The section for Movement & Neuroscience, at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, Faculty of Science, at the University of Copenhagen, invites applicants for a Ph D fellowship in movement neuroscience. The project is part the research project Neurophysiological control of complex motor skills and effects of practice. The start date is (expected to be) 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
This Ph D scholarship will be anchored in the section Movement & Neuroscience in the Project Neurophysiological control of complex motor skills and effects of practice. The project aims at investigating neurophysiological control mechanisms involved in human motor control of complex motor skills (including gait). Additionally, the aim is to investigate effects of motor skill practice. The methods include behavioral measures based on movement kinematics, eye tracking etc., motor and cognitive tests and on electrophysiological methods involving outcomes based on electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG) and brain stimulation methods. The aim is to study control mechanisms and adaptations to motor practice in adult human participants with and without motor challenges.
Who are we looking for?
The successful candidate is expected to participate actively in all parts of the research project, including but not limited to: upkeeping of regulatory paperwork, communicating with relevant entities (e.g. ethical committee), scheduling of participants’ visits, designing and conducting experiments, data collecting (e.g. neurophysiological measurements, behavioral measures, cognitive tests measures etc.), processing of data, performing statistical analysis, and writing up scientific papers.
Previous engagement in clinical trials or experimental studies involving human subjects will be an advantage. Experience with relevant behavioral methods for assessing motor control and learning, cognitive functions and neurophysiological techniques such as EEG, EMG and brain stimulation is not mandatory but will be viewed upon as favourable during the assessment of applications.
In addition to the research project, the successful applicant will deliver teaching in courses at the BSC education in Exercise and Physical Activity, predominantly in the course ‘From water basics to swimming’. Teaching experience and competences including experience from similar courses will therefore be an advantage. Since this course is offered in Danish, fluency in oral and written Danish (native or C1/C2 equivalent) is required, as is fluency in oral and written English for the daily communication with the rest of the research team and for dissemination purposes (papers, conferences, thesis).
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The section of Movement & Neuroscience undertakes high-quality, small- and large-scale intervention trials and observational studies. Our work is broad and includes investigations of learning and memory, studies of motor control, neurophysiology, and plastic changes in the central nervous system during development, with ageing and as effect of interventions including motor training, physical activity, sleep etc. We use a variety of methods and tools to study humans across the lifespan.
The section is a part of the Department of Nutrition, Exercise & Sports, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment in the center of Copenhagen, Denmark. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and [XX].
Principal supervisor is associate professor Jesper Lundbye-Jensen, Associate Professor, Head of Section, Movement & Neuroscience Tel +45 29611953 e-mail: jlundbye@nexs.ku.dk and co-supervisor is Peter Raffalt, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, e-mail: raffalt@nexs.ku.dk.
The Ph D programme
You will undertake the Ph D programme as a three year full-time study within the framework of the regular Ph D programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular Ph D programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. in Human Physiology, Psychology, Medicine etc. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as Ph D fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a Ph D student at the Ph D School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision
• Complete Ph D courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a Ph D thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the Ph D project, as described above
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in human motor control and learning
• Good language skills (fluency in Danish and English)

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Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 11 October 2024, 23:59 GMT +2
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you application will be passed for assessment. The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in second half of November 2024.
Questions
For specific information about the Ph D fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about Ph D study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the Ph D School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Questions
For specific information about the Ph D fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about Ph D study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the Ph D School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.

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