Post doc in headache research Full-time

Post Doc In Headache Research

We are looking for a highly motivated and dynamic post doc for a 1.5-year position. As post doc you will investigate the signalling pathways driving the headache phenotype in a rodent model of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The position will start on the 1st of August 2026, and the job is in the Kaag Rasmussen lab at Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Center for Translational Neuromedicine focuses on developing new approaches for examining and treating neurological diseases, primarily using the tools of physiology and imaging coupled with cell and gene therapy. Our emphasis is on using these technologies to enable neural and glial cell replacement in the adult brain and spinal cord, as a means of both disease modelling and therapeutic repair.

The project that we are recruiting for focuses on delineating the signalling pathways that are driving the migraine phenotype. The project is a continuation of this research paper published in Science July 2024:

Here we identified how the peripheral sensory nerves are activated in a mouse model of migraine with aura. In this current project we will investigate the engagement of downstream signalling pathways of the proteins identified in the research paper above with a goal of delineating the specific signalling pathways that are driving the migraine phenotype.

Your job You will be investigating how specific signalling pathways affect migraine-like behaviour in mice and rats. As a post doc in the Kaag Rasmussen lab, you will be working with proteomics, transcriptomics and in vivo imaging of the sensory nervous system to confirm predicted signaling pathways. Using standard behavioural assays as well as novel tools like Deep Lab Cut you will characterize what signaling pathways are essential for the head phenotype in rodent models of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

The successful candidate will utilize bioinformatics, transgenic and molecular biology tools and behavioural assays. This research aims to pinpoint what extracellular messengers are essential in driving the headache phenotypes idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Your tasks will be to generate the rodent models of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. You will then perform behavioural and neurophysiological assays like periorbital von Frey, open field, light vs dark preferences, and pupillometrics in the generated animal models. You will take out cerebrospinal fluid and blood for proteomics and tissue samples for transcriptomics. Lastly, you will use in vivo imaging of the sensory afferent in transgene animals expresses genetically encoded calcium indicators, to investigate that nociceptive qualities of identified putative signaling molecules that might be leading to the headache phenotype in the animal model of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic post doc with the following competencies and experience:

• You have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field.
• You have expertise or interest in behavioural experiments and analysis thereof or a great motivation to commit to this.
• You have expertise or interest in bioinformatic analysis.
• You have at least a FELASA A and D certificate for animal experiments.
• You are experienced in the use and breeding strategies of transgenic animals.
• Preferably you have experience in coding and in the use of deep neural networks e.g. Deep Lab Cut.
• You have an active interest in neurophysiology with focus on the glymphatic system and pain.
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams.
• Excellent English skills written and spoken.

The place of employment is at Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment.

The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week. The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 1 year. The start date is 1 August 2026 or after agreement. There is a possibility for a 1-year extension of the post doc.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 39.237,41 DKK/approx. 5,200 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18.07 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions, if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2020.

For further information please contact Martin Kaag Rasmussen martin.rasmussen@sund.ku.dk or Center Administrator Ann Christensen, ann.christensen@sund.ku.dk.

International applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Your online application must be submitted in English by clicking 'Apply now' below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do.
4. List of publications.

Deadline for applications : 22 March 2026, 23.59pm CET.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at

https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held November 2025.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.