Job offer: Research engineer for the manufacture of transparent multi-electrode devices (MEA) for multimodal analysis of neural networks (M/F)

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Job offer: Research engineer for the fabrication of transparent multi-electrode devices (MEA) for multimodal neural network analysis (M/F)

Missions	The SpaiCon project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation through the "Exploratory Interdisciplinary Synergy 2021" program. In this international (between Denmark, USA and France) and interdisciplinary (biology, bioelectronics, microfabrication and computational sciences) research project, we propose the development of a new technology called "SPAtIal CONnectomics (SpaiCon)", able to process complex cellular information. The main goal is to combine the multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH) platform for spatial transcriptomic profiling with multi-electrode arrays to measure the electrophysiological activity of neurons. MERFISH characterizes gene expression in individual cells using fluorescent probes and allows spatial localization of expressed mRNA transcripts. Multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) can record electrical activity and/or stimulate cells at specific sites within a 2D tissue slice or neural network. Thanks to our diverse expertise in the fields of microelectronics, neuroscience and bioinformatics, we aim to create a new multi-omics analysis platform that will allow the study of spatio-temporal biological dynamics. The project involves the fabrication and evaluation of transparent multi-electrode arrays in PEDOT:PSS compatible with MERFISH technology. The results of the SpaiCon project will have a strong impact on neuroscience, but also on cardiology and other fields of biology, as it will allow an unprecedented multimodal characterization of the tissues considered. In particular, it will open new avenues for understanding the expression of genes influencing electrophysiological activity and vice versa. SpaiCon will be of interest to researchers studying basic biology, tissue regeneration and vascularization as well as those interested in translational approaches to developing new therapies for neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and muscular diseases.
Activities	In the framework of the SpaiCon project, we are looking for a talented research engineer (RI) who will work on the technological development of the SpaiCon chips and their validation in the framework of electrophysiology measurements via an MCS system combined with the fluorescence microscope used in the MERFISH technique. More precisely, the recruited research engineer will be in charge of the conception, design and fabrication of the transparent multi-electrode arrays taking into account several parameters: i) Increase the area available for imaging, ii) Increase the transparency, by replacing the gold contact tracks with transparent PEDOT:PSS tracks, iii) Insert a removable chamber to use the chip in reverse fluorescence imaging. iv) Adapt the location of the electrodes for MERFISH imaging. v) Produce cheap disposable all-polymer chips by replacing glass with PMMA (Plexiglas) or similar alternatives while keeping good optical properties. This last solution will considerably reduce costs and simplify their manufacture, thus allowing to increase production volumes (production of about 12 chips every 3 months). In addition, the use of all-polymer chips will facilitate shipping to our partners. If necessary, surface functionalization could be performed to improve cell growth or to hold brain slices in place by adjusting surface wettability or introducing specific chemical functions. All physical characterizations (electrical impedance and transparency) will be performed with an emphasis on reducing batch-to-batch variation, which is crucial for validating biological hypotheses. He or she will independently conduct a range of interdisciplinary research work from technology development of MEAs to their electrical and physical characterization, functionalization and co-integration. Although the main activity is focused on the development of devices in a clean room environment with physical/chemical characterization, the engineer will have to be able to interact with other colleagues with expertise in biology, biochemistry and chemistry in an international context. In particular, visits to international partners (USA and Denmark) will be considered for the adaptation of MERFISH/Multielectrode array protocols.
Qualifications:	The candidate must hold a PhD in one of the disciplines mentioned below and necessary for the successful completion of the project: devices/electronics and/or materials science and/or electrochemistry and/or micro/nanofabrication. All these skills are required for the position. In addition, skills in biology and/or biochemistry will be a big plus. In general, the candidate should have a good academic background and a personal interest in interdisciplinary research.
Context:	The project will take place at the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (IEMN) located in Villeneuve d'Ascq (Hauts de France). The IEMN is a research institute created by the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), two universities and an engineering school in the northern region. The IEMN's facilities for the design, fabrication and characterization of micro/nano devices are at the highest European level. The total staff of the institute is about 500 people including 109 professors and associate professors, 45 CNRS researchers, 100 engineers and administrative staff, about 150 PhD students as well as 30 post docs and visiting professors. The laboratory is very open to international collaborations with more than 100 foreign scientists from 20 different countries currently working at IEMN. The scientific activity of the IEMN covers a wide range of fields from materials physics and nanostructures to microwaves, telecommunications and acoustic instrumentation.
Constraints and risks	Nothing special. Training provided for the different equipment of the platforms as well as a safety training dedicated to physical, chemical and biological risks. Access to a ZRR.

Host Unit:
IEMN UMR CNRS 8520
Avenue Poincaré
59652 VILLENEUVE D'ASCQ CEDEX
www.iemn.fr

Reference :
UMR8520-YANCOF-011

Contract Type:
Technical/Administrative fixed-term contract

Duration of the contract :
30 months

Date of hire:
21 March 2022

Number of hours worked :
Full-time

Compensation:
From €2690 gross depending on experience

Level of education:
Doctorat

Desired experience :
1 to 4 years

For more information:
yannick.coffinier@univ-lille.fr

To apply, register on the CNRS website

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