PhD Position in Auditory Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience

Join a cutting-edge project investigating how the brain and body dynamically engage with sound in real-world listening situations. 

 

Job Description
We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary project investigating how the human brain and body adaptively engage with sound during attention. This project focuses on understanding the role of the corticothalamic circuitry in shaping auditory perception under real-world conditions, where attention must flexibly shift between competing sounds. 

You will collect and analyze cutting-edge multimodal datasets, including ultra-high field 7-Tesla fMRI, laminar intracranial EEG, and physiological recordings such as heart rate and respiration. These data will allow you to investigate how attentional states are reflected not only in neural dynamics but also in broader physiological signals, offering a whole-system, whole-body view of auditory attention. You will be centrally involved in all phases of the research process, from experimental development, data collection and analysis, to publication and dissemination.

This position is a collaboration between Maastricht University and KU Leuven, offering a unique opportunity to work across institutional and disciplinary boundaries. You will divide your time between the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (MaCSBio) and the ExpORL research group at KU Leuven, and will be jointly supervised by Dr. Moerel and Prof. Francart. This setup provides an ideal environment to integrate expertise in computational modelling, neuroimaging, and auditory neuroscience.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Designing and conducting experiments to collect ultra-high-field MRI data, human intracranial electrophysiology, and physiological recordings.
• Analyzing this multi-modal dataset using advanced computational tools.
• Collaborating within an international and interdisciplinary research team.
• Presenting your work at scientific conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
• Contributing to education (~0.1 fte)

Requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team. You should be organized, proactive, and be comfortable handling complex datasets and technical challenges.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A master’s degree in computational or cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, computer science, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or R.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Neuroscientific expertise and experience with functional MRI and/or electrophysiology data is a plus.

What we offer
As PhD Position in Auditory Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience at Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2901,00 and €3707,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. If proven suitable, this will be followed by a one-year extension at Maastricht University, after which the appointment will continue for two years at KU Leuven. During the periods when you are not primarily employed at one of the institutions, you will hold a formal guest appointment  there to ensure full academic affiliation and access. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor 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 Science and Engineering - Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics
FSE is a young and rapidly growing faculty where science, technology, and society come together. We combine the natural and social sciences in innovative programs such as Data Science, Circular Engineering, and Systems Biology. Our research and education are interdisciplinary, hands-on, and socially relevant. We take pride in our open culture and strong team spirit.

One of our key research centers is the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (MaCSBio). At MaCSBio, we use computational and mathematical methods to unravel the complexity of biological systems. The Centre plays an active role in both research and education, and coordinates the specialized Master’s program in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics.
Click here for more information about MaCSBio.

KU Leuven
KU Leuven is among Europe’s most prestigious and high ranking universities, with a centuries-long tradition of pioneering scientific discovery. Its doctoral programmes, across faculties like Science, Engineering, and Biomedical Sciences, offer structured training and mentorship under internationally renowned faculty. PhD candidates join vibrant doctoral schools that support interdisciplinary collaboration, regular seminars, and close interaction with leading researchers.
Click here for more information about KU Leuven

Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology (ExpORL), Department Neurosciences 
The research group ExpORL, housed within the Dept. Neurosciences, investigates how the brain processes and interacts with sound in real-world environments. We combine insights from auditory neuroscience, electrical engineering, and machine learning to understand and enhance auditory perception, particularly in challenging listening conditions. Using techniques such as EEG, physiological sensing, and computational modeling, we study speech understanding, attention, engagement, and effort in response to naturalistic auditory stimuli. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to decode cognitive states and develop new strategies for improving communication in people with hearing difficulties. We actively translate our scientific findings into innovative applications, including neuroadaptive hearing technologies and objective tools to assess listening engagement. Our team collaborates closely with clinicians, industry partners, and other research groups to ensure our work has both societal relevance and technological impact. We value creativity, scientific rigor, and a supportive environment that fosters learning and innovation.
Click here for more information about ExpORL

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Michelle Moerel at michelle.moerel@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. Any questions regarding the procedure can also be directed there.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidate in Auditory Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience? Apply now, no later than 17 August 2025 for this position. 

Please upload your CV, motivation letter, and contact information of 2 referees. 

The first interviews preferably take place by the end of August/ early September. There may be a second interview round in mid/late September. A reference check will be part of the application procedure. 

This vacancy is open to internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given priority.

Maastricht University and KU Leuven are committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at our university, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.