Research Software Engineer Closing date: Oct 23, 2026

University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science; Oxford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Childcare services

Family leave schemes

Cycle loan

Social clubs

Bus travel discounts

Season ticket loans

Job summary

University of Oxford, Department of Engineering Science, is seeking a Neuroelectronics Research Engineer to join the Van Rheede group on a fixed-term project up to four years. The role focuses on developing a fully embedded, battery-powered closed-loop brain stimulation and recording system for preclinical research in rats, with 24h+ operation in home cages.

You will design the system, integrate MintNeuro chips, and ensure a compact form factor while balancing size, weight and power.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design a system architecture and firmware for the closed-loop brain stimulation system.
• Integrate MintNeuro chips for recording and stimulation.
• Design and implement a compact form factor and 3D-printed head mount.
• Balance size, weight and power constraints for preclinical rat experiments.
• Collaborate with technicians and researchers to define device requirements.
• Validate the device with bench tests and assist animal experiments.

Skills

Signal processing

Real-time control

Embedded electronics

PCB design

Education

PhD or equivalent

Tools

MintNeuro chips

Job description

• An excellent contributory pension scheme

United Kingdom

Engineering Science

Neuroelectronics Research Engineer

Description

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.

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.

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

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

Grade 7: Grade 7: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum, including Oxford University Weighting (OUW)

Closing date: Oct 23, 2026 12:00PM