Thomas Graven-Nielsen

The Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP) at Aalborg University, Denmark, is offering several PhD fellowships focused on basic human pain research, starting September 1, 2026 or soon thereafter. CNAP is a Center of Excellence supported by the Danish National Research Foundation, dedicated to identifying and modulating key features of human pain neuroplasticity and their relevance for persistent pain. The center employs advanced biomedical provocation and probing platforms to study novel aspects of pain neuroplasticity, aiming to foster fundamental discoveries and innovative pain treatments. CNAP’s world-class laboratory facilities support advanced quantitative sensory and pain testing, neurophysiological techniques (EEG, TMS, TMS-EEG, rTMS, HD-tDCS), biomedical methods linked with epigenetics and biomarkers, and research involving animal models. The research environment is highly international and interdisciplinary, with experts in biomedical engineering, neuropsychology, pharmacology, biophysics, and medicine. English is the working language, and all PhD theses are written in English. PhD fellows will join the Department of Health Science and Technology at the Faculty of Medicine, which is renowned for multidisciplinary research and teaching in health science and technology. The department emphasizes digital health and collaborative innovation between medical doctors and engineers. CNAP offers a dynamic, supportive, and diverse workplace, with opportunities for research training, collaborative projects, and international research visits. The PhD projects will focus on brain neuro-adaptability to pain, particularly brain oscillations in pain conditions and non-invasive brain stimulation. Fellows will conduct research under senior CNAP staff supervision, studying mechanisms of chronic pain, linking pain neuro-adaptability with cortical changes during interventions, and disseminating results through publications and conferences. Participation in PhD training courses, journal clubs, workshops, and symposia is expected, along with collaborative research and external research stays. PhD scholarships include a competitive salary, covered university fees, Danish health insurance, research costs, travel funds for conferences, office space, computer, laboratory access, and relocation guidance. The employment period is three years, with salary and terms in accordance with Danish academic staff agreements. Fellows must complete PhD courses (30 ECTS), gain teaching or dissemination experience, and undertake a 3–6 month external research stay. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, pharmacology, medicine, or equivalent, with high proficiency in English. Previous research experience in pain mechanisms is advantageous but not required. Good dissemination skills are essential. Applications must include a CV, motivation letter, diplomas, proof of English proficiency, recommendation letters or referees, publication list, and a description of two relevant scientific papers. Applications are to be submitted online via Aalborg University’s recruitment system by June 7, 2026. For further information, contact Thomas Graven-Nielsen, Annemarie Davidsen, or Karina Stendahl Jensen. CNAP welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and strives for diversity and inclusion. For more details, visit the CNAP website and the application portal.