PhD Positions in Networked Neural Interfaces and Signal Processing at University of Essex

The UC2 lab at the University of Essex is seeking two MSCA Doctoral Research Fellows (BRAINET) to join their team in Colchester. These fully funded PhD positions focus on next-generation networked neural interfaces, with research topics including multiphysical power and data transfer (magnetoelectric, NFC, ionic, optics), head biophysics, system optimisation, and multimodal communications for subdural implants. The roles also involve advanced signal processing, compression, and safety/reliability analysis. Successful candidates will register for a PhD at the University of Essex and participate in secondments at Aalborg University and INRIA (for DC4), or INRIA and g.tec (for DC5), each lasting three months. The ideal applicants will have a strong background in mathematics, research-grade proficiency in Python or MATLAB, and experience in reproducible computational work. Additional expertise in communications, signal processing, or biophysical modelling is highly desirable. The positions are funded under the MSCA Doctoral Research Fellowship, with a competitive salary of £38,249–£45,413 per year. Applicants must comply with the MSCA mobility rule, meaning they should not have resided or carried out their main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the last 36 months. The application deadline is 15 March 2026. To apply, candidates should visit the University of Essex jobs portal and use reference REQ09823. This opportunity is ideal for students interested in biomedical engineering, neural interfaces, signal processing, and computational modelling, and offers international research experience through secondments at leading institutions.