources.
• Experience managing early-career researchers and students.

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 Admin III (Grade 6) Scale B  €59,663 -  € 71,234  p.a. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries concerning this position can be made to Peter O’Brien

The closing date for applications is 1pm, 13th June 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 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.