The Danish Headache Center is inviting applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD position starting January 1st 2026. The project focuses on mechanisms of migraine pain genesis and is an experimental research position part of the larger research project Disruption of nitric oxide homeostasis in migraine: Contributions from the neuro-vascular-immune triad funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The PhD will focus on behavioral characterization and in vivo imaging of migraine relevant structures and substances in the mouse meninges using miniscope technology and two-photon imaging. The project is carried out in collaboration with University and Industry partners under main supervision of Sarah Louise Christensen.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Conduct in vivo experiments: Behavioral testing, surgeries and in vivo imaging
• Independently plan and carry out defined research projects.
• Communicate research results: present data at monthly staff meetings as well as national and international conferences and prepare manuscripts for publication.
• Work in close collaboration with technical research staff and students.
• Contribute to the general work carried out by the group as a unit, including discussions and planning of strategies and projects.
• Enrollment as PhD student at Faculty og Health and Medical Science at University of Copenhagen including compliance to requirements of the PhD School.

Qualifications

• Degree within life or medical science (e.g. background in biology, molecular biomedicine, neuroscience, pharma, human or veterinary medicine).
• FELASA accreditation to perform animal experiments (minimum functions A+D)
• Experience with in vivo mouse work including surgical procedures
• Experience with Python/Matlab programming and image analysis
• Good English communications skills, oral and written.

What we offer

Our lab is a subgroup within The Danish Headache Center at Rigshospitalet which is world leading in terms of diagnosis and treatment of severe headache disorders and is globally recognized for the excellence of its research and clinical work. With this preclinical project we continue our long-standing work on trying to understand the underlying mechanisms of how and where migraine pain originates. To the successful applicant we offer strong supervision and support in a rewarding international environment physically located in the Translational Research Center, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup.

Application Process

Application deadline is the 31st of October 2025, and applications should be submitted online via the job advert link. Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV and a motivated application, detailing relevant coursework, previous research experience, education and practical skills.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or ethnicity.

Terms of Employment

The position is full-time for a period of three years and is available from January 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Employment and compensation are in accordance with the collective agreement within the Capital Region of Denmark.

For further inquiries, please contact principal investigator Sarah Louise Christensen, email: sarah.louise.tangsgaard.christensen@regionh.dk