Are you enthusiastic about basic human pain research? The Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP) at Aalborg University is recruiting several PhD fellows within the doctoral programme “Biomedicial Engineering and Neuroscience” to start 1st August 2024 or soon hereafter.
CNAP is a research Center of Excellence inaugurated by the Danish National Research Foundation at Aalborg University, Denmark(www.cnap.hst.aau.dk). CNAP applies a basic research approach where new advanced biomedical provocation and probing platforms are being discovered and applied to study novel aspects of the human pain neuroplasticity. The ambition of CNAP is to identify and modulate key features of human pain neuroplasticity through a systematic approach, including provoking, probing and modulation of the dynamic neuroplastic properties of the pain system. We believe that this approach over time will foster new fundamental discoveries and change the state of the art and offer novel ways for pain treatment. Our world class lab facilities enable advanced quantitative sensory/pain testing, application of advanced neurophysiological techniques(e.g. EEG, TMS, TMS-EEG, rTMS, HD-tDCS), 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 offers several PhD scholarships for exploring neuroplasticity and pain. 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, your tasks will be to:
• Conduct research under the supervision of senior CNAP staff members. Relevant projects focus on:
1. Brain Neuro-Adaptability to Pain (www.cnap.hst.aau.dk/lundbeck-professorship)
2. Excitability and connectivity changes in people with chronic pain using transcranial magnetic stimulation coupled with concomitant EEG
3. Exploring neuroplastic potential in humans– is it reduced in people with pain and/or depression?
• Write up research results in the form of journal articles and book chapters.
• Participate in and co-arrange national and international research conferences and be exposed to external research environments as e.g. a visiting researcher.
• Disseminate the results of your research to the public.
• Follow Ph.D. training courses.
• Participate in the day-to-day life of the Center(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.
