The scholarship is funded by the Center of Space BioMedicine. Although the doctoral programme is coordinated by the University of Trento, the successful candidate will carry out the research project at the Center of Space BioMedicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata (Rome, Italy), which will serve as the operational research base throughout the PhD.
The programme provides advanced interdisciplinary training in space science and technology, preparing researchers for academic, clinical, industrial, and space-sector careers.
Research Topic
- Human Life Science and Space Medicine
- Neurophysiological Adaptation to Altered Gravity
What happens to the human brain when gravity changes?
From microgravity to hypergravity, space provides a unique environment to investigate how the human nervous system adapts beyond Earth's conditions. This PhD project aims to advance our understanding of the neurophysiological and sensorimotor mechanisms underlying adaptation to altered gravity.
The research will focus on:
- Brain plasticity during altered gravity exposure
- Sensorimotor adaptation and multisensory integration
- Internal models of gravity
- Human neurophysiological adaptation
- Neurocognitive and vestibular deconditioning
- Development of evidence-based countermeasures for future human space missions
The project combines experimental human studies with advanced quantitative physiological analysis and bioengineering modelling.
Candidate Profile
Applications are welcome from highly motivated candidates holding a Master's degree (or equivalent) in disciplines such as:
- Neuroscience
- Physiology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Bioengineering
- Human Movement Science
- Biomedical Sciences
- Other closely related fields
Previous experience in experimental research, neurophysiology, human physiology, biomedical signal processing, quantitative analysis, or computational modelling will be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.
Full-time commitment is required.
Scholarship and Benefits
The successful candidate will receive:
- A 3-year fully funded PhD scholarship
- Gross annual scholarship: €18,345 (approximately €1,350 net per month)
- 50% increase of the scholarship during research stays abroad (up to six months)
- Dedicated research funding
- Additional financial support for conferences, scientific meetings, and summer schools
- Training within a multidisciplinary and internationally connected research environment
