Research Assistant for the development of a novel wearable electrochemical sensor for veterinar[...]

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 conducts 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 collaborate with academic leaders (national and international), many leading companies in the medtech and pharma industries, and 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 a novel wearable electrochemical sensor for veterinary applications in the Life Sciences Interface Group. This is an exciting opportunity to help define and implement applied research in a 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, focusing on developing multiparameter wearable electrochemical sensors, including sensor design and functionalisation with relevant conducting and passivation layers, and with specific capture molecules for target biomarkers. Extensive sensor characterisation will be performed for each target biomarker, 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 the current state of the art and the associated IP landscape, definition of user requirements specifications based on the proposed application scenario, design of experiments for testing and comprehensive characterisation of the novel sensor devices, including the design of test setups for lab-based evaluation. The role 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. If 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 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, focusing on developing and testing multiparameter sensor devices

Drive innovation in the project through evaluation of the current state of the art and the IP landscape; define user requirements specifications with the project team and stakeholders; design, testing and characterisation of novel sensor devices; and design of test devices/systems for lab-based evaluation

Prepare technical reports, invention disclosures and presentations for internal and external stakeholders

Support the Head of the Life Sciences Interface Group or their nominee to engage relevant stakeholders including funding agency representatives, 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 IP, 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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