Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance is a unique, innovative tool that allows new vistas in medical imaging and spectroscopy. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a widely used imaging method for studying in vivo metabolism non-invasively. We use dissolution Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (dDNP) to enhance the MRS signal. The introduction of the dDNP method for metabolic imaging in vivo has thus enabled new ways of diagnosing disease.
The enhanced 13C signal (hyperpolarization) on isotope labelled metabolites is created at cryogenic temperatures and high magnetic field by Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) using dedicated equipment. After hyperpolarizing the solid by DNP, the sample is rapidly melted and introduced as a solute into a living system placed in an MR scanner, with the subsequent metabolic MRS. Hyperpolarized MR overcomes the fundamental limitations of conventional magnetic resonance and is currently translated to human studies with several early-phase clinical trials in progress including early reports showing 13C-pyruvate to 13C-lactate metabolism in healthy human brain.
In this project you will synthesize novel analogues of trityls as polarizing agents for DNP. You will study the properties of the trityl with ESR, NMR and DNP. The polarizing agent critically determines the efficiency of DNP.
At HYPERMAG in the Section for Magnetic Resonance at DTU Health Technology we are experts in Hyperpolarized MR.
Responsibilities and qualifications
As a PhD student you are expected to:
- Contribute to research-based education of bachelor and master students and be a teaching assistant in our courses.
- Take responsibility for the performance of instrumentation for hyperpolarized magnetic resonance.
- 3-6 months exchange visit to one of our international collaborators who are leading research groups in hyperpolarized magnetic resonance.
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.
You must have a background in organic synthetic chemistry. You should also have experience with NMR and other analytical methods.
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 .
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 as soon as possible.
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 Jan Ardenkjær-Larsen, jhar@dtu.dk , +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 . 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 13 October 2023 (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:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
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, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation based on technical and natural science for the healthcare sector. The Healthcare sector is a globally expanding market with demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech creates the foundation for companies to develop new and innovative services and products which benefit people and create value for society. DTU Health Tech’s expertise spans from imaging and biosensor techniques, across digital health and biological modelling, to biopharma technologies. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 140 PhD students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 160 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.