Children with movement disorders (dystonia and spasticity) are limited in their arm and hand function, which makes it difficult for them to perform many activities of daily living like dressing, eating, writing etc. Many of these children also suffer from sensory deficits. However, an intact sensory function of the affected hand is of great importance for the quality of hand function and bimanual function. Treatment options range from intense training, botulinum toxin and deep brain stimulation. However, individual treatment efficacy may substantially differ. Therefore, we want to analyze the individual sensory deficits using an established sensory inventory by means of electrophysiology (EEG and EMG) and the haptic master (a robotic arm for controlled reaching and holding tasks). With the haptic master we will induce sensory perturbations to study the effect of sensory modulation on motor tasks.

This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between clinical researchers (neurology and rehabilitation) and basic researchers (neuropsychology, movement sciences and data science).
The PhD student is therefore expected to have affinity with interdisciplinary research, combining skills in experimental research and data analysis, has excellent social skills and can work well with children.
Data analysis and programming skills (e.g., Matlab, Python) and experience with EEG acquisitions are preferred.

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, which happens in the vast majority of cases.

Your salary will be € 2,541 gross per month in the first year up to € 3,247 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. Each year an evaluation will take place.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 22,000 students and about 5,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. 
For more information, visit www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.