The Centre for Advanced Photonics & Process Analysis (CAPPA) is a research centre working in the fields of applied optics and photonics and is based at Munster Technological University. The centre has an active and varied research portfolio and industrial partners in various sectors including medical devices, electronics, food technology, pharmaceuticals and photonics. CAPPA is currently seeking to recruit a research project support individual to work within the centre on the challenging and exciting new projects.

The successful candidate will join a research and innovation group within CAPPA, in the area of spectroscopy, chemical sensors and machine learning. Research will concern the development and application of chemical sensors based on spectroscopic techniques coupled with machine learning and their application in a variety of situations.

The group has the following visions:
– To perform excellent research in strategically important areas, which has relevance and impact for the economy and society.
– To have a coherent joined-up team that can be responsive to emerging opportunities, delivering enhanced impact through the creation and application of knowledge.
– To embrace challenges and change to reach higher levels of achievement.

Location
Located on MTU’s Bishopstown Campus in the first instance and reporting to Dr Michael McAuliffe and falling within general CAPPA reporting and management structures, successful candidates will be primarily based in the CREATE building on MTU’s Bishopstown Campus. On occasion, travel to CAPPA’s labs in the Tyndall National Institute, other local collaborators or attendance at relevant regional and
national promotional events may be required.

Duties and responsibilities
The position is funded through the Science Foundation Ireland grant: Microplastic InfraRed Structured Illumination Microscope (MIRSIM). The project aims to have a prototype low-cost technology capable of imaging and identifying Microplastic. The basis for this work is spectroscopic imaging in Mid Infrared (MIR), utilizing QCL and DMD. In this position, you will be required to design and construct the midinfrared single-pixel camera. The instrument will have two components to deal with different sample sizes. All samples will be measured using the same MIR sources and light-crafting optics, to make results over the entire size range directly comparable. Two imaging techniques, Structured Illumination Microscopy and Single-pixel imaging will be employed for different sample sizes and multispectral techniques will be employed to retrieve chemical information.

The position provides an opportunity to join a team of researchers supporting various photonic research programmes. The successful candidate will carry out research into the deployment of photonic technologies combining both fundamental science and industry-driven research. There will be opportunities to leverage existing projects and research facilities at CAPPA in order to identify new research opportunities and industrial projects.

Key skills and experience requirement

Essential:
• Self-starter who is comfortable with working independently at a project level while still contributing to the team environment at a centre level.
• Experimental training with photonics, primarily optics, imaging and laser systems.
• Proven track record in the development of at least one optical imaging system.
• Demonstrable research skills, proposal and report writing and project management skills as indicated by a track record of projects, publications, and other research outputs.
• Fluency in English and excellent written and oral presentation skills.

Desirable:
• The successful candidate ideally should have a proven record of high quality research.
• Capable of directing and interfacing with the work of collaborators at remote locations.
• Experience with programming and optoelectronic devices
• Expertise in equipment interfacing
• Experience with spectroscopy
• A strong publication record is also desirable.
• Strong communication skills
• Track record of securing funding
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work well in teams and support
development of others

Qualification requirements
• The post will require a researcher who holds a PhD in a relevant field such as physics, photonics, optomechatronics or optics and who has three or more years of postdoctoral experience. Alternatively significant relevant industrial or research experience will be considered in lieu of postgraduate qualifications.
• At least 4 years of relevant postgraduate experience in optics, imaging, and laser systems.

Terms of the Appointment
The position will be initially for a period of 24 months with a possibility for extension depending on funding, performance and the candidate’s suitability. The successful candidate would be expected to start as soon as possible after receiving an offer.

Salary
Remuneration will be on the Senior Researchersalary scale (€45,413 – €56,162) depending on relevant experience.

The Interview Process
At interview, the candidates will be assessed under a number of criteria (including but not limited to):
• Appropriateness of the candidate to the role and assessment of current skillset to the outlined criteria for the role
• Experience working in international research projects
• Fluency in written and presentation skills (English)
• Independent motivation and team contributions

Closing times and date
Applications by MTU eRecruitment systems only. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Please log on to www.mtu.ie/vacancies. Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1pm on Thursday 2nd February 2023.