PhD student (m/w/d) - Section Biomedical Imaging

Section Biomedical Imaging, Dept. for Radiology and Neuroradiology, UKSH and Kiel University

Project description

Several hyperpolarization techniques were developed to enhance the intrinsic low signal of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to observe real-time and in vivo metabolic processes. Parahydrogen (pH2) is the nuclear spin isomer of molecular hydrogen that can be generated on a large scale by cooling down normal hydrogen. pH2-induced hyperpolarization (PHIP) already demonstrated 13C-polarization of pyruvate above 10%. Within the scope of this R&D project, a novel parahydrogen-induced polarizer will be constructed. The project continues our preliminary studies (Ellerman et al., Nat. Comm. 2023, DOI: /s -9) and our recent unpublished know-how.

Start in our team:

This Ph.D. position (or 70% Post.Doc.) aims to develop a novel high-pressure PHIP-reactor with applications in biology and medicine. We are looking for professional and competent support to start as soon as possible , limited for 3 years.

What we offer:

• The salary will be based on the German E13 TV-L scale, if terms and conditions under collective bargaining law are fulfilled
• Part-time employment currently 28, 75 hours/week
• A position at the second-largest University Hospital in Germany with access to state-of-the-art magnetic resonance equipment
• Access to imaging, chemical, and RF-electronics facilities of the section of biomedical imaging of Kiel University (PI Prof. Jan-Bernd Hövener)
• An intensive Ph.D. supervision in an interdisciplinary team

Your tasks:

• Developing the PHIP-hyperpolarizer
• Performing hyperpolarization experiments with PHIP-hyperpolarizer
• Presenting the results at national and international conferences and publishing results in scientific journals

Your profile:

• You have completed your university studies (master’s degree or German Diploma) in physics, chemical physics, biomedical technology, or a comparable engineering field
• Knowledge in NMR/MRI are not prerequisite
• You have knowledge, practical experience in automation, hardware construction
• Experience in programming, modeling, and analyzing data would be an advantage
• You have a very good command of spoken and written English

Please submit your application until 25th November 2025 , indicating the reference number 27463 .

PI of the project and contact person:

Dr. Andrey Pravdivtsev,

BMBF hyperpolarization group leader