The brain is a very complex system consisting of billions of neurons that interact with one another. Capturing this network activity at a single-cell level from multiple brain areas is essential for understanding how the brain performs all of its cognitive functions. Existing methods to interface with the brain have limitations in either temporal resolution, biocompatibility or the ability to reach deep brain areas. To solve this problem, we developed Ultra-Flexible Tentacle Electrodes (UFTEs), consisting of fibers one order of magnitude smaller than hair (2.4 um x 7 um cross-sectional area). These electrodes allowed us to record single-unit activity from multiple brain areas in freely-moving rodents with almost year-long stability. Unlike existing stiff electrodes, UFTEs are not recognized by the brain's immune system. UFTEs provide a higher signal-to-noise ratio than state-of-the-art flexible electrodes (
Yasar & Gombkoto et al., Nature Communications, 2024).
Project background While we have demonstrated in vivo validation of UFTEs, further steps are necessary to enable widespread adoption as an advanced research tool within the neuroscience community. We received a project grant from Innosuisse to make the UFTEs more user-friendly and scalable, add multimodal recording/stimulation capabilities and adapt them for non-human primate studies. The ultimate goal is to place the UFTEs in the market as an advanced research tool.
Job description - Soldering electrical components and UFTEs to printed circuit boards
- 3D-printing, machining and electrochemical manufacturing of components for the surgical insertion and secure shipment of UFTEs
- Assembly of surgery-ready UFTEs to be used in-house or shipped to collaborators
This is a 1.5-year position that can start in April 2026 (exact date by agreement). Follow-up positions may be available depending on interest and funding.
Profile - Swiss citizen/permanent resident or EU/EFTA national
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in natural sciences or engineering
- Preferred skills: Assembly/manipulation of small components (hobbies that require fine motor skills and patience such as knitting or model building also count), basic chemical benchwork, soldering electrical components
- Ability to learn new skills quickly, follow a protocol reliably and adjust/troubleshoot if needed
- Strong communication skills and are keeping well-organized documentation
We offer - An opportunity to step into the exciting fields of neural interfaces and neuroscience in a highly interdisciplinary environment at a world-leading university
- Being on the frontier of making our neural implant technology market-ready for commercialization
- The full lifecycle where you don't just design and build devices, but you also get to see them in action with in vivo brain-machine interface applications
- Access to a strong network of neuroscientists and engineers at the Institute of Neuroinformatics, Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ) and our collaborating labs worldwide
- Flexible working hours
- Compensation (exact amount depending on the working percentage, educational level and experience in accordance with ETH Zurich standards), social security benefits and other benefits from ETH Zurich
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