PhD Position: Brain, Computation and Technology at the Donders Institute Radboud University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Radboud University’s Donders Institute offers an exciting opportunity to advance research at the intersection of brain science, computation, and technology. The successful candidate will join the consortium project ‘MultiSens‑1.0: Towards a Home‑Based Assessment of Multisensory Disorders’, collaborating with Radboud University, two hospitals, and two technology partners. The project, funded by the NWO Open Technology Programme, aims to develop and implement a novel remote assessment tool for multisensory integration, enabling high-quality perceptual data collection outside traditional laboratory settings.

The research combines human perception, psychophysics, user-centred design, and digital health innovation. Patient studies will be conducted to deepen understanding of human functioning, characterize multisensory disorders, and evaluate emerging technologies in real-world settings. As a PhD candidate, you will play a central role in scientific investigations and the development of the MultiSens application, including managing end-user participation, contributing to application design, investigating stimulus and calibration requirements, and benchmarking prototypes against laboratory standards. The position includes a research secondment at a partner institution and opportunities to mentor BSc and MSc students and participate in limited teaching.

You will be embedded in the sensorimotor research group of Prof. Pieter Medendorp at the Donders Centre for Cognition, part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Donders Institute is renowned for its multidisciplinary research environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and international staff. Research themes include language and communication, perception, action and decision making, development and lifelong plasticity, and neural computation and neurotechnology. English is the working language.

Applicants must hold an MSc degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field. Applied backgrounds such as Human Factors, Biomedical Engineering, or Human-Centred Design are also considered if they include rigorous training in human perception research and quantitative methods. Experience with quantitative data analysis (MATLAB and/or Python), affinity for experimental research, and strong collaboration and communication skills are required. The position is ideal for candidates motivated to conduct interdisciplinary empirical research at the intersection of perception science, technology, and health.

The appointment is for 1.5 years initially, with possible extension to a 4-year contract upon positive evaluation. The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 to €3,881, with additional benefits including holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, extra leave days, pension plan, sports and cultural discounts, flexible working hours, and training and development opportunities. The application deadline is 17 May 2026, with interviews starting 2 June and preferred employment start on 1 September.

To apply, submit your application online via the provided link, addressing your letter to Prof. Pieter Medendorp. Review the application form for required documents. For further information, contact Prof. Medendorp at [email protected].