‘Electrocochleography (ECochG) during cochlear implantation – from model to clinic’ is a PhD project within the Neuroscience research theme, subsidized by the Leiden University Medical Center. The project aims to improve the interpretation and useability of intra-operative ECochG recordings. You will further develop the model for ECochG measurements and link the simulations to clinical measurements in an improved intra-operative setup. For this you will further improve the ECochG model by extending it with detailed parameters of the auditory physiology and investigate the effect of different inner ear and neural pathologies on the response. You will also assess the efficacy of the ECochG recordings using intra- and postoperative measurements of residual hearing combined with detailed radiological assessment of the intra-cochlear position of the electrode arrays. In addition, you will use artificial intelligence to compare results to predictions with various model configurations. Finally, in this project you will collaborate with clinical physicist audiologists, ENT-surgeons and radiologists, as well with scientists from the industry, especially Advanced Bionics, who provide the clinical recording software.

You have completed a master's degree in a medical-technical field, such as (Technical) Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Mathematical Biology, Bio-Informatics, or (Applied) Mathematics, Applied Physics, or similar. You have an affinity with hearing and medical scientific research. You have an excellent command of the Dutch and English language, both verbally and in writing. You also have good communication skills and you can work well together. Due to the nature of this role and the contact with patients at the LUMC we are looking for Dutch speaking candidates.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

The salary starts at €2,570 gross per month in the first year, up to €3,271 in the fourth year (scale pro, CAO UMC).

LUMC

At the Leiden University Medical Center, we continuously work on improving patient care. We invest in groundbreaking, international research and work with the latest equipment. Together with our team of doctors, medical specialists, teachers, academic researchers and supporting staff, we aim for the best quality in health care, education and international research. And we need you to realize our goals!

Department and the Center for Audiology and Hearing Implants

The research team in the ENT Department and the Center for Audiology and Hearing Implants conducts translational research embedded in an academic-clinical environment. The department’s areas of focus include ear disease and hearing implants, voice disorders, skull base tumors, oncology and facial plastic surgery. The cochlear implant research is embedded in the LUMC Neuroscience research theme. You will be part of a team with various disciplines that work closely together within the clinic and through research. The team includes ENT physicians (in training), clinical physicists / audiologists, biologists and paramedics.