Fundació per a la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya
FPI pre-doctoral fellowship. Project ‘Combating fatigue in multiple sclerosis (N
Fundació per a la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Villa Espana Colonia, Texas, United States
Organisation/Company Fundació per a la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Spain Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 38,5 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number 101195165 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description We are seeking a PhD student to develop the project ‘Combating fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A comparative study of magnetic and electrical non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS MSf)’, led by Principal Investigator Elena Muñoz Marrón, a member of the NeuroADaS Lab research group, affiliated with the eHealth Centre (Centre for Human and Planetary Health Research) at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).
Summary of the project:
"The ‘NIBS MSf’ project – ‘Combating fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A comparative study of magnetic and electrical non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS MSf)’ – aims to analyse and compare the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in addressing fatigue and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis, in both the short and long term.
Responsibilities:
Driving the project’s innovation and research activities.
Developing and completing a doctoral thesis within the framework of the project.
A four-year, full-time pre-doctoral contract will be offered, with a scheduled start date is 1 March 2026. The contract is governed by the provisions of Article 21 of Law 14/2011, of 1 June, on Science, Technology and Innovation. Contracts for applicants recruited under the terms of a pre-doctoral contract prior to the start of the grant must comply with the maximum term permitted by Law 14/2011 of 1 June. (Shortlisted candidates must provide their employment history or a sworn declaration). The gross annual salary for the doctoral contract is as follows:
Years 1, 2 and 3: €23,156.65 per annum.
For work on site, the principal location will be the UOC Campus, at Rambla del Poblenou 154-156, Barcelona. However, the role's duties must be carried out in person in Madrid.
About the UOC
A leader in e-learning, our pioneering university is a digital native with global reach and a mandate for public service. We've been providing accredited, high-quality online education for the last 30 years, and our mission is lifelong development of people's talent. We conduct research with a transformative approach to generate social and economic impact.
At the UOC, we're not all the same. And this works very much in our favour. The differences between who we are and what our experiences and ideas are make us stronger. In our mission to work with the best talent, we do all we can to ensure equal opportunities, ignoring aspects such as gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or any other physical, personal or social aspect other than merit and abilities. Likewise, we will assess any reasonable adjustments that candidates require in order to put themselves forward for the position. Contact us at seleccio@uoc.edu if, at any stage of the selection process, you need some form of adaptation.
The UOC's recruitment and selection processes are based on the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R).
Hold a Spanish pre-EHEA degree (llicenciatura, enginyeria or arquitectura) or a bachelor's degree with at least 300 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits, a university master's degree, or equivalent qualification.
Not have previously completed a doctoral degree.
Meet the requirements for admission to a doctoral programme.
When the contract starts, they must be admitted to or enrolled in the doctoral programme. Their staff grade will be trainee pre-doctoral researcher.
Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Psychology, Medicine, Physiotherapy, or another Health Sciences discipline. Specialisation in neuropsychology or neuroscience.
Previous professional and/or research experience in neuropsychology or neuroscience is desirable.
Proven knowledge of non-invasive neuromodulation, neurophysiological techniques (EEG, EMG, etc.), and neuroimaging (MRI, fNIRS, etc.).
Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.
To accredit a level of English from B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Residency in Spain for the duration of the contract.
Availability to work on site in Madrid.
Also of interest:
Results-oriented, with the capacity to deliver value through professional activity while striving for continuous progress and excellence.
The ability to work effectively within a team, coordinating and cooperating with others in a collaborative manner.
A proactive approach, demonstrating a high level of initiative and the capacity to thrive in innovative research environments.
Languages SPANISH Level Excellent
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field Neurosciences Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
You'll be working in an environment where everyone has equal opportunities and equal access to resources and people, regardless of their location or teleworking choices.
You'll be provided with the computer equipment and ergonomic material you need to work both from home and on site at the UOC.
You'll have training possibilities to continue your professional development.
You'll finish work early on Fridays.
You'll have 24 days of vacation, 9 personal leave days and 4 UOC holidays.
You'll be able to work reduced summer hours (35 hours a week), subject to organizational requirements.
You'll have well-being benefits such as activities to look after your health, a medical service, a physiotherapy service and, if required, assessment and adaptation of your workplace.
Eligibility criteria
Criterion 1. The candidate's academic and/or scientific-technical background (up to 50 points).
Subcriterion 1. a): Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate's academic record and other merits of their curriculum vitae will be taken into account, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be carried out based on their training and professional experience.
