PhD Candidate Neurology

About your role

The Digital Disease Trajectories project combines clinical expertise, data science and wearable sensor technology to develop new methods for measuring disease progression in Parkinson’s disease. You will investigate how digital biomarkers can capture disease progression more sensitively than conventional clinical assessments. To achieve this, you will work with unique longitudinal datasets from the ProPark study and the Personalized Parkinson Project, combined with advanced statistical methods, machine learning techniques and data from wearable sensors. Collaboration with clinicians, data scientists, engineers, researchers and patient representatives is an integral part of the project.

Your main responsibilities include:

• Developing and validating digital biomarkers to measure Parkinson’s disease progression.
• Applying statistical, machine learning, probabilistic modelling and signal processing techniques to longitudinal wearable sensor datasets.
• Collaborating with clinicians, data scientists, engineers, researchers and patient representatives within an interdisciplinary research network.
• Publishing research findings in scientific journals, presenting results at national and international conferences, and contributing to open-source tools for future research.

About your workplace

A multidisciplinary team of movement disorder specialists, data scientists, human movement scientists, AI researchers and patient representatives is dedicated to developing digital health solutions for Parkinson’s disease. You will become part of this inspiring research environment where clinical expertise and technological innovation come together.

The project is embedded within internationally recognised Parkinson’s disease research programmes at both LUMC and Radboudumc. You will work closely with dr. Roel Weijer (LUMC) and dr. Luc Evers (Radboudumc), who have extensive expertise in digital biomarkers, wearable sensor technologies, machine learning and Parkinson’s disease research.

In addition, you will collaborate closely with leading movement disorder specialists prof. Bas Bloem (Radboud University Medical Center) and dr. Dagmar Hepp (LUMC), internationally recognised experts in Parkinson’s disease and personalised care. Together, the supervisory team combines expertise in clinical neurology, digital health, artificial intelligence and longitudinal cohort research, creating a unique environment for interdisciplinary training and scientific development.

The research environment is collaborative, ambitious and supportive, offering ample opportunities for scientific development, interdisciplinary collaboration and international networking.

You will spend approximately 50% of your time at LUMC in Leiden and 50% at Radboudumc in Nijmegen, giving you access to two leading research environments and a broad professional network.

About you

Curiosity, an investigative mindset and the motivation to create societal impact characterise the way you work. Your interest in healthcare, technology and data science aligns with your ambition to develop innovations that improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease. You approach complex challenges analytically and enjoy expanding both your technical and clinical expertise. You also thrive in multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.

In addition, you have:

• A master’s degree in artificial intelligence, data science, biomedical sciences, human movement sciences, biomedical engineering, computer science, statistics or a related field, or you expect to obtain your degree in the near future.
• A strong affinity for quantitative research and data analysis.
• Experience with, or a strong interest in, machine learning, probabilistic modelling, statistics, signal processing, digital health or wearable sensor technologies.
• Programming experience in Python, R or a similar programming language, and excellent written and spoken English skills.

Our offer

Driven by health; that is our mission. This applies not only to our patients, but also to our employees. We strive for a safe, inclusive and equitable working environment where talent development and empowering leadership are central. To support continuous learning and growth, we offer internal training programmes and professional development opportunities. In addition, you are entitled to an end-of-year bonus (8.3%), holiday allowance, bicycle scheme, sports budget, working-from-home allowance and an excellent commuting reimbursement scheme. As an employee of LUMC, you will also be enrolled in the ABP pension fund. This means that as much as 70% of your pension contribution is paid by LUMC, leaving you with a higher net salary. A welcome benefit indeed.

See all employment conditions of the LUMC.

What do we represent?

As an academic medical centre, LUMC strives for a workforce that reflects the diversity of society. We are committed to excellence in healthcare, education and international research, recognising that diverse perspectives are essential to achieving this goal. Sustainability is also a key priority: we are dedicated to creating a healthy future, not only for people but also for the planet. In line with these values, we aim to provide a creative and inspiring workplace where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued. At LUMC, it is about who you are and what you contribute, regardless of your background. Together, we work towards a sustainable and inclusive future for the people around us and the world we live in. Together, we are LUMC.

More information

• As a motivated PhD candidate in neurology, your salary will be between €3,217 and €4,077 gross per month (scale PRO, CAO UMC), based on a full-time position.
• A salary increase of 3.5% will take effect on 1 May 2027.
• The appointment is for the duration of the PhD project.
• As part of your application, please submit a concise but compelling motivation letter.
• Please also include a detailed CV highlighting your research skills and experience. Include at least one example of a scientific text for which you were the first author (e.g. a thesis), and at least one example of a data analysis or software project that involved substantial programming.
• Please provide academic transcripts with a detailed overview of courses completed and grades obtained during both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
• This vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In accordance with LUMC policy, internal candidates will be given preference in the selection process where suitability is equal.
• Applications from employment/recruitment agencies will not be considered