The University Clinic for Neurology (Director: Prof. Dr. Karsten Witt) invites applications for a
starting on the 01.01.2023.
Project „Effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on interference resolution in patients with Parkinson's disease“
to support the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) funded Graduate Research Training Group “Neuromodulation of Motor and Cognitive Function in Brain Health and disease” (GRK 2783) at the University of Oldenburg
The research training group aims to understand neural mechanisms of non-invasive neuromodulatory approaches and promote technology development to improve motor and cognitive functions in patients with stroke and Parkinson's Disease. PhD students will receive a comprehensive and transdisciplinary training in the field of neuromodulation (magnetic/electric brain stimulation, psychopharmacology and neurofeedback) and specialize in state-of-the-art neuroimaging and neurophysiological methods, experience sampling, patient's expectations or sensor based assessment of brain activity and behavior in daily life scenarios.
Project description „Effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on interference resolution in patients with Parkinson's disease“
A hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the loss of dopaminergic neurons. However, other neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline are also affected and directly contribute to disease symptoms on the level of non-motor functions such as cognitive control and motivational behaviour. Targeting the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, previous studies demonstrated the activation of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus by a transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) in healthy subjects. This PhD project will aim to identify the impact of tVNS in PD, namely we will explore the effects of tVNS on cognitive (interference resolution) and motivational functions. Here, we will use pupillometry, EEG and cognitive and behavioral tests.
Candidates should hold an academic university degree (Master or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, engineering, medicine or a related discipline. Prior experience with analysis of EEG or neuropsychological data or programming skills are required. Good oral and written English skills are essential. Given the clinical study, good knowledge of German is mandatory.
The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increasing the percentage of women in science. Therefore, female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. In accordance with Lower Saxony regulations (§ 21 Section 3 NHG) female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Handicapped applicants will be given preference in case of equal qualification.
Please send your application, including a cover letter, CV, publication list (if applicable), list of two potential referees, and copies of certificates of academic grades, preferably by e-mail (one pdf file), subject "P11" to neurologie@uni-oldenburg.de or to Evangelisches Krankenhaus Oldenburg, Kliniksekretariat Neurologie, subject "P11", Steinweg 13-17, 26122 Oldenburg by 30.08.2022.
For general questions contact rtgoffice@uol.de.