Sub-criterion 1. b): Mobility and internationalization (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact on their research career of the candidate's time spent at Spanish and international centres and/or in the industrial sector will be taken into account, considering the reputation of the institution where the time was spent, and the work undertaken there.
Criterion 2. The candidate's suitability for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points).
The candidate's suitability for the research programme, project or activities to be carried out will be assessed based on their previous training and experience. To that end, the added value that undertaking the project will represent for their research career will be considered, as well as the value contributed to the centre and the team they are joining. The beneficiary institution must prepare a report which describes the assessment and selection process and justifies the suitability of the person selected, according to the aforementioned criteria and subcriteria. This report will remain in the possession of the beneficiary institution as the depositor thereof, and it may be requested at any time during the grant execution or reporting period, without prejudice to the information that must be provided in the intermediate monitoring report on the associated project. Beneficiary institutions must take into account the provisions of Section 5 of Article 4 (b) of Law 14/2011 of 1 June in the assessment and selection process.
In addition to the above, the person selected must meet the requirements set out in Article 21.a) of Law 14/2011 of June 1 in order to sign a pre-doctoral contract or, failing that, be able to meet those requirements when the contract is signed. People who are already in possession of a doctoral degree from any Spanish or foreign university may not be recruited under any circumstances.
Selection process
To take part in the selection process, you must register as a candidate in the Join our team section of our website ( www.uoc.edu ). Once you have registered, complete your profile in the candidate section in order to submit your application.
Documents to be uploaded to the candidate area to submit the application:
A letter of motivation/presentation providing a brief outline of your career and your specific reasons for applying, a description of your research interests, a short and specific research proposal, and details of the links to the research group.
Academic certificates and transcripts for studies prior to the doctoral degree (bachelor's and master's degrees), stating the courses taken and the grade obtained, the type of course, the number of credits, and the average grade. Applicants holding qualifications awarded in other countries must obtain equivalence for the average grade for their university studies according to the website https://universidades.sede.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/Equivalencia_notas_medias/language/en .
Certification accrediting your level of English language proficiency.
CV listing achievements, taking the selection criteria into account. This should include the master's degree and postgraduate programmes and courses you have studied that are linked to the research interests mentioned in your letter of motivation, and where applicable, any previous scientific output.
Additional comments
The contract is part of the grant PREP2024-002487, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the ESF+.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Offer Description We are seeking a PhD student to develop the project ‘Combating fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A comparative study of magnetic and electrical non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS MSf)’, led by Principal Investigator Elena Muñoz Marrón, a member of the NeuroADaS Lab research group, affiliated with the eHealth Centre (Centre for Human and Planetary Health Research) at the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC).
Summary of the project:
"The ‘NIBS MSf’ project – ‘Combating fatigue in multiple sclerosis: A comparative study of magnetic and electrical non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS MSf)’ – aims to analyse and compare the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in addressing fatigue and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis, in both the short and long term.
Responsibilities:
Driving the project’s innovation and research activities.
Developing and completing a doctoral thesis within the framework of the project.
A four-year, full-time pre-doctoral contract will be offered, with a scheduled start date is 1 March 2026. The contract is governed by the provisions of Article 21 of Law 14/2011, of 1 June, on Science, Technology and Innovation. Contracts for applicants recruited under the terms of a pre-doctoral contract prior to the start of the grant must comply with the maximum term permitted by Law 14/2011 of 1 June. (Shortlisted candidates must provide their employment history or a sworn declaration). The gross annual salary for the doctoral contract is as follows:
Years 1, 2 and 3: €23,156.65 per annum.
For work on site, the principal location will be the UOC Campus, at Rambla del Poblenou 154-156, Barcelona. However, the role's duties must be carried out in person in Madrid.
About the UOC
A leader in e-learning, our pioneering university is a digital native with global reach and a mandate for public service. We've been providing accredited, high-quality online education for the last 30 years, and our mission is lifelong development of people's talent. We conduct research with a transformative approach to generate social and economic impact.
At the UOC, we're not all the same. And this works very much in our favour. The differences between who we are and what our experiences and ideas are make us stronger. In our mission to work with the best talent, we do all we can to ensure equal opportunities, ignoring aspects such as gender, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or any other physical, personal or social aspect other than merit and abilities. Likewise, we will assess any reasonable adjustments that candidates require in order to put themselves forward for the position. Contact us at seleccio@uoc.edu if, at any stage of the selection process, you need some form of adaptation.
The UOC's recruitment and selection processes are based on the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R).
