PhD Candidate in Clinical Systems Neuroscience and Epilepsy

The Clinical Brain Systems (CBS) research group at the Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science (INB), NTNU, is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate for an exciting project aimed at advancing epilepsy diagnosis and treatment using state-of-the-art connectomics and machine learning techniques.

This PhD project is part of a groundbreaking research endeavor focused on integrating ultra-high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and invasive neurophysiological data to optimize epilepsy surgery. The work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, creating a dynamic research environment at the forefront of neuroimaging, invasive neurophysiology, translational and systems neuroscience, and computational modeling.

Notably, the project includes collaboration with the Norwegian National Center for Epilepsy at Oslo University Hospital, a leading institution in epilepsy care and research, which has a major role in the European reference network for rare and complex epilepsies EpiCARE. This partnership will provide the candidate with access to clinical expertise, patient datasets, and advanced neurophysiological recording techniques, facilitating translational research with direct clinical impact. Additionally, the project includes collaborations with other prominent institutions, such as the Norwegian 7T MR Center, the Department of Computer Science at NTNU, and the Department of Neurosurgery at Oslo University Hospital.

For a position as a PhD Candidate, the primary goal is to complete a doctoral education leading to an obtained doctoral degree.

Your immediate leader: Thanh Doan, Neurologist at St. Olav’s University Hospital and Clinical Brain Systems Research Group Leader, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, NTNU.

• Conduct research in neuroimaging (3T and 7T MRI), invasive neurophysiology (stereotactic EEG), and clinical variables from human patient data using machine learning.
• Publish high-quality findings in international peer-reviewed journals and present them at national and international conferences.
• Collaborate with leading national and international partners.

• The candidate must have completed a medical degree in a relevant field, such as neuroscience, neuroengineering, biomedical engineering, medical imaging, computer science, or data science.

Information

• Master’s students may apply, but the degree must be obtained and documented before the start of the contract.
• We expect the candidate to secure admission to NTNU’s PhD program in neuroscience within three months of employment.

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, Phd candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate and Regulations concerning the degrees of Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) and Philosophiae Doctor (PhD) in artistic research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

• An average grade of B or better (according to NTNU’s grading scale) for the medical degree or master’s degree.
• A demonstrated track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Proficiency in programming and data analysis, with experience in tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Experience with neuroimaging analaysis and/or machine learning methodologies.
• Experience with neurophysiological analysis techniques, such as EEG and intracranial recordings, and neuroimaging methods, including fMRI and tractography.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

• Highly motivated, self-driven, and able to work independently.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent collaboration and communication abilities.
• Commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovation.

Emphasis will be placed on personal and interpersonal qualities.

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment.
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, and other cutting-edge resources.
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.
• A range of employee benefits, including access to welfare and professional development programs
• Favorable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits

Working at NTNU

NTNU believes that inclusion and diversity is our strength. We want to recruit people with different competencies, educational backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to solving our social responsibilities within education and research. We will facilitate for our employees’ needs.

NTNU is working actively to increase the number of women employed in scientific positions and has a number of resources to promote equality. We especially encourage women to apply

As a PhD candidate (code 1017) you are normally paid from gross NOK 536 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years. The start date is intended to be August/September.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Neuroscience within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.

After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

The position is subject to external funding. It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution on a daily basis.

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that your application will be considered based solely on information submitted by the application deadline. You must therefore ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your skills and experience fulfil the criteria specified above.

The application must include

• CV and certificates
• transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees. If you have not completed the master’s degree, you must submit a confirmation that the master’s thesis has been submitted.
• A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Name and contact information of two to three referees
• If you have publications or other relevant research work

If all, or parts, of your education has been taken abroad, we also ask you to attach documentation of the scope and quality of your entire education, both bachelor’s and master’s education, in addition to other higher education. Description of the documentation required can be found here. If you already have a statement from NOKUT, please attach this as well.

We will take joint work into account. If it is difficult to identify your efforts in the joint work, you must enclose a short description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

Master’s students and medical students may apply.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Thanh P. Doan, email: thanh.p.doan@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact HR consultant, Komel Afridi, e-mail: komel.afridi@ntnu.no

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Application deadline: 18.03.25

NTNU – knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MH) and the Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science.