Principal Researcher in Advanced Electron Microscopy Characterisation of Complex Materials
Contract: Fixed Term/Part Time

Tyndall National Institute invites applications for an approximate 2 year, 20% full time equivalent (1 day per week) Principal Researcher position in the Materials Modelling for Devices group to lead research activities on Advanced Electron Microscopy Characterisation of complex materials for semiconductor applications, including multiferroics, transition metal dichalcogenide interfaces and magnetic materials. The role also involves supporting Tyndall’s high resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) facilities, including procurement of TEM infrastructure.

Purpose of Role
Reporting to the Head of Group – Materials Modelling for Devices in the Tyndall MicroNano Systems Centre, the Principal Researcher will be responsible for leading activities on the microscopy characterisation of complex materials including, but not limited to, multiferroics, transition metal dichalcogenide interfaces and magnetic materials, as well as supporting Tyndall’s high resolution TEM activities which are available for access programs such as INFRACHIP.

The role requires a strong background in complex materials, HR-TEM and other relevant characterisation approaches, a demonstrated ability to publish high quality peer reviewed journal articles, securing independent funding, supervision and management of team members including PhD students and postdocs. The candidate will have an internationally recognised leadership role in their research field as evidenced by invited talks at major international conferences, research funding and strong international collaborations.

As part of this role, the candidate will apply to relevant national and international funding programs to support their research activities and take training and development opportunities offered at Tyndall and University College Cork to drive their wider training and development, particularly focused on leadership development.

Key Responsibilities

Provide leadership in the operation of Tyndall’s TEM facilities to multiple research teams.
Manage atomic resolution TEM and EELS characterisation of multiferroic thin films
Head correlative TEM and APT of MoS2 thin films and metal contact interfaces
Lead work on in-situ heating and biasing of multiferroic and TMDC thin films
Lead magnetic domain mapping by Lorentz STEM of ferromagnetic thin films
Develop and manage international collaborations using Tyndall microscopy infrastructure
Contribute to funding proposals in relevant technology domains
Support and provide leadership in microscopy to researchers working in target domains
Engage with Business Development, Tyndall Commercial and UCC Innovation to identify
opportunities for industry engagement and intellectual property development
Present research outputs at relevant international events
Promote Tyndall and the microscopy facility at a broad range of events
Participate in and support mentoring activities within the group.
Engage with education and public engagement activities aimed at a broad audience.
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 be reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

Typically, 8+ years post-PhD experience, with a growing track record of independent research
Previous successful ERC grant funding success
Track record in securing major international funding
Strong demonstrable background in high resolution TEM
Demonstrated background in characterisation of multiferroic films
Track record in characterisation of transition metal dichalcogenide films
Expertise in advanced microscopy characterisation of magnetic materials
Demonstrated track record in international collaboration and research excellence
Demonstrated ability to deliver high quality research outputs and manage large scale research projects
Has a track record in initiating, establishing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with relevant industry research or development groups
Excellent communication skills to interact with a range of researchers.
Track record in supervision of PhD and Masters students
Commitment to personal training and development

Desirable Criteria

Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
Project/programme management training experience
Experience in spectroscopy for characterisation
Commitment to Open Science, e.g. open access publications, codes and/or research data

What we offer

Individual Development Plans: Staff work with their managers to create detailed career “roadmaps” that take into account their interests and aspirations as well as the business needs of their Centre and the Institute.
Learning & Development Opportunities: Staff can take advantage of learning and development opportunities, including leadership and management development skills, project management, industry and job specific learning, and including general business, finance, and technology skills.
Opportunities for participation in Outreach and Public Engagement activities
Support for preparation of competitive research proposals.

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.

Appointment may be made on the Salary Scale Admin I, Grade 7 (B) € 84,422 - € 111,211 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Michael Nolan.
Closing date of applications is 1 pm 19th September 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.

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. 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.

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.

Principal Researcher in Advanced Electron Microscopy Characterisation of Complex Materials

Benefits

Job Description