Open PhD Position

Spinal Cord Injury Center
Open PhD Position
100 %
Accurate movement execution is the result of a complex interplay between various muscle groups whose activity is controlled by different areas of the central nervous system (CNS). Besides the corticospinal system, the phylogenetically old reticulospinal system is a key motor system controlling different elementary movements including posture, locomotion and targeted movements (e.g. reaching) across all mammals. In contrast to the extensively investigated corticospinal system, there is only sparse knowledge on the motor physiology of the functionally important reticulospinal system in humans.
Your responsibilities
The research projects of the advertised PhD position will tackle the role of the reticulospinal system in movement control and recovery of motor function in subjects with spinal cord injury (SCI). Based on animal research, the reticulospinal system bears a high potential for neuroplastic adaptions that underlie functional recovery after SCI. Confirmatory data from patients with SCI are virtually lacking. The research projects of this PhD will use state-of-the-art techniques to gain novel, elementary insights into reticulospinal motor physiology and neuroplasticity that might set the stage for a better exploitation of this key motor system in neurological rehabilitation.
Your profile
University degree in biology, biomedicine, medicine, health sciences or biomedical engineering

• good knowledge in data handling, analysis and statistics
• basic to good knowledge in programming (MATLAB, Python)
• advanced German or English language is mandatory

What we offer
We offer varied and interesting work in an inspiring and socially relevant environment.
Diversity and inclusion are important to us.
Place of work
University Hospital Balgrist, Forchstrasse 340, 8008 Zurich
Start of employment
Employment start date: 1.10.2021 or later upon agreement.
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