Postdoc Position: Ultrasonic Neuromodulation at the Donders Centre for Cognition

1. Introduction

Are you passionate about ultrasonic brain stimulation, neuroimaging and cognition? Come and join the Cognitive Neuromodulation Lab as a Postdoctoral Researcher to play a key role in human ultrasonic neuromodulation studies in collaboration with Maastricht University.

2. Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to establish and lead a new research line in transcranial ultrasonic stimulation (TUS), with a focus on human behaviour and clinical translation. This position is part of a collaborative project between Radboud University and Maastricht University, combining expertise in ultrasonic brain stimulation, electromagnetic non-invasive neuromodulation, experimental psychology, neuroimaging and electrophysiology.

Your work will focus on translating expertise from non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) towards the development of TUS protocols for modulating subcortical targets in humans. The goal is to leverage ’lessons learned’ from TMS/TMS-EEG/fMRI research such as state-dependent stimulation, network-based target engagement and cognitive modulation, and apply these insights to ultrasonic neuromodulation. Ultimately, this programme aims to provide the foundation for clinically relevant TUS applications in psychiatry and neurology.

3. Profile

• You are currently a researcher at either Radboud University or Maastricht University.
• You have a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Experimental Psychology, Engineering or a related field.
• You are a certified experimenter in non-invasive brain stimulation in humans.
• You have a strong background in cognitive and perceptual neuroscience.
• You have proven expertise in TMS and TMS-EEG (experience with fMRI is a strong advantage).
• You have international experience and have worked in two or more international labs.
• You have experience with clinical data.
• You are available and willing to work flexibly in Nijmegen and Maastricht.
• You have scientific coding skills in Python, R and/or MATLAB to run treatment planning and analysis.

Typically, being a (former) Radboud or Maastricht University employee is not a qualification for our vacancies. However, due to the short-term nature of this position, there is no opportunity to guide new employees through the technical and safety training of non-invasive brain stimulation at Radboud and Maastricht Universities. Therefore, it is only possible to apply for this position if you have previously completed this certification.

4. We are

The locations involved are Radboud University (Donders Centre for Cognition) and Maastricht University (Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience), where you will be supervised by Dr L. Verhagen and Prof. A.T. Sack.

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes:

1. Language and communication
2. Perception, action and decision-making
3. Development and lifelong plasticity
4. Natural computing and neurotechnology.

Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as ‘excellent’ and recognised as a ‘very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent’. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. 

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 7 months.
• Your salary within salary scale 11 (max. step 2) depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Lennart Verhagen. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Friday 24 October. Any second interview will take place on Friday 31 October. You will preferably start your employment on 1 January 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. 

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move? Learn more about internal applications.