Researcher 1 -Willowisp Project

Munster Technological University; Cork; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site dining facilities

TFI Bike Sharing

Gym access

Staff discount scheme

Job summary

Munster Technological University invites applications for a Researcher 1 position at CAPPA, Bishopstown Campus, Cork. You will work on the Willowisp and METASPECS projects within the Nanophotonics group, focusing on gas spectroscopy and photonic integration.

The role requires a PhD (or honours bachelor with Masters/4 years industry research) and strong skills in spectroscopy, CAD, electronics, interfacing and optics. You will engage in research development, collaboration and supervision.

Qualifications

• The candidate holds a PhD or an honours degree with Masters/industrial experience and is comfortable working independently.
• Strong instrumentation skills for trace gas sensing and spectroscopy in research settings.
• Excellent proposal, report writing and project management abilities; fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Develop photonic integrated circuits for gas sensing and laser spectroscopy.
• Collaborate with a team to develop spectroscopy instruments and campaigns.
• Coordinate measurement campaigns and intercomparison studies.
• Supervise PhD students and conduct high-ethics research.
• Prepare grant proposals and disseminate results to stakeholders.

Skills

Instrumentation for trace gas sensing

Self-starter

Communication skills

Project management

Research proposal writing

Report writing

Education

PhD in physics/engineering/photonics/optics

Honours degree + Masters or 4 years industrial research experience

Tools

CAD

Electronics

Interfacing

Optics

Job description

Title

Researcher 1

Project

Willowisp Project

Department

CAPPA

Contract Type

24 Months

Location

Bishopstown Campus, Cork

Reporting to

William Whelan Curtin

Overview of CAPPA

The Centre for Advanced Photonics & Process Analysis (CAPPA) is a research centre working in the fields of applied optics and photonics and is based at Munster Technological University. The centre has an active and varied research portfolio and industrial partners in various sectors including medical devices, electronics, food technology, pharmaceuticals and photonics. CAPPA is currently seeking to recruit a researcher to work within the centre on the WILLOWISP and METASPECS Project. The successful candidate will join the Nanophotonics group within CAPPA, in the area of gas spectroscopy. The research will concern the development and application of new techniques. Successful candidates will be based in the CREATE building on MTUs Bishopstown Campus. The successful candidate will report to Dr William Whelan-Curtin and fall within general CAPPA reporting and management structures.

Duties of the Post

The candidate should have a physics or engineering background with strong competencies concerning integrated photonics and/or instrumentation for trace gas sensing. The ideal candidate should have expertise in optical applications for molecular gas-phase spectroscopy. Significant knowledge in spectroscopic data analysis in the infrared region is an advantage, and additional experience with CAD, electronics, interfacing, and optics is desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Development of innovative photonic integrated circuits for use in gas sensing and laser spectroscopy
• Work with a wider team to develop spectroscopy instruments
• Coordination of measurement and instrument intercomparison campaigns
• Supervision of PhD student(s)
• Conduct individual and/or collaborative research to the highest ethical standards in a variety of settings.
• Carry out any administrative work associated with your programme of research. Prepare grant proposals.
• Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research in which you are engaged in for the relevant research stakeholders in the appropriate form. Contribution to Research Group and University Engage in the wider research and scholarly activities of your research group, centre or unit and contribute to its profile by participating in promotional activity. Participate in internal networks for the exchange of information and to form relationships for future research collaboration. Participate in limited tutoring in furtherance of your own development and contribute to your units tutoring approaches where appropriate. (Maximum of 4 hours per week as part of your research contract). The extent of this must not adversely impact the primary research role. Provide day-to-day advice and assistance to research graduate students associated with your research group, centre or unit.
• Personal Development Engage in appropriate professional training and development opportunities to develop own transferable skills, career and reputation.

Qualification Requirements and Selection Criteria for role

Essential

• The candidate will hold (or is expected to receive in the near future) a PhD in a relevant field such as physics, electrical engineering, photonics or optics.
• Alternatively, an honours bachelors degree, together with either a masters degree or 4 years equivalent industrial research experience will be considered.
• Self-starter who is comfortable with working independently at a project level while still contributing to the team environment at a centre level.
• Skills in instrumentation for trace gas sensing.
• Demonstrable research skills, proposal and report writing and project management skills as indicated by a track record of projects, publications, and other research outputs.
• Fluency in English and excellent written and oral presentation skills.

Desirable

• Significant knowledge in spectroscopic data analysis in the infrared region
• Experience with CAD, electronics, interfacing, and optics.
• Experience with skills in photonic integration, nanophotonics or metasurfaces.
• The successful candidate ideally should have a proven record of high quality research.
• Capable of directing and interfacing with the work of collaborators at remote locations.
• Strong publication record
• Excellent Communication skills

Other attributes

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Evidence of ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team
• Ability and willingness to work in a collaborative environment

Remuneration, Benefits and Facilities

• Salary scale effective 1 June 2026: Researcher 1: €47,273 pa to €53,925.00 per annum depending on experience.
• The rate of remuneration for all appointments may be adjusted from time to time with government policy.
• Additional Benefits: Comprehensive Sick Leave Policy Paid maternity leave Employment Assistance Programme Staff Discount Scheme Gym Access (reduced membership cost)
• On site Facilities: On site dining facilities On site TFI Bike Sharing Station

Additional information

MTU welcomes applications from non-EEA citizens. However, employee permit regulations set by the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment must be strictly adhered to. Any appointment offer to Non-EEA candidates is subject to the granting of a work permit by the Euraxess Ireland or relevant Immigration permissions/stamp. Candidates may be required to produce documentary evidence to support any statements made by them on their application form or any supporting documentation. Candidates should note that any inaccurate information will invalidate their application. MTU is an equal opportunities employer. The University regrets that it cannot pay expenses for candidates attending interviews for this post or for taking up the position, if appointed. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.