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Soft and adhesive neuronal implant

HOST INSTITUTION

School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University (Israel)

PhD PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Doctoral Candidate (DC) will be supervised by Prof. Yael Hanein at the School of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University (TAU).

The proposed PhD project focuses on the development of soft and adhesive neuronal implants to advance neural interfacing technology. The DC will work on optimizing adhesive coatings to ensure rapid anchoring of soft films to neuronal tissues and will explore technologies for electrode development to enhance recording and stimulation capabilities. The project will specifically target simultaneous recording and stimulation from the retina ex vivo and in vivo, while also exploring applications beyond retina models, expanding to broader neural interfaces.

DC will gain hands-on experience in:

  • Printing and integrating impedance sensors using screen printing technique.
  • Electrode performance optimization for both recording and stimulation of neural signals.
  • Ex vivo and in vivo assessments of sensors, ensuring safety and functionality against standardized electrophysiological measurements

 DC will have the opportunity to gain international experience through secondments at:

  • IMDEA Nanoscience, Spain (3 months): Fabrication of nanostructured prototypes and impedance recordings for neural sensing applications.
  • European Brain Council (EBC), Belgium (2 months): Participation in Brain Innovation Days and involvement in EBC project.

 Training opportunities:

  • TAU offers a multidisciplinary training environment with state-of-the-art facilities in microfabrication, electrophysiology, and bioengineering. DC will receive specialized courses in neural engineering, flexible electronics, and biomaterials.

DC will benefit from career development training, networking events, local and international conference/workshop participation.

RESEARCH SUPERVISOR

  1. Title: Prof.
  2. Full name: Yael Hanein
  3. Email: yaelha@tauex.tau.ac.il
  4. Research project/ Research Group website (Url):

https://www.yaelhanein.sites.tau.ac.il/

 

RESEARCH GROUP DESCRIPTION

Prof. Yael Hanein neuro-engineering lab specializes in advancing the field of neuronal interfaces, with a focus on developing cutting-edge micro and nano devices designed to interface both directly and indirectly with the brain. The group combines expertise in material science, engineering, machine learning and neuroscience to tackle challenges in neural recording, stimulation, and rehabilitation. Ongoing research projects include the development of novel methods for artificial retina applications, as well as skin electronics for non-invasive electrophysiology.

The lab provides a collaborative and supportive research environment, offering opportunities to engage with physicians, national and international collaborators, industry leaders, and cutting-edge technologies. Doctoral candidates will have the chance to contribute to impactful projects with tangible healthcare applications while gaining expertise in state-of-the-art neural interface technologies.

APPLICANT’S REQUIREMENTS

Research Fields: Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.

Education Level: Master’s degree in a relevant field.

Skills/Qualifications:

  • Proven expertise in experimental design and implementation.
  • Experience in at least one of the following areas is required:
    • Signal processing and analysis.
    • Electrophysiology methods.
    • Electrochemical characterization.
  • A strong academic background, demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Additional attributes:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
  • High motivation and enthusiasm for contributing to cutting-edge research

ADDITIONAL PhD APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT STEPS

To present official candidacy to the Tel Aviv University Ph.D. program in the School of Electrical Engineering, the candidate will have to submit the following:

  • Sc. study records including a list of courses and grades, and copies of the diplomas (Originals).
  • The final grade average in the M.Sc. studies is at least 80 GPA and the final thesis grade at least 85 GPA.
  • A copy of the M.Sc. Thesis.
  • A candidate might be required to undertake supplementary courses.
  • A recommendation letter from the candidate’s M.Sc. supervisor.
  • A letter of recommendation from a senior professor who can support the Ph.D. candidacy.

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS:

  • Mobility requirements: candidates not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Israel 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.