PhD Fellowship — Multilevel Modeling of Outcome Predictors Following Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease (MSCA COFUND PICTUS)

About the Project

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join a multidisciplinary research team working on predictive modeling of clinical outcomes after Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease. The position is fully funded through the MSCA COFUND PICTUS PhD Fellowship Programme at the Czech Technical University in Prague.

Research project:

The project centres on identifying robust, interpretable predictors of motor improvement following subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS, integrating preoperative clinical, motor, neuropsychological, and imaging data. Motivated by recent critiques of overfitted outcome-prediction models in the DBS literature, the PhD will implement a structured, multi-tiered analytical framework that systematically compares classical regression techniques with modern penalized and hierarchical modeling strategies. The candidate will contribute to outcome definition, data curation and analysis, and model development, with opportunities to engage with advanced statistical methods such as dimensionality reduction and Bayesian multilevel modeling. The project provides access to a rich, curated longitudinal clinical dataset and close collaboration with leading neurologists, neurosurgeons, and data scientists.

Candidate profile:

• Master's degree (held by contract start) in biomedical engineering, statistics/biostatistics, data science, computer science, neuroscience, medicine, or a closely related field
• Strong quantitative background; experience with R and/or Python
• Interest in regression, multilevel/hierarchical and/or Bayesian modeling
• Interest in translational clinical research and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Eligible under the MSCA mobility rule: must not have resided or carried out the main activity in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to 31 May 2026

What we offer:

• Gross salary 69,300 CZK/month (competitive, equivalent to the standard MSCA individual award)
• Family allowance 8,888 CZK/month (for fellows with dependent family members)
• Travel support for conferences and secondments, plus dedicated research costs
• 48-month full employment contract and enrolment in a structured PhD programme
• An internationally oriented, multidisciplinary research environment

Institution:Czech Technical University in Prague, Department of Cybernetics

Location:Prague, Czech Republic

Position type:PhD / Doctoral fellowship · Full-time · 48 months

Application deadline: 31 May 2026

How to apply:

Submit your application via the PICTUS application form with: CV, Master's thesis (PDF, max 20 MB), research proposal based on this topic, and Master's diploma. Candidates must apply in parallel to the PhD programme at CTU (the PhD admission deadline may be earlier). Contact the supervisor in advance to discuss the proposal.

Supervisor: Assoc. prof. Daniel Novak

Group Web Page:https://aid.fel.cvut.cz/

Full programme information:https://international.cvut.cz/jobs-at-ctu/pictus-phd-fellowship-programme/