Postdoc in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Neuronal Currents
The Technical University of Denmark
A range of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques are widely used for mapping of brain function, but they have a major limitation in common: Rather than mapping actual electrical brain activity, they record indirect measures such as blood oxygenation changes. Following our recent successes in mapping of injected currents with unprecedented sensitivity, we will develop a new MRI technique for mapping of tiny magnetic field changes caused by fluctuating neuronal currents. The method is expected to open novel avenues in basic and clinical neuroimaging, e.g. improved localization of malformed brain areas causing epileptic seizures.
We have ideas for how these goals can be achieved, but we need your help designing the measurements, conducting experiments and publishing the results. You will be the daily responsible for the project, and will design, plan and conduct experiments giving the best chance of success. These may include both MRI, EEG and brain stimulation methods.
You will work in close collaboration with experienced researches in the fields of MR physics, MR current density imaging, brain stimulation and neurophysiology of activation, particularly Assoc. Profs. Axel Thielscher and Lars G. Hanson.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Our aim is mapping of natural neuronal currents in humans. Your tasks include analysis and experimentation with respect to sensitivity to neural architecture, stimulation paradigms, EEG correlates, MRI sequence choices and validation. Simultaneously, you will advance your scientific career by learning and developing new techniques and publishing the results.
Flexibility and self-motivation are desired skills. In addition, we expect you to be eager to collaborate and take personal responsibility for your work. We offer substantial academic sparring in an informal atmosphere.
A strong background in technical aspects of MRI development and analysis is required. Prior experience with MR sequence development, and especially EEG, neuro-architecture and specifics of neural activation are advantageous. MR sequence development and testing will be conducted using the JEMRIS/Pulseq MRI development environments or similar, and vendor-specific scanner programming is therefore of limited importance. Prior experience with these tools is not essential.
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
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 project including your 1¾ year employment is mainly funded by the Lundbeck Foundation. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance located at Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark, where experiments will be conducted.
The employment and primary activity will be at the Section for Magnetic Resonance, Department of Health Technology at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen that is globally recognized as an attractive site for settling.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Lars G. Hanson, tel.: +45 4525 3686.
You can read more about Section for Magnetic Resonance at www.cmr.healthtech.dtu.dk and about DTU Health Technology 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 25 September2021 (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)
- List of publications
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation base 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 Techs 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, 130 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.
The Section for Magnetic Resonance educates the engineers of the future and develops new technology and solutions to improve people’s life before, during and after they are patients. We do this in close collaboration with the health sector, industry, academia and other health partners. DTU Health Tech is a cross-disciplinary department with competencies within Biopharma, Imaging & Sensors and Digital Health. A wide portfolio of MRI and MRI-relevant courses is offered.
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 vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 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.
Apply for this job
Apply no later than 25 September 2021
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