Department: Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine
Reporting to: Dr Aamir Hameed
Location: RCSI, 123 St. Stephen’ Green
Contract/Duration: Up to 12 months (envisaged further 12 months extension depending on clearance of Stage 1)
Remuneration: Up to PD1 Point 3 (€49,228.39)
Closing Date: 29th July, 2025
RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission “To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health”. We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the “Race Equality Action Plan 2025-2029” at RCSI. Our students come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent.
Innovating for a Healthier Future 2023-2027 is RCSI’s new five-year strategic plan. Through it, RCSI will enhance human health by meeting the health workforce needs of society, creating the insights and inventions that drive health improvements, and working in partnership with patients and the public in support of better health and well-being for all. The strategy unites the RCSI community in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals – with a particular focus on Goal 3, which targets good health and well-being.
For each of the last six years, RCSI has been positioned in the Top 300 of universities worldwide in the Times Higher World University Rankings. We are proud that RCSI ranks fifth in the world for “Good Health and Well-being” in the Times Higher Education #SDG #SDG Impact Rankings 2024. This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health. In 2024, RCSI was delighted to be named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work in Ireland.
At RCSI, our core values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship, and Innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every colleague is valued and empowered to thrive. Our dedication to these values ensures that we foster a culture of mutual respect, open collaboration, continuous learning, and innovative thinking. Join us at RCSI, where your contributions will be recognised, and you will be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on global health.

SUMMARY OF POST

The postdoctoral researcher will play a pivotal role in the development, prototyping, and testing of a novel, integrated biosensor system for mechanical circulatory support devices (MCSDs), such as left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). The position is initially funded for up to 12 months with a possibility of further 12 months extension, and focuses on translational research that bridges engineering, medicine, and commercialisation. This project is part of the Research Ireland ARC Hub programme for HealthTech. The ARC Hub for HealthTech is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern & Western Regional Programme2021-2027.

QUALIFICATIONS – (ESSENTIAL):

§ PhD in a relevant discipline, notably, Clinical Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Biomedical/Mechanical Engineering, Medical Physics.
Knowledge & Experience – (Essential):
§ Demonstrated experience with CAD software, analog and digital circuit design, PCB layout, and embedded system development.
§ Demonstrated experience in translational biomedical research—especially proof-of-concept development for medical devices. This includes proficiency in prototyping, medical device testbed development, benchtop/laboratory testing, and device integration.
§ Knowledge of sensor technologies, including pressure/volume sensors and wireless data transmission.
§ Familiarity with firmware development and microcontroller programming.
§ Skills in data analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
§ Industry experience, especially working in a Startup is highly desirable. Experience in commercialisation, and regulatory documentation further strengthen the application.
§ Knowledge of patent landscape mapping, intellectual property management, and scientific writing/publication is advantageous.

§ Design and Prototyping
§ Lead the design and prototyping of biocompatible biosensors for integration with MCSDs.
§ Develop the electronic system architecture, including component selection, schematic development, and PCB layout.
§ Refine biosensor designs based on iterative testing and feedback.
§ Experimental Testing
§ Develop and construct benchtop rigs for in-vitro testing of biosensor prototypes.
§ Conduct in-vitro experiments to evaluate biosensor performance in detecting physiological parameters such as pressure and volume.
§ Oversee and participate in ex-vivo and in-vivo testing phases, including coordination with subcontractors and specialised facilities.
§ Firmware and System Integration
§ Design and develop firmware architecture for biosensor operation and data acquisition.
§ Integrate biosensors with MCSDs and ensure reliable data transmission and system functionality.
§ Power Supply Exploration
§ Investigate and assess power supply options, including wireless charging modalities (e.g., transcutaneous energy transfer systems) for biosensor operation.
§ Intellectual Property and Commercialisation
§ Take the lead in patent landscape mapping and contribute to the preparation and filing of new patent applications.
§ Collaborate with commercialisation consultants on market analysis and business planning.
§ Engage with industry partners and stakeholders to facilitate the translation of research outcomes toward commercialisation.
§ Reporting and Documentation
§ Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation to support project milestones and regulatory requirements.
§ Contribute to grant writing, scientific publications, and dissemination of research findings.
§ Traveling for prototype assessment at various facilities, strategic partnership meetings and presenting at conferences as required.
§ Team Collaboration and Leadership
§ Work closely with the principal investigator, industry partners, and other research staff, including supervising research students.
§ Engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities to develop their own career reputation and career development, discussed, and agreed with PI without adversely affecting the primary research role.
§ Potential to join the management team of a future spinout company as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) or Chief Technical Officer (CTO) upon successful project completion.