IC Design Engineer – Advanced Woundcare Technologies

Background
Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and a flagship Institute of University College Cork. Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall is Ireland’s R&D hub on semiconductor technologies and works with global industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech and the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, Tyndall is focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. Tyndall is home to a research community of over 650 people of more than 50 nationalities.

Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI) is an EI / IDA technology centre hosted at Tyndall National Institute. Its mission is to carry out industry-led world-class Analog, Mixed-Signal and RF integrated circuit research and to deliver trained people and IP to industry. MCCI is collaborating with 35 companies and many of the staff eventually transfer into the thriving microelectronics industry in Ireland. MCCI targets real-life applications with its research and currently has projects in diverse topics such as DNA detection for food safety, next generation optical communications, bio-sensing, imaging for security applications and early cancer detection. Please visit www.mcci.ie for more information.

Tyndall is currently engaged in an ambitious ‘ICT for Health’ strategy that will leverage our strengths in Information and Communications Technologies to develop the next generation of intelligent medical devices and systems. A significant part of this activity is focussed on the development of wearable technologies for the management and treatment of wounds and associated conditions and, in partnership with the Research Ireland ARC Hub for Healthtech, Tyndall has recently been awarded funding to develop and bring to commercial readiness a ‘smart dressing’ for the monitoring of chronic wounds.

Purpose of the Role
Therefore, Tyndall National Institute is now seeking a highly motivated IC designer to join our team in this rapidly expanding R&D field, primarily to assist in preparing for a spin-out company that will exploit the next generation of smart woundcare technologies.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to help commercialise applied research in a fast-moving area with high social and economic impact. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary, industry-aligned team with a focus on developing woundcare technologies, assembling and testing prototypes, assisting with business planning and intellectual property management, and liaising with our commercial partners.

As well as a strong technical background in IC design, you should have an entrepreneurial mindset and therefore we welcome applications from candidates who may also possess commercial and creative skills or experience, including the knowledge of technology start-ups, business planning, market analysis and customer engagement.
Your activities will also include aspects of project management and researcher supervision. The position is likely to involve some international travel to potential customers, meetings, tradeshows, conferences and workshops.

Key Responsibilities
The candidate will be required to:

Engage directly with clinicians, patients, and industry partners to refine product requirements and market fit;
Propose innovative circuits to meet the requirements of our smart dressing concept;
Work with external foundries to design, lay out and test the resulting ICs;
Liaise with internal and external partners to develop prototypes that merge flexible microelectronic technologies with conventional dressing materials;
Assist in preparing business cases, investor pitches, market analyses and intellectual property evaluations;
Work closely with Tyndall’s technology transfer team to support the definition of intellectual property, licensing, and spin-out strategy;
Support project management, reporting requirements and supervision of team members while fostering and supporting an entrepreneurial team culture.
Participating in education and public engagement activities.
Ensure all activities comply and support with the institutional quality and 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
The successful candidate must have:

a PhD or equivalent experience (e.g. MEng + 2 years experience) in a relevant discipline such as electrical/electronic engineering, physics or related relevant discipline;
typically, 5 years’ experience in designing integrated circuits in the areas of Analogue, Mixed-Signal or RF circuit design;
experience with designing and simulating integrated circuits using tools such as Cadence/Siemens-Mentor/Synoposys;
prior experience of IC design layout/physical design and system integration;
a willingness to contribute to the establishment of new ventures and spin-out companies;
strong communication skills, as evidenced by prior experience such as working with/in industry, scientific paper writing, conference presentation and report writing.
strong career ambition to transition from the research institute into a technical leadership role (e.g., CTO/Lead Engineer) within a resulting high-potential spin-out company.

Desirable Criteria

Successful tape-out of an integrated circuit chip;
Knowledge of NFC / RFID technologies;
Evidence of entrepreneurial experience such as contributions towards technology start-ups, business planning, market analysis and customer engagement;
Demonstrable experience in one or more areas such as embedded systems, flexible and wearable electronics, medical devices, microsensor technologies, device test and characterisation;
Excellent organizational and communications skills, an understanding of the research environment, the ability to communicate his/her research and the potential to manage a research project.
Experience in the technical supervision and mentorship of junior engineers or students.
Proven track record of output, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and/or patent filings/invention disclosures.

What We Offer
Apart from offering a position in a 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

The duration of the project is 12 months in the first instance, although this may be extended for a second year pending funding and performance.

Appointment may be made on the Admin V, Grade 5 Salary Scale €51,307-€62,926 pa. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

For further information, please contact Dr. Conor O’Mahony or Dr. Daniel O’Hare.
Closing date of applications is 1pm, 9th January 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.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection 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

The ARC Hub for HealthTech is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern & Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.

IC Design Engineer – Advanced Woundcare Technologies

Benefits

Job Description