Jobs at IERC - International Energy Research Centre (Now Hiring) — 9 open

Research Assistant

About Tyndall
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).

Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

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. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.

About the Team
Biophotonics@Tyndall was established eight years ago as a collaborative research programme based at the Tyndall National Institute, led by Professor Stefan Andersson-Engels. The Group’s mission is to foster strong collaborations with clinicians, research centres, and industry partners to accelerate the translation of biophotonics innovations into practical healthcare solutions. By harnessing photonics as a driver, the team aims to enable faster development and deployment of more accurate, less invasive diagnostic and monitoring technologies for a wide range of life science and clinical applications.

About the Role
The successful candidate will join the Biophotonics team in the Photonics Centre with the explicit aim to support commercialisation of a novel technology through a start-up company that we plan to launch in 2028. Our primary objective is to bring this exciting new technology to market and to achieve this through the formation of a Tyndall start-up company. This role has a clear mandate to support research and development side of the project, including but not limited to taking optical measurements, analysing and visualising data, report writing.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• To work under the direction of the Principal Investigator and Postdoctoral Researcher
• Support experimental validation of a fluorescence lifetime measurement system, including:
  • Preparation of samples, biological specimens, and reference standards following established protocols
  • Operation, basic alignment, and routine maintenance of optical instrumentation
  • Acquisition of data for repeatability, stability, and performance characterisation tests
  • Documentation of experimental procedures and results to ensure reproducibility and traceability
  • Contribution to preparation of technical reports and validation documentation
• Perform data analysis and visualisation using Python and/or MATLAB to support interpretation of experimental results
• Present research progress and outcomes to the project team through written reports and oral updates
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and Good Laboratory Practice
• Carry out additional duties reasonably required within the general scope of the post

Essential Criteria

• BSc in Physics, Engineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science or relevant discipline
• Demonstrable experience in laboratory-based research or projects
• Proficiency in Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis and visualisation
• Ability to carefully follow, execute, and document experimental protocols
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to reproducible, traceable results
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks within defined timelines
• Effective team working and communication skills

Desirable Criteria

• MSc in a relevant scientific discipline
• Experience with fluorescence measurements, imaging, or time-resolved optical techniques
• Familiarity with optical instrumentation, including basic alignment and calibration
• Experience with biological sample preparation or cell-based measurements

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.

Terms of Employment
Contract Category: Full-Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term ( 8 months)

Appointment may be made on the Research Assistant (new entrants) salary €34,129- €44,311 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Katarzyna Komolibus.
Closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 10th July 2026

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.