Postdoctoral researcher – Wireless Communications
Cork, Munster, Ireland
Full Time
Research
Experienced
Postdoctoral researcher – Wireless Communications
Contract Type: Full Time/Fixed Term (1.5 years approx.)
Frozen food is a staple in the daily diet of millions worldwide, particularly in developing countries. It provides extended shelf life, reduces food waste, and directly supports societal development goals. However, ensuring that frozen goods remain at sub-zero temperatures throughout transport and storage—the so-called “cold chain”—remains a major logistical challenge. Breaks in the cold chain not only compromise food safety and quality but also lead to significant economic losses. Efficient, reliable, and accountable cold-chain monitoring is therefore essential.
A critical barrier to widespread adoption of monitoring solutions is cost. The frozen food industry operates with traditionally low profit margins, meaning that any added monitoring system must be inexpensive, disposable, and easily integrated. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has emerged as a promising solution. Over the past decade, RFID has gained substantial attention across a range of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, from access control and e-health management to the Meeting, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Its appeal lies in its low cost, compactness, and simplicity of deployment. Passive RFID tags, in particular, are attractive because they are battery-free and powered solely by the energy transmitted from the RFID reader.
Building on this foundation, this project—funded by ARC-HUB—seeks to develop next-generation antenna for RFID tags with integrated sensing capabilities. In the context of frozen food supply chains, these novel antennas will not only transmit a package’s unique identification number but also indicate whether the product has been exposed to temperatures above zero, by altering the input impedance of the tag. This sensing mechanism is designed to be seamless: when illuminated by a standard UHF RFID reader, the tag will transmit a different identification code depending on the sensed temperature state. In this way, the proposed technology transforms passive RFID from a simple tracking tool into a low-cost, disposable sensing platform for cold-chain accountability.
The successful candidate joining this project will become part of the newly established and dynamic Wireless Communications Laboratory. They will engage in cutting-edge antenna research at the intersection of wireless communications and advanced materials, with the opportunity to collaborate with world-leading experts in both fields. The candidate will also gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, including material processing laboratories, mm-wave to sub-THz characterization systems, antenna measurement chambers, and advanced manufacturing infrastructure. This environment provides an exceptional platform for developing the next generation of RFID sensing technologies with direct societal impact.
Key responsibilities
Desirable Criteria
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
Funding Information
The ARC Hub Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes - the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027 and the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.
More information: https://www.sfi.ie/funding/funding-calls/sfi-arc-hub-programme/
Appointment will be on the Postdoctoral researcher level (UCC Researcher salary scales), €46,306-€52,863 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
For any informal queries, please contact Dr Senad Bulja
Closing date for application is 1pm on Friday 10th October 2025
Contract Type: Full Time/Fixed Term (1.5 years approx.)
Frozen food is a staple in the daily diet of millions worldwide, particularly in developing countries. It provides extended shelf life, reduces food waste, and directly supports societal development goals. However, ensuring that frozen goods remain at sub-zero temperatures throughout transport and storage—the so-called “cold chain”—remains a major logistical challenge. Breaks in the cold chain not only compromise food safety and quality but also lead to significant economic losses. Efficient, reliable, and accountable cold-chain monitoring is therefore essential.
A critical barrier to widespread adoption of monitoring solutions is cost. The frozen food industry operates with traditionally low profit margins, meaning that any added monitoring system must be inexpensive, disposable, and easily integrated. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has emerged as a promising solution. Over the past decade, RFID has gained substantial attention across a range of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, from access control and e-health management to the Meeting, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. Its appeal lies in its low cost, compactness, and simplicity of deployment. Passive RFID tags, in particular, are attractive because they are battery-free and powered solely by the energy transmitted from the RFID reader.
Building on this foundation, this project—funded by ARC-HUB—seeks to develop next-generation antenna for RFID tags with integrated sensing capabilities. In the context of frozen food supply chains, these novel antennas will not only transmit a package’s unique identification number but also indicate whether the product has been exposed to temperatures above zero, by altering the input impedance of the tag. This sensing mechanism is designed to be seamless: when illuminated by a standard UHF RFID reader, the tag will transmit a different identification code depending on the sensed temperature state. In this way, the proposed technology transforms passive RFID from a simple tracking tool into a low-cost, disposable sensing platform for cold-chain accountability.
The successful candidate joining this project will become part of the newly established and dynamic Wireless Communications Laboratory. They will engage in cutting-edge antenna research at the intersection of wireless communications and advanced materials, with the opportunity to collaborate with world-leading experts in both fields. The candidate will also gain access to state-of-the-art facilities, including material processing laboratories, mm-wave to sub-THz characterization systems, antenna measurement chambers, and advanced manufacturing infrastructure. This environment provides an exceptional platform for developing the next generation of RFID sensing technologies with direct societal impact.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out independent research in the area of RFID antenna, including antennas and auxiliary circuitry, with clear innovation and commercial potential.
- Design of RFID tags and auxiliary circuitry using electro-magnetic modelling software packages (CST Studio Suite) and their testing in a laboratory setting using Vector Network Analyzer (VNA), RFID interrogator and anechoic chamber.
- Effective liaison with PCB manufacturers in order to ensure rapid turnaround of designed structures.
- Publish in highly esteemed and high impact IEEE journals and conferences.
- With guidance, work and provide help on collaborative research projects, undertaken by the Wireless Communications Laboratory.
- Progress reports, literature reviews and participation in conferences are to be expected.
- Engage in education and public outreach activities as required.
- Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management System and uphold Health and Safety standards.
- Perform additional duties as reasonably required within the scope and level of the role.
- The candidate must have a PhD in an electronic engineering or a related discipline. In addition, the candidate is expected to have a proven track record in the area of antenna and/or microwave engineering (e.g. filters, passive or active microwave circuits), manifested in the publications or patent portfolios.
- Substantial experience in the design and modelling of different RF devices (antennas, antenna arrays and filters)
- Excellent hands-on experience in device testing (antenna chamber and VNA) and RF/material characterization.
- Self-motivated, dynamic and collaborative.
- Strong communication and interactive skills.
Desirable Criteria
- Evidence of creative skills/creativity
- Good mathematical skills and knowledge of mathematical modelling tools such as MATLAB.
- Good skill and knowledge in using CAD electromagnetic simulators, such as CST Studio Suite.
- Good understanding of broad wireless communication concepts – system level analyses, channel propagation models, multi-path propagation and cross-interference suppression and their influence on hardware design.
- Good understanding of the limits of relevant fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, injection moulding and PCB etching and their influence on RF hardware.
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
Funding Information
The ARC Hub Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes - the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021-2027 and the Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021-2027.
More information: https://www.sfi.ie/funding/funding-calls/sfi-arc-hub-programme/
Appointment will be on the Postdoctoral researcher level (UCC Researcher salary scales), €46,306-€52,863 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
For any informal queries, please contact Dr Senad Bulja
Closing date for application is 1pm on Friday 10th October 2025
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter (400 words) 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.
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.
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