PhD stipend in Muscle Neuromechanics and Ultrasound Imaging

At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of Materials and Production a position as PhD stipend in Muscle Neuromechanics and Ultrasound Imaging, within the doctoral programme Materials Science, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, is open for appointment from 01/02/2026 or soon thereafter. The position is available for a period of 3 years.

Your work tasks

The PhD project will be part of the ECHO-EMG research initiative, funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF). The project aims to develop a novel system that combines high-density surface electromyography (HD-sEMG) and ultrafast ultrasound imaging (UUS) to assess muscle function in individuals with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and related neuromuscular disorders. The integration of these two modalities is expected to overcome limitations of current EMG-based techniques, particularly in dynamic movement tasks.

The PhD student will focus on the design, development, and validation of the HD-sEMG/ultrasound system. This includes identifying suitable ultrasound technologies for muscles with varying architectures, integrating recording hardware, and establishing acquisition protocols to capture both electrical and architectural properties of skeletal muscle during static and dynamic contractions. The student will also participate in early-stage algorithmic work to model muscle architecture and behavior across contraction types.

In collaboration with international partners at Politecnico di Torino and the University of Brescia, the student will test setups for concurrent acquisition of HD-sEMG using innovative electrode grids and various UUS technologies. Moreover, the student will have the opportunity to engage in research stays abroad with these groups. Therefore, the position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of biomechanics, biomedical imaging, and neuromuscular physiology in an interdisciplinary and international environment.

Limited teaching within biomechanical engineering can be expected, but also in other study programmes at the University.

Your competencies

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, medical technology, or related fields. Experience with electromyography, human neuromechanics, or biomedical instrumentation is expected. Familiarity with ultrasound imaging techniques is an asset, although candidates with a strong motivation to develop skills in this area will also be considered.

The ideal candidate should be proficient in scientific programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB) and have a genuine interest in developing and testing experimental setups for physiological signal recording. An ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines will be essential. Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required, and international research experience or aspirations will be regarded positively.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are

The Biomechanics research group within the Department of Materials and Production excels at the intersection of mechanical and biomedical engineering. We currently host several Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellows from Denmark and multiple nationalities. The group’s research interest spams from musculoskeletal simulations to design and testing of prosthetics/exoskeleton to developing new methods to investigate neural control of movements. The group is renowned for its pioneering work in musculoskeletal simulation, leading to the creation of the AnyBody Modeling System, which later evolved into the independent commercial entity, AnyBody Technology. We continue to actively research and enhance simulation methods and their applications.

The Department of Materials and Production (MP) is a wide-ranging research and educational environment at Aalborg University that hosts several strong, international, and innovative research groups that comprise everything from basic science to strategic and applied research. The activities encompass research and education within materials, mechanics, physics, production, and industrial management and innovation. Several innovative and unconventional collaborations have been and are being developed through interdisciplinary cooperation, benefiting the industry and additional collaborators. As an employee at the department, you will become part of an international research environment focusing on innovation, knowledge sharing/building, and interdisciplinary collaborations.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
• Brief description (maximum 1 page) of your motivation for the project(s) (stipend(s))
• List of publications (if applicable)
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. 

Further information  
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.  

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.
  

Read more about The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).