Job description

Vacancy: PhD student on computational modeling of ultrasound neuromodulation

The "WAVES" research group (http://www.waves.intec.ugent.be/) is the expertise center of the Department of Information Technology of Ghent University/IMEC in Belgium for the interaction of electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves with the human body.

Ultrasound has gained attention in the last decade for the application of high-precision non-invasive neuromodulation. In contrast to existing electrostimulation technologies, ultrasound can reach deep targets with millimeter precision and without surgery. However, limited understanding of the mechanisms by which ultrasound interacts with neurons has hampered systematic neural engineering studies, that aim to design ultrasound neuromodulation therapies for the treatment of brain and peripheral nervous system disorders.

The offered PhD position is embedded within an international project, with the aim to develop an experimentally validated computational pipeline of ultrasound propagation and neuron-coupling for non-invasive peripheral nervous system stimulation. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary and international consortium, consisting of Ghent University, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and the IT’IS foundation (ETH Zurich).

Job profile

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to perform research on the development of computational models of ultrasound-neuron coupling mechanisms (mechanosensitive ion channels, radiation force induced membrane bending, intramembrane cavitation, etc.). You will collaborate with other PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working on the project. Candidates with a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering and physics engineering qualify for this research job. The ideal candidate is fluent in English (speech and writing) and has experience with programming (e.g., Python). Prior knowledge of neuroscience is a good plus, but not required.
We offer a pleasant work climate and the possibility of obtaining a PhD.

How to apply

If you are interested in this job offer, please send your application letter, curriculum vitae and academic transcripts to:
Thomas Tarnaud (thomas.tarnaud@ugent.be)
Emmeric Tanghe (emmeric.tanghe@ugent.be)
Ghent University
INTEC - WAVES
iGent, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 126
9052 Gent, BELGIUM