We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of neural engineering, computational neuroscience, biomedical signal processing, and embedded systems design. The project aims to develop a novel electrical nerve-stimulation interface that leverages a biomimetic muscle-stretch feedback model implemented on a low-power, real-time FPGA-based system.
If you are eager to combine fundamental sensorimotor research with advanced embedded system design to drive neuroprosthetic innovation, we encourage you to apply.
Stretch feedback plays a key role in motor control, and its disruption—such as after stroke, spinal cord injury, or in multiple sclerosis—leads to impaired movement, unstable gait, and reduced quality of life.
This project will develop an adaptive stimulation interface that uses real-time position-sensor data to estimate muscle length and desired stretch-receptor activity. These estimates will be translated into physiologically informed stimulation patterns to activate sensory nerves in vivo.
To achieve this, the PhD candidate will combine a realistic biophysical model of stretch feedback and joint mechanics to be suited for embedded implementation.
The University of Twente offers an excellent academic ecosystem, combining strong expertise in engineering, neuroscience, and biomedical technology. With its strong interdisciplinary focus, this project will provide an excellent foundation for scientific growth and successful completion of a PhD.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 15, 2026, and include:
- Curriculum Vitae with contact information of at least two academic references (one of them should be your MSc supervisor).
- A cover letter (maximum one page of A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications, and motivation to apply for this position. Including a second page of a summary of your Master's thesis.
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Utku S. Yavuz (e-mail: s.u.yavuz@utwente.nl) or Nikolaos Alachiotis (email: n.alachiotis@utwente.nl).
Screening is part of the selectionprocess
About the department
Biomedical Signals and Systems (BSS) is a multidisciplinary group based in Electrical Engineering, focusing on finding solutions for medical challenges via signal and system analysis.
The Computer Architecture for Embedded Systems (CAES) group conducts research and education in computer architecture and computing systems with a particular emphasis on embedded systems.
About the organisation
The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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