Postdoctoral Researcher: Atomic Layer Processing

Post Doctoral Researcher: Atomic Layer Processing

Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and a flagship Institute of University College Cork. Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall works with global industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech and the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, Tyndall is focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. Tyndall is home to a research community of 650 people of over 50 nationalities.

Background to the Role

Within Tyndall’s Micro Nano Systems Centre, we have created a strategic research programme focusing on emerging materials devices and architectures for future information processing, interfacing with CMOS and beyond (“CMOS++ Materials & Devices”).

CMOS++ is involved in the Chips JU NanoIC pilot line co-funded by the European Commission and national agencies as part of the targeted initiatives of the EU Chips Act. The implementation of the Chips JU pilot lines is expected to bridge the gap from lab to fab and will be available to a wide range of users, including academia, industry and research institutions.

The NanoIC pilot line is the result of a remarkable European cross-border collaboration. Hosted by imec (Belgium), its partners include CEA-Leti (France), Fraunhofer (Germany), VTT (Finland), CSSNT (Romania) and Tyndall National Institute (Ireland).

NanoIC targets semiconductor technologies that will shape tomorrow’s high-tech solutions. One of the main goals is to develop the process steps and modules that enable these technologies. This will result in stable ‘platform’ baseline flows with a high technology readiness level (TRL 4-6).

These technologies are situated in three research pillars:

1. Advanced logic technologies
2. Advanced memory technologies
3. Advanced interconnect technologies

In NanoIC, Tyndall’s flexibility into materials integration will allow for rapid, short-cycle screening to reduce the cycle time in identifying and integrating highly performing materials to carry forward into IC development. Our role is to provide agile wafer scale nanofabrication and processing beyond silicon for the integration of selected new materials – Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) and oxide semiconductor (OSC) – and FET device architectures. The goal is to develop a material platform for embedded DRAM and above IC functionality, thereby providing a key technology block to enable leading-edge ICs.

About the Role

The purpose of this role is the development of materials growth processes for oxide semiconductors and 2D materials, and their integration into device architectures for the NanoIC Pilot Line. More specifically this programme will explore materials to deliver high-performance FET channel materials (n-type and p-type) for integration at the BEOL of advanced CMOS technology nodes. The application of advanced material characterisation methods is also an essential part of the role. The successful candidate will join the Advanced Surfaces and Materials Group under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) assigned to this activity.  All work will be performed in accordance with the Institute’s research integrity and all other relevant policies.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Tyndall modelling and device fabrication groups and the wider technical team in NanoIC.
• Utilise an independent approach to carry the project work forward including to proactively identify opportunities for external funding sources, prepare grant proposals and the assessment of research findings for potential commercial exploitation in collaboration with the PI.
• Collaborate with project partners, internal and external researchers and carry out any administrative and management work associated with the NanoIC technical deliverables
• Support access to Tyndall’s offer within NanoIC as required by the Pilot Line access model for external users.
• Engage in the dissemination of the results to the relevant research stakeholders in the appropriate form such as reports result to team leaders, partners, and funding agencies and publications in the top-tier journals and at leading conferences in the field.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing and provide technical assistance to students, interns and other team members where appropriate.
• Communicate the benefits of the research to wider society through active participation in several Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Engage in appropriate training and development opportunities to develop own transferable skills, career and reputation.
• 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

• PhD in materials sciences, engineering, physics, chemistry or related discipline. 
• Hands on experience with either chemical vapour deposition or atomic layer deposition 
• Experience in material characterisation (for example: Raman spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy)
• Capability of working independently and effectively within a team to achieve results
• A demonstrated capability in idea generation and the delivery – both technically and operationally – of successful research projects

Desirable Criteria

• A strong publication record in the field of materials growth by chemical vapour deposition or atomic layer deposition
• Demonstrate an ability to manage self, time, resources and people to enable a high level of personal effectiveness
• Evidence of multi-disciplinary collaboration with external academic or industrial partners
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• An ability to identify research challenges and opportunities within the semiconductor materials field
• A thorough understanding of the research environment both nationally and internationally and the ability to contribute substantially to grant applications
• Commitment to Open Science, e.g. open access publications, codes and/or research data
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the policy, practices and procedures that are relevant to the role
• Highly self-motivated, be able to demonstrate initiative and commitment to develop own transferable skills, profile and reputation to advance own career after the end of the contract period.

What We Offer

Apart from offering a position in a very successful and positive research environment, with a collaborative ethos full of diverse competencies to boost your career, we offer the following:

• 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 Category: Full-Time  
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Duration of Contract: approximately 2 years

Appointment may be made on the UCC Post-Doctorate Researcher scale  €47,273 - €53,925 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Ian Povey

Closing date for applications for this position is 1pm Friday 13th November 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.

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.