Research Engineer – Smart Energy Services and Regulatory Innovation
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). It is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and the national focal point for excellence in deep‑tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI.
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.
Tyndall’s expansion is supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant research equipment across areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra‑high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.
About the Team
The Smart Energy Services and Regulatory Innovation (SESRI) Team at the International Energy Research Centre focuses on advancing innovative energy services, business models and regulatory approaches across residential, commercial and industrial sectors.
Research conducted by this Team centres on the analysis, development and validation of smart energy services that integrate technological solutions with viable business models to improve energy efficiency, optimise energy management and enable cost‑effective energy supply and demand‑side management.
Key activities include analysis, design and validation of energy efficiency measures; modelling of energy supply and storage systems; the development of energy management methodologies; and energy policy analysis with recommendations to inform new policy development.
About the Role
The Research Engineer will lead tasks in European and national projects and work in collaboration with other teams within IERC. Expected research areas include:
Energy Performance Contracting
Energy Efficiency in Residential, Commercial and Industry Sectors
Energy Auditing and Recommendation of Energy Efficiency Measures
Energy Efficiency as a Service
Energy Policy and Regulatory Innovations
Green Hydrogen Economy
The position reports to the SESRI Team Lead and involves participation in high‑profile projects such as AUDIT+, EasyPro and Polinreb.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
Perform as an individual contributor in research projects within the SESRI team
Contribute to the vision and direction for smart energy services and energy policy research in IERC
Lead in bid and proposal writing for competitive funding streams
Lead tasks in collaborative projects that deliver high‑quality outcomes to meet industry requirements
Collaborate with external partners through project milestones, ensuring timely delivery of project deliverables and reports
Participate in education and public engagement activities
Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations
Carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post
Essential Criteria
Master’s degree or equivalent in energy engineering or related discipline
Strong demonstrable experience in at least two of: energy auditing, energy efficiency, building energy performance, energy performance contracting, energy services, energy policy, building services engineering, energy communities, stakeholder engagement
Strong interest and willingness to work in industrial energy auditing and energy efficiency measures
Strong interest and willingness to work on energy performance contracting
Strong interest and willingness to work on energy policy, business models for energy efficiency and contractual templates
Demonstrated ability to work independently to a tight schedule
Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills
Typically one year of experience working in a research environment or a PhD (or equivalent) and experience managing Horizon Europe projects
Desirable Criteria
Demonstrated data and statistical skills
Highly self‑motivated and able to demonstrate initiative
Previous experience managing and supervising postgraduate students
Experience carrying out energy audits and recommending energy saving measures; persuading SMEs to implement energy saving measures; designing and conducting surveys and focus groups with stakeholders; planning, organising and running workshops, training courses, webinars and other events
Evidence of professional experience working with industry and understanding industry needs
Previous experience of report writing for European funded projects
What We Offer
Impactful work: opportunities to contribute to ground‑breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland’s economy and society
Continuous learning: strong support for formal training, further study and professional development
Interdisciplinary environment: 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 to ensure equity for all
Core values: culture grounded in ambition, collaboration, diversity, excellence and integrity
Entrepreneurial spirit: proactive, innovation‑driven environment welcoming entrepreneurial and creative thinkers
Supportive onboarding: structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive
Vibrant culture: 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 Senior Executive Assistant/Executive Officer Point 1 Scale B (new entrants). Salary is €40,327–€55,667 per annum, in accordance with the public sector pay policy.
Tyndall National Institute is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr