PhD Position in Battery-Free Wireless Implantable Bioelectronics

IETR, Université de Rennes 1; Rennes; Sur place; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research institution in Rennes invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on the development of a wireless, battery-free, implantable analog interface for real-time brain chemical monitoring. Candidates with backgrounds in RF circuits, electromagnetics, and wireless bioelectronics are encouraged to apply. The position provides opportunities for collaboration with experts in the field and aims for a starting date of May 1st.

Qualifications

• Strong background in RF circuits and analog electronics.
• Experience in electromagnetics and antenna design.
• Knowledge of wireless sensing and bioelectronics.

Responsabilités

• Co-develop a new class of OECT-based devices.
• Prototype and characterize the wireless link.
• Participate in in vitro / ex vivo testing.

Connaissances

RF circuits / analog electronics

Electromagnetics / antenna design

Wireless sensing / bioelectronics

Description du poste

Overview

Topic description

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position at the intersection of wireless systems, organic electronics, and neurotechnology.

Project Goal

Develop a wireless, battery-free, implantable analog interface using organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) to sense neuromodulators like dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. The readout will be performed by radio-frequency backscattering, enabling minimally invasive, real-time brain chemical monitoring in freely moving animals.

Your Mission

You will co-develop a new class of OECT-based battery-free implantable devices that combine :

• Wireless analog communication based on backscatter-modulation architecture.
• Co-design of front-end electronics and miniature RF antennas for chronic implantation.

You will prototype and characterize the wireless link (power + sensing), design and optimize sensor-resonator coupling, and participate in vitro / ex vivo testing.

Supervision & Environment

• Denys Nikolayev (IETR Rennes): expert in wireless bioelectronics and wave control in tissues
• Simon Hemour (IMS Bordeaux): expert in RF energy harvesting and sensing

Additional collaborations with Nako Nakatsuka’s group (Neuro-X, EPFL), Damien Thuau (IMS), and Clémentine Bosch-Bouju (Neurocampus, Bordeaux).

Profile Sought

We welcome motivated candidates with a strong background in :

• RF circuits / analog electronics
• Electromagnetics / antenna design
• Wireless sensing / bioelectronics
• Prior exposure to implantable devices or organic electronics is a plus but not mandatory.

Starting date

01-05

Funding

Funding category

Other public funding

Funding further details

ANR PRCI APTAWINS