We are seeking a Research Associate to build a multi-spectral focused ultrasound array and its electronics driving engine. This device would be used to perform "mosaic neuropharmacology"—a novel method for manipulating neural circuits across the brain noninvasively in both space and time. This recently funded project will be the most advanced tool for brain-targeted material delivery, with incredible potential for treating neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

You will be constructing devices that can focus and steer an ultrasound beam across ex vivo human skulls while simultaneously imaging (and therefore monitor) the procedure. This involves rapid prototyping of focused ultrasound arrays and electronics driving engines for use in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments. You will work closely with another PhD student with a computational skillset who will help design the array and algorithms that your array and engine would implement. Together, you will be creating next generation noninvasive microsurgical devices.

Your work will be within a larger research programme involving 8 principal investigators, 4 post-doctoral researchers, and 3 PhD students from Imperial College London, King’s College London, University of Arizona, and the University of Michigan.

The programme aims to build a noninvasive technology for precisely delivering distinct drugs to targeted brain regions with exceptional spatial and temporal control. Our approach will engineer particles capable of carrying drug payloads that release only in response to specific remote signals. Your device will direct these signals to specific brain regions, enabling precise targeting. We will validate this platform in rats and rabbits, demonstrating the controlled release of multiple drugs to different areas of the brain. Using these technical innovations, we will perform "mosaic neuropharmacology"—a novel method for manipulating neural circuits across the brain noninvasively in both space and time. This platform will represent the most advanced tool for brain-targeted material delivery, offering potential for neuroscientists and neurologists to explore and treat neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders more effectively.

Exceptional ability to create innovative and high-quality focused ultrasound arrays and driving engines.Excellence with analogue and/or digital circuits.Speed in prototyping and adjusting the prototype to feedback.An individual with self-initiative to drive the project forward.An excellent team player who can work in an intense milestone-driven research programme.A hardworking individual motivated by the vision and mission of our research programme.
The opportunity to work on a moonshot research programme with the ambition of creating a breakthrough platform for manipulating neural circuits.A launchpad of a strong academic and/or translational track record with 4 years of continuous funding, enabling you to launch a future in academia, industry, or a startup.Learn from world-leading experts in the field, including focused ultrasound arrays and engines from Timothy Hall, Co-Founder of Histosonics, and brain drug delivery technologies from James Choi, winner of the Frederic Lizzi Award from the International Society for Therapeutic Ultrasound.Learn multi-disciplinary skills from world-leading researchers: Terry Matsunaga (lipid chemistry), Sam Au (microfluidics), Sophie Morse (ultrasound bioeffects), Antonios Pouliopoulos (ultrasound neuronavigation), and Firat Güder (smart materials and sensors).Learn how to conduct research for translational impact, working alongside those who have experience in this arena: Danny Green (former venture capitalist and CEO of 3 MedTech companies), Timothy Hall (Co-Founder of Histosonics), James Choi (Co-Founder of fether labs), Antonios Pouliopoulos (3 clinical studies with focused ultrasound devices), Firat Guder (Co-Founder of Unhindr, Blakbear, AniML).Immersion in Imperial College London and the Department of Bioengineering, a warm and collaborative environment alongside brilliant scientists and engineers.Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).