PhD – Edge AI-enabled Transdermal Diagnostic Wearable 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 research themes.
About the Rinn Network
Tyndall is also a key partner in the Research Ireland Rinn network, which has been established to address the key challenges and opportunities of our time through excellence in research and innovation – igniting the next generation of positive societal, economic and environmental transformation for Ireland and the world. The Rinn network enables a systemic and strategic approach that aims to deliver solutions with real-world impact. Rinn empowers radical collaboration that operates across multiple research bodies in partnership with industry, government and wider stakeholders to create a unique research and innovation ecosystem of international significance and scale.
Tyndall is particularly active in the Health cluster of the Rinn Artificial Intelligence centre, designed to serve as a national hub for research and innovation in data science and AI. The programme has two overarching goals: (i) to advance foundational cutting-edge research in Data Science and AI, and (ii) to pursue open, international, and inter- and transdisciplinary research aimed at studying, designing, and implementing strategies to address societal challenges.
About the Role
Tyndall is a world leader in the development of wearable and transdermal technologies. These include Micro Transdermal Interface Platforms (MicroTIPs), microneedles and smart patches for a variety of uses in delivery, diagnostics and physiological monitoring.
One specific application is transdermal biosensing using microneedle technologies. The interstitial fluid that lies between the cells of the uppermost skin layers is rich in biomarkers and could be painlessly collected using microneedle arrays, thereby enabling comfortable and continuous use of medical and lifestyle monitoring devices.
Tyndall has a significant research effort in the understanding of microneedle-based sensors, the use of Edge AI to understand and control their interaction with tissue, and how these could be integrated with smart systems in the future. As a result, we are now seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to continue this activity.
The successful candidate will develop microneedle arrays for interstitial fluid sampling, investigate optimum sampling methods, integrate those components with sensors, actuators and Edge AI, construct prototype assemblies, and assess performance in the laboratory. A significant fraction of the candidate’s time will be spent engaged in hands-on prototyping and laboratory work.
Key Duties & Responsibilities-
Review the state-of-the-art in microneedle delivery devices and strategies, and compile review documents on these topics;
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Improve the understanding of how interstitial fluid may be accessed using microneedle arrays;
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Investigate the feasibility of integrating microneedle arrays with smart sensors, communications and electronics subsystems including Edge AI capabilities;
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Prepare research papers for publication in scientific journals and conferences;
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Report results to team leaders, commercial partner and funding agencies;
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Participate in training, professional development opportunities, Education and Public Engagement activities, as required;
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Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations;
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To carry out any additional duties that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria-
A Level 9 degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, physics).
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A demonstrated track record of experience in medical or healthcare technology development
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Demonstrable laboratory or practical experience in one or more areas such as microsensor technology, packaging and integration, microcontroller programming and rapid prototyping platforms, additive manufacturing/moulding, device test and characterisation, or MEMS.
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Excellent communication skills.
Desirable Criteria-
Prior experience in areas such as edge AI, microfluidics, microfabrication, microelectronics, CAD, additive manufacturing, medical device design and development, wearable technologies, and/or bioMEMS;
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Prior experience of working with/in industry, scientific paper writing, conference presentation and report writing;
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A demonstrated capability in the delivery of research projects at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
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High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are encouraged.
What We Offer-
A generous tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
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20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
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Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
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Training and development opportunities are also provided.
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Mardyke Sports Arena -Students – free when registered with UCC
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Free Park and Ride Service
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Also see here for more information
Terms of Studentship
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Duration: 4 years
The annual stipend is €25,00.00. In addition, annual tuition fees will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr Conor O’Mahony
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 28th August 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.
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