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)
We offer
- Multidisciplinary team, where engineers, neuroscientists and clinicians interact on a daily base
- State-of-the-art facilities, with 3 Tesla MRI scanners dedicated to research
- Excellent conditions for patient-oriented research
- Possibility to be embedded in a higher educational career path at a Swiss University
- Competitive salary according to the guidelines of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF - https://snf.ch/en)
- Friendly and person-oriented atmosphere
For this position we require complete application documents (incl. CV, diplomas, employment references and a motivation letter). Thank you!
The position is for 3 years (with possibility of extension), starting 1st September 2026 or upon individual agreement. The employment contract is with the SPF; the work locations are in Nottwil and Balgrist.
What you can expect
Your work is meaningful – you support a globally unique network of services for people with a spinal cord injury.
Your work is meaningful – you support a globally unique network of services for people with a spinal cord injury.
We're all on first name terms and on an equal footing. The close interaction, our staff parties and team events ensure a homely atmosphere.
We're all on first name terms and on an equal footing. The close interaction, our staff parties and team events ensure a homely atmosphere.
Numerous rest areas and sports options offer the chance to relax and unwind. You can choose: fitness, indoor swimming pool, private beach, rose garden or rather team sports?
Numerous rest areas and sports options offer the chance to relax and unwind. You can choose: fitness, indoor swimming pool, private beach, rose garden or rather team sports?
You enjoy five to seven weeks' holiday and up to 16 paid public holidays per year. Other options are holiday purchase, unpaid leave or a sabbatical after 10 years of service.
You enjoy five to seven weeks' holiday and up to 16 paid public holidays per year. Other options are holiday purchase, unpaid leave or a sabbatical after 10 years of service.
You benefit from a fair salary, good pension fund benefits and cover in the event of illness or accident. Families with children receive up to CHF 250 social supplements per month.
You benefit from a fair salary, good pension fund benefits and cover in the event of illness or accident. Families with children receive up to CHF 250 social supplements per month.
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.
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