In the context of an ERC Consolidator Grant recently awarded, the Biomedical Electronics Research Group (BERG) of the Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF) in Barcelona is seeking candidates for a PhD scholarship to carry out research on the design and characterization of power transfer and communication systems for medical electronic implants. The project to be supported by the ERC Consolidator Grant is titled “Electronic AXONs: wireless microstimulators based on electronic rectification of epidermically applied currents” (eAXON) and it is intended to explore an innovative method for implementing neuroprosthetic systems based on injectable microstimulators. The PhD student will conceive, design and implement devices and systems and assay them in vitro and in vivo in close collaboration with life sciences researchers. He or she will also perform multiphysics numerical studies. He or she will participate in international meetings and will report his or her results in scientific journals.

 

Both independent and team-oriented work will be required. Candidates must have strong analytical and problem solving skills, and independent decision-making abilities. Candidates must hold a BSc or a MSc degree (preferably both) in electronics engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, and, ideally, a MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering or some sort of background in biology and medicine. Experience in designing and implementing advanced analogue and digital circuits with off-the- shelf components is required. Knowledge and experience in power electronics will be considered very positively. In addition, experience in the following areas will be positively valued (not in order of preference): mixed-signal microelectronics design, electric field simulation tools (e.g. COMSOL Multiphysics), animal experimentation, electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards and electronic packaging and connection technologies. Candidates must be highly motivated in scientific research and in challenging engineering developments. Very good communication skills in English are essential. Only candidates with very good technical writing skills will be considered.

 

Candidates should fulfil the admission requirements to the doctoral program in Information and Communication Technologies at the UPF. That is, candidates must be able to provide accreditation that they have obtained an accredited undergraduate degree (Bachelor degree or recognized equivalent degree from an accredited Higher Education Institution). Moreover, they must be able to demonstrate that they have obtained or are in position to obtain an accredited graduate/master's degree (equivalent to a Spanish Master Universitario/Oficial, Master's of Research.... ) which enables them to access a PhD program in their home country. Request for admission into the PhD program will be carried out after selection process for the scholarship.

 

For further information please visit https://www.upf.edu/web/etic/power-transfer-and-communication-systems-for-electronic-implants