PhD in MRI-Study on Digital Interventions in Aphasia KU Leuven, Leuven Research Group Experimental Oto-rhino-laryngology

The research at ExpORL covers the entire communication chain of speech and hearing, including a central focus on neural plasticity during oral and written language (re)acquisition. Within the lab, there is a vast amount of expertise in state-of-the-art MRI techniques, multi-channel brain potential recordings, psychophysical experiments as well as in the development of digital interventions (serious games). In addition, and of specific relevance for this project, an intensive collaboration has been set up with the stroke unit of UZ Leuven to recruit and systematically screen aphasic patients.

A vast majority of stroke patients with acquired language disorders (aphasia) also displays readingproblems (central dyslexia). Individuals with central dyslexia are a heterogeneous group and vary inthe degree to which phonological or semantic-orthographic aspects of reading are impaired. Yetuntil now, studies are lacking on which aspects of reading should be targeted during readingintervention. We know that learning is facilitated when training is intensive, adaptive andmotivating, all of which can be obtained in a cost-effective and controlled manner via digitalinterventions. Therefore, in this research project, we will use a digital reading intervention, focusingon training phonological aspects of reading, in 50 patients with central dyslexia of whom we acquirea detailed cognitive-linguistic and neuroanatomical profile throughout language recovery. The aimof this project is (1) to predict written and oral language recovery based on the profile directly afterstroke. In addition, we aim (2) to examine training-induced changes in reading as well as in theunderlying cognitive-linguistic and neuroanatomical system, taken into account their profile at theonset of training. Finally, we aim (3) to distinguish training-induced effects from spontaneousrecover. This will lead to a better insight in training is more effective when the impairedneurocognitive mechanism is targeted (i.e. restoration) versus the preserved system (i.e.compensation).

 

• You have a Master degree in speech and language pathology, (cognitive) neuroscience, (neuro)psychology or related disciplines, and you obtained good grades;
• You have very good language skills in English and Dutch (data acquisition is in Dutch);
• You have good skills in quantitative data-analyses and eagerness to learn these skills;
• Having experience with MRI-techniques and aphasia is an asset;
• You have good communication and organization skills. You are a team player who can work together with researchers from different disciplines and with the different partners of the research (hospitals,families,…);
• You are able to work independently and flexibly.

 

 

• We offer a fulltime employment for one year, which could be extended to 4 years, with the opportunity to obtain a PhD;
• We offer a stimulating work and learning environment in which you acquire expertise as a multidisciplinary researcher;
• Starting date is as soon as possible.

 

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Maaike Vandermosten, tel.: +32 16 32 62 94, mail: maaike.vandermosten@kuleuven.be.

 

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