Postdoctoral studies in Persistent Pain Research (scholarship)

Do you want to contribute to improving human health?

Join us in advancing the understanding of chronic pain and shaping the future of pain treatment.

The Hadjab Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the molecular mechanisms driving the development and maintenance of persistent pain. Our research explores the (epi)genetic regulation of cell state changes in pain disorders, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets and restoring healthy cellular function.

Division

The Hadjab Lab investigates the development, homeostasis, and dysfunction of pain-sensing neurons (Cell Rep 2019; Curr. Op. Cell Biol 2022; Nat. Commun. 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024). Located in the cutting-edge BIOMEDICUM building at Karolinska Institutet, our lab is part of a highly collaborative research environment. The successful candidate will continue to advance our work to explore pain-sensing neuron plasticity in health and disease. The role also includes involvement in drug discovery and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Duties

The successful candidate will integrate pain models with behavioral assessments in mice, alongside histology, tissue dissection, cell culture, and intrathecal injections. You will also apply advanced molecular biology techniques and collaborate with expert computational biologists in the lab. Additionally, the role includes mentoring and supervising students.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher with a Ph.D. in neuroscience or a related field. The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience with mouse models, including behavioral analysis, with a strong interest in pain research, as demonstrated by prior publications.
• Expertise in isolating and studying dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and pain-sensing neurons both in vitro and in vivo, covering peripheral and central mechanisms.
• Proficiency in sensory system dissection and related methodologies.
• Strong molecular and cellular biology skills, with experience in histology, imaging, and transcriptomic approaches being advantageous.
• A collaborative mindset, as the position involves working closely with computational biologists, as well as mentoring students.

We are looking for a dedicated scientist who is eager to contribute to cutting-edge pain research and advance the field of sensory neuroscience.

Entry requirements

Postdoctoral scholarships may be established for foreign researchers who pursue their postdoctoral research in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent.

A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

What do we offer?

A creative and inspiring environment with wide-ranging expertise and interests. Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Here, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. At KI, you get to meet researchers working with a wide range of specialisms and methods, giving you ample opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience with the various scientific fields within medicine and health. It is the crossover collaborations, which have pushed KI to where it is today, at the forefront of global research. Several of the people you meet in healthcare are educated at KI. A close relationship with the health care providers is important for creating groundbreaking top quality education and research. Students and employees have free access to our modern gym facilities with trained staff on site.

Location: Solna

Type of scholarship

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process

An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• A complete curriculum vitae, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.

Want to make a difference? Join us and contribute to better health for all