PhD Scholarship in BioPhotonics NASCENT project – Optical vibrational spectroscopy development in 1350-2500 nm band
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
BioPhotonics@Tyndall is looking for a highly motivated, self-driven candidate to pursue a PhD in developing a novel optical spectroscopy technique.
NASCENT stands for long-wavelength Near infrAred optical Signals for Continuous non-invasivE Nascent life well-being monitoring. The project is motivated by the fact that nascent life, the period just before birth, during labour, and through the first week of life, remains the most precarious. Two in every thousand babies suffer after-effects of pre-term hypoxia and die. Better monitoring methods are needed to improve healthcare for these babies.
NASCENT will develop a novel spectroscopic pH measurement method to improve the current gold standard for hypoxic distress. In the period of PhD, a fiber-optic benchtop system that performs vibrational spectroscopy in 1350-2500 nm band will be developed with the aim to be the first-ever non-invasive, continuous, reagent-free pH measurement.
This project suits those interested in experiments, numerical and theoretical work in optical communications and photonics leading towards a novel spectroscopic technique.
Key responsibilities
- Setup and coordinate fiber-optical benchtop systems with automation
- Develop theoretical/ numerical models for optical systems in Python or Matlab.
- Communicate the results and report in writing and presentation format
- 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 required Health and Safety standards.
- To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
- Experience of working with optical signal processing techniques – Fourier transforms, modulation techniques, coherent detection and their mathematical modelling
- Experience of working with experimental fiber-optical benchtop systems – lasers, modulators, optical fiber systems and photonics detection schemes.
- Strong ability to automate and run codes in Matlab or Python
- Understanding of Biochemistry.
- Fundamentals of photonics and spectroscopy.
- Engagement with wider research group and public to promote the research group activities.
The annual stipend is €25,000 pa. Yearly University academic fees will paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
For further information, please contact – Dr. Shree Krishnamoorthy
Closing date of applications is 1pm Friday, 11th July 2025.
Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief cover letter outlining how you meet the 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.
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.