Clinic for Neurology

PhD Position in 'Neuroscience of Motivation in Neurorehabilitation' 80 %

Start of employment 01.07.2026, temporary

The Neuroscience of Cognition and Motivation in Rehabilitation Lab (NeuroCoRe) of Prof. A. Luft at the University Hospital of Zurich and the Lake Lucern Institute (LLUI) is dedicated to translating motivational and cognitive neuroscience to develop innovative approaches in neurorehabilitation. Our core research interest is to understand the neuronal and behavioral correlates of motivation.

We are looking for a motivated PhD student with a background in cognitive or computational neuroscience.

Project background
We seek to elucidate the neuronal mechanisms of motivation. This project aims to develop a biofeedback procedure to induce motivation for cognitive and motor effort in healthy and stroke subjects. To this end, we will record the neuronal activation of motivation and effort electrophysiologically, using high-density EEG. The corresponding autonomous response will be assessed with cardiological parameters.

Your responsibilities

  • Implementation of a cognitive and motor task-based reward paradigm.
  • Hands-on data acquisition of high-density EEG and heart rate measurements.
  • Development of new study designs and participant recruitment.
  • Advanced signal processing.
  • Dissemination of research findings through scientific publications and presentations.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate with:
  • A Master's degree (or nearing completion) in neuroscience, psychology, neurophysiology, biomedical engineering, health sciences and technology, or a related field.
  • Strong interest in technical skills, particularly in programming (e.g., Matlab, Python) and data analysis.
  • Experience with EEG is desirable.
  • Strong communication skills, scientific and creative reasoning, and a very collaborative spirit.
  • Structured, reliable, proactive and well-organized personality.
  • Strong interest and aptitude to work with vulnerable populations.
  • Flexibility to travel to Vienna and international conferences.
  • Native or excellent (C1) German and English speaker
  • Holds a driving licence and valid Swiss work permit or is eligible to obtain one.

Information on your application

We look forward to receiving your application via email with the following documents until 30 May 2026:
  • Curriculum Vitae including educational history, full list of publications, awards, etc.
  • Research motivation statement of max. two A4 pages covering your interests, goals, experiences, and how they would relate to and fit in with proposed research domain and
  • activities
  • Diplomas
  • Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of at least two references, mentioning for each of them the professional relationship you have with them

What we offer

Our employees benefit from a wide range of attractive offers. Find out more: https://www.uzh.ch/de/explore/work.html.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


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Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Location

Clinic for Neurology

Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Lore Legrand Senior Researcher
Contact Form

Contact question to: Lore Legrand

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Questions about the application procedure

Lore Legrand Senior Researcher
Contact Form

Contact question to: Lore Legrand

Thank you for your message. We will get back to you shortly.
Working at UZH
The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer!
More → https://www.uzh.ch/en/explore/work.html

Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer! More
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