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Postdoctoral position in Smart Contact Lenses


A smart contact lens is a device in direct contact with the eye based on advanced microsystems technology. It possesses integrated electronic and electro-optical components that are able to provide sensing, actuation and/or wireless communication / energy transfer. The possible applications are very broad, including active vision correction or enhancement, biomedical sensing and in the long term perhaps even augmented reality. Following this relevant trend, it is already clear that the potential impact and relevance for biomedical applications are very high. At the Centre for Microsystems Technology – www.cmst.be (research laboratory at Ghent University associated to imec), research on smart contact lenses is achieving international recognition on several fronts, including state of the art stretchable/thermoformable electronic circuits with ultra-thin ASIC chips, biocompatible packaging and embedded electro-optical components based on liquid crystal (LC) cells. One of such LC configurations is capable of filtering incoming light to the eye by means of electrical potentials, in order to mimic the functionality of the iris (colored pattern of the eye). This solution gives rise to the active artificial iris, which is particularly suitable to patients with iris disorders and high light sensitivity. To combine stretchable circuits with LC-based components in a biocompatible contact lens, we are looking for a postdoctoral researcher with a strong track record on smart microsystems within electronics / mechatronics / biomedical engineering, having affinity to physics, nano/micro-technology, materials science and medical devices. The mission of the candidate is to intertwine custom-made designs and models with fabrication steps in the cleanroom in order to increase the performance (biocompatibility, form factor, flexibility, power autonomy, etc.) of current active artificial iris devices while considering their reliability and manufacturability. These systems are meant to be used during clinical trials at Ghent University Hospital (Ophthalmology research group). You will work in an internationally competitive research group and will interact with researchers both at Ghent University and imec. This project makes part of the framework of a Stepstone project from the Industrial Research Fund (IOF) at Ghent University, intended for spin-off projects with a clear value-adding potential, and with a viable path to market.

Interested candidates should send their CV, containing a list of publications, a summary of past research, contact information of at least 2 referees, and a motivation letter to Prof. Herbert De Smet (e-mail: Herbert.DeSmet@UGent.be) and Prof. Andrés Vásquez Quintero (e-mail: Andres.Vasquez@UGent.be) , before September 30th 2018. Early application is encouraged as the applications are processed upon reception.

A more detailed description can be found on the UGent Jobs page: Postdoctoral position in Smart Contact Lenses .

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