Tyndall National Institute
Jobs
PhD – Development of a multiparameter inline sensor for bioprocess monitoring.
PhD – Development of a multiparameter inline sensor for bioprocess monitoring.
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The Role
PhD research developing a multiparameter inline electrochemical sensor platform for continuous bioprocess monitoring. Tasks include literature review, sensor biofunctionalisation, prototype characterisation in small-scale bioreactors, prevention of biofouling, data reporting, publication preparation, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.
Summary Generated by Built In
PhD – Development of a multiparameter inline sensor for bioprocess monitoring.
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 €60m, 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, and a new 17,000m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters.
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.
Rinn Pharma and Biopharma brings together leading researchers, clinicians, engineers, and industry partners to develop the next generation of medicines, advanced therapies, and manufacturing technologies needed to deliver them safely, sustainably and at scale.
About this Role
This PhD project will be focussed on developing new knowledge relating to novel multiparameter electrochemical sensor platforms for continuous inline process sensing of selected biomarkers such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and/or metabolites such as glutamate and lactate. The project will initially focus on challenges related to continuous monitoring over durations compatible with the complete bioprocess cycle, addressing sensor surface biofunctionalisation challenges including sensitivity, reproducibility of measurements over time, prevention of biofouling, and ensuring biocompatibility. Through integration of multiple sensors into a multiparameter sensor platform, the project will investigate sensor designs, based on the need to minimise the form factor of the overall multiparameter sensor probe. These sensor solutions must also ensure compatibility with high-volume low-cost manufacture, and enable integration with a miniaturised electrochemical instrument (prototypes of this instrument have already been developed by the Tyndall Life Sciences Interface Group and would be available to this project – further development of the electrochemical instrument would be out of scope of this PhD project). The project would also explore the potential to integrate a miniaturised fluidic actuator with the electrochemical sensor, to enable active sampling of the bioprocess media without causing damage to the cells. This active sampling capability (together with 3D tracking sensors to be added to the next generation of the instrumentation) would provide the basis for mapping of selected parameters in the bioprocess media within the vessel in a 3D context, to allow optimisation of mixing protocols and facilitate scale up of processes from pilot lines to high volume manufacture.
This PhD project will build on the expertise of the Life Sciences Interface Group in Tyndall, and collaborators in NIBRT, to create tools which will provide new knowledge around the relative heterogeneity of important process parameters within the bioreactor vessels. The proposed sensor platform is anticipated to result in high impact publications related to the sensor development process, the integration of multiple sensors into the multiparameter bioprocess monitoring sensor platform, and the new knowledge based on variations in bioprocess parameters over time and space within the bioreactor.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
What We Offer
Terms of Studentship
Contract Category: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 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 Paul Galvin
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 14th 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.
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 €60m, 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, and a new 17,000m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters.
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.
Rinn Pharma and Biopharma brings together leading researchers, clinicians, engineers, and industry partners to develop the next generation of medicines, advanced therapies, and manufacturing technologies needed to deliver them safely, sustainably and at scale.
About this Role
This PhD project will be focussed on developing new knowledge relating to novel multiparameter electrochemical sensor platforms for continuous inline process sensing of selected biomarkers such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and/or metabolites such as glutamate and lactate. The project will initially focus on challenges related to continuous monitoring over durations compatible with the complete bioprocess cycle, addressing sensor surface biofunctionalisation challenges including sensitivity, reproducibility of measurements over time, prevention of biofouling, and ensuring biocompatibility. Through integration of multiple sensors into a multiparameter sensor platform, the project will investigate sensor designs, based on the need to minimise the form factor of the overall multiparameter sensor probe. These sensor solutions must also ensure compatibility with high-volume low-cost manufacture, and enable integration with a miniaturised electrochemical instrument (prototypes of this instrument have already been developed by the Tyndall Life Sciences Interface Group and would be available to this project – further development of the electrochemical instrument would be out of scope of this PhD project). The project would also explore the potential to integrate a miniaturised fluidic actuator with the electrochemical sensor, to enable active sampling of the bioprocess media without causing damage to the cells. This active sampling capability (together with 3D tracking sensors to be added to the next generation of the instrumentation) would provide the basis for mapping of selected parameters in the bioprocess media within the vessel in a 3D context, to allow optimisation of mixing protocols and facilitate scale up of processes from pilot lines to high volume manufacture.
