PhD Student: Flexible Antenna Communication Systems
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 RoleThe Advanced RF Technologies (ART) Group and the Integrated Nanomaterial Group at Tyndall National Institute (TNI) and University College Cork, Cork, Ireland are inviting applications for a sponsored PhD degree in Flexible Antenna Communication Systems for sustainable health and wellbeing applications as part of EU-funded Transformational e-Textiles: Materials And Processes For Stretchable, Durable And Sustainable Wearable Electronics (e-FLOWER) project. E-FLOWER is centered around next generation sustainable, stretchable, and durable electronic textiles (e-textiles) for sensing, communication and energy harvesting. By combining advanced biocompatible materials, additive manufacturing technologies, Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles, and circular-design approaches, e-FLOWER will create high-performance wearable electronic systems that are comfortable, reliable, repairable, and recyclable. We are looking for a highly-motivated research-driven individual with strong interest in antenna design, new materials and integration strategies to become a member of an inter-disciplinary team that aims to deliver cutting-edge wearable electronics, antennas and sensor systems.
The PhD student 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:
- Develop antennas systems that can be integrated on flexible substrates alongside electronic components and sensor.
- Design and analyse the performance of antenna elements, high-frequency interconnects and RF components/ using electromagnetic analysis tools.
- Define suitable materials, manufacturing and integration strategies.
- Design test structures to characterize the electrical and mechanical properties of materials.
- Develop digital manufacturing methods for flexible RF components and antennas.
- Experimentally validate the performance of materials, components and systems.
- Provide regular progress updates, prepare technical reports and publications.
- Prepare literature reviews and training tutorials.
- Deliver technical presentations to sponsors and conferences.
- Carry out independent research which result in high-impact IEEE publications.
- Collaborate with other researchers and students as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Support the teaching, training and lab organization activities of the group.
- Ensure compliance with Tyndall's Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
- Engage in education and public engagement activities.
- Meet the post-graduate degree requirements.
- First class honours degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or relevant discipline.
- Successfully completed lectures in antennas and propagation, electromagnetics, microwave engineering, electronic/RF circuits or similar discipline and received high grades.
- Experience with RF/Electromagnetic design tools such as HFSS/FEKO/CST, ADS/CADENCE or similar.
- 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
- Experience in antenna design and characterization.
- Experience in using network analyser and antenna chamber
- Experience in manufacturing.
- IEEE conference/journal publications
- A 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.
- Also see here for more information
Terms of Employment
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Category: Full Time
Contract Duration: 4 Years Studentship
The annual stipend is €25,000.00. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Informal inquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Dimitra Psychogiou.Closing date of applications is 1pm, 14th August 2026
Application Instructions
Return the following documents: 1) CV, 2) Detailed academic transcripts showing overall GPA and marks in every module, 2) Motivation letter and 4) 3 reference contacts
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.
