PostDoc (m/f/d) Neurogeriatrics Research Group

Department of Neurology - Neurogeriatrics Research Group

Neurogeriatrics is a new scientific and medical field combining and applying neurological and geriatric expertise. The neurogeriatrics department Kiel University Hospital (UKSH) has a 10-bed ward for treating neurogeriatric patients (usually people over 70 with age-related neurological impairments). Such impairments can affect gait, balance, mobility, muscle weakness, thinking, speech, language, swallowing and excretion. They can endanger or impair everyday functioning and quality of life to such an extent that targeted therapy is considered appropriate by those affected or their caregivers. Our specialised team's goal is to provide individualized, focused, everyday-relevant diagnostics and therapy based on scientific criteria.

We are an international team working on the topic of neural mechanisms in movement for people with Parkinson's disease. The project you will be working on focuses on the analysis of EEG, EMG and movement data that can map the neural basis of treadmill training in Parkinson's disease.

The project StepuP is being carried out by the Neurogeriatrics Working Group and five other partners in six countries, all of whom have already collaborated bilaterally. This collaboration brings together leading experts in gait stability, motor control, neurology and Parkinson's disease, with the aim of improving our understanding of gait and balance disorders associated with this condition. Four clinical centres have recruited a total of 168 patients with Parkinson's disease. These patients underwent treadmill training, supplemented at selected points by mechanical or virtual reality-induced gait adjustments.

StepuP aimed to conduct more in-depth research into the mechanisms of gait and balance disorders in patients with Parkinson's disease, which are still poorly understood, and to improve therapies. Treadmill training is one possible therapy. To improve and personalise this form of training, it is necessary to understand how Parkinson's patients benefit from it. To this end, we are investigating the relationship between the results of treadmill training and the underlying biomechanical, physiological and neural changes that contribute to the success of the intervention. Analysing biomechanical data alongside neurophysiological changes detected by electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG) will be central to your work.

Start in our team

We are looking for professional and competent support for a period of four months from 1 May 2026 to 31 August 2026. 

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E 13 TV-L scale, if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• A full-time employment, currently 38.5 hours/week; a part-time employment may be possible within the framework of certain working time models
• Internationally competitive projects with multidisciplinary teams locally and internationally, at the frontier of digital research in neuroscience and neurodegeneration with great opportunities for further career planning
• Excellent and comprehensive supervision
• Access to cutting-edge technology and the latest research techniques, exiting insights to further expand research skills

Your tasks:

• You will work with the research team to successfully execute the specific aims of the project above
• You will publish research findings through presentations, abstracts, and manuscripts

Your profile:

• Master in Human Movement Sciences
• Experience in human research / data management / data and movement analysis
• Proficiency in Python, R programming and experience in the analysis of neurophysiological data
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Able to work independently and as part of a team

We are looking forward to your application including:

• A cover letter describing your current research activities, interests and career goals
• Curriculum vitae with list of references
• A list of three references with contact details

as a single PDF file. Please submit your application until 27 February 2026, indicating the reference number 28066.