Funded PhD Position in Signal Processing for Neuroimaging at BCBL Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language in Spain

The Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL) in San Sebastián, Spain, is offering a fully funded three-year PhD position in the Signal Processing in Neuroimaging (SPIN) research group. This opportunity is ideal for early-career researchers interested in the intersection of neuroimaging, signal processing, and cognitive neuroscience. The position is supported by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, and leads to a PhD degree at the University of the Basque Country.

The SPIN group specializes in developing advanced neuroimaging and signal processing methods to deepen our understanding of human brain function and physiology. Research activities span cutting-edge acquisition, preprocessing, and analysis techniques in magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and high-density functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), including diffuse optical tomography (DOT). The selected PhD candidate will have the opportunity to design and develop an original doctoral project within one or more of the group’s research lines, such as:

• Investigating macrovascular and microvascular factors shaping brain function, perfusion, and neurovascular coupling using multimodal MRI (BOLD fMRI, perfusion MRI, arterial spin labeling, 4D-Flow MRI).
• Developing novel methods for cerebrovascular reactivity mapping and calibrated fMRI.
• Advancing high-resolution functional, structural, and vascular MRI at 3T.
• Studying the glymphatic system and neurofluid circulation with advanced MRI methods.
• Creating data analysis algorithms for naturalistic neuroscience using fMRI and fNIRS/DOT.
• Implementing precision neuroimaging in densely sampled individuals with fMRI and fNIRS/DOT.

The PhD candidate will actively participate in the scientific life of the SPIN-lab, including literature review, experimental protocol design, data acquisition, organization, and analysis, manuscript preparation, and presentation of results at international conferences. Engagement in weekly lab meetings, seminars, and collaborative activities at BCBL is expected, fostering a stimulating research environment. Training and professional development opportunities, such as workshops and summer schools, are available.

Supervision will be provided by Dr. César Caballero Gaudes, an expert in advanced neuroimaging and biomedical data analysis. The group’s projects focus on signal processing algorithms for fMRI and fNIRS, including denoising, deconvolution, physiological and neurovascular processes, functional connectivity, and multimodal imaging. These methods are applied to study large-scale brain networks and their role in cognition across healthy and diseased populations.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field (Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Neuroscience, Psychology, Medicine, or related). Experience with MRI and/or high-density fNIRS/DOT, strong skills in signal processing, data analysis, statistics, machine learning, and scientific programming (Python/Matlab) are required. Excellent English communication skills and eligibility for the UPV/EHU PhD program (minimum 300 ECTS credits) are mandatory. Prior research experience, MRI sequence programming, deep learning, and high-performance computing are advantageous.

The position offers a gross annual salary of 24,468€, a 3-month international research stay, access to state-of-the-art neuroimaging facilities (Siemens 3T PrismaFit MRI, Gowerlabs LUMO fNIRS/DOT), networking with leading researchers, support for conference attendance, and professional development programs. BCBL provides an inclusive environment with equal opportunities and a comprehensive career development plan.

To apply, submit your application via https://calls.bcbl.eu for the 'FUNDED PHD POSITION – SIGNAL PROCESSING IN NEUROIMAGING GROUP', including your CV, research interests statement, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. For technical issues, contact [email protected]; for project-related questions, contact [email protected]. The application deadline is 6 January 2026. Interviews will be held mid-January, with the contract starting before 1 March 2026.