LivaNova/Sorin CRM invite applications for the position of an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) within the WiBEC Innovative Training Network (ITN) funded by the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ACTIONS of the Horizon2020 Framework Programme of the European Commission. The PhD student will conduct research at LivaNova over 36 months, starting September 2016, in a cooperative industrial PhD programme with a French university. He/she will visit other network partners for secondments in France, Norway and Spain and will attend training events of the network.

PhD Description

For this position, the objective is to characterize and optimize implantable sensor technology to monitor heart hemodynamics. Livanova’s cardiac resynchronization devices currently use an accelerometer embedded in one of the pacing leads to optimize pacing intervals. However, this technology could still be improved to widen its application range. This project aims at characterizing 1) the effect of the encapsulation of the sensor on the measured signal (different designs will be compared), 2) the electronics and processing (sampling, bandwidth, filtering, etc.) requirements for optimized signal detection, 3) the physiological relevance of the various signal components. This project will include design of an in-vitro phantom, acquisition and analysis of in-vitro, ex-vivo, in-vivo and clinical data, computer simulation, development of algorithm and device specifications.

Applicant Profile:

• Excellent degree in biomedical engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering or similar
• Creativity and willingness to work in an inter-disciplinary project
• Ability and motivation to conduct high-quality research
• Analytical skills

• Experimental and theoretical skills
• Good programming skills (Matlab)
• Experience in the areas of electrical engineering, instrumentation, signal processing and medical technology
• Fluency in English, good communication and (scientific) writing/reporting skills. Applicants from non-English speaking countries must certify proficiency in English, e.g. with a TOEFL score of 600 or higher or a score of 100 or higher if the on-line test is being used.

Selection Procedure:
The position will remain open until filled. Strong applicants will be considered regardless of specific experience. The application procedure will be carried out in compliance with the Code of Conduct for Recruitment of the European Charter and Code for Researchers.

Applicants have to ensure compliance with the following requirements of the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ACTIONS programme:

• ESR eligibility rule: candidates for ESR positions must have less than 4 years of full-time equivalent research experience at the time of recruitment.
• Mobility rule: at the time of recruitment, the applicant must not have lived in France for more than 12 out of the past 36 months. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account. 

Applications who do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

All applications must be submitted to https://sorin.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobsearch.ftl, Job number : 160000EM. For any complementary information, please contact delphine.feuerstein@livanova.com. 

Please send the following documents in this order as a single PDF file:

• Cover letter including applicant’s motivation to apply for the ESR position
• Curriculum Vitae
• Master’s (or equivalent) degree, including transcripts of records where applicable
• A declaration of compliance with the ESR eligibility rule and the mobility rule of the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ACTIONS programme (see eligibility rule above).
• List of publications (and manuscripts), if applicable
• Recommendation letter(s) from previous supervisors or employers
• Work experience certificates, if applicable

Benefits

Marie Curie fellows enjoy excellent working conditions; they are entitled to receive a salary with social benefits such as pension rights and health insurance. In addition to the salary, fellows will benefit from mobility and travel allowances.