We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher joining our ELFISENS project, which is funded by Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (CZS) starting on March 1st, 2025. ELFISENS aims to revolutionize neonatal brain monitoring investigating a contactless electroencephalography (EEG) technology. Traditional EEGs, while critical for newborn intensive care, face limitations in terms of electrodes application and invasiveness, often causing discomfort and skin irritation on delicate neonatal skin. In ELFISENS, the biosignals are assessed without direct contact by measurung electrical fields in the direct vicinity. For this purpose, we combine innovative highly sensitive optical fiber sensors, 3D-printed piezoelectric structures and advanced signal processing methods. Such sensors can be integrated into wearables like caps or pillows for comfortable long-term monitoring.

Your tasks

Your job tasks include:

• Formulation of inverse piezoelectric inks.
• Design and fabrication of 3D-printed structures incorporating optical fiber sensors to measure bioelectric fields.
• Test and validate sensor performance in laboratory and practical settings, ensuring high sensitivity and reliability.
• Present findings at conferences and publish results in highimpact journals

Your profile

For being part of the selection process is needed:

• completed university degree (Master/Diploma (Univ.) or Equivalent) and PhD (min. thesis submitted) in material science, chemical engineering, chemistry or related fields; Strong background and expertise in materials formulation, processing, and characterization, preferably in the area of polymers or composites
• effective English written and oral communication skills, demonstrated through publications in reputable scientific journals and presentations at conferences

Following competences are desirable:

• ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment and engage in cross-depart collaborations
• high degree of independence, self-motivation and commitment
• experience and interest in developing functional prototypes and demonstrating technical device-level capabilities
• experience and interest in performing measurement studies on healthy human volunteers

Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references.

Applicants should upload their complete set of documents:

• Cover letter convincingly stating your motivation
• Curriculum vitae
• Publication/conference participation list
• Abstract of your PhD thesis
• Short list of scientific highlights to date
• Digital copies of all academic certificates

The position is not suitable for part-time employment.

What we offer you:

• attractive remuneration according to collective agreement (as per TV-L) incl. granting of a special annual payment
• vacation entitlement of 30 days in the calendar year and additional days off on 24 / 31 December
• flexible working time model
• VBL - pension scheme in the public sector

From individual advancement with a wide range of continuing education opportunities to a variety of health and recreational offerings, you can expect an appreciative working environment at a renowned university at TU Ilmenau. In addition to an attractive, family friendly working hour’s model, you will also benefit from advantages such as the use of the dining halls of the Studiendenwerk Thüringen, as well as participation in several attractive sport offers from the university owned sport centrum.