Research Assistant For The Development Of Electrochemical Sensors For Aquaculture

Job Details

Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork invites applications for a position as a Researcher for the development of electrochemical sensors for aquaculture 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 9 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 European project consortium partners.

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.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Head of the Life Sciences Interface Group or their nominee, you will:

• Contribute to selected tasks of sensor device design, fabrication and characterisation under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator/Project Leader
• Work with a multi-disciplinary commercially-aligned Tyndall team of researchers and engineers, with a focus on developing and testing multiparameter sensor devices
• To engage in appropriate professional training and development and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies
• 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
• Assist 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 sensor system, project collaborators and /or investors as applicable
• Ensure excellence in the delivery of all research outputs, including technical reports, filed intellectual property, prototypes and demonstrators
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post

Requirements

Essential Criteria:

• A Bachelor's degree (Level 8) in Science or Engineering in a relevant field
• Postgraduate experience in development and application of electrochemical imunosensors
• Evidence of experience working on biofunctionalization of electrochemical sensors
• A capability of working within a project team to achieve results
• Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills

Desirable Criteria:

• A post graduate degree related to electrochemical sensors development or an equivalent field
• Experience in developing novel healthtech sensors and systems compliant with regulatory requirements

Contact Information

Closing date for applications for this position is March 19th 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.