Phd Researcher Assistant

Our Vision

Pain is one of the most fundamental experiences we have, yet chronic pain remains poorly understood and devastatingly undertreated. At the Brain Circuits for Sensory and Pain Processing Lab, led by Dr. Roberto de la Torre-Martínez at IDiBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández (UMH) 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.

We 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 unravel the unexplored claustro-cortical networks in the context of chronic pain, testing the hypothesis that the claustrum is a key player in chronic pain processing, with implications for how pain sensation is integrated and transmitted.

Combining optogenetics, in vivo/ex vivo electrophysiology, circuit-tracing, and behavioral models, 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

More about the lab and our projects at delatorrelab.com.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for a motivated Research Assistant to join our team and contribute directly to this line of research. You will work closely with Dr. de la Torre-Martínez and other lab members on projects that combine state-of-the-art techniques in circuit neuroscience.

·      Contribute to in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiological experiments.

·      Assist with stereotaxic surgeries and viral injections.

·      Perform anatomical and morphological characterization of neuronal circuits using histological and imaging techniques.

·      Participate in data pre-processing and quantitative analysis.

·      Actively participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and scientific discussions.

Required qualifications

·      Bachelor and/or Master's degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

·      Strong interest in systems neuroscience, neural circuits, or pain research.

·      Professional proficiency in written and spoken English.

Preferred qualifications

·      Familiarity with electrophysiological techniques (in vivo and/or ex vivo).

·      Exposure to stereotaxic surgery, viral injections, or neural circuit tracing methods.

·      Prior experience handling and working with mice in a research setting.

·      Basic programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or R.

·      Experience with histology, immunohistochemistry, or microscopy.

·      Strong motivation to learn new experimental and computational techniques.

What we offer

·      1-year full-time Research Assistant position with a pathway to a funded PhD.

·      Access to cutting-edge neuroscience facilities, including electrophysiology rigs, optogenetic equipment, and behavioral testing suites.

·      A supportive, mentorship-driven environment with close supervision and training from the PI and senior lab members.

·      A competitive salary aligned with the contract terms and local standards.

·      A vibrant academic setting at IDiBE-UMH, with opportunities for collaboration, scientific growth, and professional development.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a single PDF file containing:

(1)  A cover letter explaining their motivation and interest in pain neuroscience and circuit mechanisms.

(2)  A curriculum vitae (including grades during their BSc).

(3)  Contact details for at least two academic references.

Please send your application to: Roberto de la Torre Martinez ().

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. Join us in uncovering the brain circuits that shape one of the most fundamental aspects of human health.