Summary
The Singapore-ETH Centre (SEC) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Future Health Technologies 2 (FHT2) programme. The project focuses on the clinical translation of SmartVNS, an automated, movement-paired transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) system designed to promote neuroplasticity and upper-limb motor recovery in post-stroke individuals. The researcher will design and conduct feasibility and mechanistic clinical studies across inpatient, outpatient, and home settings in close partnership with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
Postdoctoral Researcher – Neurostimulation for Stroke Rehabilitation
(Future Health Technologies Programme – Singapore-ETH Centre)
Designation
- Role / Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Employment Type: Full-time (100%), Fixed-term
- Contract Duration: 2 Years
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Employer / Institute | Singapore-ETH Centre (ETH Zurich / NRF CREATE Campus) |
| Programme | Future Health Technologies (FHT2) |
| Research Focus | Neurostimulation (taVNS), Neurorehabilitation & Stroke Recovery |
| Workplace Mode | Full-time (100%), Flexible hybrid model (up to 2 days/week WFH) |
| Contract Duration | 2 Years |
| Location | Singapore |
| Contact Person | Prof. Dr. Olivier Lambercy (olivier.lambercy@hest.ethz.ch – inquiries only) |
Research Area
- Neurorehabilitation & Human Movement Science
- Non-invasive Neurostimulation (Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation / taVNS)
- Biomedical Engineering & Wearable Sensor Technologies
- Patient-based Neuroscience & Neurophysiology (EEG, TMS)
- Robotic & Tech-assisted Stroke Rehabilitation
Location
Singapore-ETH Centre
1 Create Way, CREATE Tower,
NUS University Town, Singapore 138602
Eligibility / Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, Neurophysiology, Bioengineering, or a closely related field.
- Research Experience:
- Proven experience in designing and conducting clinical or human-subject trials, preferably in neurorehabilitation.
- Solid understanding of neurophysiology and experimental methods such as TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and EEG (Electroencephalography).
- Practical experience collecting and analysing physiological, biosignal, and wearable sensor / IMU data.
- Skills & Competencies:
- Strong knowledge of usability evaluation, study protocol design, and human movement science.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Experience supervising students (Master’s/PhD) in research settings.
- High level of initiative, independence, and a “get things done” mindset.
- Motivation to interact closely with clinicians, therapists, and post-stroke patients.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
- Study Design & Execution: Design and lead feasibility and validation studies of movement-paired taVNS using the SmartVNS system across inpatient, outpatient, and home-based neurorehabilitation environments.
- Algorithm & Parameter Optimization: Validate algorithms for real-time movement detection and stimulation triggers; calibrate stimulation parameters and thresholds to match individual patient impairment levels.
- Mechanistic & Neurophysiological Evaluation: Investigate the mechanistic impact of taVNS on neuroplasticity and upper-limb recovery using patient-based neuroscience techniques (EEG/TMS).
- Robotics Integration: Evaluate combined interventions pairing taVNS with wearable hand robotic systems (e.g., the RELab tenoexo exoskeleton).
- Clinical Collaboration: Coordinate clinical validation trials with local partner hospitals (e.g., Tan Tock Seng Hospital), ensuring strict compliance with ethical and regulatory frameworks.
- Mentorship & Dissemination: Contribute to supervising PhD candidates, Master’s students, and technical staff; publish scientific findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the ETH Zurich Job Portal. (Applications sent by email or post will not be accepted).
Required Application Documents (in PDF):
- Cover Letter: Detailing specific motivation, background, and alignment with the project.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including full academic history and contact details of 2 professional references.
- Academic Transcripts: Complete copies of university degree certificates and transcripts.
🔗 Application Link: Apply directly on the ETH Zurich Job Portal
Last Date for Apply
- Application Deadline: Open until filled / Continuous Review
