PhD Candidate in Neuromodulation and Arousal Regulation through Bio-/Neurofeedback

PhD Position in Neuromodulation and Arousal Regulation through Bio-/Neurofeedback

100% | Zurich | Fixed-term

Join the **Brain-Body Regulation Lab** at ETH Zurich (Department of Health Sciences and Technology), where we are dedicated to developing non-invasive self-regulation methods to modulate brain function during wakefulness and sleep, while exploring how the brain interacts with various bodily functions. Our focus primarily involves healthy volunteers, with future projects planned to include patient cohorts. We are currently seeking a motivated and skilled PhD student to join our dynamic team.

Project Background

This project centers on understanding neuromodulatory systems, particularly the locus coeruleus, and their role in regulating brain arousal levels and the effects on other bodily signals. We aim to employ a novel biofeedback approach that leverages our eye's pupil dynamics, in conjunction with neuroimaging, electrophysiological, and respiratory recordings, to deepen our understanding of these critical brain functions and their impacts on bodily physiology throughout both wakefulness and sleep.

Job Description

The successful candidate will engage in designing and conducting human experiments utilizing multimodal frameworks that explore the connection between central and peripheral arousal levels during wake and sleep. A significant focus will be on utilizing pupillometry alongside other neurophysiological tools to indirectly assess the activity of arousal-regulating systems in the brain, as well as investigating their role in enhancing brain and bodily functions via non-invasive interventions.

Your Work Will Include:

• Development of study designs and research questions
• Configuration and integration of multimodal biosignal recording systems
• Hands-on data acquisition using methods such as non-invasive electrophysiological, respiratory, and pupillometry recordings during sleep and wakefulness in humans
• Advanced signal processing
• Dissemination of research findings through scientific publications and presentations
• Supervision of BSc and MSc students

This project offers a unique opportunity to integrate and synchronize various physiological recording modalities, including EEG, ECG, respiratory recordings, and pupillometry. The successful candidate will engage in all aspects of scientific work, making this an exciting and multifaceted position.

Profile

We are looking for a candidate who possesses:

• A Master's degree (or nearing completion) in health sciences and technology, neuroscience, psychology, neurophysiology, biomedical engineering, or a related field
• Programming experience (e.g., Matlab, Python)
• Experience with at least one electrophysiological recording method or a related experimental technique
• Capability to design and conduct rigorous experiments in humans, with a strong emphasis on synchronizing data from multiple sources
• Experience setting up complex biosignal recordings is an advantage
• Strong communication skills, scientific curiosity, and a collaborative spirit
• Self-motivated, reliable, and organized approach
• Fluency in English; proficiency in German is considered an advantage

Workplace

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity, and nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all our staff and students. For more information, please visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website.

We Offer

A fully funded PhD position (~4 years) in an exceptional scientific and social environment at a world-renowned university. The project will facilitate the combination of lab work with the computational analysis of acquired data, providing an excellent opportunity to build a comprehensive portfolio reflecting all aspects of scientific work.

• Your work will make an impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, an institution that supports your professional development while contributing positively to society
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
• Enjoy numerous benefits, including public transport season tickets, car-sharing options, a wide range of sports offered by ASVZ, childcare support, and attractive pension benefits

Apply Online

We encourage you to apply online using the form below, submitting the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae including educational history and any awards
• Research motivation statement of up to two A4 pages detailing your interests, goals, experiences, and their relevance to the proposed research domain
• Diplomas
• Names and email addresses of at least two references

Only applications matching the job profile will be considered. The starting date is set for Summer 2025 (or upon mutual agreement). Questions regarding the position may be directed to Prof. Dr. Sarah Meissner at Show e-mail.ch">Show e-mail (no applications).

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich stands as one of the world's leading universities in science and technology. Renowned for its excellence in education and groundbreaking research, we strive to translate new knowledge into societal impact. Over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries call our university a place fostering independent thought and excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe yet connected globally, we collaborate to address the pressing challenges of today and tomorrow.