Postdoc position at the Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP)

Aalborg Universitet

  • Aalborg, Nordjylland
  • Permanent
  • Fuldtid
  • 17 dage siden
Are you enthusiastic about basic human pain research? The Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP) at Aalborg University is recruiting one or more postdoctoral fellows, to start 1st August 2024 or soon thereafter. Each position is available for a period of 2 years.JobbeskrivelseWho are we?We strive to identify and modulate key features of human pain neuroplasticity and its relevance for persistent pain.CNAP is a research Centre of Excellence inaugurated by the Danish National Research Foundation at Aalborg University, Denmark(www.cnap.hst.aau.dk). CNAP applies a basic research approach to study novel aspects of human pain neuroplasticity, discovering and applying cutting-edge biomedical experimental methods. The ambition of CNAP is to identify and modulate key features of human pain neuroplasticity through a systematic approach, including provoking, probing, and modulating the dynamic neuroplastic properties of the pain system. We are confident that over time, this approach will foster new fundamental discoveries, change the state of the art, and offer novel avenues for pain treatment. Our world class lab facilities enable state-of-the-art quantitative sensory/pain testing, application of advanced neurophysiological techniques(e.g., EEG, TMS, TMS-EEG, rTMS, HD-tDCS), and bio-medical techniques(e.g., linked with epigenetics and general biomarkers) in both chronic pain and pain-free populations, as well as translational research based on animal models(e.g., rodents and pigs).CNAP represents a dynamic and international research environment: approximately 60% of our staff is international, with an 50-50% gender balance. We are highly interdisciplinary and include experts within biomedical engineering, neuropsychology, pharmacology, biophysics, medicine, and medicine with industrial specialisation. You will thus be joining an inspiring, enriching, and productive cross-disciplinary research centre including staff with internationally recognized track records. Moreover, CNAP is strongly embedded in the international network of pain research.CNAP is affiliated to the Department of Health Science and Technology at the Faculty of Medicine, which conducts multidisciplinary research and teaching in health science and technology(e.g., medicine and biomedical engineering). The strategic focus of the department is to be a world leader within digital health and to be well-known for medical doctors and engineers developing solutions for real-world challenges in joint collaborative efforts. The department has more than 250 employees and is responsible for more than 1700 students. Aalborg is a well-connected and flourishing university city named“no. 1. Happiest City in Europe” according to the European Commission.Working at CNAPCNAP offers several postdoctoral fellowships for exploring pain neuroplasticity. You will be involved in our frontline research to identify novel mechanisms involved in the dynamics of pain neuroplasticity, and our efforts to advance the understandings of this topic within the academic world and beyond. Specifically:
  • Embark on the exciting and fundamental research track intended to provide mechanistic information on human brain changes in pain conditions. The successful candidate will work in a team using electroencephalography(EEG), transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS), transcranial electrical stimulation(tES), quantitative sensory testing(QST), and psychological profiling to study and modulate the brain activity in clinical and experimental pain conditions. In particular, a series of studies including individuals with e.g., low back pain and healthy controls will be completed, with the aim of linking changes in pain mechanisms with changes in cortical manifestations during an intervention(e.g., exercise) for symptom reduction. Your research will help us understand the mechanisms involved when pain becomes chronic(www.cnap.hst.aau.dk/lundbeck-professorship). Training will be provided in all methodologies but prior experience with some techniques is an advantage, and experience in human pain research is a prerequisite.
  • An opportunity to learn new analysis techniques(e.g., Matlab, Python) if relevant for the task.
  • Write up research results in the form of journal articles.
  • Participate in and co-arrange national and international research conferences and be exposed to external research environments, for example, as a visiting researcher.
  • Disseminate the results of your research to the public.
  • Participate in the day-to-day life of CNAP(e.g., research meetings, Round Table Meetings, seminars, social activities).
  • Develop a solid background in pain neuroscience that will allow you to foster a curious and critical sense to analyse and interpret scientific information.
Further develop competences towards an academic or industrial research career.We support postdoctoral candidates who have an ambition to conduct frontline research.
You will join a research team that comprises a large group of colleagues(PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and professors) sharing your primary research interest. This gives ample opportunity for sparring and deep discussions. We strive to foster a friendly and supportive working environment, believing that this is the best way to ensure world class scientific results.The postdoctoral fellowship includes:
  • A competitive salary, enabling you to enjoy living and working in a growing, exciting, and centrally located European city, Aalborg, Denmark.
  • Danish health insurance.
  • Travel funds for you to present your work at scientific conferences.
  • Computer and other practical office necessities.
  • Guidance on re-location to Aalborg, Denmark.
Who are you?CNAP requests talentCNAP recruits highly qualified and committed postdoctoral researchers worldwide who demonstrate great research potential. We expect that our teams will serve as first movers in a new generation of researchers capable of exploiting the synergies between different research disciplines and technologies. You will be part of an endeavour to optimise and boost innovation and advance the scientific area of biomedical and neural engineering together with basic and integrative neuroscience within the CNAP research groups. Applicants should be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience within pain research. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team are expected. We imagine that the successful candidate will have a PhD in neuroscience, medicine, biomedical engineering, physiotherapy, physiology, or a related field, and a strong interest in fundamental, mechanistic pain research. As English is our working language, it is necessary that you have a high level of English proficiency(orally and written). Good dissemination skills are important.You may obtain further information at our website , or from the Centre Director Professor Thomas Graven-Nielsen( ).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.(e.g. using the EU model). Clearly stating your educational background, experience, techniques, language skills and other skills or experiences relevant for this position.
  • 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.
  • Recommendation letter(s) from a previous mentor or supervisor(Alternatively, provide names and e-mail addresses of 1-2 academic referees).
  • 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 est-st-hr@adm.aau.dk. Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seenLøn og ansættelsesvilkårEmployment 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.

Aalborg Universitet