Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Noninvasive Transcranial Ultrasound Neuromodulation

Location: Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant specialising in neurostimulation to join an interdisciplinary research programme investigating the brain’s response to non-invasive ultrasound neurostimulation. The programme is a collaboration between the Departments of Engineering Science and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Oxford, and you will join Professor Robin Cleveland’s research group based at the Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Botnar Research Centre, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford. The post is funded by the EPSRC and the Rosetrees Foundation and is available on a fixed-term basis for up to three years. 

The project aims to demonstrate that low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) can be targeted to specific brain regions to modulate neural oscillations associated with pain. Key responsibilities will include importing imaging data into a simulation pipeline (using k-Wave) to design patient-specific acoustic lenses for a range of brain targets; manufacturing and mounting lenses onto ultrasound transducers; developing acoustic pulsing protocols tailored for chronic pain applications; working with the TMS team to integrate TUS and TMS technologies for combined deployment; supporting clinical studies in collaboration with clinical colleagues; contributing to the collection and post-processing of EEG and pain-related data; and working across the wider project team to integrate TUS into the overall device platform. 

You should hold, or be close to completing, a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with appropriate research experience. Essential requirements include expertise in the characterisation of ultrasound fields through experimental measurement, and experience interfacing scientific instrumentation in both hardware and software environments. Experience with neuronavigation systems, ideally Brainsight, would be desirable. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Professor Robin Cleveland (email: robin.cleveland@eng.ox.ac.uk).

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on 1 June 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a cover letter/supporting statement addressing how you fit each selection criterion, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The Department holds an Athena Swan Bronze award, highlighting its commitment to promoting women in Science, Engineering and Technology.  

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