PhD Position on ‘Linking Locus Coeruleus function to sleep, task performance and autonomic control in humans’ in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The goal of the Neural Control of Movement Lab at ETH Zurich (Department of Health Sciences and Technology) is to understand how the brain controls behavior and develops non-invasive interfaces to modulate brain function. Applications are invited for the following opening.

We are interested in investigating how sleep (assessed via nocturnal EEG), cortical task control and autonomic functions (assessed via ECG and blood pressure) are related and whether projections from the Locus Coeruleus (assessed with pupillometry) play a key role in linking these functions.Work performed by the candidate will include hands-on data acquisition of the mentioned methods, development of study design and research questions, advanced signal processing of physiological data, and dissemination.

We offer a fully funded PhD position (~4 years) in a great scientific and social environment. The project will equally combine lab work and computational analysis of the acquired data and provides a great opportunity to establish a portfolio that covers all aspects of scientific work.

The successful candidate will have a MSc degree (or be close to completion) in the field of neuroscience, neurophysiology, psychology, biomedical engineering or a related field. The candidate should be technically capable with programming experience in Matlab, Python or a similar language. Experience with at least one of the experimental techniques (acquisition and/or analysis) listed above is desirable. Experience with psychophysical experimentation in human subjects will also be highly regarded. She/he is a team player, has strong communication skills, is self-motivated, has scientific curiosity, is flexible regarding working hours (some sleep experiments are during the night) and performs rigorous experimental work. Fluency in English is essential; German language skills are a plus.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.