Senior Postdoctoral Researcher - Materials Modelling for Devices Group

Senior Postdoctoral Researcher - Materials Modelling for Devices Group

Design and implement a research programme focused on simulation-led discovery and characterisation of p type semiconducting metal oxides for sub 2nm CMOS technology nodes. Report to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Michael Nolan, and collaborate closely with the Thin Film Processing activity and the wider NanoIC project team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with the supervisor and other team members in idea and strategy generation to deliver the project outputs and raise the activity's profile.
• Coordinate and execute first principles and atomistic simulations using machine learning, including presentation and interpretation of data.
• Lead research on multiscale atomistic simulations of p type semiconducting metal oxides.
• Use first principles simulations for discovery of p type oxides.
• Develop machine learning models to accelerate discovery of novel materials.
• Use a range of atomistic simulations for characterisation and performance assessment of novel p type metal oxides.
• Collaborate with Tyndall experimentalists on atomic layer deposition and the wider technical team in NanoIC.
• Identify opportunities for external funding, prepare grant proposals, and assess research findings for potential commercial exploitation.
• Collaborate with project partners, internal and external researchers, and manage administrative work associated with NanoIC technical deliverables.
• Support access to Tyndall's offer within NanoIC as required by the Pilot Line access model for external users.
• Engage in dissemination of results to stakeholders, including reports, publications in top tier journals, and presentations at leading conferences.
• Supervise and provide day to day advice, support, and mentoring to research graduates, students and other junior members, and contribute to the supervision of postdoctoral staff in semiconducting metal oxides.
• Communicate research benefits to society through participation in Education and Public Engagement activities.
• Engage in training and development opportunities to develop transferable skills, career and reputation.
• Ensure compliance with the Tyndall Quality Management system and Health and Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties reasonably required within the scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in materials science, engineering, chemistry, physics or a related discipline.
• Typical experience of 6 years postdoctoral work on DFT simulation of materials for discovery of novel materials.
• Demonstrated knowledge in atomistic simulation of materials.
• A strong publication record in multiscale simulation of functional materials.
• Capability to work effectively within a team to achieve results.
• Demonstrated ability in idea generation and delivery of successful research projects.
• Established track record of supervision and mentoring of researchers and students.

Desirable Criteria

• Ability to manage self, time, resources and people for high personal effectiveness.
• Evidence of collaboration with experimental groups.
• Experience in metal oxide simulations and machine learning potentials for complex materials.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to identify research challenges and opportunities in semiconductor materials.
• Understanding of the national and international research environment and ability to contribute to grant applications.
• Commitment to Open Science (open access publications, codes and/or research data).
• Knowledge of relevant policies, practices and procedures.
• Highly self motivated, initiative driven, and keen to develop transferable skills and reputation.

What we Offer

• Continuous learning with strong support for formal training and professional development.
• An interdisciplinary environment where academia, industry and innovation intersect.
• Blended working with flexibility to work remotely and on site where allowed.
• Comprehensive benefits including access to UCC pension, long term illness benefit, and life assurance.
• Generous leave entitlements.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion under the Athena Swan Bronze award.
• A culture grounded in ambition, collaboration, diversity, excellence and integrity.
• An entrepreneurial spirit welcoming creative thinkers and start up experience.
• Structured induction and mentoring to support onboarding.
• A vibrant, people first community.

Terms of Employment

Contract Category: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Duration: Approximately 2 years (24 months), with potential extension upon availability of funding, satisfactory performance, mutual agreement and a detailed career development plan.

Appointment level: UCC/IUA Experienced Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Level 2 Scale ( €55,399 €60,250 per annum) in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Closing date for application: 1pm, 10th July 2026.

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