PhD student (M/F): Neuro-electronics: Development of Neuron-on-Chip Platforms for Bi-Directional Interface with In-Vitro Neural Networks
- Toulouse
- CDD
- Temps-plein
The PhD student will be associated to the nano&neuro electronics activities (within MPN team) that have an international recognition in the development of functional nano-devices for nano- and bio-electronics applications. The project will mainly be carried out in the host laboratory in Toulouse, but the student researcher will work in a very stimulating context of international research collaboration.Advancing neural interfaces is of paramount importance across various fields, from deepening our understanding of neuronal function in neurodegenerative diseases to driving the development of pharmaceuticals, and brain-computer interactions. At the heart of this progress of the encoding and decoding of neural activities is the critical need to develop technologies capable of seamlessly integrating neural activity with artificial components. Neurons-on-a-Chip technology has emerged as a valuable toolset, combining two key enabling technologies: PDMS-based microfluidic devices and microelectrode array technology. Microfluidic channel devices through a simple replica molding process within biological laboratories has significantly shortened the turnaround time from assay design to chip fabrication, facilitating various experimental designs. Meanwhile, microelectrode chip technology, which measures electrophysiological signals from individual neurons, has become a popular platform for investigating neural information processing in networks. These advancements have not only enabled the exploration of the intricate relationship between network structure and function but have also ushered in a new era of neurobiology, poised to become standard tools in the near future. However, a current limitation is the weak interaction of planar microelectrodes with neuronal cells which limits the recorded signal quality. At LAAS, we are developing a new class of bio-platform that integrates 3D nanostructured probes (I. Muguet et al 2023 Adv. Mat. 2302472), enabling a very high affinity with interfaced cells while being minimally intrusive due to their low dimensionality. Through meticulous engineering of the probes at the nanoscale, we have achieved very high electrical signal recording (L. Bettamin et al 2024 Small 2309055). In the framework of a newly granted project by the French National Research Agency (ANR) in collaboration with IMS laboratory in Bordeaux, LAAS-CNRS aims to combine these nano-electrodes with microfluidic stamps to design advanced neurons-on-a-chip technology for bidirectional cellular-level interfaces.
Thesis subject: We are looking for a talented PhD candidate who will work on the technological development of nanoelectrode array technology for advanced bio-directional communication with neuronal network at cellular level.
The activities of this PhD project include
(i) The development of the nanoelectrode array platform specifically designed for the bi-directional interfacing of different neuronal networks (Nanotechnology clean room)
(ii) the integration of the neurons-on-a-chip technology including primary neuronal cell culture.
(iii) the relevant neuronal activity recording and the manipulation of activity/connectivity through localized stimulation.RequirementsResearch Field Engineering Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Physics Education Level PhD or equivalentResearch Field Technology Education Level PhD or equivalentLanguages FRENCH Level BasicResearch Field Engineering Years of Research Experience NoneResearch Field Physics Years of Research Experience NoneResearch Field Technology Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationAdditional commentsApplications should include a detailed CV; at least two references (people likely to be contacted); a cover letter of one page; a one-page summary of the master thesis; the marks of Master 1 or 2 or engineering school). Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Laboratoire d'analyse et d'architecture des systèmes Country France City TOULOUSE GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact CityTOULOUSE WebsiteSTATUS: EXPIRED
EURAXESS