Postdoctoral Researcher - MEMS

Postdoctoral Researcher - MEMS
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Background
Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO). Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall 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 600 people of over 50 nationalities.

The MEMS team at Tyndall has, for over 25 years, been undertaking leading-edge research in designing, fabricating and characterising MEMS devices ranging from RF switches to medical transducers to acoustic resonators. In addition to our own in-house research programmes, the MEMS team also engage in product evaluation for our industry partners with whom we have long-established relationships.

The Role
The MEMS group in Tyndall National Institute are seeking to expand our research and industry partner network by enhancing our MEMS Device Characterisation capability. We now wish to initiate research into the development of novel test methodologies that will enable deeper insights into the mechanical degradation mechanisms of MEMS components and structures, particularly RF MEMS switches and piezoelectric actuators after extended actuations.  We therefore invite applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to the development of a unique physics-based, intrinsic reliability test capability for MEMS components and structures. This role will focus on expanding our research capabilities in mechanical testing to complement existing electrical testing methodologies.

The work will form part of several on-going research projects on MEMS reliability at Tyndall, providing the successful candidate with exposure to a broad variety of MEMS devices. The research programme will help the successful individual to develop electrical and mechanical tests aimed at gaining a unique understanding of the operation and reliability physics associated with MEMS structures and components. Additionally, as they will work across research projects, they will engage with the relevant partners in each case, including European and industrial (including Fortune 500 technology companies) funding bodies, allowing them to build their professional research network across Europe.

Benefits of the position

• You will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and vibrant MEMS Group with active research activities in design, fabrication and characterisation of MEMS devices and structures ranging from RF switches and ultrasonic transducers to high displacement actuators.
• You will have access to state-of-the-art MEMS test and characterisation capabilities.
• This position offers great career development and advancement opportunities and direct collaboration with multi-national companies such as Analog Devices and Boston Scientific as well as with European Space Agency.
• You will be provided with appropriate training in both technical and non-technical aspects of working in a world-leading research organisation.
• You will have the opportunity to publish in leading IEEE journals.
• You will experience an excellent working environment, with more than 600 people from over 50 nationalities, and an organisation which fosters equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Development of Mechanical Test Methods: Design and implement innovative test methodologies to isolate and accelerate mechanical degradation mechanisms in MEMS, with a focus on fatigue and creep.
• Experimental Testing: Utilize state-of-the-art tools such as the Bruker Hysitron Nanoindenter and the Polytec 2.5 GHz Laser Doppler Vibrometer to perform mechanical characterisation of MEMS devices, aiming to push the boundaries of these systems and to automate them.
• Physics-Based Reliability Studies: Work with researchers in the team in the development of a unique physics-based understanding of MEMS device/structure reliability and to apply these insights to lifetime prediction models for MEMS devices.
• Partnering & Networking: Work closely with industrial partners and funding agencies.
• Data Analysis & Publication: Analyse experimental data to understand failure mechanism and extract acceleration factors for these degradation mechanisms and publish the findings in high-impact scientific papers and conferences.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• 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 reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD degree in relevant science or engineering discipline
• Hands-on experience with advanced MEMS testing equipment such as nanoindenters, vibrometers, or similar instruments for mechanical characterisation of microstructures.
• Experience with basic electrical test equipment such as power supplies, signal generators, oscilloscopes.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English including experience in writing and presenting project reports.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience
• Evidence of creative skills/creativity
• Experience in test design and test automation
• Experience in PCB design
• Experience in coding using Labview, C#, C++, Python or alternative language for instrument control.
• Experience in performing electrical tests on Electronic/MEMS components/systems such as IV, impedance sweeps
• Experience using a probe station
• Knowledge of reliability testing (accelerated testing, Weibull plots etc) 
• Experience in project planning and management

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.

The duration of the project is approximately 24 months.

Appointment may be made on the Postdoctoral  Researcher scale € 44,847 - €51,313 per annum or Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Scale  € 52,715 - € 57,332 per annum based on qualification and experience. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Ruth Houlihan
Closing date of applications is 22nd November 2024

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.

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

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the 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.