PhD in Pain Modulation through Vagus Nerve Stimulation

About us

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences.
People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty's research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

Your role

The candidate will work on a project on pain modulation through transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVSN). In a series of laboratory studies, the candidate will systematically investigate the efficacy and mechanisms of taVNS on experimental pain in healthy participants. In these studies, autonomic nervous system activity, e.g., heart rate, electrodermal activity, will be monitored and psychological factors will be assessed. A comprehensive battery of pain measurements of different modalities will be used. The candidate is expected to publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals, present the work at international scientific conferences, and participate in the training activities of the Doctoral School in Humanities and Social Sciences.

The candidate will be part of the research group on Stress, Pain, and Gene-environment Interplay, within the Institute of Health and Behaviour, in the Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences. The studies will be conducted in the Psychobiology of Pain Processing Laboratory (P3Lab).

Your profile

• Master's degree in psychology, neuroscience or a related field, demonstrating strong academic performance
• Strong interest in pain and/or vagus nerve stimulation
• Proven experience with experimental psychophysiological research
• Experience with or interest in ecological momentary assessment
• Excellent knowledge of statistical methods
• Fluency in English and German is required

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Relevant reference letter(s) if available

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Planned Start Date: 01.06.2026
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07997

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).