Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher - Wireless Mesh Networking for Medical Device Connectivity

Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher - Wireless Mesh Networking for Medical Device Connectivity

About the Role: The Wireless Communications Laboratory at Tyndall National Institute seeks a motivated Senior Post-Doctoral Researcher to join the PRISM project, funded through the ARC Hub for ICT programme. The role focuses on developing a novel wireless mesh communication module for next-generation connected medical devices, targeting the medical device connectivity market. The successful candidate will lead the research agenda and drive commercialization, contributing to either licensing or creating a spin out company.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a dual radio asymmetric mesh architecture with rapid channel switching across approximately 88 orthogonal channels in the 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz bands.
• Develop cross layer multi path mesh transport protocols, including per hop split proxy transport and joint routing/multi path scheduling.
• Implement a global virtual Layer 2 overlay using P2P NAT traversal for cross network SDC communication.
• Build and execute high fidelity NS 3 network simulations modelling realistic hospital environments, device densities, and traffic patterns.
• Assemble and validate a TRL 4 prototype using COTS dual radio hardware, including porting software implementations and evaluating performance under realistic RF conditions.
• Validate Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints for integration with medical devices such as smart infusion pumps.
• Produce technical documentation including System Design Specifications and evaluation reports.

Commercial & Stakeholder Engagement

• Evaluate market potential and define commercialization strategies for research outputs.
• Help develop commercialization pathways, including licensing agreements or spin out opportunities.
• Identify, assess, and protect intellectual property arising from research.
• Collaborate with technology transfer offices, industry partners and investors to bring research outcomes to market.
• Assist with structured engagement with medical device manufacturers, including Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Siemens Healthineers, and B. Braun, to validate technical and commercial assumptions.
• Contribute to business focused documentation including pitch decks, funding proposals, and the initial business plan.
• Play a key role in developing a potential spin out, including early stage team formation and fundraising.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong research track record in wireless mesh networking, multi path transport protocols, cross layer wireless system design, or software defined networking.
• Proficiency in C/C++ and/or Python for systems level network protocol development.
• Solid knowledge of computer networking fundamentals (TCP/UDP, routing protocols, congestion control, NAT traversal, VPN tunnelling).
• Solid knowledge of wireless communications and Wi Fi (802.11) at the MAC and PHY layers, including channel management and interference mitigation.
• Experience with network simulation tools (e.g., NS 3, OMNeT )
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams.
• Self motivated with proven ability to manage projects and deliver results to deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high quality technical publications and documentation.

Desirable Criteria

• Familiarity with mesh networking protocols (e.g., Babel, BATMAN, OLSR) or multi path TCP (MPTCP).
• Experience with Linux based systems programming (kernel modules, drivers, or user space networking stacks).
• Experience with hardware software co design or embedded systems development.
• Interest in entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and/or commercialization of research.
• Prior involvement in startup, spin out, or entrepreneurial activities.
• Experience engaging with industry partners or external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to adapt to academic, technical, and commercial audiences.

What We Offer

• 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.
• The opportunity to advance world leading ICT research in medical device connectivity while shaping its commercial future.
• Access to mentoring, entrepreneurial training, and professional development through the ARC Hub for ICT programme.
• Training in entrepreneurship, IP management, and venture creation.
• Support from UCC's technology transfer team and Tyndall's commercialization infrastructure.
• Collaboration with leading medical device manufacturers and access to real world deployment environments.

Terms of Employment

Contract Category: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Duration: 12 months

Appointment will be on the Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Salary Scale (€54,580 - €59,654 per annum) based on qualification and experience. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Closing date for application is 1pm on 15th May 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.

Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

For further information and informal enquiries, please contact Dr Kariem Fahmi or Professor Holger Claussen.