→ Apply before 31/07/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
→ Department: EA05 - Informatietechnologie
→ Occupancy rate:100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration with clause
→ Term of assignment: 2 jaar
→ Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→ Required diploma:PhD
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programs grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
YOUR TASKS
At least 70% of your appointment will consist of academic research.
The successful candidate will lead the auditory neuroscience and in vivo research activities of the ERC Starting Grant aTONE. The research will focus on the development and evaluation of next-generation neural interfaces for hearing restoration using flexible bioelectronics, optogenetics and advanced cochlear neurotechnology.
Responsibilities include:
Developing and optimizing rodent models for hearing research and hearing loss.
Performing advanced microsurgical procedures involving the auditory system, including cochlear implantation and auditory pathway interventions.
Designing and conducting electrophysiological experiments, including auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), intracochlear recordings, cortical recordings, and chronic neural recordings.
Developing and implementing optogenetic stimulation paradigms of the auditory pathway.
Performing viral vector (AAV) delivery and gene transfer strategies for optogenetic and hearing restoration studies.
Evaluating novel flexible bioelectronic neural interfaces developed within the project.
Performing histological, immunohistochemical and microscopy analyses.
Analyzing experimental data and publishing results in leading international journals.
Co-supervising PhD and Master’s students.
Contributing to national and international research proposals and collaborations.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Applicants should hold a PhD in one of the following fields (or closely related disciplines):
Neuroscience
Auditory Neuroscience
Neurobiology
Biomedical Engineering
Neurotology
Otology
Hearing Science
Biomedical Sciences
Applicants should have demonstrated expertise in several of the following areas:
Essential
Extensive experience with in vivo research
Stereotaxic surgery
Electrophysiology
Scientific writing and publication record
Ability to work independently and lead experimental studies
Excellent written and spoken English
Strongly preferred
Auditory neuroscience
Cochlear physiology
Cochlear implant research
Auditory brainstem recordings
Auditory cortex physiology
Hearing restoration research
Neuroprosthetics
Highly desirable
Optogenetics
Viral vector delivery (AAV)
Gene therapy for hearing loss
Inner ear surgery
Spiral ganglion physiology
Histology and immunohistochemistry
Confocal microscopy
Signal processing of electrophysiological recordings
MATLAB and/or Python
Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments
The ideal candidate is an independent and highly motivated scientist who enjoys working at the interface between neuroscience, engineering, and translational medicine.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 2 years
The position is initially offered for 2 years term with the possibility of extension assuming satisfactory performance.
Your contract will start on 1/09/2026 at the earliest.
Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format.
In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
In the field “other documents”: The name and contact details of two persons who are willing to give a reference.
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
About the Neural Waves Group
The successful candidate will join the Neural Waves Laboratory, led by Prof. Georgios Spyropoulos, within the Department of Information Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Ghent University. The laboratory develops next-generation bioelectronic technologies at the interface of neuroscience, materials science, and biomedical engineering, with applications in hearing restoration, neural interfaces, neuroprosthetics, epilepsy, and closed-loop neuromodulation.
The successful candidate will become part of a highly interdisciplinary and international research environment, working closely with engineers, neuroscientists, clinicians, and materials scientists to develop innovative neurotechnologies that bridge fundamental neuroscience and clinical translation.
Project Background
The position is funded through the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant aTONE (AudiTOry Neuro-Electronics).
The ERC project aims to develop a new generation of soft electro-optical neural interfaces capable of recording, processing, and modulating neural activity using hybrid electrical and optical approaches. By combining flexible bioelectronics, optogenetics, and advanced cochlear neurotechnology, the project seeks to establish new strategies for hearing restoration and to advance our understanding of auditory neural circuits.
The successful candidate will play a central role in developing the in vivo auditory neuroscience and translational aspects of the project.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Spyropoulos
([email protected], mention “Postdoc: aTONE” in the subject line). Important: please do NOT send your application by email, applications must be submitted through the online recruitment system.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].
