ppPhd Researcher Assistant Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche Valencian Community, Spain /ppDescripción del trabajo Our Vision /ppPain is one of the most fundamental experiences we have, yet chronic pain remains poorly understood and devastatingly undertreated. At the bBrain Circuits for Sensory and Pain Processing Lab /b, led by Dr. Roberto de la Torre-Martínez at IDiBE, bUniversidad Miguel Hernández (UMH) /b in Elche, Spain, we believe that understanding the neural pathways the brain uses to transport, integrate, and encode pain, and how these processes become chronic, may allow us to hack the system and relieve or even prevent unnecessary suffering. /ppWe are particularly interested in a newly emerging pathway in which the claustrum plays a key role. Our recent work (de la Torre-Martínez, R., et al., Current Biology 2025) reveals claustral circuitry that can powerfully modulate regions traditionally implicated in pain processing. This project will now bunravel the unexplored claustro-cortical networks in the context of chronic pain /b, testing the hypothesis that the claustrum is a key player in chronic pain processing, with implications for how pain sensation is integrated and transmitted. /ppCombining boptogenetics, in vivo/ex vivo electrophysiology, circuit-tracing, and behavioral models /b, we aim to translate these circuit insights into real strategies for pain relief. The lab is supported by a “Ramón y Cajal fellowship” and a recently awarded “Proyecto de Generación de Conocimiento” from the Spanish State Research Agency (AEI), providing a solid framework for ambitious, long-term research. This position is intended as pre-training for an eventual PhD if the candidate is suitable /ppMore about the lab and our projects at delatorrelab.com.



/ph3Key Responsibilities /h3ulliContribute to in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological experiments. /liliAssist with stereotaxic surgeries and viral injections. /liliPerform anatomical and morphological characterization of neuronal circuits using histological and imaging techniques. /liliParticipate in data pre-processing and quantitative analysis. /liliActively participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and scientific discussions. /li /ulh3Required qualifications /h3ulliBachelor and/or Master's degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, or a related discipline. /liliStrong interest in systems neuroscience, neural circuits, or pain research. /liliProfessional proficiency in written and spoken English. /li /ulh3Preferred qualifications /h3ulliFamiliarity with electrophysiological techniques in vivo and/or ex vivo. /liliExposure to stereotaxic surgery, viral injections, or neural circuit tracing methods. /liliPrior experience handling and working with mice in a research setting. /liliBasic programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or R. /liliExperience with histology, immunohistochemistry, or microscopy. /liliStrong motivation to learn new experimental and computational techniques. /li /ulh3What we offer /h3ulli1-year full-time Research Assistant position with a pathway to a funded PhD. /liliAccess to cutting-edge neuroscience facilities, including electrophysiology rigs, optogenetic equipment, and behavioral testing suites. /liliA supportive, mentorship-driven environment with close supervision and training from the PI and senior lab members. /liliA competitive salary aligned with the contract terms and local standards. /liliA vibrant academic setting at IDiBE-UMH, with opportunities for collaboration, scientific growth, and professional development. /li /ulpWe encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. /p /p #J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Phd Researcher Assistant (Valencia)
🏢 Relaciones Laborales y Recursos Humanos UMH
📍 Valencia