Senior Researcher – Photonic Systems Integration

Senior Researcher – Photonic Systems Integration
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

The Photonics Packaging and Systems Integration Group at the Tyndall National Institute invites applications for the position of Senior Researcher for Photonic Systems Integration. This role focuses on leading the development and coordination of system integration activities within the group’s Pilot Line programmes, such Europractice and PIXEurope, with a particular emphasis on photonic packaging, heterogeneous integration, and scalable access to advanced packaging services.

The successful candidate will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop new integration capabilities, guide technical strategy, support users, and help shape the future of the group’s Pilot Line packaging and system integration infrastructure. This includes working across front-end and back-end packaging domains and leveraging Tyndall’s cleanroom and system integration expertise. The role may also expand into emerging application areas such as biophotonics, RF-photonics or other advanced photonic system integration platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive the development and delivery of Europractice and Pilot Line system integration activities, including photonic packaging and heterogeneous integration workflows.
• Coordinate internal and external efforts to define and evolve integration infrastructure, services, and technology portfolios.
• Identify gaps in the packaging and integration ecosystem and work with the team to define and deliver new capabilities.
• Participate with the wider team to champion users – answering technical enquiries, advising on packaging and integration strategies, and coordinating access to internal services.
• Contribute to the delivery of the group’s various training programmes, including workshops, materials, and user guidance.
• Encourage the development of integration documentation and public-facing materials (e.g. service descriptions, user guidance).
• Expedite work with internal teams across packaging, design, process, and test to ensure coherent delivery of the group’s integration activities.
• Participate in the planning and execution of strategic roadmap activities within the programmes.
• Explore opportunities for growth within the group’s research and Pilot Line activities, including emerging application areas such as biophotonics, RF-photonics or other advanced photonic system integration domains.

Essential Criteria

• PhD qualified with typically six years academic and/or industrial experience in photonics, packaging, or a closely related field.
• Significant experience in photonic system integration, packaging, or optical instrumentation development.
• Demonstrated leadership in multi-partner EU-funded R&D projects with successful delivery of technical and strategic goals.
• Proven ability to work across interdisciplinary teams and translate R&D outputs into practical applications.
• Strong experience in managing relationships with industry and supporting external users in a technical context.
• Track record of coordinating technology development in a multi-user technical environment.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, including stakeholder engagement and reporting.
• Willingness to travel internationally for cooperation with the group’s Pilot Line programmes.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity

• Experience in system integration for advanced photonic or sensing applications, including emerging fields such as biophotonics, RF-photonics, or other integration platforms.
• Experience with the supervision of PhD students in biophotonics, RF-photonics or other photonic domains.
• Involvement in training delivery, mentoring, or technical support within a research or innovation context.
• Background in developing photonic systems, including optical instrumentation, packaging, or hybrid integration platforms.
• Familiarity with ecosystem development or infrastructure coordination in publicly funded research programmes.

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 Admin II (Grade 6A) Scale B  € 71,331-  € 90,355 p.a. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries concerning this position can be made to Peter O’Brien
The closing date for applications is 1pm, 18th June 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 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.