Senior Design Engineer

Senior Design Engineer for Microelectronics and Embedded Systems Design for Medical Device Applications

Biophotonics at Tyndall is an established collaborative research programme based at the Tyndall National Institute. The Irish MEDTECH sector includes 18 of the top 25 medical device companies and this group works closely with these companies. The Group's focus will be to form close collaborations with clinicians, research centres and companies to accelerate biophotonics technology and rapidly deliver breakthrough technologies into the hands of health care providers. Using photonics and microelectronics with a focus on biophotonics and other photonics based modalities as a platform for the faster development and deployment of more accurate, less invasive diagnostic and treatment methods to improve the quality of patient care. The Biophotonics group was set up eight years ago at Tyndall National Institute, the Irish Photonic Integration Centre (IPIC) and University College Cork, under funding from Research Ireland and the EU. There are 45 researchers in the group.

Reporting to Mr. Ray Burke, Senior Technology Manager and Principal Investigator, the senior design engineer position involves research into and design of novel sensor systems and interface electronics including microelectronics (ASIC) and embedded systems for medical device applications. It will involve working with the biophotonics team, other academic partners and clinicians to understand the system requirements and then design novel sensors, microelectronics and embedded systems to meet the research and design needs. The position is a joint and close collaboration with MCCI, the Irish Microelectronic Circuits Centre hosted in Tyndall. The work is in support of the advancement of microelectronics in MedTech, smart and highly integrated medical sensors.

Responsibilities

This position is a senior design engineer position, and the candidate will be expected to perform at a senior level and show leadership in the design of microelectronics and embedded systems for medical device applications. The candidate is expected to be responsible, creative, self motivated, and should help create an efficient and friendly atmosphere within the multidisciplinary research teams in Tyndall, with clinicians and the Medtech industry.

• Lead the research and development of microelectronics enabled sensors and embedded systems for in vivo diagnostics within the biophotonics team.
• Steer the design and implementation of smart solutions enabled by microelectronics and an integrated and embedded electronics platform. This involves research, system level design, modelling, specification, simulation and physical design of microelectronic and embedded systems and solutions test and verification.
• Expert/leader in the design, modelling, simulation, physical design / layout and chip finishing of microelectronic circuits.
• Engage professionally with and support multi disciplinary teams, including the Medtech industry and clinicians to understand the applications, derive specifications and deliver research solutions.
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research, as directed by and with the support of senior Biophotonics and MCCI research staff.
• 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 the required Health and Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• Master's Degree in Microelectronics Engineering or Master's Degree in electronics with a strong emphasis and background in microelectronics and embedded systems.
• Ten years' experience in the microelectronics/electronics industry with clear demonstrable evidence of project delivery and design excellence.
• Experience with industry standard IC design tools Cadence and Siemens Mentor.
• Two years' experience as a design engineer in an academic research institute.
• Clear evidence of successful tape out of circuit designs and chip testing.
• Completed successful IC designs for biomedical applications.
• Ability to work independently and at a senior level on the design of challenging microelectronics and embedded systems for biomedical applications.
• A clear interest in upskilling and learning biophotonics and medical device system design.
• A good communicator, highly analytical with good interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Have the ability to contribute to a multidisciplinary team as subject matter expert on microelectronics and embedded system design for biomedical applications.
• Evidence of good technical writing ability and communications in the form of specification writing, contributions to peer reviewed publications, by presentation and/or conference proceedings.
• Contributing author on multiple peer reviewed publications.

Desirable Criteria

• PhD in Microelectronics or Electronics engineering.
• Good understanding of medical device design.
• Interest in medical device applications and experience working on projects relating to the brain, neuroscience and spectroscopy.
• Good mathematical ability and knowledge of statistics and AI algorithms.
• Knowledge of mathematical modelling and modelling tools.
• Programming languages C, Python or equivalent.
• Experience of PCB design and layout, characterization and test.
• Experience with embedded system industry standard development tools such as MATLAB, LABVIEW, LINUX (OS), ALTIUM & HSPICE or equivalents.
• Experience in mixed signal circuit layout.
• Experience in system miniaturisation, packaging and ASIC integration.

What We Offer

• 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: Full Time/Fixed Term

Appointment will be on the Admin IIl Grade 6 Salary Scale €60,260 - €71,946 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

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.

Closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 1st December 2025.

Any queries relating to this position send to Mr. Ray Burke.

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.