Marie Curie Doctoral Researchers –FERNS project
Contract : Full time/Fixed Term
Are you creative, self-motivated and collaborative with a passion for research ?
If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join us and advance your career by developing methodologies for the sustainable fabrication of nanoscale sensing and electrode materials from natural precursors. We are seeking 2 outstanding Researchers (DRs) candidates for fully-funded studentships.
The studentships are both for 3 years.
The successful candidates will be expected to begin the programme before April 2026.
About the Project
Two funded PhD studentships are offered as part of the H2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network funded by the Europen Commission “Holistic integration of eco-Friendly design tools and materals, fabrication technologies for the responsible co-creation of future Sustainable integrated electronic systems” ‘FERNS’ coordinated by the Tyndall National Institute (grant agreement number 101226611). The network brings together 20 universities, research institutes and industrial partners from eight countries. Our aim is to train the next generation of researchers in the implementation of eco-design approaches for the realisation of sustainable electronics.
About the positions
The DRs will be based at Tyndall-University College Cork and will carry out research on “Laser Induced Graphene (LIG) on novel biodegradable polymers for the monitoring of humans and plants health status” (DR1) and Sustainable self-powered sweat sensors and strategies for their incorporation into e-textiles (DR2). Successful applicants will join an existing team of PhD students and Post Docs and complement on-going research activities in development of materials and laser fabrication technologies for sustainable sensing and energy. Work will focus on:
* Design, develop and characterisation of biodegradable material formulations, including flexible and/or transparent features, sourced from natural materials and suitable for fabrication of porous electrodes by direct laser writing (DR1&2).
* Develop methodologies for the universal fabrication of Laser Induced Graphene (LIG) on biopolymers leading to fabrication of electrode materials suitable for electrochemical and physical sensing and energy harvesting (DR1&2)
* Integration of fabricated electrodes with green sensing active layers for detection of biomarkers (pH, ions, uric acid, temperature) (DR1)
* Fabrication of enzymatic LIG-based biofuel cells (BFC) and demonstrate self-powering electrochemical sensing (DR2)
* Fabrication of TriboElectric Nanogenerators (TENG) or antenna devices harvesters and methodologies to embed them into textiles (DR2)
* Collaboration with other colleagues across Tyndall, and with FERNS partners to develop novel integrated sensing platforms with low environmental footprints.
Key Responsibilities
* Perform high quality research into the area of LIG-based electrochemical sensors and energy harvesting components.
* Work as part of an international team with FERNS partners. The project will entail one or two extended periods (1 month minimum) of study at our partners laboratories.
* Engage in the dissemination of the data through scientific publications, report writing and conference presentation
* Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities
* Undertake planned secondments with consortium partners.
* Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
* Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health and Safety standards.
* To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria
* Eligible candidates must be Doctoral Researchers, fulfilling the Marie Skłodowska-Curie/DN criteria:
o Candidates must be doctoral candidates, i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree.
o be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers
o not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Republic of Ireland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date
* The successful candidate will have been awarded a first or upper second class honour’s bachelor or master degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, chemistry, physics, materials science or a closely related field.
* The successful candidate will be expected to work as part of an interdisciplinary team and will be required to develop a wide-ranging skill set.
What we offer
* Attractive salary and allowances in line with Mare-Curie H2024 MSCA Doctoral Network terms and conditions (living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance where applicable).
* Access to world-class training, workshops, and conferences.
* International, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral mobility opportunities.
* Enrolment in a structured doctoral program.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Daniela Iacopino
Closing date of applications is 1pm, 30th October 2025
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter (400 words) 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.
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
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