PhD candidate in neuroscience, psychology, biology, biomedical engineering (or similar)

Neuropathic pain is a major, debilitating secondary health condition after spinal cord injury (SCI). It likely involves abnormal brain-spinal interactions, including spinal hyperexcitability and altered pain modulation in the brain, but evidence in humans is still missing due to the lack of imaging protocols to measure spinal cord activity. In this multicentre study (Swiss Paraplegic Research / Balgrist University Hospital), we will investigate neuropathic pain in SCI using brain and spinal cord fMRI. After setting up and validating a novel lumbosacral cord fMRI protocol across the two centres, we will assess spinal sensitisation and abnormal brain activity linked to neuropathic pain in individuals with SCI. As part of the PhD thesis, the student is expected to take an active role in all the aspects of the project, including study conceptualization and design, preparation of the ethical application, data collection and analysis, and publication of the results.

These are your tasks

• Contribution to study conceptualization and design
• Writing and submission of study documents for approval by ethics committees or authorities
• Enrolment of study participants, data collection, analysis and interpretation
• Writing and submission of publications in high impact, peer-reviewed journals
• Presentation of research findings at national and international conferences

What makes you stand out

• Master degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, biomedical engineering or similar, acceptable for matriculation at a Swiss University (Bologna compatible)
• Interest in neuroimaging methods, with particular focus on functional MRI
• Knowledge in Matlab and/or RStudio
• Willingness to work with patients in clinical settings
• Proactive, good communication skills and attitude to team-work
• Excellent knowledge in both German and English, mother tongue German is preferred
• Willingness to travel regularly between Zurich and Nottwil (Lucerne)

What you can expect

You can expect attractive employment conditions as well as numerous other advantages. Look forward to meaningful work in a modern work environment, flexible working times and various further training opportunities. Come and join us and experience our unique spirit. More information at parplegie.ch/vorteile.

About us

Swiss Paraplegic Research (SPF) is part of the Swiss Paraplegic Group. The mission of SPF is sustainably improving the situation of people with spinal cord injury (SCI) through interdisciplinary, clinical and Community-based research on a national and international level. Specific areas of its comprehensive research include functioning, mobility, social integration, equality of opportunity, self-determination, quality of life, health services provision as well as epidemiology and statistical methods. SPF is an university research institution recognized and promoted by the Swiss federal government and the cantons and an active link to academic and industrial research and development at the national and international levels.

Your contact person

Questions about the application process

Lea Blunschi

HR Manager

+41 41 939 53 72

Questions on the job

Dr. Giuseppe Zito, Group Leader SPF Nottwil, T +41 41 939 55 86

Dr. Gergely David, Group Leader Balgrist, T +41 44 510 72 13