MSCA Doctoral Researcher Position at Tampere University: Methods to Assess Brain State via Spatiotemporal Interference Stimulation

Tampere University, in collaboration with Tampere University of Applied Sciences, offers a unique multidisciplinary environment for high-impact research and education. This doctoral position is part of the EU Horizon Europe – MSCA BRAINET project, which aims to advance deep brain stimulation using electric field spatiotemporal interference stimulation. The project seeks to influence therapeutic regions deep in the brain non-invasively, developing skull implantable stimulation hubs that form a communication network for 3D targeting, semantic information transfer, and synchronization, enabling self-adjusting therapeutic stimulation.

The stimulation hubs utilize novel magneto-electrical transducer stacks, driven by external magnetic fields, and perform adjustable frequency stimulation via nano-modified, compliant electrodes. Network formation is enabled by multiphysics approaches and ionic in-body communication, instantiated by dedicated microelectronic hardware. Preclinical in-vitro and in-vivo testing will validate this innovative Brain-Computer Interface.

The doctoral candidate will develop a novel in-vitro neuronal cell culture environment to assess non-invasive interference stimulation and new microdevice generations. Responsibilities include designing, fabricating, and testing in-vitro setups for 3D or semi-3D cell culturing with interference stimulation systems and commercial multielectrode array systems. The position is ideal for technically gifted biologists, biologically oriented engineers, or scientists comfortable with living cells, 3D materials, electric stimulation, and cellular electrophysiology recordings.

Planned secondments include a 3-month stay at Prof. Ulrich Hofman’s laboratory (University of Freiburg, Germany) for in vivo preclinical studies, and another 3 months at Prof. Barros’s lab to integrate neuronal status assessment with a multi-physical communication platform. The candidate will also participate in dissemination activities, including social media promotion, project website updates, LinkedIn groups, YouTube channels, and blogging.

Supervisory Team: Prof. Jari Hyttinen, Dr. Jarno Tanskanen, Dr. Annika Ahtiainen

Employment Details: Place of employment is Tampere University, Finland. The contract is full-time for 36 months, with a 6-month trial period. The target degree is a PhD from Tampere University. The expected starting date is March 1st, 2026, or as mutually agreed.

Funding: The position offers a gross salary of approximately 3950€/month plus family allowance if applicable, in accordance with MSCA funding rules.

Eligibility & Requirements: Applicants must have an MSc in Biomedical Engineering, Biology, or Biotechnology with interest in neural engineering and in-vitro methods. Candidates must be eligible for the Tampere University Doctoral Program and not have been awarded a doctoral degree. The MSCA Mobility Rule applies: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Finland for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment. Proficiency in English is mandatory; a language certificate may be requested. Required documents include certified copies of degree certificates, official translations, CV (preferably Europass format), list of publications, references, and a motivation letter.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the Tampere University online recruitment system (LAURA portal) by 1st March 2026. Early applications are encouraged as interviews may begin during the application period. Applications by email are not accepted.

About Tampere & Finland: Finland is recognized for its stability, safety, and social progress. Tampere is a major academic hub in the Nordic region, offering a dynamic living environment and vibrant entrepreneurial community. The Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology integrates biotechnology, biomedical engineering, and medicine with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities.

For further information, contact Professor Jari Hyttinen at [email protected].