Postdoctoral Researcher in Hyper-flexible 3D RF Front-End Components

Tyndall National Institute; Cork; Hybrid; EUR 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Ireland is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to focus on hyper-flexible 3D RF front-end components for next-generation communication platforms. This position requires a PhD in Electronic Engineering and experience in RF circuit design and electromagnetics. The successful candidate will lead innovative research projects, contribute to publications, and engage in mentoring. Competitive salary and a supportive research environment are provided, with opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

Access to world-class RF characterization facilities

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD degree focused on tunable RF filters or 3D metallic waveguide RF components.
• At least three years post-doctoral or industrial research experience.
• Strong publication record in relevant IEEE journals.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on tunable 3D waveguide components and MMIC components.
• Develop design methodologies for miniaturised RF circuits.
• Prepare presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Skills

RF circuit design

Electromagnetics

Additive manufacturing

Tuning techniques

Integration concepts

Education

PhD in Electronic Engineering

Tools

3D printing technologies

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Hyper-flexible 3D RF Front-End Components for Emerging 6G Communication Platforms

Contract: Full-time/Fixed Term

Tyndall National Institute (TNI) is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation and a flagship Institute of University College Cork (UCC). Specialising in both electronics and photonics, Tyndall works with global industry and academia to transform research into products in its core market areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech 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 research community of 650 people of over 50 nationalities.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m² research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

About the Team

The Advanced RF Technologies (ART) Group at Tyndall National Institute (TNI) and University College Cork, Cork specialises in the fundamentals and applications of microwave and millimetre wave RF front‑end components for the Next Generation of Wireless Communications. ART’s research is on the intersection of electromagnetic analysis, RF circuit design and high‑frequency integration techniques for RF passive and active components and antenna subsystems. ART develops new RF front‑end component architectures with multiple levels of transfer‑function adaptivity and combined RF signal‑processing actions aiming to miniaturise the size, weight, power and cost (SWaP‑C) of RF transceivers. ART’s research portfolio also covers new additive manufacturing methodologies for 3D waveguide‑based RF filters and antenna subsystems and multi‑material 3D printing technologies for RF electronics.

About the Role

ART is seeking to recruit a highly‑motivated and ambitious early‑career researcher with a strong background in RF circuit design and electromagnetics wave‑propagation. The successful candidate will contribute to cutting‑edge research in RF front‑end‑antenna subsystems for mmWave and THz communications and Internet‑of‑Space (IoS). Example research areas include but aren’t limited to:

• Additive manufacturing technologies/3D printing for 3D RF systems
• Tuning techniques and integration concepts for hyper‑flexible 3D RF systems
• Active IC integrated mm‑wave‑THz RF circuits

As the lead researcher in one or more of these areas, the post holder will be responsible for delivering specific project tasks and milestones. Additional responsibilities include supporting research proposal development and managing laboratory resources. This position offers an excellent opportunity for an aspiring researcher to develop an independent research profile and grow into a research leader with the potential to establish and lead their own research team in the future.

The successful candidate will become a member of a vibrant and diverse community of academics, research professionals and students at TNI and UCC and will have access to world‑class RF characterization and manufacturing facilities. Further information on our community and infrastructure can be found in the following websites: Advanced RF Technology Group: https://advancedrftechnologies.com/, University College Cork: https://www.ucc.ie/en/, Tyndall National Institute: https://www.tyndall.ie/.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on tunable 3D waveguide components, MMIC components and heterogeneous integration techniques using 3D printing.
• Develop innovative design methodologies and integration strategies for highly miniaturised and reconfigurable RF circuits and components.
• Perform circuit‑level and electromagnetic wave analysis and RF characterization of MMICs and 3D waveguide‑based RF components.
• Define manufacturing process requirements and design high‑performance RF components considering fabrication and material constraints.
• Manage research activities and lead specific projects.
• Contribute to project coordination, including scheduling and reporting.
• Lab management of research infrastructure.
• Prepare presentations and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Support the development of research proposals.
• Mentor undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students, and contribute to the teaching mission of the research group.
• Ensuring compliance with the Tyndall Quality Management System and Health and Safety standards.
• Engage in education and public outreach activities as required.
• Perform additional duties as reasonably required within the scope and level of the role.

Essential Criteria

• PhD degree in Electronic Engineering with an emphasis on tunable RF filters or 3D metallic waveguide RF passive components or IC‑based tunable RF circuits (i.e. MMIC, CMOS or similar).
• Three years of post‑doctoral or industrial research experience in areas relevant to the role.
• Three years of post‑graduate design experience in waveguide‑based RF passive components or IC‑based RF components (e.g., using MMIC, CMOS or similar).
• Evidence of experience in manufacturing and RF testing of components.
• Strong publication record in IEEE journals (e.g. IEEE TMTT, IEEE TCAS I) and IEEE conferences in areas relevant to the role with at least two as a lead author stemming the PhD degree. Further publications as a lead author obtained after the PhD degree are also expected.
• Good communication, mentoring, and interpersonal skills with the capability of working within a project team to achieve results.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in design and testing of active RF components.
• Experience in using PDKs for the design of IC components.
• Experience in performing linear and non‑linear RF testing using probe station.
• Experience in manufacturing 3D printed RF components.
• Experience in MS/PhD students advising and teaching.

Tyndall National Institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start‑ups.

Appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Post‑Doctoral Researchers €46,306‑€52,863 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal inquiries can be made in confidence to Prof. Dimitra Psychogiou.

Closing date of applications is 1pm, 5th January 2026.

Application Instructions

Return the following documents:

1. Completed Application form
2. CV (including a detailed list of publications)
3. Motivation letter outlining how you meet the “Essential criteria of this role”
4. Three reference contacts

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.

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.