Postdoctoral Researcher – BSC Insight
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute invites applications to a 15-month, full time research position in the Materials Modelling for Devices group to investigate piezoelectric materials and their interfaces using multiscale atomistic simulations.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the Head of Group – Materials Modelling for Devices in the Tyndall Micro Nano Systems Centre, the researcher will be responsible for further developing our activity focussed on piezoelectric materials that are used across a range of technologies. The position is supported by a targeted SFI-Insight Centre project with a leading medical device company based in Ireland.
The role requires a strong background in using first principles simulations and, ideally, machine learning for materials discovery. As part of this role the candidate will also apply to relevant funding programs to support their research activities, e.g. Science Foundation Ireland-IRC Pathway program, and take training and development opportunities at Tyndall and UCC to drive their wider training and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading research on multiscale simulation of piezoelectric materials and interfaces.
• Use first principles simulations for materials discovery and/or to accelerate simulations.
• Develop machine learning models to accelerate discovery of novel pizeoelectrics.
• Delivering high quality research outputs and publishing results in highest quality scientific and technical publications (targeting 1st quartile)
• Applying to relevant funding calls to secure longer-term support for this research program.
• Mentoring and supporting of Ph D students and new postdoctoral researchers as needed.
• Promoting Open Science within the group.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and ensure 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

• A Ph D degree in a relevant technical discipline – chemistry, physics, materials science
• Typically 2 years post-Ph D experience in delivering high quality research outputs
• Background in DFT level simulations
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with other researchers and research teams.
• Track record in publishing high quality scientific publications
• A passion for personal training and development

Desirable Criteria

• Project/programme management training
• Experience in machine learning potentials for complex materials.
• Strong report writing skills
• Excellent communication skills to interact with a range of researchers.
• Commitment to Open Science, e.g. open access publications, codes and/or research data

What We Offer

• Individual Development Plans: Staff work with their managers to create detailed career “roadmaps” that take into account their interests and aspirations as well as the business needs of their Centre and the Institute.
• Learning & Development Opportunities: Staff can take advantage of learning and development opportunities, including leadership and management development skills, project management, industry and job specific learning, and including general business, finance, and technology skills.
• Opportunities for mentoring and day-to-day technical supervision of Ph D students in the group
• Opportunities for Outreach and public engagement activities
• Support for preparation of competitive research proposals.

Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Postdoctoral Researchers €44,347- €50,805 per annum, Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Michael Nolan.
Closing date of application is 18th October, 2024.

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.
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.
At this time, 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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