PhD in Neurosciences

Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC) and

Università della Svizzera italiana (USI)

invite applications for a fully funded

PhD in Neurosciences (100%)

The PhD project is dedicated to the study of NREM parasomnias in pediatric and adult populations. The research activity is embedded in the field of clinical and translational neuroscience and integrates advanced methodologies, including high-density EEG, structured clinical assessments, actigraphy, video monitoring supported by artificial intelligence systems, magnetic resonance imaging, genetic analyses, and advanced EEG signal processing, including closed-loop stimulation protocols.

The main objective of the project is to investigate the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying abnormal behaviors during sleep, with particular emphasis on NREM parasomnias, focusing on arousal regulation and oscillatory dynamics during non-REM sleep.

The PhD position will be fully funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) within the framework of an Ambizione career grant awarded to Dr. Anna Castelnovo (https://data.snf.ch/grants/person/849861).

Eligibility requirements:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Medicine, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, or related disciplines
• Excellent knowledge of Italian (spoken and written), required for clinical and research activities
• Proven ability in scientific writing in English
• Solid basic knowledge of statistics applied to biomedical research
• Basic knowledge of sleep medicine or clinical neuroscience
• Availability to conduct translational research activities in pediatric and adult clinical settings

Profile:

• Strong motivation for clinical and translational research in neuroscience
• Ability to interact professionally, empathically, and appropriately with pediatric and adult patients and their families
• Basic experience in the clinical and quantitative interpretation of EEG signals, particularly EEG/PSG
• Willingness to collaborate in the acquisition of neurophysiological data, including overnight studies
• High methodological accuracy, reliability, and strong attention to data quality
• Ability to work independently, with critical thinking and scientific curiosity
• Excellent teamwork skills in a multidisciplinary environment

The starting date is July 1, 2026

Employment conditions are governed by the Cantonal Employment Regulations applicable to staff employed at EOC and, for the academic component, by the USI Academic Staff Regulations and the SNSF regulations:

USI and EOC aspire to be exemplary academic institutions and employers, committed to ensuring equal opportunities in recruitment, professional development, retention, and promotion, without discrimination based on gender, culture, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As institutions that actively promote diversity and inclusion, USI strongly encourages applications from women and individuals belonging to underrepresented groups.

Applications, including a Curriculum Vitae and copies of academic and professional certificates, must be submitted by April 15, 2026.

Incomplete applications, applications submitted through channels other than those specified, or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

For further information, please contact:

PD Dr. med. Anna Castelnovo, MD, PhD

Institute of Clinical Neurosciences of Southern Switzerland

Email: E-Mail schreiben

Phone: +41 91 811 61 17