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2 PhD positions in human movement science, biomedical engineering, or related disciplines (Junior Research Group, Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University)
Two PhD student positions are available in the junior research group:
"IncreasiNg physical Activity for preventing funCtional and cogniTive decline in the agIng populatiON" ("IN ACTION"), headed by Dr. Michael Schwenk, Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University.
The junior research group is part of the interdisciplinary Network Aging Research (NAR) established by the Heidelberg University, including disciplines of human movement science, biomedical engineering, gerontology, psychology, epidemiology, and others.
Focus of the junior research group: The scientific goal of the junior research group is to develop and evaluate exercise and physical activity interventions for improving motor and cognitive performances in older adults, prolonging independent living, and promoting healthy aging. The main focus lies on the development of technology-based interventions in order to facilitate exercise training and motor skill acquisition and for making interventions more effective and specific as compared to traditional training.
One main project of the junior research group is the development of a perturbation-treadmill-based balance assessment and training program in order to evaluate/improve dynamic postural control and reactive stepping responses during walking in healthy older adults and different patient populations. This project will be conducted in collaboration with the Robert-Bosch-Hospital in Stuttgart which is equipped with a modern gait lab including a perturbation-treadmill, motion tracking system (Vicon), force plates, and different wearable sensor systems for measuring human motion performance. The Robert-Bosch-Hospital offers excellent conditions for research including access to various patient populations (geriatric, orthopedic, neurologic, etc.) in combination with a state-of-the art gait lab.
Another project is the development of a smartphone- and smartwatch-based physical activity intervention aiming to reduce sedentary behavior and promote incorporation of balance and strength exercises into daily routine (advanced Lifestyle-integrated exercise program, aLiFE). The aLiFE will be developed and evaluated (multi-center study) within a European project incorporating partners from Norway, UK, Netherlands, and Italy.
The preferred starting date is January 1st, 2016, but a later starting date could also be accommodated. The position is available for three years (with intermediate evaluation).
The Requirements:
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (human movement science, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, cognitive science or related disciplines). Additional experience in programming (Matlab, C/C++ or other programming languages) and analyzing motion capture data (Vicon and/or wearable sensors) will be an advantage. An enthusiastic, independent work style would provide a good fit for our team. Students who are currently in the process of finishing their Master’s degree are also encouraged to apply.
The Academic Environment:
The successful applicant will join a vibrant scientific community at the Network Aging Research of the Heidelberg University with links to multiple national and international research institutes and a graduate academy offering various venues on doctoral training. The Network Aging Research offers an excellent environment for cutting edge research on the intersections between different disciplines ranging from human movement science, psychology and gerontology to biomedical engineering and computational modeling. The Network Aging Research collaborates with the Robert-Bosch-Hospital Stuttgart. At the Robert-Bosch Hospital the successful applicant will have access to a state-of-the-art movement analysis laboratory (Vicon, GaitRite, force plates, perturbation treadmill) enabling full-body motion capture and the creation of advanced balance and gait assessment/training protocols to study motor control and learning on various levels of complexity.
Salary will be paid according to the German salary scale TV-L E13 (60%) or paid as a stipend. The Heidelberg University is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to suitably qualified female applicants or handicapped people, all other considerations being equal.
Applicants should send their application (CV, application letter, references and reports) at or before November, 20th, 2015 in electronic form to michael.schwenk@rbk.de. Further information about the Network Aging Research is available here: http://www.nar.uni-heidelberg.de/en/index.html
Two PhD student positions are available in the junior research group:
"IncreasiNg physical Activity for preventing funCtional and cogniTive decline in the agIng populatiON" ("IN ACTION"), headed by Dr. Michael Schwenk, Network Aging Research, Heidelberg University.
The junior research group is part of the interdisciplinary Network Aging Research (NAR) established by the Heidelberg University, including disciplines of human movement science, biomedical engineering, gerontology, psychology, epidemiology, and others.
Focus of the junior research group: The scientific goal of the junior research group is to develop and evaluate exercise and physical activity interventions for improving motor and cognitive performances in older adults, prolonging independent living, and promoting healthy aging. The main focus lies on the development of technology-based interventions in order to facilitate exercise training and motor skill acquisition and for making interventions more effective and specific as compared to traditional training.
One main project of the junior research group is the development of a perturbation-treadmill-based balance assessment and training program in order to evaluate/improve dynamic postural control and reactive stepping responses during walking in healthy older adults and different patient populations. This project will be conducted in collaboration with the Robert-Bosch-Hospital in Stuttgart which is equipped with a modern gait lab including a perturbation-treadmill, motion tracking system (Vicon), force plates, and different wearable sensor systems for measuring human motion performance. The Robert-Bosch-Hospital offers excellent conditions for research including access to various patient populations (geriatric, orthopedic, neurologic, etc.) in combination with a state-of-the art gait lab.
Another project is the development of a smartphone- and smartwatch-based physical activity intervention aiming to reduce sedentary behavior and promote incorporation of balance and strength exercises into daily routine (advanced Lifestyle-integrated exercise program, aLiFE). The aLiFE will be developed and evaluated (multi-center study) within a European project incorporating partners from Norway, UK, Netherlands, and Italy.
The preferred starting date is January 1st, 2016, but a later starting date could also be accommodated. The position is available for three years (with intermediate evaluation).
The Requirements:
We seek a highly motivated candidate with a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (human movement science, biomedical engineering, neuroscience, cognitive science or related disciplines). Additional experience in programming (Matlab, C/C++ or other programming languages) and analyzing motion capture data (Vicon and/or wearable sensors) will be an advantage. An enthusiastic, independent work style would provide a good fit for our team. Students who are currently in the process of finishing their Master’s degree are also encouraged to apply.
The Academic Environment:
The successful applicant will join a vibrant scientific community at the Network Aging Research of the Heidelberg University with links to multiple national and international research institutes and a graduate academy offering various venues on doctoral training. The Network Aging Research offers an excellent environment for cutting edge research on the intersections between different disciplines ranging from human movement science, psychology and gerontology to biomedical engineering and computational modeling. The Network Aging Research collaborates with the Robert-Bosch-Hospital Stuttgart. At the Robert-Bosch Hospital the successful applicant will have access to a state-of-the-art movement analysis laboratory (Vicon, GaitRite, force plates, perturbation treadmill) enabling full-body motion capture and the creation of advanced balance and gait assessment/training protocols to study motor control and learning on various levels of complexity.
Salary will be paid according to the German salary scale TV-L E13 (60%) or paid as a stipend. The Heidelberg University is an equal opportunity employer. Preference will be given to suitably qualified female applicants or handicapped people, all other considerations being equal.
Applicants should send their application (CV, application letter, references and reports) at or before November, 20th, 2015 in electronic form to michael.schwenk@rbk.de. Further information about the Network Aging Research is available here: http://www.nar.uni-heidelberg.de/en/index.html