Overview
Research Assistant for the development of a novel wearable electrochemical sensor for veterinary applications. Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Background
Established in 1982, the Tyndall National Institute (formerly NMRC) is one of Europe’s leading centres in deep tech ICT research and development. It hosts over 600 researchers, engineers and support staff and has a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide. Tyndall National Institute is performing breakthrough research in photonics, electronics, micro-nano-technology and smart systems to deliver innovative solutions in life sciences including medtech, biopharma and agritech. Tyndall’s ICT for Health Strategic Programmes are driving an ABC ecosystem (i.e. combining Academic, Business and Clinical stakeholders, together with Design thinking), in which Tyndall researchers are working with academic leaders (national and international), many leading companies in the medtech and pharma industries, and in collaboration with clinical scientists. This ensures that research outputs from Tyndall combine excellence with impact in terms of clinical utility and commercial opportunity.
Purpose of the role
Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork invites applications for a position as a researcher for the development of novel wearable electrochemical sensor for veterinary applications in the Life Sciences Interface Group. This is an exciting opportunity for you to help define and implement applied research in fast-moving, industry relevant area. The position would be for 12 months with the potential for an extension. You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary industry-aligned team of researchers and engineers, with a focus on developing multiparameter wearable electrochemical sensors, including multiparameter sensor design and functionalisation with the relevant conducting and passivation layers, and with the specific capture molecules for the target biomarkers. Extensive sensor characterisation will be performed for each of the target biomarkers, and the successful candidate will collaborate closely with a dedicated electronic engineer, providing support and specifications to develop bespoke hardware and firmware for the required electronic instrumentation. Technical activities will include evaluation of current state of the art and the associated IP landscape, definition of user requirements specifications based on the proposed application scenario, design of experiments as appropriate for testing and comprehensive characterisation of the novel sensor devices, including the design of test setups as applicable for lab-based evaluation of the devices. The position will involve preparation of technical reports, invention disclosures, presentations to internal and external stakeholders, and potential travel to meetings with relevant stakeholders. This project is designed to progress from an academic research programme into a commercial spin-out company and offers a unique pathway from academia to entrepreneurship. Once the spin-out company is established, the successful candidate may have the opportunity to transition into a key role within the company, leaving the university post to continue their work in an entrepreneurial capacity.
Key Responsibilities
* Contribute to selected tasks of sensor device design, fabrication and characterisation.
* Work with a multi-disciplinary commercially-aligned Tyndall team of researchers and engineers, with a focus on developing and testing multiparameter sensor devices.
* Drive innovation in the project, through evaluation of current state of the art and the associated IP landscape; precise definition of user requirements specifications in conjunction with the project team and relevant stakeholders; design, testing and characterisation of novel sensor devices, and design of test devices / systems for lab-based evaluation of the device(s).
* Prepare technical reports, invention disclosures and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
* Support the Head of the Life Sciences Interface (LSI) Group or their nominee to engage relevant stakeholders including representatives of funding agency, potential end users of the proposed veterinary sensor system and/or investors as applicable.
* Ensure excellence in the delivery of all research outputs, including technical reports, filed intellectual property, prototypes and demonstrators.
* Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health & Safety standards.
* Participate in education and public outreach activities as required.
* Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria
* An MSc in a relevant discipline of science or engineering.
* A demonstrated track record of postgraduate experience in the development of novel wearable electrochemical biosensor devices.
* A demonstrated track record of publication of results from successful R&D outputs.
* Evidence of experience working on commercially focussed R&D projects.
* Evidence of R&D experience working on microneedle-based electrochemical sensors.
* Strong communication skills.
Desirable Criteria
* A PhD related to electrochemical sensors or an equivalent field
* Experience in collaborating with electronic engineers involved in the design and development of electronic instrumentation.
* Track record of engaging with external customers for development of system specifications.
* Experience in developing novel healthtech sensors and systems compliant with regulatory requirements.
Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Research Assistant €33,291- € 43,372 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
For inquiries, please contact Dr Paul Galvin, Head of Life Sciences Interface Group.
Closing date for this application is 1pm 8th 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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