Development of transducers or “brain-on-a-chip” platforms to record and modulate brain cells.

The Bioelectronics group at the University of Bath in UK has a project focusing on the development of transducers or “brain-on-a-chip” platforms to record and modulate brain cells. The new technology will enable pharmaceutical companies and academics to better understand and easily study ‘in-vivo’ cognitive dysfunctions. As a model tissue the PhD student will work on human derived induced pluripotent stem cells provided by a world leading pharmaceutical company. This PhD project represents an exciting opportunity for graduates with a background in biology, engineering, materials and/or neurophysiology to expand their expertise towards neurotechnological applications. We particularly welcome application from home/EU students.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Responsible for setting up a pharmacological screen, based on the use of human induced pluripotent stem cells grown on microfluidic multi-electrode arrays;
• Differentiate cells;
• Design and perform scientific research;
• Works in a team with other PhD and undergraduate students, scientists and clinicians;
• Discuss, plan and perform research in a stimulating environment;
• Work in a highly international research group across two different departments: Electrical Engineering and Biology.

Successful applicants will ideally have graduated (or be due to graduate) with an undergraduate Masters first class degree and/or MSc distinction (or overseas equivalent) in Bioengineering, Biology or Electronics. Any English language requirements must be met at the deadline for applications.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Paulo Rocha ([Email Address Removed])

Formal applications should be made via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Electronic & Electrical Engineering. Please ensure that you state the full project title and lead supervisor name on the application form.

https://samis.bath.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/siw_ipp_lgn.login?process=siw_ipp_app&code1=RDUEE-FP01&code2=0013

A full application must be submitted by the application deadline, including all supporting documents, to enable review.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found here:

http://www.bath.ac.uk/guides/how-to-apply-for-doctoral-study/

Anticipated start date: 30 September 2019