The Postdoc will be part of the world-leading implantable Brain-Computer Interface research program of the RIBS lab, which focuses on the development and implementation of human implantable Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for completely paralyzed people, aiming to enable them to control a speech computer with their mind. In a new project, called ‘Neurostimulation for closed-loop BCI control’ (NOTION), we aim to develop a new approach for providing people who have been implanted with one of our BCIs with somatosensory feedback of the mental strategy they use to control the BCI, in order to improve BCI training and performance. The postdoc will conduct multiple experiments, not only with patients with brain implants, but also with healthy volunteers using non-invasive functional neuroimaging.

The successful candidate will

• Have recently obtained a PhD in biomedical engineering or cognitive neuroscience
• Have demonstrable experience in working with neurophysiological signals from the brain, preferably intracranial EEG
• Have a good understanding of neuroscientific closed-loop principles including for instance operant conditioning
• Have demonstrated affinity with patient-oriented research
• Have good communication and writing skills
• Be highly proficient in written and spoken English
• Be able to work independently, while being a real team-player

Speaking Dutch is not a requirement but is considered an advantage given contact with patients.

Application deadline is September 1, 2022.

Starting date of this 3-year position is November 1, 2022.

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RIBS lab

The RIBS lab focuses on new neuroscientific methods for the diagnosis and support of people with neurological disorders. The team is highly multidisciplinary and growing, with currently 6 senior scientists, 5 PhD students, 4 support staff and a varying number of Master students. The members have backgrounds in neuroscience, psychology, biology, physics and computer science, and operate as a team with complementary skills and roles. The common aim the team is committed to, is to translate neuroscientific and technological advances to new solutions for people with severe disabilities. Available techniques include 256-channel EEG systems for intracranial (ECoG, SEEG) recordings, fMRI (1.5, 3 and 7T human Philips systems), and 256-channel recordings in patients during awake neurosurgery. The project will be supervised by Dr. Mariska Vansteensel, Principal Investigator, and involves a close collaboration with the clinic (Dr. Sandra van der Salm, Department of Clinical Neurophysiology) and industry (CortTec Neuro, Germany).