About Us
Established in 1998, ÉireComposites operates an accredited composites design, manufacturing and testing facility in Inverin, Galway. With over 60 employees, we have the experience, expertise and knowledge required to manufacture products and test materials for the aviation, space, renewables, mobility and medical sectors.
ÉireComposites is leading the DigiStent project in close collaboration with the University of Galway and OpenText. The project was funded by the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund (DTIF) and was created to help detect the occurrence of ENDO Leaks in AAA EVAR stents. The core project objective is to develop the world’s first wireless digital stent technology, DigiStent, that offers a minimally invasive way to continuously and dynamically assess a stent’s mechanical performance, significantly improving the ability to detect and ameliorate stent degradation before a potential catastrophic failure.
Job Summary
ÉireComposites is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher with experience in vascular delivery systems, stents, or stent grafts, to lead a ground-breaking project and collaborate closely with the University of Galway on the development of an innovative This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced researcher who wants to work locally in Connemara in a friendly and innovative environment while playing a key role in the development of life-changing technologies. The role involves working as part of the R&D team to design, develop, and commercialise cutting-edge medical devices and systems.
The DigiStent project, a collaboration between EireComposites, University of Galway, and OpenText, aims to develop a wireless digital stent that can predict failure modes in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients. AAA is a life-threatening condition with an 80-90% mortality rate upon rupture, and while Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) is a common treatment, it has a 30% failure rate, leading to fatal outcomes in over a third of cases. DigiStent combines smart biosensor integration and AI-driven analytics, to provide real-time monitoring of stent performance, enabling early detection of complications such as endo leaks.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of a novel smart stent – focused on the integration of a wireless sensor onto a stent graft.
- Develop, calibrate, and optimize a Finite Element (FE) model of a stent graft to replicate its behaviour during loading into the delivery system and deployment in a patient-specific context.
- Utilize the FE simulation to refine the sensor geometry and integration design to aid smart stent prototype development.
- Create test methods, conduct design evaluations, and manage verification and validation activities.
- Help build and expand testing capabilities within the company.
- Develop and test prototypes in alignment with clinical and design requirements.
- Develop, write and submit funding applications for follow-on funding opportunities.
- Manage Design History File (DHF) documentation and regulatory support files.
- Conduct product and project risk analysis and apply effective risk management.
- Research and integrate new technologies, materials, and equipment.
- Provide technical leadership for R&D projects, from concept through to production transfer.
- Liaise closely with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), clinicians, and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure alignment with ISO 13485, FDA, EU MDR and other relevant regulatory standards.
- Actively participate in national/international conferences and meetings.
- Publish data in high impact factor journals and/or protect new intellectual property.
- Be responsible for project-related management and preparation of project reports.
- Any other duties assigned commensurate to this level of post.
Required Qualifications
Education:
- Applicants must have a primary degree/PhD in biomedical engineering, or a related discipline or 4+ years post qualification relevant experience (in lieu of PhD).
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in medical device or related regulated product development.
- Proven project and technical leadership in R&D environments.
- Experience with stent grafts highly desirable.
Skills:
- Proficient in CAD software such as SolidWorks and Ansys/Abaqus
- Strong understanding of medical device quality systems (ISO 13485, FDA QSR, EU MDR).
- Excellent documentation and technical writing skills.
- Statistical knowledge (DOE, Gage R&R) desirable.
- Effective communicator with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
- Capable of working independently and collaboratively across cross-functional teams.
Other:
- Willingness to travel occasionally for business.
- Demonstrated initiative, innovation, and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Strong organisational and time management abilities.
What We Offer
- Competitive Salary reflecting your skills and experience.
- 2-Year Contract with 20 days annual leave plus 10 public holidays.
- Pension Scheme: 3% company matched contribution.
- Death in Service / Life Assurance
- Early finish on Fridays
- Career Development: Ongoing training, development, and internal promotion opportunities.
- Hybrid working: Remote work options where feasible.
- Location Perks: Just 20 minutes from Knocknacarra—ideal for a local commute.
- Team Culture: Friendly, supportive, and innovation-driven environment.
- Onsite Parking and team wellness initiatives.
Job Type: Fixed term
Contract length: 24 months
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- CO. Galway, CO. Galway: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Licence/Certification:
- EU Drivers licence (required)
Work Location: In person
