24 Months, Fixed-Term, Whole-Time Post
Position Summary
A position is available for a postdoctoral researcher to work on a new project focused on developing a sensor for electrical detection of atmospheric ammonia. The researcher will be based jointly in the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC), and the Materials Chemistry Research Group (MCR), which are key research centres within the School of Chemistry and the Environmental Research Institute at University College Cork. The CRAC has been a European leader in atmospheric chemistry research for over two decades and performs a wide range of research activities, including laboratory, field and modelling studies related to atmospheric chemistry, air quality and climate. The Materials Chemistry Research (MCR) group, led by Prof. Justin Holmes, is a large interdisciplinary team that includes researchers from various fields such as synthetic chemistry, surface chemistry, materials chemistry, physics, and nanoelectronics. Its primary focus is on developing functional and sustainable nanomaterials and devices for applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy harvesting, energy storage, catalysis, and plastic recycling.
Research Ireland funds this research project, which is coordinated by researchers in CRAC (Dr Stig Hellebust, Prof. John Wenger) and the MCR group (Prof. Justin Holmes, Dr Subhajit Biswas).
The project involves design, fabrication and surface-functionalisation of silicon-based transistors for electrical detection of ammonia. The project is laboratory-based and involves multi-disciplinary research drawing on surface science, materials chemistry and atmospheric chemistry. Regular communication and co-operation with stakeholders and project partners will also be required.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated person with a high level of initiative, capable of working independently and within a team. The candidate should have fluent English and excellent communication, organization, planning and interpersonal skills.
Ideally, the candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- fabrication techniques used in materials science, such as electron beam litography, microscopy, etc.
- statistical and machine learning techniques for data analysis
- atmospheric chemistry research
- materials chemistry research
- designing and conducting experimental test procedures.
Achievement of the expected progression within Post Doc and Senior Post Doc is transferable between the Irish HEI’s. This can be reflected in the starting pay of a PD researcher. Similarly, as the PD scheme is an intergenerational training scheme completion of PD1 or PD 2 levels in one HEI will normally render that researcher ineligible for appointment at a similar level in another Irish HEI Researcher Career Development Framework | Irish Universities Association
Project Title: Surface functionalisation of silicon devices for electrical detection of gas phase ammonia at atmospherically relevant concentrations - SUREDETECT
Post Duration: 24 Months
Salary: €45,847 - €52,339 p.a. IUA PD1 Scale
For an information package including further details of the post see https://ore.ucc.ie/
Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Dr. Stig Hellebust s.hellebust@ucc.ie
Applications must be submitted online via the University College Cork vacancy portal https://ore.ucc.ie/ Queries relating to the online application process should be referred to recruitment@ucc.ie quoting the job-title and project name.
Candidates should apply, in confidence, before 12 noon (Irish Local Time) on Friday 06th of June 2025.
No late applications will be accepted.
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.
UCC is committed to creating and fully embracing an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. As a University we strive to create a workplace that reflects the diversity of our student population where people from a wide variety of backgrounds learn from one another, share ideas, and work collaboratively. UCC is committed to being an employer that recognises the value of diversity amongst its staff. We encourage applicants to consult our policies at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/policies/ and initiatives at https://www.ucc.ie/en/edi/implementation/ and we welcome applications from everyone, including those who are underrepresented in the protected characteristics set out in our Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER