Background and Mission
Emerging in-body bioelectronics and biosensors offer powerful capabilities for medicine, clinical research, and basic science. Precision medicine requires precision diagnostics, and biotelemetric microimplants make it possible to yield more precise information than ever before about one’s health. Miniature wireless neural interfacesallow us to study the brain via mapping, assisting, augmenting, and repairing cognitive or sensory-motor functions. Moreover, the emerging electroceuticals aim individual nerve fibers or specific neural circuits that regulate the body’s organs and processes to treat a range of conditions. Recent developments in biosensors and biointerfaces show great promise in realization of highly capable and miniature in-body bioelectronics. However, modern devices suffer from the compromise between the size of the battery and the duration of the experiment or functionality of the device. The battery usually occupies 80–90% of the total payload, and its replacement requires going through surgery. Therefore, the efficient through-body wireless powering became a grand challenge. The qualified candidate will work towards solving the scientific and technical questions in this field. This project builds on the unique scientific and technical expertise of the IETR laboratory of CNRS in the fields of wave physics, complex radiating structures, and bioelectromagnetics.
The missions of this project are: (1) to contribute to our existing studies of the bio-adaptive wavefront shaping methodologies, (2) to model the problem of energy exchange between the body-conformal radiating structures and a microimplant in a complex biological environment, and (3) to develop novel antenna array structures and FPGA-based RF control circuits for localization and adaptive wireless powering. In close collaboration with other team members, the candidate will also contribute to the prototype development, manufacturing, and testing. Last generation of high-performance workstations with GPU accelerators and advanced numerical solvers will be used to handle electromagnetic analysis. State-of-the-art manufacturing and measurement facilities of IETR will help with the prototyping and testing. The final system will be characterized in tissue-equivalent models as well as in vivo through established collaborations of our group. Finally, the successful candidate will be expected to present results of the work in high-profile journals and conferences.
Recent relevant works of our team:
- D. Nikolayev et al., “Optimal radiation of body-implanted capsules,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 122(10), 2019.
- D. Nikolayev et al., “Reconfigurable dual-band capsule-conformal antenna array for in-body bioelectronics,” IEEE Trans. Antennas Propag. 70(5), 2022.
- M. Davy and A. Z. Genack “Selectively exciting quasi-normal modes in open disordered systems,” Nat. Commun. 9(1), 2018.
- P. del Hougne et al., “Precise localization of multiple noncooperative objects in a disordered cavity by wave front shaping,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 121(6), 2018.
Required Background
- Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree.
- Competence in electromagnetics and wave physics; knowledge of microwave and antenna engineering.
- Solid experience with numerical electromagnetic solvers (e.g., COMSOL, CST, HFSS), skills in programming (FPGA, C, and Python or MATLAB), and measurement equipment (VNA, etc.).
- Fluency in English: the candidate should be conversant and articulate in English and must have strong writing skills. Knowledge of French is not required but would be appreciated.
Advantages
The qualified candidate will be part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team in an international, highly collaborative, and stimulating environment. He/she will have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, workshops, high-performance computing facilities, continuous training and receive a competitive salary. In addition:
- approx. 7 weeks of annual leave per year + possibility of exceptional leave (moving home, etc.),
- generous statutory benefits: the French national health coverage, retirement/pension funds, etc.,
- possibility of subsidized meals and partial reimbursement of public transport costs,
- location in one of the most attractive cities in France to live. Train connections: 1:30 to Paris and 0:45 to a seaside.
Duration: Initial duration of 24 months, extension possible. Starting date: as soon as possible.
Location: IETR laboratory of CNRS (Rennes, Region of Brittany, France). Short-term visits to our international collaborators at EPFL and the National University of Singapore can be arranged as well.
How to Apply
Please send your applications to Dr. Denys Nikolayev and Prof. Ronan Sauleau via the CNRS intranet.
Each application should consist of (PDF format):
- a CV incl. publication list and contact details of at least three academic or professional references,
- a short 1-page motivation letter.
Denys Nikolayev 