The Medical Circuits and Systems Laboratory (MediCAS-Lab) and Wireless Engineering and Complexity Science Laboratory (WhyCOM-Lab) at Trinity College Dublin invite applications for a PhD position as part of the BRAINET project. This research opportunity centers on developing a non-invasive deep brain stimulation concept for common neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, Dystonia, and Major Depression Disorder. Traditional Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) involves surgical implantation of electrodes, which carries significant risks including haemorrhage and brain damage. The BRAINET project aims to retain the clinical benefits of DBS while eliminating the need for chronic implants, thereby reducing associated risks.
BRAINET leverages novel nanostructured smart materials that interact closely with the brain, offering promising advances in brain stimulation and wireless energy harvesting. The project is highly multidisciplinary, integrating expertise from neural engineering, materials science, networking, and intra-body wireless communications. The PhD student will focus on developing body-coupled networking ad-hoc protocols to coordinate transcalvarial brain stimulators, exploring innovative methods for temporal interference brain stimulation. The ultimate goal is to prototype and fabricate bidirectional neural interfaces with arbitrary waveform stimulators using Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) technology.
Comprehensive training is provided, covering translational neuroscience, neuro-ethics, smart nano-architectured materials, and wireless signal safety. The BRAINET consortium includes leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners, all internationally recognized in DBS-related fields. The program is committed to fostering responsible researchers and driving innovation in bioelectronic medicine, with the potential to reshape healthcare and deliver substantial societal benefits.
Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s premier university, is an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and holds an Athena Swan Silver award for advancing gender equality. The university supports work-life balance and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, non-traditional career paths, or international applicants displaced by conflict.
Applicants should prepare a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees. Applications must be submitted to Professors Friedrich Wetterling and Nicola Marchetti via email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a Zoom interview. For further details and to apply, visit the official Trinity College Dublin application portal.