Hold a Spanish pre-EHEA degree (llicenciatura, enginyeria or arquitectura) or a bachelor's degree with at least 300 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits, a university master's degree, or equivalent qualification.
Not have previously completed a doctoral degree.
Meet the requirements for admission to a doctoral programme.
When the contract starts, they must be admitted to or enrolled in the doctoral programme. Their staff grade will be trainee pre-doctoral researcher.
Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Psychology, Medicine, Physiotherapy, or another Health Sciences discipline. Specialisation in neuropsychology or neuroscience.
Previous professional and/or research experience in neuropsychology or neuroscience is desirable.
Proven knowledge of non-invasive neuromodulation, neurophysiological techniques (EEG, EMG, etc.), and neuroimaging (MRI, fNIRS, etc.).
Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish.
To accredit a level of English from B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Residency in Spain for the duration of the contract.
Availability to work on site in Madrid.
Also of interest:
Results-oriented, with the capacity to deliver value through professional activity while striving for continuous progress and excellence.
The ability to work effectively within a team, coordinating and cooperating with others in a collaborative manner.
A proactive approach, demonstrating a high level of initiative and the capacity to thrive in innovative research environments.
Languages SPANISH Level Excellent
Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
Research Field Neurosciences Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
You'll be working in an environment where everyone has equal opportunities and equal access to resources and people, regardless of their location or teleworking choices.
You'll be provided with the computer equipment and ergonomic material you need to work both from home and on site at the UOC.
You'll have training possibilities to continue your professional development.
You'll finish work early on Fridays.
You'll have 24 days of vacation, 9 personal leave days and 4 UOC holidays.
You'll be able to work reduced summer hours (35 hours a week), subject to organizational requirements.
You'll have well-being benefits such as activities to look after your health, a medical service, a physiotherapy service and, if required, assessment and adaptation of your workplace.
Eligibility criteria
Criterion 1. The candidate's academic and/or scientific-technical background (up to 50 points).
Subcriterion 1. a): Scientific and technical contributions (up to 45 points). The candidate's academic record and other merits of their curriculum vitae will be taken into account, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be carried out based on their training and professional experience.
Sub-criterion 1. b): Mobility and internationalization (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact on their research career of the candidate's time spent at Spanish and international centres and/or in the industrial sector will be taken into account, considering the reputation of the institution where the time was spent, and the work undertaken there.
Criterion 2. The candidate's suitability for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points).
The candidate's suitability for the research programme, project or activities to be carried out will be assessed based on their previous training and experience. To that end, the added value that undertaking the project will represent for their research career will be considered, as well as the value contributed to the centre and the team they are joining. The beneficiary institution must prepare a report which describes the assessment and selection process and justifies the suitability of the person selected, according to the aforementioned criteria and subcriteria. This report will remain in the possession of the beneficiary institution as the depositor thereof, and it may be requested at any time during the grant execution or reporting period, without prejudice to the information that must be provided in the intermediate monitoring report on the associated project. Beneficiary institutions must take into account the provisions of Section 5 of Article 4 (b) of Law 14/2011 of 1 June in the assessment and selection process.
In addition to the above, the person selected must meet the requirements set out in Article 21.a) of Law 14/2011 of June 1 in order to sign a pre-doctoral contract or, failing that, be able to meet those requirements when the contract is signed. People who are already in possession of a doctoral degree from any Spanish or foreign university may not be recruited under any circumstances.
Selection process
To take part in the selection process, you must register as a candidate in the Join our team section of our website ( www.uoc.edu ). Once you have registered, complete your profile in the candidate section in order to submit your application.
Documents to be uploaded to the candidate area to submit the application:
A letter of motivation/presentation providing a brief outline of your career and your specific reasons for applying, a description of your research interests, a short and specific research proposal, and details of the links to the research group.
Academic certificates and transcripts for studies prior to the doctoral degree (bachelor's and master's degrees), stating the courses taken and the grade obtained, the type of course, the number of credits, and the average grade. Applicants holding qualifications awarded in other countries must obtain equivalence for the average grade for their university studies according to the website https://universidades.sede.gob.es/pagina/index/directorio/Equivalencia_notas_medias/language/en .
Certification accrediting your level of English language proficiency.
CV listing achievements, taking the selection criteria into account. This should include the master's degree and postgraduate programmes and courses you have studied that are linked to the research interests mentioned in your letter of motivation, and where applicable, any previous scientific output.
Additional comments
The contract is part of the grant PREP2024-002487, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by the ESF+.
#J-18808-Ljbffr