Open PhD Position Neurophysiological pain phenotyping in complex regional pain syndrome

Balgrist University Hospital, Spinal Cord Injury Center

Open PhD Position Neurophysiological pain phenotyping in complex regional pain syndrome 100 %

Start of employment , temporary

This PhD position is embedded within the Swiss National Science Foundation project "Under the skin: Unravelling the neuromodulatory role of skin cells in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome" – an interdisciplinary endeavor between the Spinal Cord Injury Center and the Department of Experimental Rheumatology at Balgrist University Hospital.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a multifactorial pain disorder involving complex interactions among the immune, inflammatory, and nervous systems.

What we offer:

• A dynamic, collaborative, and supportive research environment at the Spinal Cord Injury Research Center at Balgrist University Hospital.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories, clinical facilities, and research tools.
• Exchange with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, neuroscientists, and molecular biologists.
• Opportunity to work with leading experts in pain research, clinical neurology and rheumatology.

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including clinicians, neuroscientists, and molecular biologists to tackle pain mechanism in CRPS. The overall goal of this PhD is to identify neurophysiological alterations in individuals with acute CRPS which can be predictive of the clinical course of the disease. In addition, these neurophysiological changes will be related to molecular and cellular alterations in CRPS-affected skin (in collaboration with molecular biologists). The in-depth pain phenotyping will be achieved by adopting an elaborate test battery including clinical pain characterization, neurophysiology (pain-related evoked potentials and autonomic responses), and quantitative sensory testing in individuals with acute CRPS.

Your profile

• A Master's degree in neuroscience, biology, biomedicine, medicine, health sciences or a related field.
• Strong background in pain research, neurophysiology, or clinical neuroscience is highly desirable.
• Experience with clinical data collection, patient interaction, or sensory testing is an advantage.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis (e.g., R, MATLAB, SPSS).
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Good/fluent verbal communication skills in German (for assessments of patients).

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location
Balgrist University Hospital, Spinal Cord Injury Center

Forchstrasse 340, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information
Questions about the job

Michèle Hubli

Prof. Dr. - Head of Research

Working at UZH

The University of Zurich, Switzerland's largest university, offers a range of attractive positions in various subject areas and professional fields. With around 10,000 employees and currently 12 professional apprenticeship streams the University offers an inspiring working environment on cutting-edge research and top-class education. Put your talent and skills to work with us. Find out more about UZH as an employer

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