Job ID: 84686

PhD position on decoding of neural signals

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 14 July 2022

Employment Start Date: 1 September 2022

Contract Length: 4 years

City: Leuven

Country: Belgium

Institution: KU Leuven

Department: Neurosciences

Description:

The Laboratory for Neuro- and Psychophysiology investigates the brain in animal models and humans using a variety of techniques including imaging, electrophysiology and behavioral measurements. This PhD project fits in a research group focusing on translational neuroscience research, where we want to develop and improve interventions that can help patients with disorders of the nervous system.

This PhD project aims to find novel approaches for invasive brain-machine interfaces that may benefit paralyzed patients. Specifically, we want to use advanced decoding techniques in combination with AI and computer vision to allow a subject (animal or patient) to navigate in a virtual reality environment and grasp objects effortlessly based on neural activity recorded with permanently implanted microelectrode arrays. To this end, we want to develop these new decoding algorithms in animal models and then apply them in  paralyzed patients. The project involves large-scale electrophysiological recordings of neural activity, decoding of neural activity recorded in premotor and primary motor cortex, and behavioral measurements. This PhD project is part of a collaboration between researchers from different departments at KU Leuven and the university hospital Leuven.

Profile:

Master in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering or related disciplines

Fluent in English

Solid background in statistics

Willingness to work on a highly interdisciplinary project

Good communication skills

Experience with Matlab and Python is highly recommended

Offer:

4 years full-time PhD research

Exciting research environment with a strong focus on reseach with high societal potential value

Participation in meetings and international conferences