Several Post-doc positions at the Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP) (2023-224-05213)

Do you want to work in an excellent global environment within fundamental human pain research? Come join us at the Centre of Excellence, Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), at Aalborg University. Positions as motivated and skilled post-doctoral researchers are open for appointment from 1 June 2023 or soon hereafter.

Job description
CNAP is a Centre of Excellence supported by the Danish National Research Foundation at Aalborg University, Denmark. The vision of CNAP is to identify and modulate key features of human pain neuroplasticity through a systematic engineering approach, including provoking, probing, and modulating the dynamic neuroplastic properties of the pain system. We believe that this approach over time will facilitate new fundamental discoveries and change the state of the art. Our world class lab facilities in brand new buildings enable advanced quantitative sensory/pain testing, application of advanced neurophysiological techniques (e.g. EEG, TMS, rTMS, HD-tDCS, neuronavigation), bio-medical techniques (e.g. linked with epigenetics and general biomarkers), as well as research based on animal models (e.g. rodents and pigs). 

CNAP is affiliated to the Department of Health Science and Technology, the Faculty of Medicine, which focuses on multidisciplinary research and teaching in the area of health science and technology (e.g. medicine and biomedical engineering). The department has more than 250 employees and is responsible for more than 1700 students. 

Applicants should be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience within the respective research field and indicate which post-doc fellowship they apply for (see below). We imagine that the successful candidate will have a PhD in neuroscience, medicine, bio-medical engineering, biophysics, or a related field, and a strong interest in fundamental, mechanistic pain research. 

Post-doc on cortical changes in pain conditions
The post-doctoral researcher will investigate the exciting and fundamental research track intended to provide mechanistic information on the cortical changes in pain conditions. The successful candidate will work with encephalography (EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation, and transcranial electrical brain stimulation to study and modulate the brain activity in clinical and experimental pain conditions. Your research will help us understand the involved mechanisms when pain become chronic. Training will be provided in all methodologies but prior experience with EEG and related signal analysis (e.g. source localization, evoked potentials, connectivity) is a prerequisite. This Post-doc will be affiliated to the Pain and Motor System Plasticity team at CNAP.

Post-doc on the role of ion channels in painful peripheral neuropathy
The post-doctoral researcher will investigate the role of ion channels in painful peripheral neuropathy. The successful candidate will work on a project aimed at elucidating the role of specific ion channel subtypes in the development of chronic pain associated with chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy and diabetic neuropathy. The project will involve the use of perception threshold tracking to assess the excitability of cutaneous nerve fibers in healthy human subjects and investigate how topical application of specific sodium channel antagonists will alter the excitability. The post-doctoral researcher will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments to investigate the questions raised in this project, including whether the excitability changes caused by specific ion channel antagonists can be assessed by perception threshold tracking, whether this can enable an understanding of excitability changes caused by chemotherapy or diabetes and why these sometimes are perceived as painful. This Post-doc will be affiliated to the Integrative Neuroscience team at CNAP.

Who are you?
For both positions you:

• have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team
• will contribute with activities within CNAP and the respective research group
• are interested in engaging in some teaching activities within the research area and related areas
• have a high proficiency in oral and written English.

You may obtain further information at our website http://www.cnap.hst.aau.dk, from the Centre Director Professor Thomas Graven-Nielsen ([email protected]), or from Associate Professor Carsten Dahl Mørch ([email protected]). 

Qualification requirements: 

Appointment as Postdoc presupposes scientific qualifications at PhD–level or similar scientific qualifications. The research potential of each applicant will be emphasized in the overall assessment. Appointment as a Postdoc cannot exceed a period of four years in total at Aalborg University.

The application must contain the following:

• A motivated text wherein the reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position are stated.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant diplomas (Master of Science and PhD). On request you could be asked for an official English translation.
• Scientific qualifications. A complete list of publications must be attached with an indication of the works the applicant wishes to be considered. You may attach up to 5 publications.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations and the like.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position. References/recommendations.
• Personal data.

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

Shortlisting will be applied. After the review of any objections regarding the assessment committee, the head of department, with assistance from the chair of the assessment committee, selects the candidates to be assessed. All applicants will be informed as to whether they will advance to assessment or not.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

For further information concerning the application procedure please contact HR Partner Jeannette Bøgh by mail [email protected] or phone (+45) 9940 7968. Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seen here  

Agreement

Employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministry of Finance's current Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Employment and salary are in accordance with the collective agreement for state-employed academics.   

Vacancy number

2023-224-05213

Deadline

16/04/2023

Apply online