Research Assistant for the development of electrochemical sensors for aquaculture

About Tyndall

Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. 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.

About the Team

The Life Science Interface (LSI) Group at Tyndall, which comprises of more than 25 research staff and students, is exploring the interface between the semiconductor enabled technology capabilities and the life sciences. Its ambition is to be the conduit for new enabling tools for cross-disciplinary endeavours in the molecular, cellular and whole-body environments. Research themes encompass diagnostics (sensing) and therapeutics (actuation) with application areas spanning medicine, biotechnology and environment.

About the Role

Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork invites applications for a position as a Research Assistant for the development of electrochemical sensors for aquaculture in the Life Sciences Interface Group. The position would be for 6 months with the potential for an extension. You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary industry-aligned team of researchers and engineers, to develop novel, sustainable electrochemical sensors, focusing on their biofunctionalisation 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, 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, presentations to internal and external stakeholders, and potential travel to meetings with relevant stakeholders.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Contribute to selected tasks of sensor device design, fabrication and characterisation under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator/Project Leader.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary commercially-aligned Tyndall team of researchers and engineers, with a focus on developing and testing multiparameter sensor devices.
• Engage in appropriate professional training and 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, 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.
• Ensure excellence in the delivery of all research outputs, including technical reports, 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.
• Carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• A Bachelor's degree (Level 8) in Science or Engineering in a relevant field.
• Experience in development and application of electrochemical biosensors (preferably antibody- or DNA/miRNA-based).
• Evidence of experience working on biofunctionalisation of electrochemical sensors.
• A capability of working within a project team to achieve results.
• Good communication, organisation and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Criteria

• A Master's degree related to electrochemical sensors development or an equivalent field.
• Experience in developing novel healthtech sensors and systems compliant with regulatory requirements.

What We Offer

• Blended working: flexibility to work remotely and on-site, where the role allows.
• Access to UCC pension, long-term illness benefit, and life assurance.
• Competitive annual leave entitlements.
• Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development.

How to Apply

Please attach an up-to-date CV/Resume and a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the Essential Criteria for this role.

Closing date for applications: 1pm, 24th May 2026.

For informal enquiries, contact Dr Luiza Wasiewska, Senior Researcher, Life Sciences Interface Group, Tyndall National Institute.