Career Opportunities

Join biointerfaces lab

PhD position in “ Design and Development of Advanced and Miniaturized Electromagnetic Systems for Neuronal Stimulation”

Join Us in Pioneering the Future of Neuromodulation based on Magnetic Nanomaterials!

About Us:

Imagine a completely new technology that can wirelessly stimulate and monitor specific areas of the brain—transforming the possibilities for treatment of neurodegenerative conditions. At the Biointerfaces Lab at Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), our mission is to develop innovative, minimally invasive neuromodulation technologies that bring precision to therapeutic solutions for applications in the human brain.

FAU is one of Germany’s leading research universities, offering an inspiring, interdisciplinary environment that fosters creativity, scientific collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking. Our lab, within the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, focuses on designing and applying magnetic nanomaterials for groundbreaking biomedical applications.

Your Role:

We are offering an exciting 3-year PhD position as part of the prestigious ERC-funded BRAINMASTER project. The goal? To develop next-generation devices that control deep brain activity remotely using magnetic nanomaterials.

As a researcher and PhD candidate, you will:

– Design advanced miniaturized electromagnetic circuits and use them to remotely control magnetic nanotransducers alongside MRI techniques.

– Take charge of your own research project, including experiment design, data management, and publication of results.

– Actively take part in project and group meetings and disseminate your research through conference proceedings and presentations, as well as the participation in public events.

– Supervise BSc/MSc students and contribute to the collective success of the lab.

– Collaborate closely with world-class experts at FAU and our partner institutions, like the Microelectronics Lab at the University of Glasgow, UK.

This is your opportunity to work at the forefront of neuromodulation, collaborating with experts in material sciences, neurobiology, and electronic engineering to reshape medical technology.

What You’ll Bring:

We’re seeking a passionate, highly motivated, self-driven scientist with:

– A Master’s degree in Electronic Engineering, Neuronal Engineering or similar fields.

– Strong theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of electromagnetism, hands-on experience in electronic circuit development, and simulation skills (COMSOL Multiphysics or similar).

– Enthusiasm for applying magnetic nanomaterials to neurotechnology, neuromodulation, and electrophysiology.

– The ambition to optimize magnetic field parameters and develop MRI pulse sequences for in vitro and in vivo applications, using high field gradients with AC-field based neuromodulation volumes.

– Fluency in English, excellent communication skills and the willingness to fully commit yourself to drive innovation as part of a multidisciplinary and international team

– Experience in data acquisition, MRI analysis, or image processing is a plus

What We Offer:

– Direct mentorship from Prof. Danijela Gregurec, head of Biointerfaces Lab and ERC and EIC grant awardee, giving you access to a strong European research network.

– Access to world-class FAU facilities with state-of-the-art technical equipment.

– Clean room training and cutting-edge technology transfer at the University of Glasgow, including hands-on experience in device fabrication and characterization.

– Be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment that values equality and innovation.

– A 3-year position funded at 67% of TVL E13, in accordance with the German public sector salary scale.

Desired Start Date: January 1st, 2025

Ready to Shape the Future?

If you’re excited about cutting-edge research in the field of neuromodulation and eager to join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, we want to hear from you! Please send your application until November, 1^st 2024 as a single PDF file to contact-biointerfaces@fau.de, including:

A personal statement detailing your motivation and relevant experience.
Your CV, highlighting your personal contributions to previous projects.
Your BSc and MSc transcripts and diplomas.
A list of three references (including email addresses).

Applications submitted through other channels (social media, recruitment platforms, or postal mail) will not be considered.

For more information about FAU and the Biointerfaces Lab, visit our websites.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our innovative team!

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FAU Students

Master Thesis: Synthesis of Magnetic Nanotubes

The Biointerfaces Labs (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis in the field of synthesis of magnetic nanomaterials. Anisotropic geometries in magnetic nanostructures have been described by our group (Gregurec et al., 2021) with properties highly desirable for application in mechanical neuromodulation. Spindle or tube shape like nanoparticles represent promising candidates, as their rotation can be induced through external magnetic field stress, while still presenting a favorable shape for biological applications. The thesis will focus on the optimization of a hydrothermal reaction for the synthesis of nanotubes and nanospindles. The candidate will characterize the material and is expected to obtain a sound knowledge of crystal phase identification (QualX software, cell parameters calculations, Gaussian/Lorentzian fitting, etc.), magnetization curve analysis, and hands-on experience in sample preparation as well as basic TEM operation. The ideal candidate should have background in chemical synthesis and/or material science and a genuine interest in protocol development in material production, as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

Master thesis: Calcium imaging for assessing magnetoelectric nanoparticle actuation on neurons

The Biointerfaces Lab (Prof. Dr. Danijela Gregurec) is offering a Master Thesis project in the field of nanotechnology and neuro-stimulation. The project aims to demonstrate the functionality of magnetoelectric nanoparticles in vitro. Experiments will be performed using fluorescence microscopy techniques to track calcium flux during induced cellular stimulation. The candidate will acquire comprehensive understanding on magnetoelectric materials and ion channel activation, hands on experience in primary cell cultures of hippocampal neurons as well as a direct handling of a fluorescence microscope and image processing. Ideally the MSc candidate should have a background in cultivation of cells and previous experience on microscopy (optical or fluorescent), as well as an open-minded mentality, to work in a highly international and interdisciplinary team. This master thesis is integrated into a multidisciplinary project developing novel approaches for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, funded by the European Union’s European Innovation Council HORIZON-EIC-PATHFINDER program.

If you are interested in working with us, don’t hesitate to reach out to join Biointerfaces lab as student assistant (HiWi) as well as for thesis work and practicals.

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Did not find the right job for you? We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team. If you are interested in working with us, please get in touch: contact-biointerfaces@fau.de