PhD Position on ‘Linking Locus Coeruleus Function to Sleep, Brain Function and Health, and Autonomic Control in Humans’

The Neural Control of Movement Lab at ETH Zurich (Department of Health Sciences and Technology) focuses on understanding how the brain controls behavior and on developing non-invasive interfaces to modulate brain function during wake and sleep. We are seeking a motivated and skilled PhD student to join our team.

This project aims to explore how sleep, brain function, health, and autonomic control are interconnected, with a particular focus on the role of the Locus Coeruleus. By using advanced electrophysiological measurement methods, different brain stimulation modalities, and pupillometry, we intend to unravel the neural mechanisms underlying these functions.

The successful candidate will work on designing and conducting human experiments that link sleep, arousal, and autonomic functions. A central focus of the project will be using pupillometry to indirectly assess Locus Coeruleus activity, exploring its role in regulating arousal and supporting brain function through both pharmacological and non-invasive interventions.

Your work will include:

• Configuration and integration of advanced brain stimulation techniques with multimodal biosignal recording systems
• Hands-on data acquisition using advanced electrophysiological measurement methods, brain stimulation techniques, and pupillometry during sleep and wake in humans.
• Development of study designs and research questions.
• Advanced signal processing.
• Dissemination of research findings through scientific publications and presentations.

The project provides a unique opportunity to combine and synchronize different brain stimulation modalities and electrophysiological measurements, including EEG, ECG, and pupillometry. The application of brain stimulation techniques will be an integral part of the research, making this an exciting and technically challenging position.

We are looking for a candidate with:

• A Master’s degree (or nearing completion) in neuroscience, neurophysiology, biomedical engineering, health sciences and technology, or a related field.
• Strong technical skills, particularly in programming (e.g., Matlab, Python) and in setting up complex biosignal recording and brain stimulation systems.
• Experience with at least one electrophysiological recording method, brain stimulation technique, or related experimental method listed above is desirable.
• The ability to design and conduct rigorous experiments in humans, with a particular emphasis on synchronizing data from multiple sources.
• Strong communication skills, scientific curiosity, and a very collaborative spirit.
• A good integrative and connected thinking ability with a structured, reliable, and well-organized personality.
• Flexibility in working hours, as some experiments may require nighttime work.
• Fluency in English; German language skills are an advantage.

A fully funded PhD position (~4 years) in a great scientific and social environment at a world leading University (see below). The project will equally combine lab work and computational analysis of the acquired data and provides a great opportunity to establish a portfolio that covers all aspects of scientific work.