To understand how the brain works, we must understand how each part, from neurons to neuronal ensembles to brain areas, interacts with the rest of the brain and with the world outside. Understanding these interactions is essential if we want to build novel brain-computer interfaces, prosthetics and therapeutic approaches to nervous system ailments. Within DBI2 we will develop principles, devices, and practices to take these interactions into account in order to better understand brain disorders, aspects of moods, emotions, and compulsions. Your base will be the department of Biomechanical Engineering within the 3mE faculty of the TU Delft, in which you will work with experts in closed-loop system identification.

As a postdoc at TU Delft within the DBI2 program, you will build neuronal network models to enhance our understanding of the closed-loop interactions within the brain. You will validate your findings and explain experimentally found properties of brain networks. You will use your findings to refine our 4D-EEG methodology, which enables quantifying signal propagation through the brain. Moreover, you will closely work with a PhD student within the team and collaborate with partners within the consortium to use your knowledge and 4D-EEG methodology to enhance our understanding of behaviour and neurological diseases. The highly interdisciplinary work requires you to actively build bridges between system identification, control engineering, signal analysis and neurosciences.

The postdoc position is part of the DBI2 program which is funded under the NWO Gravitation Program. The Gravitation program enables researchers to carry out top-level university research and multidisciplinary cooperation for ten years. DBI2 comprises a consortium driven by top researchers from leading Dutch research institutes (Radboud University, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Delft University of Technology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Erasmus Medical Center), complemented by experts in the fields of neuroscience, neuroengineering, and computational sciences. The highly interdisciplinary nature of the program will enable you to actively collaborate with all partners within the consortium and learn from the best neuroscientists, neuroengineers and computational engineers in the Netherlands.

Altogether, with this postdoc position, you will contribute to ground-breaking and innovative new insights into the understanding of brain function, thereby shaping the future of neural interfaces and the treatment of neurological diseases.

• A PhD degree (or within 6 months of completion) in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, or related field.
• In-depth understanding of advanced signal processing and modelling methods to study human (brain) function.
• Ample experience with the acquisition and analysis of non-invasive recordings of brain activity using EEG/MEG.
• A curiosity-driven, independent researcher who is excellent in complex problem-solving and possesses critical thinking skills
• Excellent programming skills: the ability to write clean, well-documented code using e.g., Matlab or Python.
• A good understanding of the functioning of our nervous system, specifically the brain.
• An excellent command of English, both spoken and written.
• Good social and communication skills.
• Preferably experience with medical image processing.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 4.036 - € 5.090 per month gross). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

This postdoc position has a fixed-term contract of 2 years, there are opportunities to extend this postdoc position for up to two years at the end of the contract.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in 3mE’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.