Post-doctoral Researcher, Optical Sensor Development

Research Centre: DCU Water Institute
Level on Framework: Level 1
Post duration: 19 months

Research Career framework

As part of this role the researcher will be required to participate in the DCU Research Career Framework. This framework is designed to provide significant professional development opportunities to researchers and offer the best opportunities in terms of a wider career path. DCU has a strong track record in attracting both Irish and European Union research funding under Horizon 2020 (and all previous Framework Programmes), Marie Curie Actions and Erasmus. We offer a dynamic and internationally-focused environment in which to advance your academic career.

Background & role

The post-doctoral researcher will join a multidisciplinary team working on the development of Advanced Environmental Decision Support Systems for Coastal Areas using distributed, autonomous, real-time sensor systems. The project’s goal is the development of low cost optical sensing probes for the detection of pollution events in the marine environment. The post-doctoral researcher will work closely with the team members in the Water Institute (engineer and environmental scientist) but also with the industrial partner to integrate the data analytics and to validate the decision support tool. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for the design, development and testing of a new optical head for the low cost sensor and for setting-up a framework for the characterisation of optical components.

Key responsibilities

• To design, develop and test the optical head of the low cost sensor
• To design and set-up a framework for the characterisation and testing of different optical components (LED, photodiodes, lasers etc.)
• To create technology process flows and drive process and device optimization.
• To provide assistance in conducting the following research activities, including planning, organising, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of the research project.
• To carry out administrative work to support the program of research and ensure all project deliverables and milestones are achieved in a timely manner.
• To work closely with industry/research partners (existing and planned) and other stake holders.

Essential criteria

• The post will require a researcher who holds a PhD in a relevant field such as physics, engineering, photonics, optoelectronics, optical sensors or a related discipline.

Desirable Criteria

• Broad experience in optical spectroscopy
• Experience in programming and communication with laboratory instruments (C++, MatLab, LabView or similar) and specific optical design software.
• Good analytical skills and computer skills.
• Evidence of excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Evidence of excellent time management skills.
• Experience with sensor systems for water monitoring is an asset.
• High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are encouraged.

Mandatory Training

The post holder will be required to undertake the following mandatory compliance training: Orientation, Health and Safety and Intellectual Property and Data Protection training. Other training may need to be undertaken when required.

Salary: €37,757

Closing Date: 30th August 2019

Candidates will be assessed on the following competencies:

• Discipline specific knowledge and Research skills – Demonstrates knowledge of a research discipline and the ability to conduct a specific programme of research within that discipline
• Understanding the Research Environment – Demonstrates an awareness of the research environment (for example funding bodies) and the ability to contribute to grant applications
• Communicating Research – Demonstrates the ability to communicate their research with their peers and the wider research community (for example presenting at conferences and publishing research in relevant journals) and the potential to teach and tutor students
• Managing and Leadership skills - Demonstrates the potential to manage a research projects including the supervision of undergraduate students

Application Procedure

Informal enquiries to:

Professor Fiona Regan, Director, Water Institute, DCU - E-mail: Fiona.regan@dcu.ie Please do not send applications to this email address, instead apply as described below.

Application forms are available from the DCU Current Vacancies (open Competitions) website at http://www.dcu.ie/vacancies/current.shtml and from the Human Resources Department, Dublin City University, Dublin 9.

Tel: +353 (0) 1 7005149.

Please clearly state in the email subject line and in your application the role you are applying for: #RF1266 Postdoctoral Researcher, Deep Learning and Computer Vision

Applications should be submitted by email to hr.applications@dcu.ie or by Fax: +353 (0)1 7005500 or by post to the Human Resources Department, Dublin City University, Dublin 9. Tel: +353 1 700 5149; Fax: +353 1 700 5500 Email: hr.applications@dcu.ie

Dublin City University is an equal opportunities employer