The aim of the project is to use optogenetic techniques to treat epilepsy; a device permanently implanted in the brain will detect the onset of seizures and illuminate inhibitory cells that have been made light-sensitive by transfection.
Our task at UCL is to develop and test the packaging and encapsulation of the device and we will make use of the nearby London Centre for Nanotechnology and the Clean Room and Electronics Lab of the Implanted Devices Group, based in the Department of Medical Physics & Bioengineering. We will collaborate with groups at Newcastle University whose expertise is in thin films and LEDs and who will be undertaking the neuroscience and clinical work, as well as with Imperial College London who will be working on the integrated circuit design.
The appointed person will be involved with the implant design, setting up long term test to compare coatings that may protect the device, developing the hermetic 'micropackages', developing the integrated humidity sensors and device testing prior to clinical tests.
The post is funded for 2 years in the first instance.
Key Requirements
All candidates must possess a PhD in physics, engineering or a related subject. Knowledge of electronics, mechanics and material science relevant to microfabrication and reliability is essential, as are good demonstrable practical skills in engineering. All candidates must have an interest in developing a novel implanted device as well as reliability testing and failure mechanisms. They must be self motivated and able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Further Details
Further details about the position, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries regarding the vacancy, please contact Professor Nick Donaldson, Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering (email: n.donaldson@ucl.ac.uk )
If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Mr Andy O'Reilly, Department of Medical Physics and Bioengineering (email: andy.oreilly@ucl.ac.uk ).
UCL Taking Action for Equality
Closing Date
8 May 2014
This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Support Staff.
Please use these links to find out more about the UCL Terms and Conditions related to this job, employee benefits that we offer and further information about UCL .
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