Research Translation Engineering Manager – FAMES
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
About Tyndall:
Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and a flagship Institute of University College Cork. Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall is Ireland’s R&D hub on semiconductor technologies and works with global industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech and the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, Tyndall is focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. Tyndall is home to a research community of over 650 people of more than 50 nationalities.
Background to the Role:
Within Tyndall’s research programme for Integrated Power Management for Energy-efficient high-performance computing, we have developed world leading platform technologies for the heterogeneous integration of high-efficiency miniaturised passive components. These platform technologies are to be further developed and offered through the €1Billion Chips Joint Undertaking (JU) FAMES Pilot Line.
The FAMES Pilot Line is the result of a remarkable European cross-border collaboration. The consortium, led by CEA-Leti, Grenoble, France, is composed of 4 Hosting Sites (CEA-Leti, Tyndall, VTT, Finland and SAL, Austria) and includes other research providers such as imec (Belgium), Fraunhofer (Germany), CEZAMAT WUT )(Poland), Universities with UC Louvain (Belgium), Grenoble INP (France) and Universidad of Granada (Spain), and the European Association SiNANO. FAMES is co-funded for the period of 2024-2028 by the European Commission and national agencies as part of the targeted initiatives of the EU Chips Act.
With the goal of transferring results to the EU semiconductor industry, the FAMES Pilot Line will develop advanced technologies offering 2 generations of Fully-Depleted Silicon-on-Insulator (FD-SOI) at 10nm and 7nm nodes, addressing the surging demand for FD-SOI technology. This FD-SOI platform will be enhanced with integrated non-volatile memory, radiofrequency components, 3D options, and thin-film magnetic inductors to improve power management.
In FAMES, the development of Tyndall demonstrators will unlock the innovation potential of our technology platforms by enabling new applications (e.g., IoT and 6G) and creating additional demand by industry clients locked into the FD-SOI ecosystem. We will bring world-leading expertise, capabilities and international profile in integrated magnetics and power management to create miniaturised inductors and develop micro-transfer printing of power passives and PMICs (power management ICs) that will enable European companies to build their global competitiveness in Power Supply in Package (PSiP) and Power Supply on Chip (PwrSOC) with the ultimate goal of developing leadership in the area of integrated, granular power management on the FDSOI platform.
Purpose of the Role:
Applications are invited for a Research Translation Engineering Manager. The successful candidate will act as a Champion for bringing cutting-edge research activities in materials and process integration, and device engineering aligned with the FAMES Pilot Line into usable technologies and offerings that can be accessed by other users, primarily industry partners. They will create an environment for teamwork, partnerships, open communications and ownership required to ensure a highly successful research translation programme. This will include monitoring of all FAMES-related projects in Tyndall for their innovation potential, transforming research outputs into technology offerings, and promoting and managing access to these technologies. The candidate will build close working relationships with the Research, Commercial and Technology Transfer teams within Tyndall, international collaborators and industry partners. They will also contribute to the continued development of a ‘high engagement/high performance” working environment amongst all staff.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
* Research-to-Technology leadership:
o Champion the translation of early-stage materials and device technologies from proof-of-concept to pre-production readiness
o Oversee the adaptation of lab-scale experiments into engineering workflows (e.g PDK – Process Design Kits, ADK – Assembly Design Kits) suitable for access by external partners
o Steer technology solutions to match specific market/company needs
o Manage the advancement of technology offerings for the seamless transfer to pilot line manufacturing
* Technology access engagement and partnerships:
o Liaison with internal and external stakeholders to inform and oversee the strategic planning of the FAMES industry engagement, including the identification of new potential partners
o Liaise with the Tyndall’s FAMES Research Team and the Commercial Centre Team to amplify existing industry partnerships
o Support company engagement including existing partner companies and the introduction of new partner companies
o Engage in the development of the FAMES Pilot Line access, marketing and communication
o Manage Tyndall’s FAMES Pilot Line Access Gateway including the interface with the company partners for access projects
* Programme, project and budget management for technology access projects:
o Establishment of detailed programme databases, project plans and targets / deliverables / milestones
o Continuous monitoring of progress against plans, performance indicators and arrangement of regular project review meetings
o Preparation and management of project budgets from kick-off to project closure including finance projections and burn rates to provide guidance on project resource assignments ensuring adequate time and budget allocation
o Prepare and deliver project status presentations and reports for internal communications, access partners and funding agencies, both national and international
* Technology Transfer:
o Develop and maintain a strategy for research innovation and innovation management
o Work with UCC Innovation Office and Tyndall Commercial Centre to exploit licensing opportunities where appropriate
o Track direct economic benefits as a result of IP transfer to partner companies
* Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Health and Safety standards and with Tyndall’s Quality Management System with a focus on continuous improvement.
* Additional duties as may be reasonably required within the scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria:
* PhD in a science, engineering or relevant discipline or equivalent research experience
* Typically 6 years experience in semiconductor R&D, with direct experience in materials development, device engineering and/or process integration
* Proven track record of transitioning technologies from laboratory-scale to pre-production stage and fostering commercialisation through stakeholder collaboration
* Experience in R&D programme management and/or project management in industry orientated projects
* Experience in strategic planning and R&D innovation
* Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as taking a leadership role
Desirable Criteria:
* Demonstrated ability in leading high performing technical teams with successful outcomes
* Qualification in project management or innovation and commercialisation or related business administration topic, ideally at postgraduate level
* Strong communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills
* Experience working with external partners or research institutions on joint development programs (JDPs)
* Experience in Intellectual Property (IP) management, Technology Transfer and exploitation
* Experience and track record in the use of KPIs to monitor and track performance
* Domain expertise in materials and devices applied to semiconductor technologies
What we Offer:
We offer progressive employment and training policies including opportunities for further studies. At Tyndall we value Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence and Integrity. You will be supported throughout to grow your skillset and learn how to adapt in new challenges to develop your career.
You will avail of:
* Individual Development Plans – Staff work with their managers to create detailed career “roadmaps” that take into account their interests and career aspirations as well as the business needs of their Organisational Unit and the Institute
* Learning & Development Opportunities – Staff can take advantage of learning and development opportunities, including leadership and management development skills, project management, industry and job specific learning, and including general business, finance, and technology skills
* As an equal opportunity employer, we offer a comprehensive suite of flexible working and family friendly initiatives. A list of such initiatives is available on our webpage.
Tyndall has an Athena Swan Bronze award, reflecting our commitment to ensuring equity of opportunity for all researchers regardless of gender or ethnicity. We are actively improving our internal processes to build on the Athena Swan award and have a vibrant People and Culture team driving initiatives.
Tyndall has an active EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) group which delivers initiatives to enhance EDI within the Institute.
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.
At Tyndall, your work will shape the future contributing to technology innovation for Ireland’s economy and the society at large. As a key national institute, Tyndall’s world-class research teams perform ground-breaking research with an ‘excellent impact from excellent research’ philosophy.
Terms of Employment:
Appointment may be made on the Grade 6a Admin II Scale B range € 71,331 - € 90,355 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
The duration of the contract is a for a fixed term of approximately 24 months with the possibility to extend upon the availability of funding, satisfactory performance, mutual agreement and a detailed career development plan.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Giorgos Fagas
Closing date for application is 1pm Friday 22nd August 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.
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 #J-18808-Ljbffr