Are you eager to work in a multidisciplinary team to improve sleep diagnostics? The Biomedical Diagnostic (BM/d) Lab at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TUe) and Onera Health are seeking an outstanding PostDoc to work in close collaboration with Sleep Medicine Center Kempenhaeghe.

Project description

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard technique in sleep medicine to determine sleep stages and diagnose sleep-related disorders. However, PSG is a burdensome and costly method, and its use is predominantly in the clinical environment. Recently, sophisticated ambulatory recording devices have been developed, that are easy to apply, even by patients themselves. This allows for multi-night home recordings. One of these devices is the Onera sleep test system (Onera STS). In collaboration with Sleep Medicine Center Kempenhaeghe, a clinical validation trial for the Onera STS is prepared and planned to start in March 2022.



The clinical trial comprises of one night combined clinical PSG and Onera STS recording, followed by a multi-night home recording with the Onera STS. Traditional PSG signals, such as Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrooculography (EOG) and Electromyography (EMG) are part of the Onera STS, as well as respiratory related measurements. In the study, there is a special focus on patients with sleep walking and other irregularly occurring nocturnal episodes. Using multi-night recordings in this specific patient group might increase the probability of capturing these symptoms.

We are looking for a post-doc researcher to be involved in coordination of the trial and analyses of the results. Aims include 1) Validation of the Onera STS compared to gold standard PSG. 2) Development of representations of night-to-night variability in sleep structure. 3) Assess the added value of using multi-night recordings for the detection of parasomnia events. 4) Application of the academic work in the algorithm development team of Onera Health.

As such the candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team, at all partner locations.

Environment

We offer a dual-appointment at the biomedical diagnostics lab in the dept of Electrical Engineering at the TU/e,  and the algorithm development team of Onera Health. The candidate will closely collaborate with Sleep Medicine Center Kempenhaeghe as well.

TU/e

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is one of Europe's top technological universities, situated in the heart of one of Europe's largest high-tech innovation ecosystems. Research at TU/e is characterized by a combination of academic excellence and a strong real-world impact. This impact is pursued via close collaboration with high-tech industries and clinical partners.

Research related to this position will be carried out at the Biomedical Diagnostics (BM/d) lab of the Signal Processing Systems (SPS) group, which is part of the Electrical Engineering department. The BM/d lab has a strong track record in electrophysiological signal processing, physiological modelling and quantitative analysis of biosignals, ranging from ultrasound and MRI to electrophysiology. For more information, see here.

Onera Health

Onera Health is a leader in transforming sleep medicine and remote monitoring. Their breakthrough diagnostic solutions and services are poised to help millions of people struggling with sleep-related ailments, while also impacting other medical fields by monitoring a variety of chronic conditions, ultimately improving the health and quality of life for patients around the world. The company's innovative solutions provide comprehensive sleep test data to physicians in a variety of clinical and non-clinical environments to optimize patient care and reduce healthcare costs. Onera has offices in the Netherlands and the US. For more information, go to www.onerahealth.com.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with a background in health-related research, who enjoys working in a multidisciplinary team with academic, clinical and industrial partners. Main requirements are:

• A PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, (Bio)Medical Engineering or related field.
• Strong background in physiological signal analysis and algorithm development.
• Interest in sleep and sleep disorders is a requisite; experience in this field a pre.
• An academic attitude and strong analytical mind.
• Interested in applied science and working in industry.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• The successful candidate will be employed by TU/e during the 1st year of Postdoc, and by Onera Health during the 2nd year.
• You will have free access to high-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called '30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.