Two PhD positions in computational neuroscience: Ultrasound neuromodulation and recording for the treatment of focal epilepsy

As part of the highly prestigious ERC Starting Grant URENIMOD (Ultrasound for Remote Neuroimaging and Modulation), two Ph.D. positions are available at Ghent University from January 2025. The project aims to develop a minimally to non-invasive treatment for focal epilepsy with ultrasound neurorecording, modulation, and deep reinforcement learning closed-loop control. The technology will be developed through detailed computer simulations and preclinical experiments. The PhD candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team working towards this objective at the WAVES (www.waves.intec.ugent.be) and 4Brain (www.4brain.be) research groups.

Profile

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to perform research on the development of experimentally validated and morphologically detailed computational models of the ultrasound-sensitive hippocampal formation. The models will include a comprehensive set of underlying ultrasound-neuron coupling mechanisms (e.g., mechanosensitive ion channels, radiation force induced membrane bending, intramembrane cavitation).

Two PhD positions are available:

  1. Development of a computational framework and transducer/waveform design for ultrasound neuromodulation.
  2. Modeling and optimization of acoustoelectric neurorecording (electrode arrays, decoding strategies, etc.).

The applicant should hold an M. Sc. (or equivalent) degree in biomedical, electrical, or physics engineering, or in a related field. The candidate should have excellent programming skills (e.g., Python) and fluency in English (speech and writing). Prior knowledge of neuroscience and/or machine learning is an advantage.

What do we offer?

  • We offer a pleasant work climate within a dynamic team.
  • We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
  • Your contract will start on January 1st 2025 at the earliest.
  • All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers, etc.

How to apply

If you are interested in this job offer, you can address your application letter, curriculum vitae, and degree certificates to thomas.tarnaud@ugent.be. The candidate will be informed of the result of their application.

Ghent University

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

Waves and 4Brain research groups

The UGent-WAVES research group (http://www.waves.intec.ugent.be/) is the expertise center of the Department of Information Technology of Ghent University – imec in Belgium for the interaction of electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves with the human body. UGent-WAVES has a research track in computational neuroscience, performing numerical simulations to optimize neuromodulation treatments.

The UGent-4Brain group (www.4brain.be) has extensive expertise on neuromodulation in patients with epilepsy. Preclinical research at UGent-4Brain aims at finding more effective neuromodulation therapies with less side effects. Within the 4Brain group, translational neuroscientific research is performed to unravel the pathophysiology of neurological disorders and to develop novel therapies.

Prof. Thomas Tarnaud
Department of Information Technology, WAVES
Department of Head and Skin, 4Brain
Ghent University
iGent, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 126, Zwijnaarde, B-9052 Ghent, BELGIUM
e-mail: thomas.tarnaud@ugent.be