Vacancies

AMBER has a central role in improving the scientific and technical skills of the current and future workforce. We recruit the best and the brightest from across the globe to deliver on our mission of research excellence that brings solutions to societal and industrial challenges. Researchers trained in AMBER develop a broad skill base that reflects the needs of industry, as well as supporting those researchers who wish to follow an academic career path. AMBER provides our researchers with opportunities to work with companies, gaining valuable appreciation of the culture of product development, as well as exposure to business and management processes that are industry-relevant, creating a broad skills base that matches the needs of industry. For our postdoctoral and early career researcher (ESR) cohort interested in remaining in academia, our funding team collaborates with other SFI Centres in TCD to deliver a Pathways to Funding training programme annually to prepare individuals to apply for independent research funding.

OPEN POSITIONS

Two postdoctoral researcher positions for the following project:

Title: BENCH-TOP TESTING AND MODELLING OF IMPLANTABLE UROLOGICAL DEVICES

These postdoctoral research positions will be based in the Lally Lab (http://www.lallylab.eu) within the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering (TCBE) and the Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER) in Trinity College Dublin.

Summary of Project #1: Development of a bench-top test for implantable urological device

The aim of this two-year project is to test human urological tissues and based on this data to develop a bench-top system for testing urological devices which can aid in the optimisation of these devices. The work will involve materials testing, biomaterials synthesis and characterisation, 3D printing, test rig design and medical device testing.

The researcher will work closely with other members of a multidisciplinary team including PIs, clinicians, engineers, postdoctoral research fellows and postgraduate researchers in the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering and an Industry Partner.

 

Applicant criteria & eligibility: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biomedical engineering and extensive experience and expertise in soft tissue testing (including cadaveric tissue), in-vitro test rig design and development, biomaterials characterisation, polymer chemistry, medical device design, data analysis and computer programming (e.g. Matlab, Labview, python). Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.

 

Summary of Project #2: Development of a 3D finite element model for in silico testing of implantable urological devices

The aim of this two-year project is to develop an in-silico model which enables testing and optimisation of implantable urological devices. The model will simulate the bench-top device and testing conducted in Project 1.

The researcher will work closely with other members of a multidisciplinary team including PIs, clinicians, engineers, postdoctoral research fellows and postgraduate researchers in the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering and an Industry Partner.

 

Applicant criteria & eligibility: The ideal candidate will have a PhD in biomedical engineering and specifically expertise in finite element modelling of soft tissues using Abaqus with proficiency in writing UMATs and subroutines, medical device design and data analysis. Excellent written and oral communication skills are essential.

For more information please contact Prof. Tríona Lally at lallyca@tcd.ie.

How to apply:

Submit a CV and cover letter with two references to lallyca@tcd.ie with the subject heading “Urological Device – PD Project #1 or #2”. Positions will remain opened until filled but preferred start date is January 2025. Only short-listed applications will be acknowledged.

This position is funded by the SFI-research centre AMBER. Salary will be commensurate with experience and based on the IUA salary scales (https://www.iua.ie/for-researchers/researcher-salary-scales-career-framework/).

The AMBER research centre, as a community of researchers, welcomes its responsibility to provide equal opportunities for all. We are actively seeking diversity in our research teams and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

 

Research Assistant position within the AMBER Education and Public Engagement research team:

Context

The purpose of this role is to support design, delivery and evaluation of targeted Education and Public Engagement (EPE) activities to maximise civic engagement for societal impact. As part of the Centre’s next phase we wish to meaningfully engage a broad base of stakeholders. As the Centre progresses through the current funding call, the frequency, depth, and diversity of engaged research activities will increase to attend to our Research Ireland funding requirements and the ambitions of the Centre leadership team. AMBER’s institutional partners have increased to 10 with locations nationwide, this role will enhance the existing EPE team’s ability to engage with a larger cohort of researchers and to encourage civic outreach activities in line with the vision for the next phase of the research centre.

Summary of project

AMBER is the Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research. The Centre brings a multidisciplinary partnership between leading academics in Advanced Materials Science, BioEngineering and Industry. Working collaboratively, we develop new materials and devices for the ICT, medical devices, energy, and sustainable industrial technology sectors. By partnering with highly specialist Research faculties across Ireland, AMBER brings excellence in advanced research, innovation, and knowledge from multiple industry sector projects to our collaborative partners, industry and society at a national and global level.

The AMBER Centre will be internationally recognized as a world leader in disruptive materials science research to develop the technological advances that meet current and emerging global challenges associated with healthcare, the digital and energy transitions in addition to sustainable manufacturing and consumption. Education and Public Engagement is vital to achieving global challenges such as the Green and Digital Transitions.

Reporting to the Education and Training Manager, the principal duties of the post include:

  • Develop and assess novel multimedia tools for public engagement in diverse educational and public settings.
  • Deployment of summative and formative evaluation methods for evaluation of the education and public engagement activities carried out in the Centre.
  • Stakeholder management to support design and dissemination of AMBER’s education and public engagement materials, following best practice approaches in materials science engagement.
  • Administrative activities associated with AMBER’s engaged research programme and communication activities
  • Recruitment of volunteers and follow up reporting of activities to Research Ireland
  • Organisation of events and training (blended) using on-line platforms, including providing technical support prior, during and after the online event.
  • Promotion and communication of event information, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
  • Monitor effectiveness of event planning and make suggestions to ensure continuous improvement in events activity and logistics.
  • Monitor attendance, administer and review post-event evaluations, with a view to maximising audiences for events.

The role is based at TCD however some travel will be required as part of the role, advance notice will be provided, and applicable expenses covered. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week). While not required to be in place at time of application, Garda vetting will also be a requirement.

For formal enquires or more information please contact Mairead Holden mholden1@tcd.ie

Knowledge/Experience/Skills/ Competencies:

  • Knowledge of and practice in STEM public engagement initiatives.
  • Demonstrable ability to forge and maintain excellent working relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Passion and enthusiasm for science
  • Understanding of wider science communication context
  • Experience of engaging diverse groups with science
  • Experience in event coordination and management
  • High level of presentation and communication skills (written, visual, verbal)
  • Competence in visual media, i.e. image and video capture
  • Research administration skills
  • Microsoft Suite proficient
  • CRM / Social media management software experience
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain organized records in line with specific deadlines.
  • Flexible
  • Creative

Qualifications:

Postgraduate qualification in Science or Social Science is desirable but not essential. This specific purpose role would suit someone with experience in the areas of science, communication, education or a similar area, media studies, event management or public relations or affairs.

Salary: In line with relevant IUA Postdoctoral researcher salary scale

Duration: 12-month specific purpose contract with a preferred start date as soon as possible.

Application: CVs with the names and addresses of three referees should be submitted to mholden1@tcd.ie.  *Please include AMBER EPE RA in subject line *

Application Deadline Monday 17th February 2025. Only short-listed applications will be acknowledged.

This position is funded by the Research Ireland Centre for Advanced Materials and BioEngineering Research.

The AMBER Research Centre, as a community of researchers, welcomes its responsibility to provide equal opportunities for all. We are actively seeking diversity in our research teams and particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.