PhD position in Basic Migraine and Pain Research

PhD position at the Translational Research Centre (TRACE) – Sensory Biology Unit

The current position (available from of 1st of September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter) is made available through the Center of Discoveries in Migraine, supported by Danish National Research Foundation

The position is initially a full-time, Research Assistant Position, with the intent of enrollment into PhD position during that time. The workplace is localized at TRACE, at Rigshospitalet in Glostrup and the position is at the Sensory Biology Unit. You will primarily work with rodent models of migraine. The work will mainly be ex vivo with in vivo elements, with particular focus on cellular signaling mechanisms involving key neuropeptides and neurotransmitters within migraine-relevant intracranial structures. Tools and methods may include advanced techniques for neuropeptide detection and approaches supporting ex vivo model development.

The workplace

The Sensory Biology Unit lead by Professor Kristian A. Haanes, and is a key part of Centre of Discoveries in Migraine lead by Professor Messoud Ashina (Co-supervisor on this project). The Sensory Biology Unit is focused on understanding the fundamental processes underlying the sensory innervation with particular focus on pain-related sensory neurons.

Your profile:

You should be a proactive and enthusiastic researcher with:

• A MSc degree in Life sciences, Biomedical Engineering or similar.
• Experience in Neuroscience is considered positively
• Must hold or be willing to obtain a FELASA license
• Strong English communication skills, orally and in writing.
• Excellent collaborative skills.

Your position

You will initially be employed as a research assistant, during which you will work in close collaboration with the Prof. Haanes, and create a detailed PhD-plan, as a key part of Center of Discoveries in Migraine, led by Prof. Ashina. You will then be enrolled into the PhD school at the Department of Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). We will ensure funding for the project; however, the employee is expected to apply for additional grants as part of the PhD.

Salary and Terms of Employment

Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Regions (“Danske Regioner”) and the relevant professional organization. The salary depends on background, education and seniority. We see diversity as strength and encourage everyone regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disabilities or religion to apply.

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae – summarizing education, positions, and academic work (max 2 pages);
• Copies of educational certificates, e.g. Confirmation of a completed MSc

Applications must be submitted online through the Region H job portal.

Application deadline: July 18th, 2025. Applications will be evaluated, and applicants called in for interview on a running basis. For further information regarding the position, please contact Prof. Kristian A. Haanes on email: khaa0039@regionh.dk

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