PhD Candidate: Closed-Loop Deep Brain Stimulation System at the Donders Centre for Cognition

Are you an aspiring researcher with an interest in the fields of machine learning and AI? And would you like to delve into the development of machine learning algorithms and adaptive deep brain simulation systems? As a PhD candidate, you will be able to put your ideas to the test and push your boundaries. You do this in a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive work environment, with a diverse international staff.
We are looking for a PhD candidate to set up and evaluate an adaptive deep brain stimulation system, supervised by Michael Tangermann. The position is to be filled as soon as possible.

You will be expected to contribute pro-actively to the research goals of the Tangermann lab by developing and implementing a modular platform for deep brain stimulation, enabling the integration of software modules realising novel experimental protocols (hand motor- and cognitive tasks):

• Various hardware modules for invasive and non-invasive recording of brain signals and behavioural signals.
• Software modules for processing the obtained signals using machine learning algorithms to derive an estimate of the current state of a patient.
• Software modules which learn to adaptively determine stimulation parameters for implanted deep brain stimulation modules.
• Software modules for monitoring and data logging.

You will closely interact with clinical partners and patients in order to integrate the modules in an adaptive DBS system, which will serve as a flexible platform for various studies. You will run a short pilot study and a full study (with multi-day clinical sessions) during the PhD project. You will be expected to disseminate the scientific results through high-impact papers in scientific journals, and by presenting your research in conferences and workshops. In addition, we will expect an attitude towards open and reproducible science, which includes publishing well-documented codes and datasets. We offer a full-time (100%) position for overall total duration of 4 years, provided your performance is deemed satisfactory following an interim progress evaluation. You will be employed at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and have the opportunity to collaborate and interact with renowned experts in the fields of artificial intelligence, psychology and cognitive neuroscience. You will also benefit from the extensive training programme offered by the Donders Graduate School. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and BSc students during their thesis projects (up to 10% of your appointment).