DOH-23 Senior Research Engineer in Integrated circuit design for Inductive
Power Transfer and Communications for Implantable Sensors
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI) is an EI / IDA technology
centre hosted at Tyndall National Institute. Its mission is to carry out
industry-led world-class Analog, Mixed-Signal and RF integrated circuit
research and to deliver trained people and IP to industry. MCCI is already
collaborating with 35 companies and many of the staff eventually transfer into
the thriving microelectronics industry in Ireland. MCCI targets real-life
applications with its research and currently has projects in diverse topics
such as DNA detection for food safety, next generation optical communications,
bio-sensing, imaging for security applications and early cancer detection.
Please visit www. mcci.ie for more information.
The project
Advanced medical diagnosis and treatment monitoring require miniature sensor
systems that can be implanted in the body. In this project we are developing
sensors to monitor cancer tumours. Providing wireless energy to power these
sensors is a key research challenge. While the size of batteries is reducing
with new technologies such as solid state batteries they remain either too
large or have only a limited capacity constraining the operating lifetime of
the sensor. In this collaborative project with BCON medical and the NKI/ The
Netherlands Cancer Institute, the objective is to inductively transfer power
to the implant and to use the same link for communications.
The Role
The successful candidate with be based at MCCI in Tyndall National Institute,
Cork. The work involved will entail, system and integrated circuit design of
an inductive power transmitter and associated communication links. An
inductive power transfer solution will be designed to transmit power to the
implantable device. Lab testing and characterising of the prototypes developed
in the work will be required.
Key Responsibilities
Design driver circuits and specify magnetics for wireless power
transmission.
Design prototype PCB circuits and final CMOS integrated circuit solutions.
Perform modelling and analysis on the limitations of existing solutions
and provide assistance and support in the development of system level
solutions.
Work with, and lead on occasion, a multi-disciplinary team focussed on
wireless power and communications for biomedical applications.
Work on collaborative research projects with MCCI industry partners (e.g.
BCON medical and NKI/ The Netherlands Cancer Institute).
Assist in the mentoring and support of junior researchers.
Engage in the dissemination of the results of the research, as directed by
and with the support of senior MCCI research staff.
The successful candidate will be highly innovative with a strong desire to
create world-beating integrated circuits research for real-life
applications.
Participate in education and public engagement activities, as required.
Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management
system.
Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety
standards.
Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the
general scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria
Bachelor's Degree (honours) in Electronics Engineering/ Master's Degree
in Electronics Engineering or related discipline with typically 5 years'
experience in wireless power systems or integrated circuit design.
Strong knowledge of electro-magnetic (EM) design of RF or inductive
components using industry standard CAD tools such as HFSS, Agilent ADS,
Spectre RF, Maxwell etc.
Knowledge of CMOS integrated circuits and IC CAD design tools
Experience of carrying out or directing the Layout of CMOS Integrated
circuits
Experience of antenna, RF or Integrated Circuit lab measurements
Evidence of successful execution of Analog, Mixed-Signal or RF circuits at
block level through to tapeout and silicon characterisation.
Desirable Criteria
Evidence of creative skills/creativity
PhD in Microelectronics or Physics or a related topic.
Knowledge of Transmitter and receiver circuits for wireless power
transfer.
Knowledge of low power wireless communications systems, RFID, Bluetooth
etc.
PCB design experience.
Knowledge of human body EM effects.
Experience in mixed signal circuit layout
Strong Publication track record
Ability to supervise and direct junior researchers.
Understanding and knowledge of signal processing and communication theory:
link budgets, SNR, modulation/demodulation.
The successful candidate will be highly innovative with a strong desire to
create world-beating integrated circuits research for real-life applications.
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.
What's on offer
You will have the opportunity to work in a multi-disciplinary research
team consisting of clinicians, medical systems architects, integrated
circuit designers, magnetics and power systems experts, as well as:
Work as a highly valuable research team member in a world-class technology
centre that has a young, dynamic, vibrant and self-driven work environment
that focuses on high impact research results that are strongly aligned to
our Medtech industry partners.
Great career development and advancement that is highly visible to the
semiconductor industry through direct contact or IEEE publications.
Collaborate with Medical Device industry on advanced implantable sensors.
Opportunity to attend and publish work at leading conferences such as IEEE
Solid-State Circuits conferences and IEEE BioCAS conference.
Opportunity to publish in leading IEEE journals.
Attend training courses and workshops, use the latest industry CAD design
tools.
Achieve wireless powering of implants at longer distances with higher
power density per sensor area beyond state of the art.
Competitive salary and conditions including X Days of annual leave,
Christmas leave and public holidays.
Appointment will be made on the Senior Researcher II/Admin II (6A) scale
€67,046 - € 84,927 per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in
accordance with public sector pay policy.
Any queries relating to this position can be forwarded to Dr. Daniel O' Hare
on email [email protected]
Closing date of application is 26th February, 2024
Application 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.
Clickhere to Apply
A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check
may form part of the selection 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