DC9 Ph.D. offer in the consortium DONUT at Kaunas University of Technology: "Human emotion recognition using a hybrid Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) and Muscle-Computer Interface (MCI) system"

We are looking for highly motivated and independent student willing to take on the challenge to do a successful 3-year Ph.D. programme at Kaunas University of Technology.

The ideal candidate will have all or most of the following profile:

• Relevant Master’s degree (e.g., Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering).
• Excellent undergraduate and master’s degree grades are required.
• Background in signal processing.

Scientific Skills and Research Experience:

• Familiarity with modern methods of machine learning. 
• Familiarity with modern Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology.
• Familiarity with basic principles of signal processing techniques applied to human scalp EEG. 
• Proficiency in scientific writing is a crucial aspect of the PhD.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Possession of a broad scientific background.
• Proven record of previous scientific publications

Educational Qualifications:

• Hold an MSc degree in fields relevant to the PhD project—computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, applied mathematics or informatics, or related. 

Language Proficiency:

• Exhibit a good command of English, both in written and spoken forms.

Team Collaboration:

• Willingness to work collaboratively in a group setting within the laboratory.
• Ability to contribute to common projects, share experimental results and learn from colleagues.

Motivation:

• Display high motivation to actively participate in the 3-year Ph.D. program leading to a doctoral degree.

Flexibility:

• Willingness to engage in mandatory secondments between members of the DONUT consortium.
• Ability to work independently when required.

Initiative and Proactivity:

• Demonstrate a proactive and highly initiative approach to tasks and challenges.

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in research labs will be highly valued.

• Highly motivated, independent, and enthusiastic doctoral researcher.
• Strong background in computational methods and neurosciences.
• Excellent track record of academic achievement and a strong interest in conducting original research and innovation.
• Proven record of academic publications.
• Good programming skills, including experience with MATLAB, Python, or similar.

The Doctoral Candidate will be hired as a PhD scholar (“fellow”) with full social security. The living, travel, and family allowances (the latter when applicable) will be used to cover both the employee's and the employer's compulsory charges.

• Recruited researchers can be of any nationality and must comply with the following mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Lithuania for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
• Candidates may not already hold a doctoral degree and must meet the admission requirements for enrollment to the doctoral school at Kaunas University of Technology (see https://admissions.ktu.edu/phd/#admission-regulations-KTU).
• The recruitee must be working exclusively on the project.

To apply for this position (continuing applications are allowed, irrespective of the mentioned deadline for applications), please send an e-mail to dc9@donut-project.eu and enclose it in a single PDF file:

• Curriculum vitae* (feel free to use the Europass model, with contact information for 2-3 references).
• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position. Additionally, include in the motivation letter your plan of action specific to the position.
• Full list of credits and grades of both BSc and MSc degrees (as well as their transcription to English if possible) – (if you haven’t finished your degree yet, just provide us with the partial list of already available credits and grades).
• Short statement if your application may also be considered for other positions within the DONUT consortium.
• Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, TELC, …) - if available.
• Two reference letters - if available.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis.

A project’s recruitment committee will select suitable candidates for a first-round based on academic formation, professional and/or research experience, motivation, and references. If selected, you will be given a short assignment related to the topic of the project to evaluate analytical abilities and level of written English, followed by interviews. Interviews will take place online to provide equal opportunities to all candidates independent of their location. .

The candidates selected by a project’s recruitment committee will participate in a second round selection organized by Kaunas University of Technology according to the rules announced at https://admissions.ktu.edu/phd/#admission-regulations-KTU.

Footnote

* The curriculum vitae must be signed by the candidate and has to bear the following sentence concerning the management of the candidate’s personal data: “The undersigned Name and Surname authorizes the management of his/her personal data contained in the application documents as foreseen by the European Regulation 2016/679 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data and declares to be aware of the rights of the data subject as listed in Chapter III of the aforementioned European Regulation”.

Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) is a prominent higher education institution located in Kaunas, Lithuania. Founded in 1922, KTU has a rich history and is known for its strong focus on scientific research and technological advancements. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields, including engineering, information technology, social sciences, and humanities. Notably, KTU is renowned for its engineering and technology programs, reflecting Lithuania's emphasis on STEM education and innovation. The university fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to engage in research and practical projects. KTU's campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and a central library, providing an excellent infrastructure for academic and scientific pursuits.

The DONUT consortium embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. In the recruitment process measures will be taken to ensure that equal opportunities criteria in the selection process are applied, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In case of disability, a special needs allowance is available from the EU (so-called special needs allowance) to ensure adequate participation in the action.