The DFG Research Training Group 2610 welcomes applications for
14 PhD student positions (m/f/d)
In the Research Training Group “Innovative Retinal Interfaces for Optimized Artificial Vision - InnoRetVision” new concepts, technical approaches and system solutions for neurological implants for the visual system, especially the retina, are investigated and implemented.
The DFG Research Training Group RTG 2610 provides graduates of Electrical Engineering, Microsystem Technology, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Cell & Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, and Medicine, as well as comparable subjects, preferably with a focus on sensory physiology, neurobiology, gene transfer, tissue/cell stimulation, tissue-/cell analysis, circuit design, electrodes, microsystem technology, neuroinformatics, photonics, optoelectronics, or similar topics an ideal environment to combine their research works leading to a PhD thesis or a MD thesis with intensive interdisciplinary training. Candidates should have very good to excellent grades. Applicants for doctoral positions must meet the requirements for admission to doctoral studies at the respective faculties of RWTH Aachen University and the University of Duisburg-Essen. In particular, a master degree is mandatory and must have been obtained by the start of the program on April 1st 2024 at latest.
The research and training facilities are located at RWTH Aachen University, at the Forschungszentrum Jülich, and at the University of Duisburg-Essen. All three institutions develop sustainable solutions for the grand technical and scientific challenges with special emphasis on neuroscience, bioelectronics, and electric engineering.
The individual research and doctoral projects are focussed on one of the following six main topics:
A: 3D Electrode integration on flexible substrates: Nanoneedles, 2D materials, HD multielectrode arrays
B: Solutions for target- and context-specific retinal stimulation: Image analysis, artificial intelligence and retinal physiology
C: Implant-based local gene therapy and neuromodulation: Devices and effects
D: Integration of optoelectronics for high–resolution, direct optical stimulation
E: The role of the brain in visual deprivation, blindness and artificial vision
F: Surgical procedures for the implantation of new retinal implant devices
An integral part of the Research Training Group is an intensive interdisciplinary training program with the aim of making significant contributions in an innovative and rapidly developing field of the future.
Notes on the application
The doctoral positions are generally funded for a period of 3 years (MD thesis projects for one year). The communication in the DFG Research Training Group takes place in English. Accordingly, good English language skills are required.
Please send your application with the following documents via e-mail to the
Speaker of the RTG,
Professor Dr. Peter Walter
(pwalter@ukaachen.de).
Please indicate your potential working field A-F in your application.
- Cover letter including your motivation to join InnoRetVision
- Scientific curriculum vitae with information on participation in relevant research projects as well as scholarships, awards, and prizes.
- List of publications if applicable (own works in print or in preparation must be marked and attached as such).
- Scientific degree (bachelor / master / master's thesis as separate pdf / list of grades if the certificate is not yet available)
- Certificates, reference letters, and other evidence
The deadline for applications is October 15th, 2023. The selection interviews will take place on November 16th and 17th, 2023 followed by an in-depth colloquium on December 7th, 2023. Your research and training program will start on 1.4.2024.