PhD candidate in Network Science

Develop methods to reconstruct brain-muscle networks of motor impairments across the lifespan. 

Job Description

Are you a highly motivated researcher excited by interdisciplinary research on developing new methods to investigate how neural interactions in the neuromuscular system change across the lifespan and how these interactions are reorganized in movement disorders? Apply for a PhD position in the Data Analytics and Digitalization department at Maastricht University. You will work with an interdisciplinary team in collaboration with the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences and the Maastricht University Medical Centre.

In the mobile brain-body imaging lab in Maastricht we study patterns of neural interactions between the brain and multiple muscles to investigate how neural coordination breaks down in movement disorders such as Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson’s disease. Movement disorders are a high priority theme within the Maastricht University Medical Centre with special focus on treatment with neuromodulation, e.g. deep brain stimulation. Complex networks are ideally suited to investigate the many-to-many coupling in the sensorimotor system and offer a mathematical and statistical framework to quantitatively assess these connectivity patterns. 

You will develop specialized end-to-end models to reconstruct neuromuscular networks from empirical data and identify changes in neural interactions that can be attributed to motor impairments. Using advanced Bayesian models, we aim to identify connectome fingerprints that predict clinical motor symptoms and treatment responses. Conversely, active learning and adaptive sampling will be used to design experiments to optimally select the best experimental settings that maximize the information gain of our models.

Requirements
The candidate will be responsible for developing novel probabilistic network models and using Bayesian inference to fit these models to real-world electrophysiological data recorded from the neuromuscular system. The candidate should therefore:

• Hold a master’s degree in Computational Neuroscience, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, or another domain with a strong computational and mathematical background.
• Have strong programming skills.
• Have a passion for interdisciplinary research and a keen interest in neuroscience, motor control or movement disorders.
• Be motivated to work independently and within a team and be open to collaborations across scientific fields.
• Have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Prior experience with Bayesian inference, network science and/or computational biology/neuroscience would be advantageous.

 What we offer
As PhD candidate in Network Science at School of Business and Economics, 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 €2872,00 and €3670,00 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 18 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 2,5 years will follow. 
• 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. 

The School of Business and Economics
The School of Business and Economics (SBE) is one of Maastricht University’s six faculties. Our mission is to contribute to a better world by addressing societal problems, by co-creating knowledge and developing team players and leaders for the future.

By joining SBE, you will be part of the 1% of business schools worldwide to be Triple Crown accredited (EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA). You will join an inspiring and international environment, where learning and development is priority. 

 
Department of Data Analytics and Digitalisation
The department of Data Analytics and Digitalisation (DAD) connects data science (mathematics, statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence) with business and economics research (finance, accounting, marketing, information management, operations, micro- and macroeconomics, policy design). We are responsible for conducting top-level research in data science for business and economics ranging from fundamental theoretical studies to applied industrial projects. 
Working in the DAD department with Dr. Leto Peel, you will be closely collaborating with Dr. Tjeerd Boonstra in the department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Prof. Dr. Kenneth Meijer in the School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, and Prof. Dr. Jeroen Vermeulen in the Mental Health and Neuroscience Research Institute.

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Leto Peel (l.peel@maastrichtuniversity.nl) or Dr. Tjeerd Boonstra (tjeerd.boonstra@maastrichtuniversity.nl) 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate in Network Science? Apply now, no later than September 21, for this position.

Please upload the following: 

• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter explaining your research interests and experience
• Optionally, candidates may provide a writing sample and/or a link to their github (or other online code repository) 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is 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 UM, 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.