School of Electrical and Information Engineering
Faculty of Engineering & Information Technologies
Reference No. 1201/0618F
About the opportunity
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate- Neural Interfaces for long-term implantable therapy in cerebral palsy with Professors Alistair McEwan and Gregg Suaning in the Bioelectronics and Bionics research groups at the University of Sydney, Australia. The role is expected to undertake research and coordinate experimentation and performance testing of an implantable neural stimulator for the acquired brain injuries including cerebral palsy.
In this project we will examine electrical stimulation as an established approach for the restoration of muscle movement, but with currently limited utility as a therapy. There are two primary causes for this: poor selectivity in the activation of desired muscles, that may result in unwanted contractions; and the co-activation of efferent (e.g. motor) and afferent (e.g. sensory) fibres. In this ex-vivo study we focus upon solving these two key issues so that electrical stimulation can become a viable therapy in the treatment of acquired brain injuries and in particular, cerebral palsy. Targeted stimulation or blocking of peripheral fibres that lead to rigidity and pain would alleviate these two major areas of unmet need in cerebral palsy.
The project involves developing an ex-vivo model and collecting experimental evidence of nerve fibre selectivity for selective activation of targeted muscle groups, capacity to release hypertonic muscles and management of pain to lead to the design of an implantable device for the rehabilitation of people with cerebral palsy.
We aim to achieve improved efficacy in selective activation of targeted muscle groups, provide the capacity to release hypertonic muscles and manage pain; and devise a new implantable device for the rehabilitation of people with cerebral palsy to manage muscle movement.
We collaborate with labs at Harvard, Case Western, The University of Freiburg, and UCL.
More information can be found here:
https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.
https://www.cerebralpalsy.org.
About you
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance in recruiting talent aligned to these values in the pursuit of research excellence. We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate- Neural Interfaces with:
About us
Cerebral Palsy is the most common childhood disability with life-long impact, no cure, uncertain origins and delayed diagnosis. We work with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance research foundation to develop technology for treatment, intervention, prevention and cure. We focus on opportunities for control of muscle groups, spasticity and sensory perception including pain. While people with spinal cord injury have been the target of motor prosthesis to date there are additional challenges to explore in cerebral palsy such as developmental differences and viable afferent pathways that may convey pain and other sensory signals. We see opportunities in both central and peripheral stimulation and monitoring. Our group has a background in impedance recordings which might be used as a novel monitoring tool or to optimise stimulation patterns. We also use electrical tissue properties to better identify pathological tissue and guide electrical stimulation, electroporation and heating in the management of electrical signaling pathways.
The University of Sydney is ranked number 1 in the world for physical therapy, sports therapy and rehabilitation and consistently ranks first or second in Australia for Engineering, Science and Medicine. The University is situated in the vibrant international city of Sydney close to some of the world’s best beaches and natural environments.
Since our inception 160 years ago, the University of Sydney has led the research and teaching to improve the world around us. We believe in education for all and that effective leadership makes lives better. These same values are reflected in our approach to diversity and inclusion, and underpin our long-term strategy for growth. We’re Australias first university and have an outstanding global reputation for academic and research excellence. Across 9 campuses, we employ over 7600 academic and non-academic staff who support over 60,000 students.
We are undergoing significant transformative change which brings opportunity for innovation, progressive thinking, breaking with convention, challenging the status quo, and improving the world around us.
Specific enquiries can be directed to Professor Alistair McEwan at alistair.mcewan@sydney.edu.
For more information about the position, or if you require reasonable adjustment or support filling out this application, please contact Emmen Saeed, Recruitment Partner on emmen.saeed@sydney.edu.au .
If you would like to learn more, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack for the position description and further details
Closing date: 11:30pm 5 August 2018 (Sydney time)
The University of Sydney is committed to diversity and social inclusion. Applications from people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; equity target groups including women, people with disabilities, people who identify as LGBTIQ; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged.
The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.