PhD student Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy – Optimization of TMS-EEG and brain modulation in aging: the impact on motor control

Background
Within the context of the further expansion of the research of the REVAL research center of Hasselt University, the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences has a vacancy for a PhD scholarship holder (100%) in fundamental brain research into the aging-related decline of motor skills. You are part of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences at Hasselt University. This faculty organizes an educational program that consists of a 3-year academic bachelor's degree and a 2-year master's program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy. This program has about 850 students. The faculty also provides education in the interuniversity master's program in Occupational Therapeutic Sciences.
The proposed research is being carried out within the REVAL research group. REVAL is an interdisciplinary and translational research group that conducts research in the fields of paediatric, geriatric, neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, biomechanics, health psychology, mental health care and rehabilitation of internal disorders. Within the perspective of a "civic university", the RELAB platform facilitates the provision of evidence-based advice to people with a functioning problem and professionals within the healthcare sector as well as to companies. This PhD is done in collaboration with (inter)national rehabilitation centers

Job content
As a PhD fellow within this research project, you will take an active role in the development and execution of research on electroencephalography (EEG) in combination with non-invasive brain stimulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and/or transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The aim of this project is to study and modulate brain function in the context of healthy aging.
The project consists of two complementary parts:
1. Optimization of TMS-EEG protocols
In the first phase, you will focus on optimizing existing TMS-EEG protocols. In collaboration with your colleagues from the Neuroplasticity and Motor Control research group, you will set up new experiments, collect data and perform advanced analyses to better understand the complex interactions between TMS and EEG signals
2. Modulation of brain function in aging
In the second phase, you will build on the insights from the first phase and design new experiments aimed at brainmodulation in healthy aging. These interventions may consist of learning paradigms and/or brain stimulation via TMS, tACSand/or tDCS. You will investigate how these techniques affect brain function and to what extent they can contribute tofunctional improvements.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in (bio)medical sciences or rehabilitation sciences and physiotherapy (or equivalent) (or equivalent)
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You have achieved excellent academic results.
• You have a strong interest in fundamental scientific research.
• A strong affinity with rehabilitation and scientific research is a plus.
• Experience with programming languages (such as Matlab, Python, etc) is a plus.

• You will have insight into the design, implementation and analysis of experimental research designs.

• You have strong problem-solving skills, are flexible, have the necessary organizational capacity, are stress-resistant and take initiative.

• You have excellent communication skills in English, a good knowledge of Dutch is a plus, both verbally and in writing.

• You actively contribute to a positive working atmosphere in which you make connections between different domains and people (teaching assistants, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, professors).

Offer
You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
Position for 2 years. After positive evaluation, it can be extended once by 2 years. Appointment is at Hasselt University.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 30 May 2025.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
The selection procedure may be supplemented with a presentation or assignment. The interviews will be scheduled from June 2025.

Further information
Prof. dr. Raf MEESEN, +32488284081, [email protected]

For questions about the selection procedure, please email [email protected].