PhD Student

Job description

PhD position in computational neuroscience - Deep reinforcement learning closed-loop control for the treatment of epilepsy

As part of the highly prestigious ERC Starting Grant URENIMOD (Ultrasound for Remote Neuroimaging and Modulation), a Ph.D. position is available at Ghent University from September 2025. The project aims to develop a minimally to non-invasive treatment for focal epilepsy with ultrasound neurorecording, modulation, and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) closed-loop control. The technology will be developed through detailed computer simulations and preclinical experiments. The PhD candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team working towards this objective at the WAVES (www.waves.intec.ugent.be) and 4Brain (www.4brain.be) research groups.

Job profile

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to perform research on DRL-based closed-loop control for the treatment of focal epilepsy. The controller will be designed with a morphologically detailed computational model of the ultrasound-sensitive hippocampal formation as environment. The candidate will develop surrogate models of the hippocampus to allow for more extensive optimization of the controller. Finally, the controller will be tested in the intrahippocampal kainic acid mouse model.

The applicant should hold an M. Sc. (or equivalent) degree in biomedical, electrical, or physics engineering, or in a related field. The candidate should have excellent programming skills (e.g., Python), expertise in machine learning and fluency in English (speech and writing). Prior knowledge of neuroscience and/or deep reinforcement learning is an advantage.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on September 1, 2025 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

How to apply

If you are interested in this job offer, you can address your application letter, curriculum vitae, and degree certificates to thomas.tarnaud@ugent.be. For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Thomas Tarnaud (thomas.tarnaud@ugent.be).