Electrodes can only be inserted into the tissue in parallel to the needle axis. Therefore, a minimum critical stiffness is necessary. These electrodes are not flexible and cannot adapt to curvature of anatomical structures and pulsatile changes of position. Research focuses on different strategies to improve the tissue-material interface: geometrical variations like lattices structures, tubular substrates with resorbable cores, surface modifications, and hydrogel coatings on stiff substrates. However, with these state of the art developments the basic problems in penetrating microelectrodes are not solved.

We will develop novel concepts for penetrating multichannel microelectrodes in which the mechanical stiffness can be adjusted to match the different requirements during insertion and chronic recording.

The successful applicant has a second degree (M.Sc, Diploma or equivalent) in neuroscience, biology, or medicine and has a solid background in electrical engineering and systems neuroscience as well as a strong interest in interdisciplinary research. He/she will perform acute and chronic recordings in rodents to test the biocompatibility and long-term functionality of new electrodes. Additionally, histological and immunohistochemical test will be performed to quantify the reaction of the nervous tissue.

The Bernstein Center Freiburg concentrates research in Computational Neuroscience and Neurotechnology at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The projects are highly interdisciplinary and span from mathematical-theoretical approaches on the function and dynamics of neuronal networks over neuroanatomy and experimentally driven neurophysiology up to the development of technologies for medical application. 

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