Join a cutting-edge project investigating how the brain and body dynamically engage with sound in real-world listening situations.

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary project investigating how the human brain and body adaptively engage with sound during attention. This project focuses on understanding the role of the corticothalamic circuitry in shaping auditory perception under real-world conditions, where attention must flexibly shift between competing sounds.
You will collect and analyze cutting-edge multimodal datasets, including ultra-high field 7-Tesla fMRI, laminar intracranial EEG, and physiological recordings such as heart rate and respiration. These data will allow you to investigate how attentional states are reflected not only in neural dynamics but also in broader physiological signals, offering a whole-system, whole-body view of auditory attention. You will be centrally involved in all phases of the research process, from experimental development, data collection and analysis, to publication and dissemination.
This position is a collaboration between Maastricht University and KU Leuven, offering a unique opportunity to work across institutional and disciplinary boundaries. You will divide your time between the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (MaCSBio) and the ExpORL research group at KU Leuven, and will be jointly supervised by Dr. Moerel and Prof. Francart. This setup provides an ideal environment to integrate expertise in computational modelling, neuroimaging, and auditory neuroscience.

REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. You should be organized, proactive, and be comfortable handling complex datasets and technical challenges.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A master’s degree in computational or cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, computer science, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or R.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Neuroscientific expertise and experience with functional MRI and/or electrophysiology data is a plus.

MAASTRICHT UNIVERSITY

Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.
In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.
With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.
Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

• Designing and conducting experiments to collect ultra-high-field MRI data, human intracranial electrophysiology, and physiological recordings.
• Analyzing this multi-modal dataset using advanced computational tools.
• Collaborating within an international and interdisciplinary research team.
• Presenting your work at scientific conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contributing to education (~0.1 fte)