Neuroelectronics Research Engineer

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent contributory pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan scheme

Membership to clubs and societies

Discounted bus travel

Job summary

University of Oxford seeks a researcher to develop an autonomous, battery-powered closed-loop brain stimulation and recording system for preclinical rat experiments, integrating new chips from MintNeuro and ensuring 24h+ operation in home cages.

The role involves system architecture design, firmware development, PCB debugging, testing, and collaboration with neuroscience researchers, technicians, and industry partners, with opportunities for publications and supervision of students.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent experience in engineering, computer science, neuroscience or related discipline.
• Experience with signal processing and real-time control.
• Experience with embedded electronics and PCB debugging.

Responsibilities

• Design system architecture for a battery-powered closed-loop brain stimulation system.
• Develop firmware and validate with bench tests and animal experiments.
• Collaborate with technicians and researchers; contribute to publications and supervision.

Skills

System design for signal processing

Real-time control

Embedded electronics

Education

PhD in engineering/computer science/neuroscience or related

Tools

PCB design software

Job description

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: 1) Design of a system architecture and firmware building on prototype systems previously developed in the Sharott and Denison labs 2) Integration of new integrated brain recording and stimulation chips provided by industry partner MintNeuro 3) Design and implementation of a system form factor and exterior suitable for an existing or modified 3d printed head mount 4) Managing and balancing constraints regarding size, weight and power in the context of preclinical rat experiments 5) Working closely with laboratory technicians and preclinical neuroscience researchers to understand the user requirements and constraints for device operation 6) 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.

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.

What We Offer

Your happiness and wellbeing at work matters to us, so we offer a range of family friendly and financial benefits including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

The University also runs an enormous number of social groups and sports clubs for those looking for more than just a great place to work.