Applications are invited for a fully funded 4-year PhD position focused on FLIM Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and Pulsing Schemes for Next-Generation Endoscopy at the Tyndall National Institute, a research flagship of University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. This position is hosted under the CARE (Digital Healthcare) theme at Rinn Semiconductor, Ireland’s Centre for Semiconductor Innovation.
Overview & Key Details
| Position / Designation | PhD Researcher / Postgraduate Studentship |
|---|---|
| Project Title | FLIM Photonic Integrated Circuit Design and Pulsing Schemes for Next-Generation Endoscopy |
| Host Institution | Tyndall National Institute / University College Cork (UCC) & Rinn Semiconductor |
| Research Area | Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC), Biophotonics, Laser Physics, Digital Healthcare |
| Location | Cork, Ireland |
| Funding / Stipend | Annual tax-free stipend of €25,000 + full tuition fees paid |
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Application Deadline | Tuesday, 24th November at 1:00 PM |
Research Area
This research sits within the CARE 1 (Digital Healthcare) project, aiming to develop a compact, single-use multimodal photonic integrated circuit (PIC) endoscope for colorectal inflammation and early-stage cancer diagnostics. The PhD researcher will design foundry-compatible PICs and pulsing schemes for a UV/violet (375–400 nm) source suitable for nanosecond-scale Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) measurements, moving toward a packaging-ready biophotonics platform with clinical demonstration at Cork University Hospital.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
The successful applicant will join an international community of over 600 researchers and more than 100 PhD students at Tyndall National Institute. Benefits include:
- Financial Support: An annual tax-free stipend of €25,000.
- Tuition Coverage: Full annual postgraduate tuition fees covered by Tyndall National Institute.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Access to state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication, heterogeneous integration, and packaging facilities.
- Collaborative Network: Cross-theme interaction across Heterogeneous Integration (HET), Packaging (PACK), Biophotonics teams, clinical partners at Cork University Hospital, and more than 30 industry leaders.
- Career Progression: Comprehensive graduate research training with opportunities to develop commercial spin-outs or transition into industry.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Essential Criteria
- A Master’s degree or equivalent qualifying degree in Physics, Semiconductor Technology, Photonics, Electronic Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Strong foundational knowledge in photonics, optics, or electronic engineering.
- Solid grounding in integrated photonics and/or laser physics (waveguides, optical cavities, laser operation).
- Proficiency in relevant programming and simulation languages such as Python, MATLAB, or C++.
- Must satisfy University College Cork’s postgraduate English language requirements.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience using photonic simulation and layout design tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, or PIC layout platforms).
- Familiarity with pulsed laser architectures (mode-locking, gain-switching) and PIC foundry design flows/PDKs.
- Interest in semiconductor fabrication and heterogeneous integration technologies.
- Enthusiasm for translational, application-driven research in clinical digital healthcare.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application online through the official Tyndall careers portal. Applicants must ensure they provide:
- An up-to-date, comprehensive CV / Resume.
- A brief motivation letter explaining how their background meets the essential and desirable criteria.
- Valid evidence of English language proficiency (for non-native English speakers as per UCC regulations).
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to the supervisor, Zhi Li.
Last Date to Apply
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 24th November at 1:00 PM.
Application Link
For more details and to submit your application, please visit the official job listing: Apply Now at Tyndall National Institute.
