PhD Position: Gut-Brain Axis and Eating Behavior in ADHD Radboud University in Netherlands

This PhD position at Radboud University focuses on the gut-brain axis and eating behavior in adults with ADHD, exploring neurocognitive and nutritional mechanisms underlying overeating and obesity. The project is funded by an NWO-VICI grant and is based at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, within the Food & Cognition group led by Prof. Esther Aarts. The research investigates how gut hormones (such as GLP-1) and prebiotic fibers, via the microbiome and short-chain fatty acids, affect brain processes related to hunger, satiety, impulsivity, reward sensitivity, and cognitive control. Two PhD candidates will be recruited: one will focus on an acute intervention with a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and the other on a prebiotic fiber intervention. Participants (adults with ADHD and overweight/obesity) will undergo MRI scans (functional and neurochemical) and cognitive tests before and after interventions.

As a PhD candidate, you will be involved in all aspects of the research, including study design, ethical and administrative procedures, participant recruitment, MRI scanning, data analysis (fMRI, MRS, behavioral and metabolic data), scientific writing, and presentations. You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team including another PhD student, research assistants, interns, the principal investigator, psychiatrists, diabetes specialists, and microbiome experts. The project also partners with WholeFiber for the prebiotic intervention.

The Donders Institute is renowned for advanced neuroimaging research and offers an international, open, and collaborative environment. English is the working language, and the center hosts over 200 staff from diverse backgrounds. Radboud University is committed to impactful research, high-quality education, and inclusivity, providing excellent support, flexible working conditions, and opportunities for professional development.

Funding includes a temporary contract (4 or 5 years), starting salary of €3,059/month rising to €3,881/month, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, extra vacation days (30 or 41), flexible work arrangements, pension scheme, sport/culture discounts, and training opportunities. Applicants must have a master's degree in cognitive neuroscience, biomedical sciences, psychology, nutrition sciences, or a related field, strong interest in the gut-brain axis and eating behavior, Dutch proficiency for participant interaction, excellent English communication skills, affinity for working with ADHD participants, and good data analysis/programming skills (R, Matlab, or Python).

Applications are accepted until June 29, 2026. Interviews will be held online on July 8, with second interviews in Nijmegen. Preferred start date is September 1, 2026. For questions, contact Prof. Esther Aarts at [email protected]. Apply via the provided link and address your cover letter to Prof. Aarts. Review the application form for required documents.