BACKGROUND TO THE ROLE

Within Tyndall’s Micro Nano Systems Centre, we have created a strategic research programme focusing on materials, emerging devices and architectures for future information processing, interfacing with CMOS and beyond (“CMOS++ Materials & Devices”).
CMOS++ is involved in the Chips JU NanoIC pilot line co-funded for the period of 2024-2028 by the European Commission and national agencies as part of the targeted initiatives of the EU Chips Act. The implementation of the Chips JU pilot lines is expected to bridge the gap from lab to fab and will be available to a wide range of users, including academia, industry and research institutions.
The NanoIC pilot line is the result of a remarkable European cross-border collaboration. Hosted by imec (Belgium), its partners include CEA-Leti (France), Fraunhofer (Germany), VTT (Finland), CSSNT (Romania) and Tyndall National Institute (Ireland).
NanoIC targets semiconductor technologies that will shape tomorrow’s high-tech solutions. One of the main goals is to develop the process steps and modules that enable these technologies. This will result in stable ‘platform’ baseline flows with a high technology readiness level (TRL 4-6).
These technologies are situated in three research pillars:
1. Advanced logic technologies
2. Advanced memory technologies
3. Advanced interconnect technologies
In NanoIC, Tyndall’s flexibility into materials integration will allow for rapid, short-cycle screening to reduce the cycle time in identifying and integrating highly performing materials to carry forward into IC development. Our role is to provide agile wafer scale nanofabrication and processing beyond silicon for the integration of selected new materials – Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDs) and oxide semiconductor (OSC) – and FET device architectures. The goal is to develop a material platform for embedded DRAM and above IC functionality, thereby providing a key technology block to enable leading-edge ICs.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

Applications are invited for a Programme Manager to support and enable the research activities of Tyndall researchers aligned with the NanoIC Pilot Line. The successful candidate will act as a Programme Champion, creating an environment for teamwork, collaboration, open communications and ownership required to ensure a highly successful programme. This will include monitoring of all NanoIC-related projects, facilitating timely delivery of commercialisation outputs, managing partner company engagements (in partnership with Business Development, the Technology Transfer Office and NanoIC personnel dedicated to Access) and the monitoring and reporting of Key Performance Indicators and deliverables. They will establish, develop and execute best-in-class programme- and project- management processes that will ensure timely delivery, within budget, of multiple, complex and high value, multi-year, and multi-group projects. They will work with Tyndall’s EU Programmes Office to explore and contribute to the sustainability of the NanoIC programme through EU and international project collaborations. The candidate will build close working relationships with the research teams within Tyndall, international collaborators and industry partners. They will also contribute to the continued development of a ‘high engagement/high performance” working environment amongst all staff.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Programme, project and budget management for platform research and industry driven projects. This includes:
• Establishment of detailed programme databases, project plans and targets / deliverables/ milestones
• Continuous monitoring of progress against plans, performance indicators and arrangement of regular project review meetings
• Preparation and management of project budgets from kick-off to project closure including finance projections and burn rates to provide guidance on project resource assignments ensuring adequate time and budget allocation for each project
• Develop and implement business processes to ensure all requirements are kept on track and to streamline overall project management
• Monitoring the inventory of research infrastructure available to the programme and take responsibility for managing the procurement of new equipment as required
• Strategic planning of the research programme and industry engagement:
• Liaison with internal and external stakeholders to inform and oversee the strategic planning of the NanoIC research programme and industry engagement
• Identify opportunities to engage in EU-funded proposals and assist in their development (proposal meetings) in collaboration with the Tyndall EU Programmes Office
• Liaise with the researchers and the Commercial Centre team to amplify existing industry partnerships
• Communication on progress to stakeholders via reports and meetings
• Visible technology transfer of IP generated so that it delivers the best economic outcome for Ireland:
• Develop and maintain a research innovation strategy
• Liaise with the researchers, TTO and the Commercial Centre team to identify and protect IP that emerges from the projects
• Work with the TTO and the Commercial Centre team to exploit licensing opportunities where appropriate
• Track direct economic benefits as a result of IP transfer to partner companies

• Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Health and Safety standards and with Tyndall’s Quality

  Management System with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Additional duties as may be reasonably required within the scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD in a science, engineering or relevant discipline or equivalent research experience
• Typically 6 years experience in R&D programme management and/or project management
• Experience in the management of national and international research projects and related management of project budgets valued at over €1 M
• Proven track record of managing research activities in industry driven projects and fostering industry engagement through stakeholder collaboration
• Experience in strategic planning, R&D innovation
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team as well as taking a leadership role

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• Demonstrated ability in leading high performing technical teams with successful outcomes
• Qualification at project management or innovation and commercialisation or related business administration topic, ideally at postgraduate level
• Strong communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills
• Experience of drafting national and international research proposals
• Experience in Intellectual Property (IP) management, Technology Transfer and exploitation
• Experience and track record in the use of KPIs to monitor and track performance
• Domain expertise in materials and devices applied to semiconductor technologies

Appointment may be made on the Grade 6a Admin II Scale B range € 71,331 - € 90,355 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
The duration of the contract is a for a fixed term of approximately 24 months with the possibility to extend upon the availability of funding, satisfactory performance, mutual agreement and a detailed career development plan.
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Giorgos Fagas
Closing date for application is 1pm, 21st July 2025

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.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection 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