Home 9 PHD PROJECTS 9 Development of flexible interfaces for neural electric stimulation based on nanostructured electrodes

Development of flexible interfaces for neural electric stimulation based on nanostructured electrodes

HOST INSTITUTION

Fundación IMDEA Nanociencia (Spain)

PhD PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The aim of the project is to create flexible nanostructured neural interfaces that ensure safe and reliable long term neural stimulation. These will be developed by nanofabrication techniques and their electrical properties will be characterized. Platforms suitable for in-vitro biocompatibility and stimulation studies will be prepared. Additionally, mechanical behaviour and long-term stability tests will also be conducted. The researcher will contribute to the development of a neural interface prototype for in-vivo studies.

The recruited researcher will receive training in clean-room fabrication techniques such as photolithography, nanoimprint, lithography and template-assisted electrodeposition in addition to sputtering or reactive ion etching.

The researcher will receive also training in characterization techniques such as optical and scanning electron microscopy, electrical characterization techniques such as voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and charge-transfer capacity experiments.

During the doctorate, it is planned that the researcher will carry out the following secondments:

  1. At the group of Martin Himly in the Paris London University of Salzburg (Austria) to study the possible immune effects upon nanowire release
  2. At Boston Scientific/University of Galway (Ireland), under the supervision of Aiden Flanagan/Garry Duffy, for the development of stimulation probes.
  3. At Radboud Universiteit (The Netherlands), under the supervision of Francesco P Battaglia/Timo van Kerkoerle, for in situ impedance spectroscopy studies in implanted electrodes in vivo.

The host institution of the researcher, IMDEA Nanociencia, provides a wide Training Programme and activities to broaden researchers’ professional career options, including training events as well as a soft-skills programme including scientific writing, IP training, proposal preparation among others.

Within the doctoral network the researcher will participate as well in common training events, covering advanced interdisciplinary research subjects including nanomagnetism, spintronics or knowledge in electrophysiology, the participation in events with neural-probe companies and patients organisations as well as a broad range of Transferable Skills, including open science practices, safety and sustainability by design, gender and diversity.

RESEARCH SUPERVISOR

  1. Title: doctor
  2. Full name: M. Teresa Gonzalez, Isabel Rodríguez
  3. Email: gonzalez@imdea.org, i.rodriguez@imdea.org
  4. Research project/ Research Group website (Url):

https://nanociencia.imdea.org/neural-interfaces/home

https://nanociencia.imdea.org/nanostructured-functional-surfaces/home

RESEARCH GROUP DESCRIPTION

The project will be developed between two labs in IMDEA: The neural interfaces laboratory (NIL), led by M. Teresa González (ORCID: 0000-0002-7253-797X), is devoted to the development and characterization of nanostructured electrodes and magnetic sensors for the stimulation and recording of neural activity respectively. We aim to produce implantable interfaces that will be less invasive, more precise and more efficient than the present ones. The team combines expertise in nanofabrication, electric and electrochemical characterization and noise analysis.

On the other hand, the Nanostructured Functional Surfaces laboratory (NFSL), led by Isabel Rodríguez (ORCID: 0000-0002-7178-8275), focuses on nanofabrication technologies to develop surface-structured materials with new functionalities or improved ones. The special competencies include surface patterning techniques such as nano-imprint lithography, soft lithography, and molecular patterning. The group is presently engaged in nano-engineering functional surfaces with medical applications, with a special emphasis on nano-patterned conductive nanocomposites to stimulate neuronal activity.

APPLICANT’S REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate for this position should possess a Master´s degree in physics, chemistry or engineering.

Having previous experience in clean room nanofabrication and/or electrochemistry will be very valuable.

It is expected that the successful candidate should have genuine interest in research, be creative, self-driven and motivated to explore solutions to scientific problems.

Additionally, the successful candidate must be proficient in English.

ADDITIONAL PhD APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT STEPS

The recruited researcher should enroll in due time in the Physics PhD programme of the Universidad Complutense de Madrid.  

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS:

  • Mobility requirements: candidates not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
  • Research experience: must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
  • Candidates must enrol in a doctoral programme in the relevant EU Member State/Associated Country.