项目介绍

2024年10月15日

We are seeking an outstanding PhD candidate to join our dynamic team investigating the effects of phase-targeted auditory stimulation of slow waves during sleep on disease progression in neurodegeneration.

Animal studies and observational research in humans suggest that deeper sleep is associated with slower progression of neurodegenerative processes. Our group at the University Hospital Zurich (Prof. Christian R. Baumann, Dr. Angelina Maric), in collaboration with the University Children’s Hospital Zurich (Prof. Reto Huber), is preparing to conduct several long-term studies to investigate whether deepening sleep through phase-targeted auditory stimulation of slow waves in patients with Parkinson’s disease, isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD), or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can modify the progression of neurodegenerative
processes. In these studies, patients will self-administer phase-targeted auditory stimulation nightly at home over an 18-month period. EEG, brain imaging, fluid biomarkers, and clinical assessments will be used as outcome measures.

Your responsibilities

Main Tasks:

• Perform outcome assessments.
• Instruct patients in self-administration of auditory stimulation.
• Evaluate auditory stimulation performance.
• Sleep EEG data and outcome analysis
• Prepare, draft and contribute to scientific manuscripts and presentations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members (neuroscientists, clinicians, study nurses etc.) to execute experimental protocols.
• Support supervision of master students.

Your profile

Main Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, or a related field.
• Experience in EEG analysis, preferably in sleep EEG.
• Interest in sleep physiology and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Good German and English communication skills.
• Basic proficiency in relevant software (MATLAB, Python, or similar tools for EEG analysis).
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment.

Additional Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with auditory stimulation paradigms during sleep is a plus.
• Knowledge in brain imaging (e.g., MRI, PET, etc.) would be advantageous.
• French or Italian communication skills are a plus.

Information on your application

Please submit your application document as one PDF file.

Further information

Questions about the job

Angelina MaricScientific Group Leader of Experimental Human Sleep Research