"PhD Position on Neural Engineering/Computational Neuroscience/Biomedical Engineering"

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of neural engineering, computational neuroscience, biomedical signal processing, and embedded systems design. The project aims to develop a novel electrical nerve-stimulation interface that leverages a biomimetic muscle-stretch feedback model implemented on a low-power, real-time FPGA-based system.

If you are eager to combine fundamental sensorimotor research with advanced embedded system design to drive neuroprosthetic innovation, we encourage you to apply.

Stretch feedback plays a key role in motor control, and its disruption—such as after stroke, spinal cord injury, or in multiple sclerosis—leads to impaired movement, unstable gait, and reduced quality of life.

This project will develop an adaptive stimulation interface that uses real-time position-sensor data to estimate muscle length and desired stretch-receptor activity. These estimates will be translated into physiologically informed stimulation patterns to activate sensory nerves in vivo.

To achieve this, the PhD candidate will combine a realistic biophysical model of stretch feedback and joint mechanics to be suited for embedded implementation.

The University of Twente offers an excellent academic ecosystem, combining strong expertise in engineering, neuroscience, and biomedical technology. With its strong interdisciplinary focus, this project will provide an excellent foundation for scientific growth and successful completion of a PhD.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Neuroscience, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background or interest in computational neuroscience or biophysical modelling,
• Knowledge of embedded systems / FPGA development
• Programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++).
• You are proficient in English, both in speaking and writing (proven).
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.

Conditions of employment

As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within an exciting scientific environment.

The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues.

Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).

You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year);

There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.

A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School, where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Department

Biomedical Signals and Systems (BSS) is a multidisciplinary group based in Electrical Engineering, focusing on finding solutions for medical challenges via signal and system analysis.

The Computer Architecture for Embedded Systems (CAES) group conducts research and education in computer architecture and computing systems with a particular emphasis on embedded systems.

Additional information

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 15, 2026, and include:

• Curriculum Vitae with contact information of at least two academic references (one of them should be your MSc supervisor).
• A cover letter (maximum one page of A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications, and motivation to apply for this position. Including a second page of a summary of your Master's thesis.
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Utku S. Yavuz (e-mail: s.u.yavuz@utwente.nl) or Nikolaos Alachiotis (email: n.alachiotis@utwente.nl).

Screening is part of the selectionprocess