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University: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Supervisor: Samita Giri – [email protected]
Deadline: April 7, 2026
About NTNU
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is a leading technical and scientific university with campuses in Trondheim, Ålesund, and Gjøvik. With over 43,000 students and 9,000 employees, NTNU works under the vision “Knowledge for a better world,” combining research excellence with societal impact.
About the PhD Position
The Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science (INB), invites applications for a 3-year full-time PhD position in registry-based migraine research. The candidate will join the research group Understanding Headache Through Registry Data at the Norwegian Centre for Headache Research (NorHead).
The position is funded by NTNU and the Central Norway Health Authority (Samarbeidsorganet). You will work in an interdisciplinary and international environment alongside PhD candidates, postdoctoral fellows, and senior researchers. The immediate leader is Trine Aakvik Strand.
Research Project Overview
Chronic migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide, placing a major burden on patients and healthcare systems. The introduction of anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies (mABs) has significantly changed migraine prevention strategies. However, key questions remain regarding:
- Optimal treatment duration
- Outcomes after discontinuation
- Effects of treatment reinitiation
This PhD project will evaluate how anti-CGRP mABs influence acute migraine medication use across different treatment phases — initiation, discontinuation, and reinitiation.
Using comprehensive nationwide Norwegian registry data, the research will generate real-world evidence on treatment effectiveness. The findings will support clinical decision-making, improve treatment strategies, and enhance care for patients with chronic migraine.
The project includes collaboration with leading research groups in the UK, Denmark, and Spain, including the High-Dimensional Neurology Group at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology in London.Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct high-quality registry-based research
- Contribute to shaping and advancing the project
- Complete doctoral education and obtain a PhD degree
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals and engage in science communication
- Participate in research meetings and international conferences
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international partners
Required Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in medicine, pharmacology/pharmacy, public health, epidemiology, statistics, biostatistics, or machine learning/AI
- Strong academic performance (equivalent to grade B or better on NTNU’s scale)
- Eligibility for admission to NTNU’s PhD programme in Medicine and Health Sciences
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with registry data or large datasets
- Knowledge of advanced statistical methods, time series analysis, or machine learning applications
- Proficiency in statistical software such as STATA, R, Python, or SAS
Personal Characteristics
The ideal candidate demonstrates:
- Strong motivation for headache research and public health
- Independent and structured working style
- Excellent collaboration skills
- Resilience and adaptability
- Initiative and flexibility in research planning
Salary and Employment Conditions
- Position code 1017 (PhD Candidate)
- Gross annual salary: NOK 550,800 (subject to qualifications and seniority)
- 3-year employment period
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Access to NTNU employee benefits and career development support
Admission to the organized PhD programme is required within three months of starting the position.
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted electronically and include:
- 1–2 page motivation letter
- CV
- Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts and diplomas
- Copy of Master’s thesis (or draft if recently submitted)
- Publications or relevant research work (if applicable)
- Contact information for three referees
All documents must be in English.
Why Apply?
This PhD opportunity at NTNU offers the chance to conduct impactful registry-based migraine research, contribute to improving chronic migraine treatment strategies, and collaborate within an internationally recognized headache research environment in Trondheim — one of Norway’s leading academic and technological cities.
For further information, contact Samita Giri at [email protected].
Apply now at: https://www.jobbnorge.no/en/available-jobs/job/296638/phd-candidate-in-registry-based-research-on-migraine-treatment-and-outcomes
