Scientific Assistant for Manufacturing Ultra-Flexible Neural Interfaces / Scientific Assistantess for Manufacturing Ultra-Flexible Neural Interfaces

Job Opportunity: Ultra-Flexible Tentacle Electrode (UFTE) Research Position

The brain is an incredibly complex system composed of billions of neurons that interact intricately. Understanding how the brain performs its cognitive functions necessitates capturing network activity at a single-cell level across multiple brain areas. Traditional methods for interfacing with the brain often face limitations in temporal resolution, biocompatibility, or the ability to engage deep brain regions. To address these challenges, we have developed Ultra-Flexible Tentacle Electrodes (UFTEs), which are fibers one order of magnitude smaller than human hair (2.4 µm x 7 µm cross-sectional area). These innovative electrodes enable the recording of single-unit activity from multiple brain regions in freely-moving rodents, offering nearly year-long stability. Unlike conventional stiff electrodes, UFTEs are not recognized by the brain's immune system, providing a superior signal-to-noise ratio when compared to state-of-the-art flexible electrodes (Yasar & Gombkoto et al., Nature Communications, 2024).

Although we have demonstrated the in vivo validation of UFTEs, additional steps are necessary to facilitate their widespread adoption as an advanced research tool within the neuroscience community. We have received a project grant from Innosuisse to make UFTEs more user-friendly and scalable, enhance their multimodal recording and stimulation capabilities, and adapt them for non-human primate studies. Our ultimate goal is to bring these UFTEs to market as a cutting-edge research tool.

Key Responsibilities

• Soldering electrical components and UFTEs to printed circuit boards.
• 3D-printing, machining, and electrochemical manufacturing of components to facilitate surgical insertion and secure shipment of UFTEs.
• Assembling surgery-ready UFTEs for in-house use or distribution to collaborators.

Position Details

This is a 1.5-year position beginning in April 2026 (exact start date to be agreed upon). Follow-up positions may be available based on interest and funding.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in natural sciences or engineering.
• Preferred skills: Experience in assembly and manipulation of small components (hobbies that require fine motor skills and patience, such as knitting or model building, are also valued), basic chemical benchwork, and soldering of electrical components.
• Ability to quickly learn new skills, follow protocols reliably, and adjust or troubleshoot when necessary.
• Strong communication skills and meticulous documentation practices.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to immerse yourself in the exciting fields of neural interfaces and neuroscience within a highly interdisciplinary environment at a world-leading university.
• The chance to contribute to making our neural implant technology market-ready for commercialization.
• The experience of being involved in the entire lifecycle—from design and assembly to witnessing devices in action through in vivo brain-machine interface applications.
• Access to a robust network of neuroscientists and engineers at the Institute of Neuroinformatics, Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), and our collaborating labs worldwide.
• Flexible working hours and competitive compensation (exact amount will be determined based on working percentage, educational level, and experience in line with ETH Zurich standards), along with social security and other benefits from ETH Zurich.

If you are interested in this position, please apply online using the form below.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. For further information about our department, please visit our website. For any questions regarding the position, kindly reach out to Dr. Tansel Baran Yasar at yasart@ethz.ch.