Perception and neural processing of breathlessness and breathlessness relief

  • Leuven, Vlaams Brabant
  • Tijdelijk
  • Voltijds
  • 13 dagen geleden
Offer DescriptionBreathlessness (dyspnea) is the threatening cardinal symptom in many prevalent respiratory diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, but also in other diseases including cancer, cardiac, neuromuscular and psychiatric illnesses. Breathlessness is typically associated with severe disability as well as significant reductions in quality of life in millions of patients worldwide. Currently, treatment options to relieve breathlessness are limited and there is great need for new and improved interventions for the relief of breathlessness. Moreover, the experience of breathlessness and subsequent disabilities are strongly influenced by psychological, social and neural processes, integrating physiological impairments into patients' subjective perception. However, still little is known about the interrelationships between these different processes.In this multidisciplinary research project, funded by the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO), the PhD candidate will examine the interrelationships between neural and psychosocial mechanisms in the perception of breathlessness in healthy individuals and in patients with respiratory disease (e.g., COPD). Specifically, the effects of non-pharmacological interventions for the relief of breathlessness will be studied in combination with neural, physiological and behavioral responses. The PhD student will carry out several studies that aim to assess these topics in experimental laboratory settings as well as in a rehabilitation context. A major focus is the assessment of neural activation patterns related to breathing as measured by evoked potentials in the EEG (128-channel EEG system and/or mobile 32-channel system). Other outcome measures will include exercise tests, self-reports, questionnaires and peripheral psychophysiological responses (e.g., breathing patterns). Apart from the acquisition and statistical analysis of the data, the PhD student will also be responsible for the scientific reporting of the results in international peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. The conducted line of experimental studies, which will be carried out in collaboration with our clinical partners from the University Hospital Leuven, will result in a PhD thesis that will be defended by the end of the research project.RequirementsResearch Field Medical sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Neurosciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Psychological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodLanguages DUTCH Level GoodAdditional InformationBenefits
  • Full-time PhD position in a 4-year research project
  • Duration of contract: 1-year fulltime PhD position, extendable to 4 years (upon positive evaluation after 1 year)
  • Excellent working conditions:
  • Professional development via the KU Leuven doctoral school program and YouReCa (
), participation in (inter)national conferences, workshops, teaching, and working in a creative, interdisciplinary environment where cross-fertilization between clinical practice and science is highly valuedEligibility criteria
  • You obtained a Master's Degree in psychology, neuroscience, biomedical science, movement- and rehabilitation science or related field (or will obtain such degree no later than 20/08/2024) with a degree of 'distinction'
  • You have a strong affinity for research on the (neuro)psychology of respiratory disorders/symptoms
  • You have a strong interest and/or background in EEG measures, in experimental studies and in psychophysiological measures
  • You possess excellent data analytic skills
  • You have excellent communicative skills in English (both verbally and academic writing)
  • You can verbally communicate in Dutch
  • You are a team player who can also work independently
  • You have strong organizational skills, are flexible and proactive
  • You are not afraid of challenges
  • You think critically and have a curious mind
  • You are not afraid of being in contact with patients and possess the skills necessary for an empathic and professional interaction with patients
Selection processFor more information please contact Prof. dr. Andreas von Leupoldt, tel.: +32 16 32 60 06, mail:Live selection interviews will take place between July 2-5, 2024You can apply for this job no later than 12/06/2024 via theWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU Leuven Country Belgium State/Province Vlaams Brabant City Leuven Postal Code 3000 Street Leuven GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteContact State/ProvinceLeuven CityVlaams Brabant StreetLeuven Postal Code3000 E-Mailandreas.vonleupoldt@kuleuven.beSTATUS: EXPIRED

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