Are you intrigued by the interplay between feedforward and feedback models in motor control? And are you curious about the role of expectation, attention, and emotion? Then join the interdisciplinary and intersectoral training network TReND as a PhD candidate!

We offer a position for a PhD candidate/EU MSCA Fellow for the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network ’Translational Research Network in Motor Disorder Rehabilitation: Advancing understanding of variability in motor control and learning, to enhance clinical practice (TReND)’ commencing on 1 September 2024. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for 4 years until 31 August 2027. More Information about the project can be found here. For this position, we will focus on the mechanisms underlying functional neurological movements disorders. Functional neurological movement disorders are common and disabling, and thought to result from dysfunction in the sensorimotor control circuitry comparing feedforward and feedback models. It is hypothesised that feedforward signals in planning and preparation of movement are overweighed under the influence of previous expectation, attention and emotion. Feedback signals are subsequently insufficiently used to update the feedforward model using a prediction error, resulting in neurological symptoms and signs. Here, we aim to assess this hypothesis by applying ambulatory EEG in various tasks, including walking.

You will be focusing on motor control in individuals with functional neurological disorders. Collaborating closely with your supervisors, you will be responsible for designing the study protocol. This entails recruiting participants, conducting measurements, analyzing data, and drafting scientific papers. Additionally, you will be tasked with communicating and disseminating research findings to various audiences and sectors, including research, clinical practice, and industry. Your work will involve publishing research results in esteemed international journals and presenting them at recognized international conferences. Furthermore, you will engage in collaboration with an international consortium as part of the externally funded MSCA doctoral network TReND. Participation in the network's comprehensive training program is also expected, which includes attendance at both in-person events, such as summer schools, and online events like lecture series and colloquia. Ultimately, this position encompasses working towards a doctorate.

Profile

• A graduate degree (Master’s degree) in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Biology, Human Movement Science, Cognitive Science or a related discipline is required, and thereby solid knowledge of human movement analysis (e.g. motion tracking) and neuroscience methods (e.g. EEG).
• You have previous experience working with human subjects and patients.
• You are team-oriented but can also work independently, and you have excellent communication and organisational skills.
• The MSCA mobility rule applies: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment (1 September 2024). You do not yet hold a doctoral degree.
• You have good knowledge of statistical methods. You have a good command of written and spoken English and Dutch (or are willing to learn Dutch).
• You must be willing to visit network partners Westphalische Wilhelm University (Muenster, Germany) and Aix-Marseille Université (Marseille, France) for a maximum duration of three months per visit.
• You must be willing to travel to different international network events.  

We are

At the Donders Centre for Neuroscience (DCN), we aim to understand the complex neural networks underlying perceptual, motor and cognitive brain functions. We study these networks by employing experimental as well as computational approaches. DCN is a part of the world-renowned Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and research institute of the Faculty of Science of Radboud University. 

By joining the EU-funded Doctoral Network TReND, you will join an interdisciplinary and intersectoral training network involving six beneficiaries, two employing associated partners and several other associated partners. The network will provide online and in-person training to support the fellows in obtaining their doctoral degree including two secondments to consortium partners.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.



We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.



Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,770 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,539 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• Please check here what the financial aspects of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship in the Netherlands are.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Practical information and applying

Please note that the other network partners will also be involved in the selection process and that your documents will be passed on to the other members of the MSCA doctoral network in this context.

In addition to the one position offered here, 10 more doctoral projects are available in the TReND network (an overview of the projects can be found here).

Applications will be evaluated by the TReND selection committee; suitable candidates will be invited to online interviews.

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Prof. Richard van Wezel In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application.

The first interviews will take place between June 10 and June 14. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September 2024.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.