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

Job title:

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

Company:

Aalborg Universitet

Job description

Are you enthusiastic about basic human pain research? The Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP) at Aalborg University is recruiting one postdoctoral fellows, to start 1st July 2025 or soon thereafter. The position is available for a period of 15 months.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., intra-cortical, subdural and epidural recording, 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 intra-cortical, sub-dural and epidural brain recordings, spinal cord stimulation and recording and peripheral nerve stimulation to understand the generation and treatment of chronic pain from an electrophysiological point of view. We furthermore conduct behavioural assessment in chronic large animal neuropathic models, where we use machine learning methods to understand complex behaviour. Your research will help us understand the mechanisms involved when pain becomes chronic through basic science studies. Training will be provided in all methodologies but prior experience with some techniques is an advantage and a FELASA-C license for animal experimentation or equivalent 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, electrical engineering, veterinary science, or a related field, and an interest and curiosity in mechanistic basic 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 http://www.cnap.hst.aau.dk, or from Associate Professor Suzan Meijs([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 following criteria will apply:The candidate should have qualifications corresponding to an acquired Ph. D.- degree. We expect that the candidate:

• has published in peer-reviewed journals as the first author of the publication
• has experience with applying for external funding for projects, equipment, travel costs, etc. maybe as main as main applicant(PI) or co-applicant(co-PI). This will be an advantage
• should be able to carry out teaching, exams, and quality assurance- either independently or under supervision of a senior colleague
• has experience with presentation of science, e.g., at conferences or in other relevant forums
• has experience with sharing knowledge through an open science praxis. This will be an advantage
• can work both independently and contribute positively to the teamwork in a research group

The following material must be submitted with the application:

• A motivated text in which the reasons for applying for the position are described
• A curriculum vitae
• Copies of relevant diplomas(Master of Science and PhD), pedagogical education, and continuing education(e.g., within research management). On request, you may be asked for an official English translation
• References/recommendations
• A presentation of your research area or interests and a description of your research plans for the position
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position, e.g. FELASA-C license or equivalent.
• A complete list of publications must be attached and a description of work that you find most relevant
• An overview of your teaching experiences and a description of your most relevant contributions
• An overview of your knowledge dissemination activities and a description of your most relevant contributions

The applications are only to be submitted online by using the”Apply online” button below.Assessment
The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.When the hiring process is completed, a final rejection will be sent to the applicants who are not considered for the position.Contact information
For further information concerning the application procedure please contact HR Department by mail: or phone(+45) 9940 3031. Information regarding guidelines, ministerial circular in force and procedures can be seenAAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.Løn og ansættelsesvilkårThe employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities(the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state(AC collective agreement)(only in Danish) and circular concerning protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities(only in Danish).

Expected salary

Location

Aalborg, Nordjylland

Job date

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 07:43:07 GMT

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