Scientific Assistant / Scientific Assistantess

Scientific Assistant for Manufacturing Ultra-Flexible Neural Interfaces

80%-100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The brain is an incredibly complex system comprising billions of neurons that interact with one another. Capturing this network activity at a single-cell level from various brain regions is essential for understanding how the brain facilitates all of its cognitive functions. Current methods for interfacing with the brain have limitations in terms of temporal resolution, biocompatibility, or accessibility to deep brain areas. To address these challenges, we have developed Ultra-Flexible Tentacle Electrodes (UFTEs), featuring fibers one order of magnitude smaller than human hair (2.4 μm x 7 μm cross-sectional area). These electrodes enable us to record single-unit activity from multiple brain areas in freely moving rodents with nearly year-long stability. Unlike existing rigid electrodes, UFTEs are not recognized by the brain's immune system, providing a superior signal-to-noise ratio compared to state-of-the-art flexible electrodes (Yasar & Gombkoto et al., Nature Communications, 2024).

Project Background

While we have demonstrated the in vivo validation of UFTEs, additional steps are required to facilitate their widespread adoption as an advanced research tool in the neuroscience community. Thanks to a project grant from Innosuisse, we aim to make UFTEs more user-friendly and scalable, incorporate multimodal recording and stimulation capabilities, and adapt them for non-human primate studies. The ultimate objective is to introduce UFTEs to the market as an advanced research tool.

Job Description

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

This is a maximum 1.5-year position that can commence in April 2026 (exact date to be agreed upon). Follow-up positions may be available depending on interest and funding.

Profile

• Swiss citizen/permanent resident or EU/EFTA national
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in natural sciences or engineering
• Preferred skills include assembly/manipulation of small components (hobbies that require fine motor skills and patience such as knitting or model building are also relevant), basic chemical benchwork, and soldering electrical components
• Ability to learn new skills quickly, reliably follow protocols, and troubleshoot as needed
• Strong communication skills and the ability to maintain well-organized documentation

Workplace

The successful candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment at a world-leading university, allowing for collaboration with a strong network of neuroscientists and engineers at the Institute of Neuroinformatics, Neuroscience Center Zurich (ZNZ), and our partner labs globally. Flexible working hours will be provided.

We Offer

• An opportunity to enter the exciting fields of neural interfaces and neuroscience
• Involvement in commercializing our neural implant technology
• The full lifecycle experience—designing, building devices, and witnessing their application in in vivo brain-machine interfaces
• Compensation (exact amount depending on working percentage, educational background, and experience in line with ETH Zurich standards), social security benefits, and other advantages

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to promoting an inclusive culture that champions equality of opportunity. We embrace diversity and foster an environment where the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. To learn more, visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website. Sustainability is a core value at ETH Zurich, and we are actively working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• CV
• Letter of motivation explaining your interest in working with us (maximum one page)
• One or two reference letters from past supervisors/employers (if available)
• Transcripts of your studies

For further information about the department, kindly visit our website. Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Tansel Baran Yasar at yasart@ethz.ch.

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich stands as one of the world's leading universities specializing in science and technology. Renowned for its exceptional education, pioneering research, and direct knowledge transfer to society, we attract over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries who thrive in our environment promoting independent thinking and striving for excellence. Situated in the heart of Europe while fostering global connections, we collaborate to develop solutions for the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.