Postdoc in Neurotechnologies for Bionic Eye – DTU Construct

The Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering , Section of Manufacturing Engineering, DTU invites applications for a Postdoc position. The initial contract is for 18 months. The approximate starting time is 1 September 2023.  

Research field

60 million people worldwide are blind. Restoring vision to blind people remains one of the formidable challenges of neural science and neural technologies. Embarking on this difficult and yet important challenge, we assembled interdisciplinary and intercontinental experts from vision (Harvard Medical School, USA), neuroscience (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), and neural engineering (DTU, Denmark). We will develop the next generation neuroimplant based on micromagnetic stimulation. 

Inspired and encouraged by our recent results (paper 1 , paper 2 ), we envision an intriguing potential to restore vision and dramatically improve the lives of blind people. The science and technology obtained from this project can also be extended to treat other brain illnesses, such as depression. They may also be useful for developing next-generation enhancements to existing implants used for Parkinson’s and deafness. Our research is high-risk and high gain.  

DTU’s role in the collaboration is fabricating implants for animals (mice and monkeys) consisting of micro-coil (MEMS) arrays. The experimental work will occur at a state-of-the-art cleanroom facility (DTU Nanolab ). See also the vitural tour . The Novo Nordisk Foundation generously supports the project, and it is an extension of the Obama BRAIN Initiative . 

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your responsibilities are task include 

• MEMS micro-coil array designs collaborate with the Harvard and Copenhagen teams. 
• Explore manufacturing processes and workflows for implant development.
• Cleanroom nanofabrication. 
• Micro-coil assembly (packaging) for neuroscience measurements in collaboration with the other teams. 
• Writing project reports and participating in project meetings. 
• Co- supervising bachelor, master, and PhD students. 
• Writing and publishing high-quality papers.
• Innovation (start-up company) for clinical impact.  

Because of the ambitious nature of the project and project teams, we are looking for a stellar engineer or scientist with great ambitions to make a difference by cutting-edge engineering. We seek strong experimental skills, open-mindedness, “I can do”, and a never-give-up mentality. You are extremely well-organized. You are ambitious to bring advanced technologies to the market or take on the challenge of establishing your own research group or developing into a senior scientist role. We are looking for a bright and empathic person with a PhD degree in mechanical/process/mechatronics engineering, neurotechnologies, biomedical engineering, MEMS engineering or similar.  

Skills:

The ideal candidate has the below skills and experiences 

• MEMS technology and cleanroom experience. (DTU Nanolab experience is valued but not required.) 
• Neurotechnology device development.
• MEMS magnetic stimulation for cortical activation. 
• Basic knowledge and a keen interest in neuroscience and neurotechnology 

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).  

Application procedure 

To apply, please read the full job advertisement by clicking the 'Apply' button.