Post-Doctoral Research Officer - Neural Engineering

Applications are invited for a 30-month fixed term postdoctoral research position in the new EPSRC funded project “SenseBack: Enabling Technologies for Sensory Feedback in Next-Generation Assistive Devices“

The overall aim of the project is to develop technologies that will enable the next generation of assistive devices to provide truly natural control through enhanced sensory feedback. Our long-term vision is for artificial arms that provide the user with a sense of feedback that recreates the natural feedback associated with a real arm. To enable this level of feedback, we must meet two clear objectives: to generate artificial signals that mimic those of the natural arm and hand, and to provide a means of delivering those signals to the nervous system of a prosthesis user.

Within this project, the Essex team will lead the development of computational models of the interaction between the microelectrode implants and the target peripheral neural tissue. The models will not only enhance our understanding of electrode/tissue interactions, but will also help determine design parameters for future bespoke neural implants.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in Physics or in Electrical, Electronic, or Biomedical Engineering and experience modelling neural implants or significant experience in at least one of the following: Electromagnetic systems, modelling of electromechanical systems, neural engineering, Electrical/Electronic implants, Bioelectronics, Electrophysiology, Biomedical signals and systems, somatosensory physiology. Applicants are also expected to have a strong publication record as first author, ideally including publications in 1st quartile journals in relevant areas.

The successful applicant will work alongside a PhD student dedicated to this project, will join Dr Francisco Sepulveda (Director of the University of Essex’s Ageing & Assisted Living Network) and other members of the Essex BCI Group, the UK’s largest research group in brain interfaces, and will have access to advanced computational facilities, including a cluster dedicated to neural engineering research. You will also join other outstanding SenseBack researchers at the other project member institutions: Newcastle University, Imperial College, and the Universities of Southampton, Leeds, and Keele.

This 30-month fixed-term post will be based at Colchester campus and is expected to start on 27 July 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter.