NONINVASIVE NEUROMODULATION: ANIMAL MODELS TO UNDERSTAND BASIC NEURAL MECHANISMS

(ref. BAP-2020-512)

The use of noninvasive neuromodulation methods, such as transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), has grown exponentially over the past decade. This is the case across the basic science, clinical and consumer application fields: In basic science, noninvasive neuromodulation is routinely used to manipulate and probe brain function. In the clinic, a small number of noninvasive neuromodulation therapies have received approval, while many more are in the clinical trial stage. In the consumer market, noninvasive neuromodulation devices are widely available and enthusiastically used by an active community. In spite of this wide spread used and rapid growth in the field, we understand very little about the basic neural mechanisms underpinning noninvasive neuromodulation. There is also considerably debate about the effectiveness of some noninvasive neuromodulation methods and the reproducibility of some findings have been questioned.

Project

The aim of this project is to use rodent models to investigate and understand the neural mechanisms underpinning noninvasive neuromodulation methods. This new mechanistic knowledge will then be leveraged to develop improved noninvasive neuromodulation methods that can deliver more effective and robust therapies. The successful candidate will join an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers who are all focused on understanding and improving neuromodulation methods. While the successful candidate’s research will focus on animal models, within this interdisciplinary team, they will collaborate closely with colleagues working on computational models and patient or healthy volunteers clinical trials.

Profile

The PhD candidate will have the following academic profile:

• A Master’s degree in biomedical science, medicine, neuroscience or equivalent.

The PhD candidate will also have the following skills and interests:

• An strong interest in neurophysiology and electrophysiology
• A strong interest in working with rodent models
• An inquisitive and creative mind, good problem solving skills
• An ability to work autonomously, yet also be part of an interdisciplinary research team
• Proficient in English

Offer

• A 1 year, full-time contract with the possibility to renew for another 3 years.
• Enrollment in the Biomedical Sciences Doctoral School within, KU Leuven, Belgium.
• A competitive salary in accordance with the KU Leuven scales for PhD students.
• A thorough scientific education, the possibility to become a world-class researcher
• KU Leuven is one of the top European universities and is located in the vibrant city of Leuven, which has a strong international appeal. It is located 20 minutes by train from Brussels.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Myles Mc Laughlin, tel.: +32 16 32 43 48, mail: myles.mclaughlin@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than July 31, 2020 via the online application tool

KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.