Student project: In-vivo Exploration and Optimization of Selective Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

*Important for non-EU students: You'll need to be registered at a Dutch university to meet immigration requirements.

This project aims to explore effects of selective peripheral nerve stimulation methods in-vivo utilizing novel imec neuromodulation systems supporting closed-loop applications.

What you will do

The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of the nerves outside of the central nervous system (CNS) and connects the CNS to the organs, muscles, and skin. It is a bi-directional pathway between the CNS and internal organs and hence can have a powerful impact on the functionality of both. Currently, interest in peripheral nerve stimulation is growing as an alternative or a complement to pharmacological treatment, i.e., treatment with medication, for applications such as epilepsy, pain, depression, and chronic inflammatory diseases.

One of the major challenges for increasing the effectiveness of stimulation lies in achieving a closed-loop intervention such that stimulation paradigms are adapted based on direct sensing of stimulation effects. This can be achieved by recording neural activity or from reading out end organs themselves. This would ensure better spatial and functional selectivity of neuromodulation while minimizing unwanted side effects.

At imec, we have developed a new neuromodulation system capable of stimulating neural tissue in vivo and capturing neural response, hence facilitating closed-loop operation. This system has been in use to explore novel stimulation paradigms in simple animal models such as earthworms, but also in large animal models such as pigs. Furthermore, data analytics and software infrastructures have been developed, facilitating fast analysis and near real-time closed-loop operation. This project aims to investigate the effects of complex stimulation methods that deliver interfering electric fields to the neural tissue using available in-vivo experimental setups and driven by a set of hypotheses and expected neural behaviour derived from simulations. The stimulation delivered over multi-contact electrodes will evolve around the interpretation of the neural response in terms of evoked compound action potentials (eCAPs) and adaptation of stimulation parameters, such as shape, amplitude, frequency, and phase. The implementation of control algorithms will be targeted towards adapting stimulation paradigms in near real-time to enable advanced activation of nerve populations that could be utilized when treating specific health conditions or states.

The student will be involved in in-vivo experimental design and preparation of the experimental setup and protocols. The student is expected to deploy specific control paradigms required for closing the loop and evaluate it in vivo on simple animal models (earthworms) and potentially in larger animal models (e.g., rats). The student will also explore in-vivo experiments that can lead to preparation of pre-clinical trial protocols for large animal studies.

Student tasks will include:

• Literature review.
• Get acquainted with current in-vivo experimental setup.
• Get acquainted with available stimulator system and control-loop software framework.
• Prepare experimental design, including setup and protocol preparation.
• Perform experimental evaluation aimed at testing different hypotheses relevant for delivering complex stimulation paradigms relevant for selective stimulation.
• Design and perform experimental evaluations of several closed-loop control strategies for improving stimulation selectivity.
• Report and documentation, depending on results, write a paper.

What we do for you

• You will be working on state-of-the-art technology and tools for stimulation of peripheral nerves, that can be deployed to improve efficacy of neuromodulation treatments in the healthcare domain.
• You will be working in an inspiring high-tech environment, located within the Holst Centre in Eindhoven, and part of the larger IMEC organization, world-leader in R&D on nanotechnology and electronics.
• You will receive support from experienced researchers having diverse background relevant for the execution of the project.
• You will be a member of our multi-disciplinary team of researchers, engineers and innovators, and will be offered an opportunity to contribute to our ambitious aims in making real impact on actual healthcare needs.

Who you are

• Excellent MSc student in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• You are entitled to do an internship in The Netherlands (have EU nationality and/or currently study at Dutch University).
• Available for 9 months or longer.
• Have good programming skills in python/Matlab.
• Have signal processing skills and experience, preferably processing of bio-signals.
• Have experience with lab instrumentation (e.g., signal generators, oscilloscopes).
• Experience in electronic system design and evaluation (e.g., PCB design) is a plus.
• Eager to take ownership for your student project.
• Have a structured way of working.
• Have good command of spoken and written English.

Interested

Does this position sound like an interesting next step in your career at imec? Don’t hesitate to submit your application by clicking on ‘APPLY’.
Should you have more questions about the job, you can contact jobs@imec.nl.