Research Fellowship (MS by Research):  Multi-functional RF Front-End Circuit Technologies for 6G and New Space

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 Team and the Role
The Advanced RF Technologies (ART) Group at Tyndall National Institute (TNI) and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland is inviting applications for a sponsored Masters by Research Degree in Multi-functional RF Front-End Circuit Technologies for 6G and New Space. We are looking for a highly-motivated research-driven individual with strong interest in RF circuit design, optimization methods and tuning techniques to work on cutting edge research in multi-functional III-V MMIC RF circuits. The successful candidate will initially pursue a Master by Research degree at University College Cork, Ireland while working on sponsored research project. Upon successful completion of the MS degree requirements and availability of funding, a PhD degree may also be supported.

The student researcher will become a member of a diverse and vibrant community of students, research professionals and academics at TNI and UCC and will have access to world-class RF characterization, antenna measurement and manufacturing facilities at TNI and UCC. Further information on our community and infrastructure can be found in the following websites: Advanced RF Technology Group: https://advancedrftechnologies.com/ University College Cork: https://www.ucc.ie/en/, Tyndall National Institute: https://www.tyndall.ie/.

Key responsibilities
The successful candidate is expected to:

• Carry out independent research which supports the achievement of that will lead to high-impact IEEE publications in journals and conferences.
• Perform RF design and electromagnetic analysis of active circuits, passive components and tunable RF front-end chains.
• Develop AI-enabled RF circuit design optimization strategies
• Provide regular progress updates, prepare technical reports and IEEE publications
• Prepare test plans, training tutorials and literature reviews.
• Test RF circuit using advanced RF characterization equipment.
• Deliver technical presentations to sponsors, national and international conferences
• Support the teaching, training and lab organization activities of the group.
• Meet the MS by Research Degree requirements and successfully complete an MS thesis based on publications. 
• Engage in education and public engagement activities
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management System
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• First class honours degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or relevant discipline.
• Successfully completed lectures in electronic circuits, RF circuits, electromagnetics, microwave engineering, transmission lines or similar discipline.
• Experience with RF/Electromagnetic CAD design tools, e.g, ADS Keysight, CADENCE and ANSYS HFSS, CST or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s thesis in areas relevant to the position.
• The candidate must have high analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• The candidate must demonstrate proficiency in English alongside with good scientific writing and communication skills.
• The candidate must be available to start no later than Sept. 7th, 2026 

Desired Criteria

• Experience in using network analyser, RF probe station
• Experience in PCB manufacturing
• Experience in designing RF active/passive circuits using IC processes and working with PDKs
• IEEE conference/journal publications

What We Offer

• A generous tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
• 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
• Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
• Training and development opportunities are also provided.
• Mardyke Sports Arena -Students – free when registered with UCC
• Free Park and Ride Service
• Also see here for more information

Terms of Employment
Contract : Full time 
Duration : 1 year

The annual stipend is €25,000. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Contract: 4-year Full Time/Fixed Term

Informal inquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Dimitra Psychogiou.
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 26th June 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.

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application.

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. 

Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.  Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.