PhD position in project "Mechanisms of non-invasive functional connectivity modulation (COMO)"

We look for a researcher with a passion for studying the function of the brain in motor control by computational modelling and non-invasive brain stimulation. The focus of this project will be on advanced versions of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), targeting multiple brain areas in an optimised way. This may include neural network and neural mass modelling of large-scale brain activity during and after stimulation, and experimental tACS in healthy participants.

The successful applicant will join the lab of Bettina Schwab within the Biomedical Signals and Systems group of the department of Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Twente (UT), Netherlands.

About the project:

Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive technique to modulate neural activity in the human brain. While its effects on neurophysiology and behavior are typically small in size, the technique has the advantage to be very flexible in terms of application sites and time courses of the applied currents, leading to large parameter spaces for applications. To optimize tACS towards a technique of network stimulation in the human brain, we use computational modeling at the population level (neural mass models) as well as at the neuron level (neural network models) including plasticity. Electric fields will be estimated based on finite-element method models. The project can be partly adapted to your specific interests and your background.

This is an M-1 Open Competition Domain Science project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). M-grants are intended for innovative, high-quality, fundamental research and/or studies involving matters of scientific urgency.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before February 2, 2026, and include:

• a letter of motivation, emphasising your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position;
• a detailed CV;
• an academic transcript of BSc and MSc education;
• contact information of two referees, for example previous supervisors.

For more information you are welcome to contact Dr. Bettina Schwab (b.c.schwab@utwente.nl)

Screening is part of the selection process.

The group Biomedical Signals & Systems aims to enable improved diagnosis and treatment of patients with motor, sensory and cardiopulmonary dysfunction in clinical and home/self-care settings. Our research is embedded in the multidisciplinary research institute Technical Medicine (TechMed) Centre.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.