Development of thin-film spinal cord implants for motor restoration - AB-098

Genre de projet: Innovation
Discipline(s) souhaitée(s): Génie - informatique / électrique, Génie, Génie - mécanique, Génie - autre
Entreprise: RISE Neuroprosthetics Inc.
Durée du projet: Plus d’un an
Date souhaitée de début: Dès que possible
Langue exigée: Anglais
Emplacement(s): AB, Canada
Nombre de postes: 1
Niveau de scolarité désiré: MaîtriseDoctoratRecherche postdoctoraleNouvelle diplômée/nouveau diplômé
Ouvert aux candidatures de personnes inscrites à un établissement à l’extérieur du Canada: No

Au sujet de l’entreprise: 

We are developing next-generation spinal cord implants using thin-film microfabrication and penetrating electrode technologies, with the overarching goal of restoring standing and walking after complete spinal cord injury. The company focuses on creating flexible, depth-selective neural interfaces that can safely and reliably stimulate spinal circuits responsible for locomotion.

Our approach integrates materials/mechanical engineering, microfabrication, and neuroscience to overcome limitations of existing rigid spinal implants, particularly mechanical mismatch with tissue, limited selectivity, and poor long-term performance. By leveraging soft, thin-film architectures and novel electrode designs, we aim to improve stimulation precision while reducing tissue damage and improving chronic stability.

The company is currently in the early translation stage, advancing from validated preclinical research toward scalable manufacturing, regulatory planning, and clinical readiness. Our objective is to deliver clinically viable neuroprosthetic systems that meaningfully restore walking and improve quality of life for individuals living with complete spinal cord injury.

Veuillez décrire le projet.: 

This project focuses on the development and translation of a next-generation spinal cord neurostimulation implant based on thin-film technology. The primary innovation lies in combining flexible thin-film substrates with penetrating electrode architectures with mechanical strain-relief to achieve more precise and stable activation of spinal motor circuits compared to existing spinal cord stimulation devices.

The project will involve advancing the implant design from a validated research prototype toward a clinically and commercially relevant system. Key activities include design optimization of the thin-film electrode arrays, evaluation of mechanical and electrochemical performance, development of scalable fabrication and assembly processes, and integration considerations for implantation and use in translational studies. The project will also involve defining product requirements, early regulatory considerations, and alignment with clinical use cases.

The candidate will contribute to both technical and translational aspects of the project. Their tasks will include design iteration, microfabrication and testing, data analysis from benchtop and preclinical evaluations, documentation to support product development decisions, and coordination between engineering, scientific, and commercialization efforts. Methodologies will include micro/nanofabrication design principles, electrochemical characterization, mechanical reliability testing, and structured product development frameworks.

Overall, the project aims to de-risk the technology, strengthen its translational readiness, and lay the foundation for future clinical studies and commercialization of a novel spinal cord neuroprosthetic platform.

Expertise ou compétences exigées: 

The candidate should have strong hands-on experience in microfabrication and thin-film device development, with a background in materials, mechanical, electrical, biomedical engineering, or a related field. Direct experience with thin-film deposition and patterning techniques is required, including photolithography, sputtering, atomic layer deposition, and thin-film metal and dielectric processing. Familiarity with polymer-based substrates (for example polyimide or parylene) and multilayer device stacks is highly desirable. Experience with CAD modeling for microfabricated devices (AutoCAD/KLayout) is expected.

Experience working in cleanroom environments and using microfabrication tools for electrode and device fabrication is essential.

Experience with electrochemical characterization techniques relevant to implantable devices is required.

Computational skills are an asset, including experience with mechanical and electrochemical simulations (finite element modeling of strain, stress, or electric fields) using tools such as COMSOL Multiphysics or similar platforms. Proficiency in data analysis and modeling is expected.

Additional assets include experience with neural interfaces, implantable medical devices, and interdisciplinary collaboration in translational or early-stage commercialization projects. Strong documentation and communication skills are essential.