Magnetic ultra-soft untethered microrobots for the olfactory pathway transfer - PhD Position (f/m/x)

BioRobotics Institute of the Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento SantAnna (https://www.santannapisa.it/en/institute/biorobotics). Offer Description This project takes place within the Marie Curie Doctoral Network on Soft Active Matter Microrobots for Medicine (SAM3). The doctoral network involves 12 PhD candidates and explores the ear–nose–throat area from a microrobotics perspective. Three specific goals are targeted: (1) access the middle ear through the Eustachian tube; (2) access the olfactory clefts for mucosal biopsy; (3) access the skull cavity through the nose and the cribriform plate for cerebrospinal fluid biopsy. The specific PhD proposal is about magnetic ultra‑soft untethered microrobots to transfer through the olfactory pathway. The aim is magnetic transfer of ultra‑soft untethered microrobots through the olfactory foramina in the cribriform plate, enabling access to the brain for diagnostic (biopsy) and therapeutic (drug delivery) procedures. Expected Results

Ultra‑soft untethered microrobots based on magnetic matter with optimised design and preparation to enhance yield, reproducibility and compliance. Control and actuation strategies for magnetic transfer of ultra‑soft microrobots through complex environments. Demonstration of magnetic transfer of ultra‑soft untethered microrobots through phantoms of the olfactory foramina within a human cranium‑like phantom: preliminary validation in plastic phantoms, final validation in cell‑laden phantoms.

Qualifications

Background in biomedical engineering, material science/engineering, physics, or biotechnologies. Ability for research management, dissemination, communication with colleagues and supervisors, strong teamwork spirit, creativity, problem solving and attention to safety.

Specific Requirements

Not having resided in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date and not having carried out main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy during this period. Less than 5 years of career at the recruitment date and not having a doctoral degree. Research experience in the academic or industrial sector will be considered.

Languages

English – Excellent. Italian – Good. French – Basic. Dutch – Basic. German – Basic.

Eligibility / Additional Information The candidate will be employed as an Early Stage Researcher according to MSCA DN regulations, which offer excellent employment conditions including a high base salary and many additional benefits such as allowances for travel, mobility and family. The family allowance is allocated if demonstrated at the time of the recruitment. General eligibility criteria of MSCA; specific: see above. Selection process and application method are described elsewhere; applicants may apply online. The consortia support equal opportunities in line with the EC Code of Conduct and European Code of Research Integrity. We encourage women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr