PhD position, Project 3: Motor imagery neurofeedback training, at Research Training Group (DFG Graduiertenkolleg) Neuromodulation of Motor and Cognitive Function in Brain Health and Disease

School VI Medicine and Health Sciences comprises the fields of human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, neurosciences, psychology and health services research. Together with the four regional hospitals, School VI forms the University Medicine of Oldenburg. Furthermore, there is close cooperation with the University Medicine of the University of Groningen.

In the Department for Psychology is available

1 PhD position (m/f/d)
(E13 TV-L, 75%)

starting March 2025 for an initially limited period of 3 years. There is the possibility of personal scientific qualification [doctorate].

The DFG-funded Research Training Group “Neuromodulation of Motor and Cognitive Function in Brain Health and Disease” (GRK 2783) aims to understand neural mechanisms of non-invasive neuromodulatory approaches and promote technology development to improve motor and cognitive functions in patients with stroke and Parkinson’s Disease. PhD students will receive a comprehensive and transdisciplinary training in the field of neuromodulation (magnetic/electric brain stimulation, psychopharmacology and neurofeedback) and specialize in state-of-the-art neuroimaging and neurophysiological methods, experience sampling, patient’s expectations or sensor-based assessment of brain activity and behaviour in daily life scenarios. Details about the projetcs and the RTG can be found on our website: https://uol.de/en/neuromodulation

Applicants should hold (or hold at the date of employment) an academic university degree (Master or equivalent), practical scientific experience in the project relevant field and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary environment. Good oral and written English skills are essential. Prior experience in programming is favourable for all projects. Details about the project and required qualifications are listed on our website and below: https://uol.de/en/neuromodulation

Project 3: Motor imagery neurofeedback training at home for upper-limb motor recovery in stroke and associated changes in cortical motor-prefrontal functional connectivity 

Main PI and collaborators: Kranczioch, Thiel, Grefkes, Witt

Neurofeedback focusing on motor and premotor brain areas can provide an effective intervention for improving motor function in stroke. An ongoing challenge is the implementation and validation of the still mainly lab-based interventions outside the lab. This PhD project aims to contribute to addressing this challenge by combining home-based EEG neurofeedback training in stroke patients with comprehensive pre- and postintervention functional, behavioral and brain imaging (fMRI, EEG) assessments. Analysis of brain imaging data will explore activity in networks and brain regions beyond motor and premotor brain areas. Of particular interest to the project will be the dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex and cortical motor/premotor - dorso-lateral prefrontal functional connectivity.

Applicants should hold an academic university degree (master or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or a related discipline. Prior experience with analysis of neuroimaging/neurophysiological data and solid programming skills (e.g. Matlab, Python) are required. Prior experience in the domain of functional connectivity is an advantage. As candidates are expected to interact on a regular basis with stroke survivors, proficiency in German is essential (at least B2). Workplace is Oldenburg.

We offer:

• Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (special annual payment, company pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave
• Option for 4-year funding to complete the PhD
• Support and guidance during your induction phase
• A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours (flexitime) and the possibility of pro-rata mobile work
• Benefits from the company's health promotion programme
• An extensive free further education programme as well as our own scientific promotion of young academics (https://uol.de/en/school6/early-career)

The University of Oldenburg aims to increase the proportion of women in the academic field. Therefore, women are strongly encouraged to apply. According to § 21 para. 3 NHG, female applicants should be given preferential consideration if their qualifications are equivalent. Applicants with disabilities are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Please send your electronic application (as one single pdf file) including a cover letter, CV, publication list (if applicable), list of two potential referees, and copies of certificates of academic grades to the RTG Office rtgoffice@uol.de. The application deadline is 5th of January 2025.

For general questions contact rtgoffice@uol.de or cornelia.kranczioch@uol.de.