Bachelor/Master Thesis: Stretchable Bioelectronics (m/w/d)

The NMI, the Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen, is a research institute of the Baden-Württemberg Innovation Alliance that carries out application-oriented research and development at the interface between biological and materials sciences.

The NMI Biomedical Micro and Nano Engineering working group at the NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen is offering an opportunity for a bachelor or master thesis.

Your area of responsibility

The Biomedical Micro and Nano Engineering group is part of the Biomedicine and Materials Sciences department and develops, produces and tests microimplants for neuronal signal recording and stimulation. A wide range of equipment is available, including clean rooms, equipment for thin-film and microtechnology, assembly and connection technology as well as analytics (light microscopes, profilometers, AFM, SEM) and electrical measurement technology.

Subject of this thesis

The mechanical discrepancy between soft biological tissue and rigid electrodes poses many challenges. Good selectivity, long-term stability and a conformal contact of the measuring electrode are of utmost importance in order to obtain stable electrical signals from delicate nervous tissue. By intelligent design of the electronics (e.g. island–bridge design, kirigami) and the selection of suitable materials (polymers such as polyurethane or silicone) it is possible to build up stretchable, flexible microsystems and thus overcome the mechanical mismatch with biological tissue. Stretchable microsystems can be realized by optical lithography and laser structuring.

In this context, you will 

• Research suitable materials including processing methods and cleanroom suitability
• Compare and characterize the selected materials and methods
• Produce and measure specimens to determine conductivity and stretchability

Requirements

• Studies of microsystems engineering, electrical engineering, nanoscience, medical technology or related disciplines
• Enthusiasm to work with and learn about the field of biomedical microtechnology

What we offer

• Exciting business fields in a dynamic scientific and economic environment
• Highly motivated, competent and multidisciplinary team with scientific and technical employees
• Excellent technical equipment

Interested? Click on "Apply for this position now". The online application takes only two minutes.