Centre Administrator - Integrated Power & Energy Systems & MicroNano Systems Centre (as required)

About Tyndall
Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).

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. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.

About the Role
We now invite applications for a Centre Administrator, reporting to the Heads of Centre, you will operate as a member of the Centre’s Operations Management Team and will be responsible for the administration and support of a range of activities in support of the management of the day-to-day activities of the Centre.  This will involve working closely with the Head of Centre, Operations Manager and the Operations Team, Group Heads and Programme Managers within the MNS Centre and other functions both internal and external to Tyndall to ensure that the centre operates effectively and efficiently while all relevant policies are adhered to.  It will also require supporting the implementation of financial, budgetary, general administrative structures and additional projects as required within the Centre.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Efficiently manage all aspects of the required administration of the Centres.
• Assist the Centres and its partners in all administrative functions and assist the Head of Centre, Operations Manager, Group Heads and Programme Managers with the implementation and management of appropriate administrative structures and procedures.
• Organise the smooth operation of the Centre administration on a day-to-day basis including the development of effective processes, where required.
• Deal with complex and non-routine queries from staff and external contacts where relevant.
• Organise and coordinate, in a timely manner, required meetings, accurate minute taking and coordination of follow-up actions.
• Liaise with Tyndall’s Marketing and Communications Team and relevant internal/external parties to support the development, management and maintenance of marketing materials, PR needs and communications platforms including the Centre website and PR requirements.
• Provide assistance with requirements of the Heads of Centre and Operations Manager, including preparations for board meetings, project review meetings, conference organisation, participation in external groups.
• Liaise and develop relationships with relevant bodies external to Tyndall, including key UCC contacts and external funding agencies.
• Provide assistance for incoming visitors and for related seminars/workshops, including any travel arrangements/accommodation and facilities.
• Provide administrative assistance for Centre Staff in terms of travel arrangements/accommodation and facilities
• Arrange periodic Centre and project meetings.
• Liaise with the appropriate offices concerning security, safety, maintenance and IT issues within the Centres.
• Assist with events organised by Tyndall centrally as required.
• Assist with large or unusual procurement for  the Centres.
• Assist with recruitment processes and consolidate monthly financial reports.
• Ensure strict confidentiality and discretion on all recruitment/budgetary/financial and staffing matters.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required
• To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• A relevant educational qualification.
• Typically, 5 years’ experience in a similar role at a similar level.
• Previous financial admin experience, including procurement, processing of invoices and expenses.
• Advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite of products (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience of supporting senior executives in a fast moving environment.
• Experience interacting with government agencies and departments.
• Knowledge and experience of a research environment in the private or public sector.
• Professional, discrete and confidential in approach at all times with an accommodating and efficient manner.
• Excellent administration, organisational, communication and interpersonal skills with an eye for detail.  Ability to multi-task and a flexibility and willingness to work additional hours when required.
• Ability to work on own initiative, both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong internal and external customer service orientation with the ability to work effectively to achieve tight deadlines.
• Experience in project management and knowledge of MS Project software or similar.
• Previous experience of administration of online communications (e.g. website CMS, social media posts).
• Previous experience in event and exhibition planning and support.

What We Offer 

Apart from offering a position in a very 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
Duration: 6 months, with possibility of extension

Appointment may be made on the Senior Executive Assistant Salary Scale (new entrants) salary €39,827 - € 55,116 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Ray O’ Cinnéide

Closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 27th March 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.

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.
Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer