Neuroelectronics Research Engineer

Economics Network; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Economics Network seeks a neuroelectronics research engineer to join the Van Rheede group at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Oxford. The role involves developing an autonomous battery-powered closed-loop brain stimulation/recording system for preclinical research in rats, with 24h+ continuous operation in home cages.

The candidate will design architecture, integrate MintNeuro chips, and ensure compact, power-efficient hardware while collaborating with neuroscience researchers and

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent professional/research experience in engineering, computer science, neuroscience or closely related discipline.
• Experience in system design for signal processing and real-time control.
• Experience working with embedded electronics.
• Experience in PCB design and debugging.

Responsibilities

• Design a system architecture and firmware for prototype brain stimulation/recording systems.
• Integrate new brain recording and stimulation chips from MintNeuro.
• Design and implement a system form factor and exterior for a 3D-printed head mount.
• Balance constraints of size, weight and power for preclinical rat experiments.
• Work with technicians and researchers to understand device requirements and constraints.
• Assist with validation in animal experiments and bench testing simulations; support lab staff.

Skills

System design

Embedded electronics

PCB design & debugging

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

PCB design tools

Job description

Location:Old Road Campus

We are seeking a full-time (80% FTE part-time considered) neuroelectronics research engineer to join the Van Rheede group at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science (Old Road Campus, Headington). The post is fixed-term for up to 4 years, the hard end date for the project is the 31st March 2031.

About The Role

You will join an interdisciplinary research team with the goal of accelerating the development of better neuromodulation therapies through enabling better preclinical research on clinically relevant time scales. You will work closely with Dr Joram van Rheede as well as with the research groups of Prof. Andrew Sharott and Prof. Timothy Denison.

You will be responsible for the development, testing and iterative improvement of an autonomous (fully embedded) battery powered closed-loop brain stimulation and recording system for preclinical research. The goal is to enable 24h+ continuous recording and stimulation in preclinical model animals (rats) in their home cage environment for research into the interaction between deep brain stimulation and sleep.

System development work will include:

• Design of a system architecture and firmware building on prototype systems previously developed in the Sharott and Denison labs
• Integration of new integrated brain recording and stimulation chips provided by industry partner MintNeuro
• Design and implementation of a system form factor and exterior suitable for an existing or modified 3d printed head mount
• Managing and balancing constraints regarding size, weight and power in the context of preclinical rat experiments
• Working closely with laboratory technicians and preclinical neuroscience researchers to understand the user requirements and constraints for device operation
• Validation of the device using bench testing simulations of experimental conditions and providing support for validation in animal experiments (assisted by lab animal technician / research assistant)

Additionally, you will be expected to carry out duties common to academic researchers, including contributing to scientific publications, supervision of students and junior researchers, and representing the research group at internal and external meetings and conferences.

About You

We are looking for someone motivated to make an impact on clinical neuromodulation and neuroscience research with strong academic and technical ability who wants to contribute to a positive research environment. You should have a PhD or equivalent professional/research experience in engineering, computer science, neuroscience or a closely related discipline. Additionally, you should have demonstrated experience in 1) system design for signal processing and real-time control, 2) working with embedded electronics, and 3) PCB design and debugging.

Application Process

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Joram van Rheede: [e-mail]

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.

£39,424 to £47,779 per annum