[FieldTrip] PhD Opportunity: AI & Neuroengineering for Epilepsy (MEG/sEEG) – UPM, Madrid (Grant Application Support)

[Giulia Varotto]

The Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience at the Center for Biomedical
Technology (CTB), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), is seeking an
outstanding and highly motivated candidate to jointly apply for a
competitive PhD fellowship (UPM Predoctoral Fellowship 2026).

While the position depends on securing this individual funding, the
underlying research project is fully funded by the Spanish National
Research Agency (AEI).

[image: :microscope:] Project Description: PERFECTMed

The selected candidate will join PERFECTMed (*PERsonalized Fingerprinting
of Epileptogenic Chronnectomic Topologies for MEdical Decision*), a newly
funded national neuroengineering project.

The project aims to transform presurgical evaluation in drug-resistant
epilepsy (DRE) by developing next-generation, AI-driven tools. It combines
Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, network neuroscience, and
large-scale multimodal analysis of:

   -

   Cryogenic MEG (cMEG)
   -

   Optically Pumped MEG (opMEG)
   -

   Stereo-EEG (sEEG)

The PhD student will work with unique within-subject datasets to develop
novel computational frameworks—including chronnectomics, multilayer graph
modeling, and Explainable AI (XAI)—to identify personalized
electrophysiological biomarkers, eliminate the dependency on long-duration
ictal recordings, and improve surgical decision-making.

What We Offer

   -

   Scientific Framework: A fully funded, highly interdisciplinary research
   project bringing together biomedical engineers, computer scientists,
   physicists, and neurologists from leading national and international
   institutions.
   -

   Environment: Integration into a state-of-the-art neuroimaging and
   neuroengineering facility at CTB-UPM (Madrid, Spain), with access to
   cutting-edge cMEG and emerging wearable opMEG technologies.
   -

   Application Support: Dedicated mentoring and institutional support to
   prepare a highly competitive application for the UPM Predoctoral
   Fellowship 2026.

[image: :bullseye:] Candidate Profile

The fellowship selection is highly competitive and places a strong emphasis
on academic excellence. We are looking for candidates with:

   -

   An excellent academic record (Bachelor and Master) in Biomedical
   Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications Engineering, Data
   Science, Physics, Mathematics, Neuroscience, or related quantitative
   disciplines.
   -

   Solid programming skills in MATLAB (highly relevant for
   FieldTrip/Brainstorm pipelines) and/or Python.
   -

   A genuine interest in AI, machine learning, signal processing, and
   clinical neuroscience.
   -

   Prior research experience, publications, or conference contributions
   will be very positively valued.

[image: :envelope_with_arrow:] How to Apply

Interested candidates should send their application, not later than July
26, 2026 (Early applications are highly encouraged) to
giulia.varotto at ctb.upm.es with the subject line "PERFECTMed PhD Application"
.

Please include:

   1.

   Your updated CV (highlighting grades and research experience).
   2.

   Academic transcripts (both Bachelor and Master degrees).
   3.

   A short motivation letter.

Best regards,

Dr. Giulia Varotto, PhD
Laboratory for Clinical Neuroscience
Center for Biomedical Technology (CTB)
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM)
Madrid, Spain
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