PhD position in ‘closed-loop brain stimulation, human electrophysiological signal processing, and human cognition’ in Zürich

100%, Zurich, temporary

The Department of Health Sciences and Technologies (D-HEST) at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), and the Swiss Epilepsy Center (SEC) in collaboration with the University of Zurich (UZH) strongly focus on the transfer of basic research knowledge to health-related and clinical applications. The ETH and USZ human neuroscience laboratories are equipped with a cutting-edge computational infrastructure, neuroimaging, behavioral and neuromodulation laboratories. Applications are invited for PhD position in ‘closed-loop non-invasive brain stimulation, human electrophysiological signal processing, and human cognition’.

The successful candidate will work with Prof. Rafael Polania (ETH) and PD Dr. Med. Lukas Imbach (SEC) on cutting-edge, interdisciplinary methods and procedures of neuromodulation and electrophysiological analyses. We will develop and apply novel closed-loop non-invasive brain stimulation methodologies for the direct application of these techniques in both healthy individuals and epilepsy patients. If successful, this project will allow us to establish new technologies that regulate neural dynamics and its resulting behavior in humans.

Employment will begin in May 2021 and initially last three years.

Given that this project involves interactions with patients in the German speaking area of Switzerland, the PhD candidate should speak and write English and German proficiently. Additionally, the candidate should have, or soon have, a good master’s degree with strong background in computational (neuro)sciences, signal processing and time-series analyses expertise in a relevant discipline (e.g., computer science, physics, mathematics). The ideal candidate will have excellent skills in computer programming (e.g. extensive experience with R, Matlab, Python and/or C++) and the use of advanced software for behavioral and brain imaging data analysis (M/EEG, fMRI) is 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.