STI – PhD studentship position in implantable neurotechnologies

Description

• School or College: School of Engineering
• Lab, Institute name and project description: Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces (LSBI)

The project consists in :

ReWIRE is a Marie Skodowska-Curie Doctoral Network focused on the Technology-driven combinatorial therapy to rewire the spinal cord after injury.

ReWIRE aims to establish meaningful long-term and autonomous functional recovery by combining axonal regrowth and reconnection with new neuronal circuits, controlled by the brain and boosted by neuromodulation. The overall goal is to translate combinatorial SCI therapies from bench to bedside in a timely manner, thereby improving the quality of life and reducing societal burden

The network includes >12 partners within Europe and will train up to 14 doctoral fellows.

The main objective of the project available at the EPFL Laboratory for Soft Bioelectronic Interfaces is to engineer soft and electroactive materials for biointegrated spinal cord electrode implants.  The project will explore the design and engineering of soft electrode arrays optimized for selective stimulation of the spinal cord.  The project will start with the selection and engineering of biomimetic implant materials, which will support long-term biointegration of the implant in the demanding mechanical environment of the cervical region of the spinal cord.  Implants will be manufactured and systematically characterized in biomimetic in vitro models of the spinal cord before in vivo evaluation in various models of spinal cord injury.

The candidate will work closely with another doctoral student in the Grégoire Courtine’s lab at EPFL.

Your profile

• MSc degree in materials science or microengineering or biomedical engineering.
• Some background in microfabrication is a plus.
• Motivation for multidisciplinary research and team projects
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Self-motivated, creative and enthusiastic about team and multidisciplinary projects

We offer:

An opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in bioelectronics within a world-class community of engineers and material scientists.

A dynamic, multidisciplinary, international and collaborative working environment based at the Campus Biotech in Geneva.

EPFL is an international and world-class engineering institution that hosts state-of-the-art experimental and computational facilities, and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community.

EPFL is an equal-opportunity employer.

We offer a competitive salary and benefit, defined by EPFL scales and regulations.

• Work rate: .100%
• Duration of studies: 1 year (renewable)
• Location: Geneva, Campus Biotech
• Earliest starting date: Spring 2023

Application process

To be considered, your application should be submitted as one single pdffile that contains (list of required documents):

• Curriculum vitae
• Copies of diplomas
• Names of 3 persons for references

Application deadline: 30 November 2022

Contact person for more information and application submission: Prof. Stéphanie P. Lacour, stephanie.lacour@epfl.ch or Ms. Christel Daidié, christel.daidie@epfl.ch

For more information, feel free to consult the following links: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lsbi/

Please note that the successful/shortlisted candidate will be invited to apply to one of the EPFL doctoral schools . This parallel application process is necessary to be eligible for a PhD at EPFL.