Postdoctoral Researcher in Piezoelectric Materials

Job title:

Postdoctoral Researcher in Piezoelectric Materials

Company:

Tyndall National Institute

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Piezoelectric Materials
Contract: Full Time/Fixed TermBackground
Tyndall National Institute is Ireland’s largest Research and Technology Organisation (RTO). 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 600 people of over 50 nationalities.The Role
The MEMS Group at Tyndall National Institute is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to investigate the reliability and lifetime prediction of multi-layer PZT actuators for use in an implantable medical device. This is an industry-funded project, and the successful candidate will work closely with our industry partners to develop robust testing methodologies and failure analysis techniques to identify degradation mechanisms in PZT.The role will involve electrical characterization, failure analysis, and microscopy-based investigations to understand the degradation mechanisms of these actuators under real-world operating conditions and put in place potential screening plan for in-coming material.Key Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct electrical test methodologies to assess PZT actuator reliability, including:

• I-V (current-voltage), C-V (capacitance-voltage), impedance analysis, and impedance spectroscopy.
• Utilize advanced microscopy techniques, such as:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Focused Ion Beam (FIB).
• Perform materials characterization and failure analysis using:

• Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS).
• Investigate degradation mechanisms to predict lifetime and improve reliability of multi-layer PZT actuators.
• Develop and validate accelerated life test protocols for PZT actuators in implantable applications.
• Work closely with industry partners, ensuring alignment with commercial and regulatory requirements.
• Present findings in technical reports, industry meetings, and academic conferences.
• Contribute to journal publications and patent applications based on research outc Participate in 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 that may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post

Essential Criteria

• PhD in Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong background in piezoelectric materials, PZT actuators, or multilayer ceramic capacitors.
• Experience in electrical characterization techniques, including IV, CV, impedance analysis, and impedance spectroscopy.
• Hands-on experience with SEM, FIB, and preferably EDX, EBSD, XRD, and SIMS.
• Knowledge of failure analysis methodologies for electronic or piezoelectric components.
• Ability to work collaboratively with industry partners and within a multidisciplinary research team.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• Hands-on experience with material analysis techniques such as EDX, EBSD, XRD, and SIMS.
• Understanding of physics of piezoelectric actuators and multi-layer ceramic capacitors.
• Experience with implantable medical devices and reliability testing.
• Experience in developing accelerated life test methodologies.

Benefits of the position

• This position offers great career development and advancement opportunities and direct collaboration in a high-impact project with major multinational and Fortune 500 medical company .
• Work on cutting-edge research with real-world impact in medical device reliability.
• The opportunity to work with a dynamic and vibrant team with active research activities in MEMS and bio-medical devices and systems.
• Access to training in both technical and non-technical aspects of the project.
• Access to state-of-the-art test and characterisation facilities.
• Opportunity to publish in leading IEEE journals.
• An excellent working environment, with more than 600 people from over 50 nationalities, and an organisation which fosters equality, diversity and inclusivity.
• Competitive salary and benefits in a world-class research environment.

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.Subject to confirmation of funding appointment may be made on the IUA Scale for Post-Doctoral Researchers €44,847 – €51,313 p.a. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to
Closing date of applications is 7th March 2025Application 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.Powered by JazzHR

Expected salary

€44847 – 51313 per year

Location

Cork

Job date

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:00:35 GMT

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