Overview

Title: High-frequency electrical stimulation for noninvasive neuromodulation of the central and peripheral nervous system
Study program: Biomedical Technology and Bioinformatics
Supervisor: Prof. Eric Daniel Glowacki, PhD

Topic description:

This PhD project focuses on the development and mechanistic understanding of high-frequency (>1 kHz) electrical stimulation waveforms for noninvasive neuromodulation of the central and peripheral nervous system. Building on our recent publications (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64059-w; DOI: 10.1002/mds.30134), the project explores how kilohertz-range stimulation—both amplitude-modulated and unmodulated carriers—modulates neuronal activity in ways fundamentally different from conventional low-frequency sinusoidal or pulsed-current stimulation paradigms.

The PhD topic can span multiple levels of investigation, from biophysical mechanisms in neural tissue to translational studies in humans, and will depend on agreement. Experimental approaches include computational modeling, invertebrate animal models, studies in healthy human volunteers and select clinical populations. The project is highly interdisciplinary and involves close collaboration with clinicians and local hospitals.

Your task:

  • Design and implement high-frequency electrical stimulation protocols for noninvasive neuromodulation
  • Investigate biophysical mechanisms of amplitude-modulated versus unmodulated kHz stimulation using computational models and experimental systems
  • Perform and analyze electrophysiological recordings (e.g., EEG) in animal models, healthy volunteers, and patient populations
  • Contribute to human neuromodulation studies, including protocol development, data acquisition, and analysis
  • Disseminate results through scientific publications and conference presentations

Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in biomedical engineering, physiology, electrical engineering, cognitive sciences, or a related discipline
  • Experience with electrophysiology techniques and analysis of time-course electrophysiological data (e.g., EEG)
  • ≥Basic programming skills, preferably in Python
  • Experience with electrical neuromodulation in animal models and/or humans is a major advantage

We offer:

  • Funding support from research grant projects and commercially sponsored research, supplementing the state PhD scholarship
  • Support with applications for supplementary stipends and fellowships
  • Opportunities to engage in undergraduate teaching and student mentorship
  • Collaboration within a multidisciplinary research team and close interaction with clinicians and local hospitals

For more information about this topic please contact Prof. Eric D. Glowacki – glowacki@vutbr.cz

Application portal: https://www.vut.cz/eprihlaska/

Application deadline: April 30, 2026

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