Postdoctoral Researcher – RF Engineer
Contract: Full Time, Fixed-term
About us
MCCI is Ireland's national Microelectronics Circuits Research Centre. Hosted by Tyndall Research Institute. MCCI has a large team of researchers in silicon chip design, at various stages of their careers, from Masters researcher through to Principal Researcher and all are creating world leading, innovative and high impact technologies, which will shape our future lives. Specifically, MCCI's mission is to carry out industry-driven, excellent research in areas such as Analog Precision Circuits, RF and High-Speed Transceivers, Cryogenic CMOS and Integrated Power Systems research. For more information, click here.
Context
In the field of RF and High-Speed Transceivers, we are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to the design, simulation, and validation of fully integrated RF front-end architectures for high-frequency System-on-Chip (SoC). This position is funded under the EU-EDF project - ePerfect which focuses on the development of advanced packaging, integration, and testing methodologies for high-frequency electronic systems. The research aims to enhance the performance and reliability of RF modules through innovation in design, 3D integration, interposer modelling, and heterogeneous assembly technologies. The successful candidate will also participate in testing fully integrated SoCs and system demonstrations, validating the performance of the developed SoCs.
Key Responsibilities
As a Postdoctoral Researcher – RF engineer for Integrated SoC, you will:
* Design and simulation of RF/mm-wave circuits and interconnect structures within advanced packaging environments (Si, ceramic, organic substrates).
* Develop EM and circuit-level models for 3D interposers and evaluate signal integrity, coupling, and parasitics.
* Work with circuit, packaging, and materials teams to optimize system-in-package (SiP) performance.
* Conduct RF characterization and validation of packaged components and prototypes.
* Contribute to project deliverables, technical reports, and publications in top-tier conferences and journals.
* Integrate and test complete THz SoCs, ensuring compliance with key performance metrics.
* Engage with industrial partners, contributing to technology transfer and potential commercialization opportunities.
* Supervise graduate students and support team tasks across the e-Perfect consortium.
* Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
* Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
* Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
* Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Essential criteria
* A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a related field, with a focus on RFIC design and packaging.
* Proven experience in RF/mm-wave circuit design, EM simulation and/or SoC packaging.
* Strong background in FPGA programming (VHDL/Verilog) for data acquisition, control, or hardware-in-the-loop testing.
* Proficiency in CAD design tools, such as Cadence Virtuoso, ADS, HFSS/CST/Momentum, Altium/KiCAD, AutoCAD or similar tools.
* Demonstrated ability to perform RF measurements, including one or more of the following: S-parameters, noise figure, and linearity tests.
* Familiarity with 3D packaging, interposer technologies, or heterogeneous integration is highly desirable.
* Track record of peer-reviewed publications and collaboration in multi-partner research environments.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Desirable criteria
* Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
* Experience in system-level RF architecture design, including link budget analysis and performance optimization.
* Hands-on experience with advanced packaging and integration techniques for high-frequency ICs.
* Experience in interdisciplinary projects, working with mixed signal/digital designers.
* Experience in supervising PhD/MSc students or mentoring junior researchers.
* Industrial or collaborative research experience, particularly in partnership with semiconductor companies.
* Experience in technology transfer, patents, or commercialization of RFIC SoCs.
What we offer
Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following:
Impactful Work: Opportunities to contribute to ground-breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland's economy and the society at large.
Continuous Learning: Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development.
Interdisciplinary Environment: Where 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 led by a dedicated People and Culture team to ensure equity for all.
Core Values: A culture grounded in Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, and Integrity.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: A proactive, innovation-driven environment that welcomes entrepreneurial and creative thinkers, including those with start-up experience.
Supportive Onboarding: Structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.
Vibrant Culture: A collaborative, people-first workplace with a strong sense of community. 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.
Terms of Employment
Contract: Full-Time/Fixed Term
The initial contract is for 1 year, with the possibility of renewal up to 2 years or more based on performance
Appointment may be made on the UCC Postdoctoral Salary Scale €46,306 - €52,863 p.a. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.
For more information and informal enquiries, please contact Vishal.Jagtap.
Closing date of application is 1pm, 28th November 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.
Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.