Within the Clinical Neurophysiology group of the Institute of Technical Medicine we have available

a PhD position for a project entitled: Predicting Efficacy of Neuromodulation in Epilepsy (PREDYct)

In patients with medically refractory epilepsy vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation are possible treatment options. While effective in several patients, about 30-50% of patients do not respond favorably to this treatment.

This project aims to identify novel biomarkers to predict the success of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) using ultra-long (up to more than a year) EEG measurements with a subcutaneous electrode (© UNEEG). This is complemented with (functional) MRI and high-density EEG recordings. Patients who are candidates for VNS will be implanted with the UNEEG device 2 months before implantation of the VNS. Treatment effects will be evaluated with the UNEEG electrode, complemented with diaries and questionnaires regarding epilepsy related symptoms. At present, four patients have been implanted with the UNEEG electrode.

This project is a collaboration between the CNPH group of the University of Twente, the Neurocenter group (neurosurgery, neurology and clinical neurophysiology) of the Medisch Spectrum Twente and the epilepsy center SEIN in Zwolle.

This project is funded by the Dutch epilepsy foundation, EpilepsyNL.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with an MSc degree in Technical Medicine or Biomedical Engineering. A very strong interest in clinical research, epilepsy, biomedical signal analysis and machine learning is essential.

Candidates need to have good social skills and must like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment. An interview and presentation will be part of the selection procedure.

We offer a scientific education on a multidisciplinary subject. The assignment is for four years, with a go/no go assessment at the end of the first year.

The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.

• The gross monthly salary starts with € 2.434,- in the first year and increases to € 3.111,- in the fourth year of your employment
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%
• A solid pension scheme
• Minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment
• Professional and personal development programs

The clinical neurophysiology group is an interdisciplinary research group at the University focusing on translational research in epilepsy and cerebral ischaemia. The EEG is a key clinical and research tool. EEG signal analysis includes various machine learning techniques to improve diagnostic values and (bedside) application. Applied EEG studies are complemented by biophysical modeling and simulation for improved understanding of underlying neuronal dynamics and prediction of treatment effects. In addition, we use in vitro models consisting of cultured neurons (from rodent or human induced pluripotent stem cells) on multi-electrode arrays to study basic neuronal and synaptic functioning, identify treatment targets, and screen treatments. For more information, see https://www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/cnph/\