Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain implant company, is preparing to begin human trials. The company has opened a vacancy for director of clinical trials in Fremont, California.
The description on the Greenhouse job site lists the required qualifications and job requirements. Among them, it is necessary to have the ability to work collaboratively in an environment with interdisciplinary teams.
Clinical team for human testing
As clinical director, the candidate will work directly with physicians, researchers and engineers, in addition to dealing with participants in Neuralink’s first human clinical trials.
According to Musk, the company’s AI microchips will enable individuals with paralysis to be able to use a smartphone with just their mind, and faster than with their fingers.
Return movement to paralyzed patients
Neuralink has already begun apparently promising trials on other mammals. A video on the company’s YouTube profile shows the Pager monkey playing Pong through her brain implant.
The idea of using brain implants, however, goes far beyond controlling electronic devices. Through these microchips, it will be possible to allow patients with severe cervical injuries to regain movement of paralyzed limbs.
Despite Musk’s ambitious claims, it’s important to remember that a lot of his promises end up only in theory in the short term. This is not to say that implants do not have the potential to return the body’s movements, but that this result will probably not be so immediate.