This PhD project will build on the expertise of the Life Sciences Interface Group in Tyndall, and collaborators in NIBRT, to create tools which will provide new knowledge around the relative heterogeneity of important process parameters within the bioreactor vessels. The proposed sensor platform is anticipated to result in high impact publications related to the sensor development process, the integration of multiple sensors into the multiparameter bioprocess monitoring sensor platform, and the new knowledge based on variations in bioprocess parameters over time and space within the bioreactor.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform a state of the art literature review of inline sensors for bioprocess monitoring, including identification of current challenges and gaps in knowledge.
- Improve the understanding of the key challenges around the use of electrochemical sensors for continuous monitoring of complex media;
- Investigate and optimise solutions for biofunctionalization of electrochemical sensors to enable continuous monitoring of selected biomarkers;
- Design and maintain a sensor characterisation platform based on a small scale bioreactor system with media and cell lines as required for the Design of Experiments;
- Perform extensive characterisation of the prototype sensors within the bioreactor test platform;
- Prepare research papers for publication in scientific journals and conferences;
- Report results to team leaders, project partners and funding agencies;
- Participate in training, professional development opportunities, Education and Public Engagement activities, as required;
- Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations;
- To carry out any additional duties and provide support which may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.
- A minimum of an Honours (2H1) Level 8 degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. biomedical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, physics).
- Demonstrated experience and skills in cell culture.
- Demonstrated skills in biosensor development for life sciences applications.
- A demonstrated track record of laboratory experience and a willingness to adapt to a multidisciplinary field.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Level 9 Degree in a relevant field;
- Prior experience in areas such as electrochemistry, microfluidics, medical device design and development, wearable technologies, and/or bioMEMS;
- Prior experience of working in a GMP environment and familiarisation with related industry standards;
- Demonstrated track record of scientific paper writing, conference presentation(s) and technical report writing;
What We Offer
- A generous tax-free scholarship stipend payment including tuition fees covered.
- 20 days per annum annual leave for full-time research students, in addition to public holidays.
- Full coverage of travel expenses to international conferences to present project outcomes.
- Training and development opportunities are also provided.
- Mardyke Sports Arena -Students – free when registered with UCC
- Free Park and Ride Service
- Also see here for more information
Terms of Studentship
Contract Category: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 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 Paul Galvin
The closing date for applications for this position is 1pm, 14th 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.
Skills Required
- Honours (2H1) Level 8 degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., biomedical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, physics).
- Demonstrated experience and skills in cell culture.
- Demonstrated skills in biosensor development for life sciences applications.
- Demonstrated track record of laboratory experience and willingness to adapt to a multidisciplinary field.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Level 9 Degree in a relevant field.
- Prior experience in electrochemistry, microfluidics, medical device design, wearable technologies, and/or bioMEMS.
- Prior experience of working in a GMP environment and familiarisation with related industry standards.
- Demonstrated track record of scientific paper writing, conference presentations and technical report writing.
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The Company
What We Do
Tyndall is a leading European deep-tech research centre in integrated ICT (Information and Communications Technology) materials, devices, circuits and systems and a research flagship of University College Cork. Tyndall is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) specialising in both electronics and photonics. Tyndall works with industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-food and the environment. With a network of over 200 industry partners and customers worldwide, Tyndall is focused on delivering human and economic impact from excellence in research. Tyndall is home to a multidisciplinary research community of over 600 people of 52 nationalities, including over 150 postgraduates. Tyndall has a Dublin hub based out of Trinity College Dublin.
