Senior Postdoctoral Researcher

10 May 2023
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences

Research Field

Physics » Optics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Bulgaria

Application Deadline

15 Jun 2023 - 17:00 (Europe/Brussels)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

10 May 2023

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE

Reference Number

101086815

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Horizon Europe project VIBraTE is currently seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our research team in the field of physics. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting cutting-edge research in the project and will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers from different countries. The ERA Chair VIBraTE is headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dimiter Prodanov at the Institute of Information and Communication Technologies of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IICT).

About the project

A brain-computer interface is a technology that collects brain signals and transmits them to an external device that outputs commands. Insight into the interaction between brain-computer interface implants and the brain tissue will help maximize the potential of the technology. The EU-funded VIBraTE project aims to support the establishment of a Neurotechnology lab with focus on BCI at the IICT . Among the objectives of the Neurotechnology lab will be to model and investigate the properties, geometry, and mechanical effects of the interaction of the brain with the implanted electrodes. The research objectives of the VIBraTE Chair are situated along the following research axes:

•           Axis 1: Viscoelastic coupling

•           Axis 2: Optimization of the interface geometry for invasive and non-invasive BCI

•           Axis 3: Diffusion phenomena in the brain tissue

•           Axis 4: Effects of viscoelastic deformations on modeled brain activity

The main expected outcome in Axis 1 would be to quantify the mechanical interactions of different implants and link them to physiological states and the observed tissue response. Viscoelastic phenomena are typically investigated using the tools of fractional calculus. Fractional calculus is a domain of applied mathematics, which develops very fast and is especially suited to model processes with memory (time-fractional) or spatial inhomogeneities (space-fractional). It is expected that Axis 2 would identify some design rules for brain electrodes and less invasive BCI as a main application. The results in Axis 3 would extend our understanding of local drug or gene delivery in tissues. An example of such an approach is optogenetics, which could possibly be extended to human applications by local transfection around an implanted electrode. Axis 4 could refine our understanding of the limitations of invasive neural electrode signal decoding (i.e. spike-sorting).

ERA Chairs are funded by the European Union to support the development of research excellence in specific scientific areas. The objective of the ERA Chair project is to attract and maintain high-quality researchers at the host institution, improve research quality and impact, and enhance the institution's research environment. The project provides funding for research projects, mobility opportunities, and training activities for researchers

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Optics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Physics or a related field
• Strong background in experimental physics
• Minimum of 3-year experience in optics or biomechanics
• Experience with the design and construction of experimental setups
• Experience in data analysis and modeling
• Strong publication track record
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and guide junior members of the team

Specific Requirements

• Conducting research in the field of physics as part of the European project
• Designing and performing experiments
• Analyzing experimental data and developing theoretical models
• Collaborating with researchers from other institutions in Europe
• Writing scientific articles and presenting results at conferences

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Languages

BULGARIAN

Level

Basic

Research Field

Physics » Optics

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Additional Information
Benefits

• A competitive salary according to the Marie Curie European standards
• An international and dynamic research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement

This is a full-time position for two years (24 months), with the possibility of an extension until the end of the project (Jan 2028) based on the performance of the candidate. The position is available from July 2023, and applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

 

Eligibility criteria

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible.  To apply, please submit a:

• cover letter in English (max 2 pages)
• CV in English, including copies of 5 most important publications.
• Full publication list
• copy of the PhD diploma
• 2 letters of recommendation
• link to a 3-minute video pitch in English

Selection process

The applications will be evaluated by an international hiring panel. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and may be asked to give a research presentation.

Applications should be sent to Tsvetelina Yorgova: [email protected]

 

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Institute of Information and Communication Technologies

Country

Bulgaria

State/Province

Sofia

City

Sofia

Postal Code

1113

Street

"Acad. Georgi Bonchev" str.; bl. 25

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Sofia

Website

http://www.iict.bas.bg

Street

"Acad. Georgi Bonchev" str.; bl. 25

Postal Code

1000

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED