Postdoc in MRI Physics

Postdoc in MRI Physics
Explore fundamental spin physics at the interface of acoustics and MRI, and help develop a new imaging contrast sensitive to microscopic magnetic-field inhomogeneities.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate a new link between acoustic waves, spin dynamics, and magnetic resonance relaxation. The project combines fundamental MR physics with the development of novel approaches for medical imaging.

The central aim is to understand how acoustic perturbations interact with spin relaxation in the presence of small-scale magnetic-field inhomogeneities. We will investigate whether these interactions can be exploited to create a new MR contrast mechanism that is particularly sensitive to microscopic susceptibility-induced field variations, such as those produced by blood vessels and other sub-voxel structures.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a leading role in the theoretical and experimental development of the project. Activities will include designing and conducting MR experiments, developing pulse sequences and experimental methods, modeling spin dynamics and relaxation, analyzing data, and interpreting the underlying physical mechanisms. Depending on the candidate's background and interests, the project may also involve acoustic hardware, numerical simulations, phantom development, and translation of the resulting methods toward biomedical imaging applications.

The researcher will work in an interdisciplinary MRI research environment and collaborate closely with researchers in MR physics, engineering, and biomedical imaging. The position offers substantial freedom to explore fundamental questions while working toward a new class of quantitative and microstructure-sensitive MRI methods. The researcher will also contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, and the supervision of junior researchers.

Job requirements

• PhD in physics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, medical physics, or a closely related field.
• Strong background in MRI, NMR, spin physics, magnetic resonance relaxation, or a related area.
• Experience with experimental research and quantitative data analysis.
• Experience with MR pulse-sequence development, spin simulations, or MR signal modeling is highly desirable.
• Strong programming skills, for example in Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or a comparable scientific computing environment.
• Experience with acoustics, ultrasound, susceptibility effects, magnetic-field modeling, or MR hardware is advantageous but not required.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and contribute to peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 21 months. Temporary.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Salary range: €3706 - €5760.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

• FTE: 1,0.
• The job involves relocation to the Netherlands for those who need to relocate. TU Delft's Coming to Delft Service offers information to help prepare relocation, organises events to help new employees settle in the Netherlands and expand their social network in Delft, and provides a Dual Career Programme to support an accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.

This is an EU funded project, named VascularID, with project number 101078711, within program ERC-2022-STG.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. The assessment takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.