In this project, you will develop new ways to study cancer using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of various nuclei. The studies so far have been using Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which is based on ionizing radiation a considerable limiting factor. MRI, on the other hand, is based on non-ionizing radiation but requires additional hardware extensions to become an alternative to PET.
A typical MRI scanner uses radiofrequency coils (antennas) to image water molecules. Imaging other molecules and nuclei, such as deuterium, opens up new ways to study cancer. This imaging, however, requires additional new detectors and antennas. The objective of the Ph.D. project is to demonstrate MR imaging of a range of nuclei, including hydrogen, deuterium, and others, by extending the hardware capabilities of standard MRI scanners and building dedicated coils, RF electronics, and associated control circuits.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The aim of this PhD project is to study and develop hardware (coils/antennas, RF electronics, cabling, control circuits, etc.) enabling MRI of deuterium and other nuclei in addition to standard hydrogen imaging. Specifically, the target is to build a multinuclear imaging setup for small animals (mice) and humans (breast cancer imaging). You should be interested in experimental research and proficient in a lab.
The tasks and responsibilities include:
As a PhD student in the section for magnetic resonance, you are expected to:
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.
It is an advantage to have experience in
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education
.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be conducted continuously.
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 appointment terms
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 3 years. Starting date is as soon as possible and according to mutual agreement. You can read more about the level of wages: Salary paid to PhD students
.
The primary workplace is at DTU Lyngby Campus and an external research stay of about 3-6 month abroad is anticipated.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Prof. Vitaliy Zhurbenko, vizh@dtu.dk
.
You can read more about DTU Health Tech at www.healthtech.dtu.dk.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark
. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar
” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 May 2025 (23:59 Danish Time)
. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
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. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Health Tech
With a vision to improve health and quality of life through technology, DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation based on technical and natural science. We educate tomorrow’s health tech engineers and create the foundation for new and innovative services and technologies for the globally expanding healthcare sector with its demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech’s expertise can be described through five overall research areas: Diagnostic Imaging, Digital Health, Personalised Therapy, Precision Diagnostics, and Sensory and Neural Technology. Our technologies and solutions are developed with the aim of benefiting people and creating value for society. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 140 PhD Students, and a technical/administrative support staff of about 100 persons of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.