PhD Position in Non-Invasive Deep Brain Stimulation and Wireless Neural Interfaces at Trinity College Dublin (BRAINET Project) Trinity College Dublin in Ireland

The Wireless Engineering and Complexity Science Laboratory (WhyCOM-Lab) and Medical Circuits and Systems Laboratory (MediCAS-Lab) at Trinity College Dublin invite applications for a PhD position focused on developing a non-invasive deep brain stimulation (DBS) concept for common neurological disorders. DBS is a proven therapy for conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Dystonia, and Major Depression Disorder, but current approaches require deep brain implants, which carry significant surgical risks including haemorrhage and brain damage.

The BRAINET project (Networked Distributed Neural Interfaces for Interference-Based Brain Stimulation) aims to retain the clinical benefits of DBS while eliminating the risks associated with chronic brain implants. The project leverages novel nanostructured smart materials that promise effective brain stimulation and wireless energy harvesting, opening new avenues in bioelectronic medicine. BRAINET is a multidisciplinary consortium comprising leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners, all internationally recognized in neural engineering, smart materials, networking, and intra-body wireless communications.

As a PhD student in BRAINET, you will receive comprehensive training in translational neuroscience, neuro-ethics, smart nano-architectured materials, and wireless signal safety. The research will focus on defining communication and wireless powering strategies, exploring network architectures for semantics-based information and power transfer, and examining both explicit and implicit communication signals, including those related to brain inactivity.

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s premier university, is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, non-traditional career paths, or those displaced by war. The university supports work-life balance and maintains a family-friendly environment. Trinity is an EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champion and holds an Athena Swan Silver award for advancing gender equality in higher education.

Applicants should submit a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for two referees to Professor Nicola Marchetti and Professor Friedrich Wetterling. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a Zoom interview. For further details and to apply, visit the provided application link.