QUEX January 2026 Entry: BIONIC – Biointegrated Optogenetic Neural Implant for Wireless Control. [Engineering], PhD Studentship (Funded) Ref: 5527

Join a world-leading, cross-continental research team

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the QUEX Institute. The joint PhD programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the most talented doctoral students to work closely with world-class research groups and benefit from the combined expertise and facilities offered at the two institutions, with a lead supervisor within each university. This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend, travel funds and research training support grants to the successful applicants.  The studentship provides funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years).

Eight generous, fully-funded studentships are available for the best applicants, four offered by the University of Exeter and four by the University of Queensland. This select group will spend at least one year at each University and will graduate with a joint degree from the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland.

Find out more about the PhD studentships www.exeter.ac.uk/quex/phds

Successful applicants will have a strong academic background and track record to undertake research projects based in one of the three themes of:  Healthy Living, Global Environmental Futures and Digital Worlds and Disruptive Technologies.

The closing date for applications is mid-day May 15th 2025 (BST), with interview to be w/c 16th June 2025 (tbc). The start date is expected to be Monday January 5th 2026.

Please note that of the eight Exeter led projects advertised, we expect that up to four studentships will be awarded to Exeter based students.

Theme: Healthy Living

Supervisors:

Exeter Academic Lead: Dr Rupam Das

Queensland Academic Lead: Associate Professor Susannah Tye

Project Description

Background and context:
Optogenetics is a powerful and controlled neuromodulation technique, which mostly used to study the brain by using neural implant containing light to stimulate genetically modified neurons. Traditional brain implants are made of metals like platinum and iridium, which severely limit miniaturisation and signal resolution and, as a result, cause major adverse effects1,2. Furthermore, optogenetics methods for powering the neural implants relies on stiff and tethered (e.g. optical fibres) systems. Due to the remarkable qualities of graphene, including its light weight, biocompatibility, flexibility, and exceptional conductivity, can be used to create considerably smaller devices that are safer to implant and that can be wirelessly powered.

Aims and objectives:
This project aims to model, fabricate, and characterise a tiny, biointegrated and scalable neural implant for optogenetic modulation by combining wireless functionality.

The objectives and deliverables of the project are a) a device model containing the implant and an implantable antenna4 for wireless operation (Exeter), b) fabrication of the implant using graphene (Exeter), c) Development of scalable, programmable and controlled optogenetics(Glasgow), d) Characterisation and experimental validation (Queensland).

Design, method, and plan:
To achieve the objectives, a 42-month (m) PhD project will be carried out through four work packages (WPs).

WP 1. Device modelling of the implant (m1- m10): This objective will focus on modelling of the neural implant. For implant modelling, several simulation softwares (HFSS, SPICE, COMSOL and Sim4Life) will be utilised to characterise the implant.

WP 2. Implant Fabrication (m8 – m22): This objective will focus on fabrication of the neural implant. To replace traditional conductive materials (e.g. Au, Pt) used in neural implant, graphene as a flexible and transparent conductor will be used. Fabrication protocol will be developed, and Exeter’s graphene centre will be used.

WP 3. Designing a versatile implant and internal readout circuit (m23 – m28): The project introduces innovative wireless probes with blue, green, or red µLEDs on a single shank, allowing scalable implants compatible with advanced optogenetic tools. The electronic readout circuit to include multiple µLEDs will be developed at the University of Glasgow’s James watt nanofabrication centre with in-kind support from Prof Hadi.

WP 4. Implant characterisation and validation (m29 – m40): The prototypes developed during WP 3 will be experimentally validated in terms of toxicity, wireless power capability and the potential to modulate behaviour.  This will include validation of dopamine release in response to optogenetic using electrochemical recording methods such as fast scan cyclic voltammetry in development for closed-loop neuromodulation systems. Access to exceptional technical resources and facilities at Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), will support the success and translation of this research, with fully equipped surgical operating rooms, behavioural labs, histology, microscopy facilities, and high-performance computing capacity.

WP 4. Thesis writing and reporting (m37 – m42): During this phase, the PhD student will begin writing the thesis, incorporating the project's findings while also participating in activities outlined in WP 4. Guidance and supervision through regular meetings from both supervisors will be provided throughout to ensure successful project completion.

Entry requirements

Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BA or BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information and a list of acceptable alternative tests.

How to apply

Apply now

You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, personal statement, academic transcripts and details of two academic referees. Your supporting statement should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project, with particular reference to the collaborative nature of the partnership with the University of Queensland, and how this will enhance your training and research.

Please quote reference 5527 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary