The work will be performed within the research division STADIUS at the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven, Europe’s most innovative university (Reuters). STADIUS' major research objective is to contribute to the development of improved digital (control and signal processing) systems.
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Responsibilities
We are looking for a hands-on embedded software engineer, to lead the further development of a miniaturized wireless EEG sensing platform. You’ll be responsible for pushing forward the firmware, hardware-software interfacing, multi-sensor synchronization, embedded programming, and user interfaces, based on the requests of end-users. You’ll be the main technical owner, so we expect a good degree of independence.
What You’ll Do:
- Develop and maintain firmware for our sensor board, mainly for multi-sensor synchronization and data aggregation protocols
- Integrate EEG front-ends with SPI/DMA-based acquisition
- Ensure robust wireless data transfer (BLE and custom ISM band protocol)
- Interface with software tools (e.g., USB serial, Python streaming, and user interfaces)
- Program embedded signal processing algorithms
- Debugging software as well as hardware in a lab setting (scope, logic analyzer, etc.), in collaboration with a hardware developer
Profile
Background: MSc or PhD (postdoc) in relevant Engineering domains (electronics, computer engineering, ICT), or equivalent experience. Industry or academic experience welcome (practical results matter more than titles).
Requirements:
- Strong embedded programming skills (C) and experience with bare-metal programming
- Some familiarity with user-space USB drivers (e.g., using libusb), preferably on both Windows and Unix/Linux platforms
- Familiarity with MCU-level data acquisition techniques such as DMA
- Familiarity with low-level communication interfaces: SPI, USB, UART, PDM,...
- Ability to work independently and own the full embedded stack
- Some affinity with hardware debugging (scope, logic analyzer, etc.), in collaboration with a hardware developer
- Interest (but not necessarily experience) in brain-computer interfaces or wearable neurotechnology
- Proficient in English
The following additional skills are a plus (but not a must):
- Familiarity with Rust (used in the USB module)
- Experience with ARM Cortex processors, DSP, BLE stack, RTOS, or small-scale PCB design.
- Familiarity with biosignal acquisition or wearable neurotechnology.
As this is a research valorization track, we would appreciate candidates with entrepreneurial interests (although this is certainly not a hard requirement, priority is on the technical skills)
Offer
- A dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment at the forefront of neurotechnology
- A competitive salary
- A key role in developing a cutting-edge research platform for brain-computer interfaces
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in advancing brain research
- Optional opportunities to engage in entrepreneurial activities, for those with an interest in innovation and technology transfer
- A KU Leuven affiliation, Europe's most innovative university (Reuters)
Note that this is not a PhD track.
Interested?
Interested applicants should submit:
- a curriculum vitae
- a concise motivation letter
- the names and contact information of 2 references
- if possible, please include any project/code samples or GitHub links that show relevant work.
**Important note** Early applications are encouraged and will be considered as soon as they are received. The position can be closed earlier than the deadline in case a suitable candidate has been found.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Alexander Bertrand, mail:
[email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
