PhD Candidates - Flexible Oscillatory Workspace (FLOW)

We are looking for three motivated and curious PhD students to join our ERC Advanced Grant project FLOW. This project investigates the functional roles of brain oscillations for human cognition (attention, memory, cognitive control), explores how brain and body rhythms interact to enable flexible cognition, and tests how rhythmic non-invasive neuromodulation can modulate cognition performances.

We are recruiting three PhD students with distinct research foci:

• PHD 1: The functional role of neural rhuthms for inter-area brain network communicartion
• PHD 2: The neural code for multi-item representation in working memory
• PHD 3: The dynamic interplay between brain and bodily rhythms in human cognition

In all PhD projects we will use state-of-the art simultaneous TMS-fMRI-EEG measurements to probe the brain with TMS at specific oscillatory states and measure the subsequent network response with fMRI in the context of different cognitive paradigms.

What you’ll be doing

• Conducting data collection and analysis
• Writing of scientific papers;
• Presenting your findings;
• Teaching at Bachelor’s and Master’s level;
• Contributing to a nice and open lab atmosphere.

Project Background

Our brain operates in rhythms. Oscillatory activity is known to play a key role in attention, memory, and perception. At the same time, the body also generates its own rhythms, from the heartbeat to respiration and digestion. In FLOW, we ask: how do brain and body rhythms interact and how do they influence cognition?

You will design and run experiments that combine non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS/tACS), EEG, fMRI, and physiological recordings to test new models of brain-body interaction. We will also explore whether rhythmic stimulation can enhance cognitive performance. The project will give you the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of cognitive neuroscience in a supportive and innovative research team. You’ll join the Brain Stimulation & Cognition Lab, part of the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. You’ll work closely with Prof. Dr. Alexander Sack (principal investigator of FLOW), and collaborate with researchers such as Prof. Dr. Teresa Schuhmann, Dr. Sanne ten Oever, Dr. Inge Leunissen and Dr. Felix Duecker. Our lab culture is collaborative, open-minded, and mentorship-driven.

What you bring

You are enthusiastic to start a 4-year PhD journey investigating the brain-cognition-relationship and see yourself in the description below:

• Holds (or will soon complete) a Master’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Bioengineering, Cognitive or Experimental Psychology, Neurophysiology, Neuroimaging, Neuromodulation or a related field.
• Has a strong interest in brain stimulation, EEG/fMRI, and physiological measurements. Experience with these methods is a plus.
• Is skilled in programming and data analysis (e.g., Matlab, Python, R)

• Speaks and writes English fluently (Dutch is a plus)
• Works well in a team but is also self-motivated and independent
• Communicates clearly and is open to feedback

The start date is flexible. If you're graduating soon, we still encourage you to apply.

What we offer
As PhD Candidates - Flexible Oscillatory Workspace (FLOW) at Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale P according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3059,00 and €3881,00 gross per month (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1.0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience
The Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN) is an international faculty with students and staff from various cultural backgrounds, who are connected by their shared curiosity about human behaviour and our brains.

This curiosity inspires us to explore the wide field of psychology from different perspectives (such as a biological and cognitive viewpoint). By using small-scale and student-centred methods, such as problem-based learning and project-based learning, we encourage a similar kind of curiosity in our students, as we provide them with the tools to discover the world of the human brain.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Alexander Sack at [email protected] for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidates - Flexible Oscillatory Workspace (FLOW)? Apply now, no later than September 16th, 2025, for this position.

Please upload your CV and motivation letter. Describe in your motivation letter your exact experience/ expertise with the listed methods and skills and indicate in which of the three topics / studies you are most interested in.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.