Job Opportunity: Development of Ultra-Flexible Tentacle Electrodes (UFTEs)
The brain is an incredibly complex system composed of billions of neurons that communicate with one another. Capturing network activity at the single-cell level across various brain regions is essential for understanding how cognitive functions are performed. Current methods of interfacing with the brain face challenges related to temporal resolution, biocompatibility, and the ability to access deeper brain areas. To address these challenges, we have developed Ultra-Flexible Tentacle Electrodes (UFTEs), which feature fibers significantly smaller than a human hair (2.4 µm x 7 µm cross-sectional area). These electrodes enable the recording of single-unit activity from multiple brain areas in freely-moving rodents, offering remarkable stability over nearly a year. Unlike conventional rigid electrodes, UFTEs evade recognition by the brain's immune system and provide a superior signal-to-noise ratio when compared to state-of-the-art flexible electrodes (Yasar & Gombkoto et al., Nature Communications, 2024).
While we have successfully demonstrated in vivo validation of UFTEs, additional steps are required to promote widespread adoption as a cutting-edge research tool within the neuroscience community. We have received a project grant from Innosuisse aimed at enhancing the user-friendliness and scalability of UFTEs, integrating multimodal recording and stimulation capabilities, and adapting them for studies in non-human primates. Our ultimate goal is to bring UFTEs to market as a sophisticated research instrument.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a new MEMS-based scalable assembly and insertion system for UFTEs, along with supporting in vivo validation.
- Establish new protocols for characterizing UFTEs and improving their long-term stability.
- Design and regularly perform cleanroom microfabrication of UFTEs.
Position Details
This is a 1.5-year position with a starting date in April 2026 (exact date to be agreed upon). Follow-up positions may be available based on interest and funding.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- Required skills: Micro- or nanofabrication and characterization experience in a cleanroom environment, proficiency in 2D and 3D design (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.), basic electronics and circuit design skills, and the ability to assemble/manipulate microscopic components.
- A proven ability to work independently on projects and establish new fabrication/testing protocols based on literature review.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- (Optional) Prior experience in FIRST Lab (ETH Zurich) and continued access may provide a significant advantage.
What We Offer
- An opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating fields of neural interfaces and neuroscience within a highly interdisciplinary environment at a world-leading university.
- Experience at the forefront of developing our neural implant technology for commercialization.
- Engagement in the full lifecycle of device development, from design to practical implementation in in vivo brain-machine interface applications.
- Access to a robust network of neuroscientists and engineers at the Institute of Neuroinformatics, the Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), and our collaborative labs worldwide.
- Flexible working hours and locations: While the majority of work will occur in the lab and cleanroom, we support home-office arrangements for mechanical and electrical design tasks.
Application Process
We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below, including the following documents:
- CV
- A letter of motivation explaining your interest in working with us (maximum one page)
- Two reference letters from past supervisors/employers
- Transcripts from your Bachelor's and Master's studies
For further information about our department, please visit our website. For questions regarding the position, contact Dr. Tansel Baran Yasar at yasart@ethz.ch.
Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.