PhD position

About us

School VI Medicine and Health Sciences comprises the fields of human medicine, medical physics and acoustics, neurosciences, psychology and health services research. Together with the four regional hospitals, School VI forms the University Medicine Oldenburg. Furthermore, there is close cooperation with the University Medicine of the University of Groningen. 

Your tasks

The DFG-funded Research Training Group “Neuromodulation of Motor and Cognitive Function in Brain Health and Disease” (GRK 2783) aims to understand neural mechanisms of non-invasive neuromodulatory approaches and promote technology development to improve motor and cognitive functions in patients with stroke and Parkinson’s Disease. PhD students will receive a comprehensive and transdisciplinary training in the field of neuromodulation (magnetic/electric brain stimulation, psychopharmacology and neurofeedback) and specialize in state-of-the-art neuroimaging and neurophysiological methods, experience sampling, patient’s expectations or sensor-based assessment of brain activity and behaviour in daily life scenarios. 

Project: Comparing transcranial alternating current stimulation with EEG neurofeedback

Main PI and collaborators: Herrmann, Kranczioch

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive method to brain oscillations and cognitive and motor functions. Its feasibility and safety have been demonstrated in human studies. EEG neurofeedback is another approach to modulate brain oscillations. It is hitherto unknown whether both methods work equally well in all subjects. Thus, the PhD project will compare the two methods regarding their ability to modulate EEG oscillations and – in turn – motor performance. 

Your profile

Applicants should hold (or hold at the date of employment) an academic university degree (Master or equivalent) in psychology, neuroscience or a related discipline. Prior experience with EEG-neurofeedback, or brain stimulation is required. Experience with programming and advanced data analysis, including software skills (e.g., R, Matlab), are desirable. Workplace is Oldenburg. Details about the project and required qualifications are listed on our website and below: https://uol.de/en/neuromodulation

We Offer

• Payment in accordance with collective bargaining law (special annual payment, company pension scheme, asset-related benefits) incl. 30 days annual leave
• Option for 4-year funding to complete the PhD
• Support and guidance during your induction phase
• A family-friendly environment with flexible working hours (flexitime) and the possibility of pro-rata mobile work
• Benefits from the company's health promotion programme
• An extensive free further education programme as well as our own scientific promotion of young academics (https://uol.de/en/school6/early-career)

Our standards

The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Further information

There is the possibility of personal scientific qualification [doctorate]. 

Contact:

For general questions contact Prof. Christoph Herrmann or Dr. Cornelia Kranczioch by email (christoph.herrmann@uol.de, cornelia.kranczioch@uol.de).