PhD position in Biomedical Signals and Systems

• Hours40 hr.

• Salary indication€ 2,541 - € 3,247

• Deadline28 Feb 2023

The Dutch Brain Interface Initiative (DBI2) aims to advance our understanding of brain function and brain environment interactions by leveraging the development of a new generation of effective and minimally disruptive brain-machine interfaces. One of the neuroscientific applications of DBI2 is to increase our understanding of the common principles of global brain dynamics and feedback interactions between brain areas subserving cognition. The main focus of this PhD project will be on the brain mechanisms of gait impairments in Parkinson’s disease and the effects of cueing, i.e. observation of auditory and/or visual (rhythmic) stimuli, as a therapeutic method. Gait impairments are one of the most disabling symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease and may be provoked by turning, passing through narrow passages, but also by emotional distress, cognitive dual tasks and experiencing time pressure. 

We are looking for a talented researcher with a passion for studying the function of the brain, cognition and motor control by analysing neurophysiological and behavioural signals recorded from healthy mice and mouse models for Parkinson’s disease. You will set up and coordinate experiments performed at the Translational Neuroscience Unit of the Donders Institute in Nijmegen to study fundamental aspects of motor and cognitive behaviour related to Parkinson’s disease and the effects of cueing in mice. One of the objectives of the project is to determine which cueing modalities have the best effect in preventing or overcoming gait impairments under specific environmental conditions and/or increased mental load or dual tasking.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 1st of March 2023, and include:

• A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for a PhD position in our group.
• A full Curriculum Vitae including your publications, awards, and working experience. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position.
• Contact details of at least two referees.
• An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades.

For further information about this position, please contact dr. Ciska Heida, [email protected].

The group Biomedical Signals & Systems aims to enable improved diagnosis and treatment of patients with motor, sensory and cardiopulmonary dysfunction in clinical and home/self-care setting. Our research is embedded in the multidisciplinary research institute Technical Medicine (TechMed) Centre.

The team working on Central Motor Control, led by Ciska Heida and Richard van Wezel, combines computational modelling and experimental research to study the neuronal mechanisms of movement disorders and to develop new and optimize existing therapeutic neuromodulation strategies such as deep brain stimulation and cueing.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.