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 interdisciplinary research on the biocompatibility

of electrical 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.

In silico, in vitro and in vivo, the PhD student will study the interaction between living organisms

and electric current delivery systems. In addition, he or she will participate in the design of the

injectable microstimulators of the eAXON project, particularly in those aspects specifically

related to biocompatibility issues such as their mechanical conformation and their external

materials. He or she will attend international meetings and will report his or her results in

scientific journals.

Both independent and team-oriented work will be required. Candidates must be autonomous

learners and have strong analytical and problem solving skills, and independent decision-

making abilities.

Candidates must have a strong background both in engineering/physics and in life sciences.

Candidates with a degree in biomedical engineering are encouraged to apply. Microbiology lab

experience is highly desirable. Experience in animal research will be considered very positively.

In addition, experience in the following areas will be positively valued (not in order of

preference): multiphysics simulation platforms (e.g. COMSOL, ANSYS), histopathology,

mechanical and chemical characterization of materials, foreign body response to materials and

electrical stimulation.

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.

The position is financed by the European project H2020 / ERC