PhD researcher in Motor Learning / Neurorehabilitation

This project is a collaboration between the Departments of Movement Sciences (Prof. Jolien Gooijers and Jean-Jacques Orban de Xivry) and Rehabilitation Sciences at KU Leuven (Prof. Geert Verheyden). The Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group comprises a multidisciplinary team of international scientists with various backgrounds. The research team follows an integrated behavioral and neuroscientific research strategy, focusing on experimental studies in motor control and training-induced neuroplasticity. In recent years, the group has increasingly focused on studying the neural basis of changes in motor performance throughout the lifespan and due to diseases. The research team within Rehabilitation Sciences, the Stroke Rehabilitation Research Team, focuses on sensorimotor impairments, recovery, and rehabilitation of the upper limb after a stroke.
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Project

In this doctoral project, we investigate possible structural changes in the brain resulting from sensorimotor training in chronic stroke patients and healthy age-matched individuals. Additionally, we aim to provide crucial new insights into the significance of adaptive brain changes for improved sensorimotor functions.

Understanding neuroplasticity through sensorimotor training is essential. It reveals how the brain adapts after injury and during rehabilitation, leading to improved methods and prognoses for stroke patients. These insights help predict recovery potential and tailor treatments. For healthy elderly individuals, this research highlights the brain's ability to adapt, offering implications for improving sensorimotor functions and thus enhancing quality of life.

By employing various neural imaging techniques (structural MRI, diffusion MRI, functional MRI) before and after sensorimotor training, we will obtain crucial information regarding neuroplasticity. Moreover, with a special focus on (advanced) diffusion (white matter) imaging, we will shed new light on the critical relationship between white matter, brain function, and motor behavior.

Excellent state-of-the-art research infrastructure is available for conducting this research at BrainsHub, including motion capture and robotic technology, as well as a mock-MRI scanner. Access to MRI scanners for non-invasive brain imaging is facilitated by the Department of Translational MRI at the University Hospital Leuven.

For more information regarding this vacancy, please contact Jolien Gooijers: Jolien.gooijers@kuleuven.be.

Profile

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated candidate with a strong interest in studying the neural mechanisms underlying movement and sensory function. Additionally, the candidate should:

• Hold a master's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Movement Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Sciences, or another relevant field, or be set to obtain it by October 2024.
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills, in Dutch and/or English.
• Have strong organizational and project management skills.
• Enjoy working with patients and healthy elderly individuals in collaboration with a team of physiotherapists and researchers.

Additionally, it is beneficial (but not required) if the candidate has:

• Experience with academic writing.
• Experience with medical imaging; acquisition and analysis.
• Experience with motion capture and analysis.
• Experience with programming and data analysis (e.g., Matlab).

Offer

•  A dynamic research team (Prof. Gooijers, Prof. Verheyden, and Prof. Orban de Xivry) with international expertise in neuroplasticity, neurorehabilitation, sensory and motor functions.
• An interdisciplinary environment for conducting science.
• You will undertake teaching and research support tasks.
• A full-time PhD position, initially for 1 year, with a possible extension up to a maximum of 4 years. Funding is secured for at least 3 years, and we are committed to supporting your entire PhD journey.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Jolien Gooijers, tel.: +32 16 32 90 72, mail: jolien.gooijers@kuleuven.be.

Applications must consist of a motivation letter (including contact details of 2 referees) and a CV (including transcripts at university level). You can apply via our online application tool. Interviews will take place on Monday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 9 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.