During this PhD research, you will conduct a series of experimental studies in people with Parkinson’s disease to assess the effect of cueing of gait on brain functioning, as assessed with mobile EEG and EMG, and kinematics, as assessed with motion tracking. Data collected in these studies will be used to test the theoretical framework of predictive coding and to obtain a better understanding of walking problems in Parkinson's disease. The interactive walkway will be used for the cueing of gait and to experimentally induce prediction errors, and functional connectivity and network analysis will be used to assess the effects on motor areas and pathways.

Expected start date: 01-11-2023

Background

• MSc in cognitive/computational/movement neuroscience, kinesiology, or a related field.   

Skills

• A scientific mindset, critical thinking capacity, and a strong interest in kinesiology and computational neuroscience;
• Excellent communication skills and the ability of working in a team;
• Experience in programming languages (e.g., python/matlab/R), software development kits, data integration and timeseries analysis;
• Experience desired with electrophysiology techniques, e.g., EEG, functional connectivity assessments or EMG, or motion capture techniques;
• Experience with clinical studies is a plus.

Temporary employment for 4 years. The first year will be a probation period, after a positive assessment the position will be extended for another 3 years.

Your salary will be € 2,770 gross per month in the first year up to € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-candidate salary scale. An 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance is also provided.

In addition to good primary employment conditions, UM also offers an attractive package of secondary employment conditions.

Each year an evaluation will take place.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the Collective Bargaining Agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, Click here.

Maastricht University

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.  

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.  

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
The Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN) is an international faculty with students and staff from diverse cultural backgrounds, who are linked by their shared curiosity about human behaviour and the brain. This curiosity drives us to explore the broad field of psychology, from diverse angles (such as a biological and cognitive perspective). By using small-scale and student-oriented approaches, such as the Problem-Based Learning and Project-Based learning, we encourage a similar curiosity in our students by handing them the tools to discover the world of the human brain.

Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology (NP&PP)
The department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology (NP&PP) is one of the research departments of the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. We perform fundamental and applied behavioural, clinical, and cognitive neuroscience research on the brain-cognition relationship and assess biological mechanisms that underlie cognitive, affective, and motor functions by means of various neuroimaging techniques and pharmacological interventions.
For examples of the neuropsychology research lines in our department see: https://band-lab.com/our-research/. This research project will be performed in collaboration with the department of Human Movement Sciences.