Research Engagement Officer

Research Engagement Officer

Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep-tech research and innovation. As a leading collaborative European research institute, Tyndall is a key actor and hosting partner in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’ (EU Chips Act).

Tyndall is Ireland’s leading research and innovation organisation and it is the national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and AI. Tyndall is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductor, chip and digital technologies, particularly as applied to the fields of Information & Communications, Health & Life Sciences, Agritech & Food Security, Energy and Climate Mitigation, emerging fields such as quantum, and novel computing paradigms.

The Institute’s key objective is to see frontier research activities having a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland, Europe and beyond. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence in partnership with industry and academia. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

With significant committed Irish government support, Tyndall will grow to be 1,000 people by 2030, with approximately 750 researchers, including 250 PhD students. A new 17,000 m2 research building is under development adjacent to the Cork headquarters and there are developing plans to expand Tyndall’s existing Dublin research labs and to establish other research sites within Ireland.

Tyndall’s expansion is also supported by recent national and EU funding wins for significant (M€10’s) additional research equipment across a range of areas such as semiconductor processing, microscopy, quantum technologies, heterogeneous integration, ultra-high speed optical communications and RF through THz characterisation.

Key to the success of Tyndall is its outreach programme with the community, bridging science to the public, engaging in science education, citizen science, engaged communities, policymakers amongst others. Hence, the successful candidate will co-ordinate, organise and participate in a wide range of activities locally, nationally and internationally, working together with Tyndall students and staff, Research Ireland staff based in Tyndall and external partners. The role will require engagement with a variety of stakeholders (researchers, science communicators, schools, general public, policy makers etc) using a variety of media. 

Please note that this role is available to start immediately and that in line with statutory requirements for working with children and vulnerable persons, a vetting disclosure from the National Vetting Bureau will be required prior to appointment.

Reporting to the Head of Graduate Studies and Education & Public Engagement, the successful candidate will:

Key Responsibilities
 

• Ensure the use of Logic models to define and implement engagement programmes of strategic importance to Tyndall.
• Plan, develop and implement public engagement, engaged research, outreach programmes and activities that are informative, engaging, fun and, where relevant, curriculum focused.
• Work along with Education & Public Engagement Officers, Engaged Research Officers or similar roles defined by Research Ireland funded centres, Technology Centres, and other engagement and communications staff based in Tyndall.
• Engage and motivate Tyndall researchers, from Principal Investigators to PhD students, to actively participate in the development and delivery of planned activities.
• Keep records and defined key impact indicators of the public engagement and outreach activities that staff and students undertake throughout the year.
• Evaluate and report the impact of the planned activities, with potential for adjustments and/ or modifications as appropriate.
• Prepare reports and presentations as and when required capturing the programme objectives, strategy, performance and perceived/actual impact.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams such as People & Culture, Marketing, Safety and Facilitates to ensure protocols and procedures are adhered to with regards to our EPE events and activities.
• Form partnerships with other outreach providers and community, collaborating locally, nationally and at European level to leverage and assist with both new and existing programmes.
• Pursue funding opportunities and collaborations to sustain and develop activities and reach new audiences.
• Provide EPE induction as part of Tyndall’s on boarding to new hires as and when required.
• Manage, maintain and update the Tyndall EPE intranet pages and external EPE page on the Tyndall website.
• Assist, when applicable, with funded-centres progress reports, on-site reviews, annual reports and any other KPI reporting requirements.
• Keep informed of developments in EPE best practice and implement where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with Tyndall’s Quality Management Systems, Health and Safety standards, and other regulations.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• Degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, preferably in areas relevant to Tyndall.
• Typically, 3+ years experience in communicating science with the public.
• Significant experience in networking, building relationships and motivating others, with examples.
• Excellent communications skills.
• Excellent project management skills, including demonstrable experience in running events and alignment with employer’s strategies.
• Experience in applying for funding to run EPE and/or Citizen Science programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in working flexibly, creating independent initiatives, and as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria

• Significant and demonstrable experience in public engagement, science communication or outreach, preferably with a formal qualification or credential.
• Full Valid Irish Driving licence
• Experience in scientific research would be advantageous.
• Proven record of developing relationships and partnerships with external stakeholders.
• Experience of organising and delivering a large education and public engagement programme.
• A yrack record of using logic model planning for programming activities.

Terms of Employment
Contract Type : The role may be a Full Time or a Part Time position for the suitable candidate.
Contract Category : FIxed Term
Contract Duration: Approximately 2 years

Appointment may be made on the Admin Grade 5 scale (B) € 52,338– €64,190 per annum.  Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Fatima Gunning.
Closing date of applications is 1pm, 13th November 2026

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.

Candidates are required to add a cover letter, identifying key skills and experience that matches essential criteria.

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.
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.

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.