Researcher in focused ultrasound neuromodulation of peripheral nerves

Researcher in focused ultrasound neuromodulation of peripheral nerves

Job ID: 30379

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

The goal of this PhD or postdoctoral research is to design a focused ultrasound (FUS) system for spatially selective activation of the vagus nerve. The focus is on two usage scenarios: non-invasive transcutaneous FUS and minimally invasive FUS that places the transducer directly on the vagus nerve. FUS has been rediscovered in the past 15 years and has enjoyed much attention from researchers. Despite this, the mechanisms of action of FUS are still not well-understood. For this reason, this job opening focuses on fundamental research including simulations of FUS biophysics and validation in experimental in-vitro/in-vivo setups.

The first subobjective is to build extensive validated knowledge of the biophysics of FUS for vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). The second subobjective is to formulate the requirements of a prototype FUS system for VNS, focusing on steerability of the stimulation target and low complexity of implementation. The third subobjective, is to experimentally validate the simulation predictions. The project end result is a comprehensive set of requirements for a (pre)clinical FUS system for VNS. The end result should pave the way for a future prototype hardware realization of vagus nerve FUS.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree or a thesis-based doctorate in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, engineering physics or in a related domain.
• The candidate has experience in simulations, prototyping and proof-of-principle experiments for focused ultrasound applications. Affinity with CMOS processes and transducer technology is a plus.
• Ability to devise creative solutions based on and going beyond the state-of-the-art.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 01.11.2026 to 30.06.2027.
• Your contract will start on 01.11.2026 at the earliest.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

INTERESTED?

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.