PostDoc in Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance at the Technical University of Denmark #Hyperpolarization

Published: Tuesday, 31 May 2022 - 10:00 -0400

Author: Thorsten Maly

PostDoc in Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance at the Technical University of Denmark

If you are on your way to establishing a career as scientist and you are looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right here at DTU Health Tech, Center for Hyperpolarization in Magnetic Resonance. You will break new ground at the absolute forefront of what is possible with hyperpolarized magnetic resonance.

The aim of this project is to translate UV radical dDNP to the clinic. We have strong expertise with UV radicals for various projects. Specifically, we would like to make the method available for clinical and large animal research on our 3T clinical MR scanner and polarizer setup. This imposes many technical and scientific challenges from sample formulation to hyperpolarization. We study different precursors and sample formulations for generation of radicals with optimal DNP properties and good yield. The labile radicals require the sample to be handled in specific manners, and opens new opportunities by choosing quenching conditions and time point. In addition, we have many exciting, related projects ongoing, and you will be able to interact with many colleagues, e.g. for storage and transport hyperpolarized materials.

The project is funded by hyperQ (ERC Synergy grant), a collaboration with Profs. Fedor Jelezko and Martin Plenio, Ulm University. Our three groups collaborate closely to realize the goals of the project.

Center for Hyperpolarization in Magnetic Resonance (HYPERMAG, www.hypermag.dtu.dk) is a center of excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation. We are part of the Section for Magnetic Resonance (www.cmr.healthtech.dtu.dk) at the department of Health Technology, and we conduct research in MRI and NMR. Our research is conducted in collaboration with universities, hospitals, and healthcare companies both nationally and internationally. Our main educational responsibility is within the BSc and MSc program in BioMedical Engineering in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Our mission is to address basic scientific questions of hyperpolarization by Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) to enable new applications of Magnetic Resonance in the study of biochemical reactions in real-time in vivo and in vitro. The group has high-resolution NMR systems of various types (400MHz and 500MHz with cryoprobe), a 3T clinical MR scanner (GE Healthcare Signa Premier with multinuclear capability), several polarizers (home built, Hypersense and SpinAligner), a cell lab, chemistry lab, electronics labs and animal facilities.

Responsibilities and qualifications You will be responsible for:

  • development of an experimental setup for UV radical generation in [1-13C]pyruvic acid and DNP with UV radicals
  • The development of an experimental setup for UV radical generation in water:glycerol for hyperpolarization of water (1H)
  • You will take part in translating hyperpolarized MR (dDNP) to the “clinic” (large animals) at our facility

You should have a PhD degree within the fields of physics, chemistry or equivalent.

  • Theoretical and experimental understanding of magnetic resonance (NMR, EPR and/or MRI)
  • Extensive experience with hyperpolarization and dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization
  • You are driven by pushing the boundaries
  • You enjoy working with complex topics
  • You are motivated by both individual and team accomplishments

We offer:
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment:
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 2 years.

Further information may be obtained from Jan Ardenkjær-Larsen, +45 4027 2775.

You can read more about DTU Health Tech at www.healthtech.dtu.dk/english.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure:
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 June 2022 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

  • Application (cover letter)
  • CV
  • Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
  • List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.