PhD scholarship in MRI radiofrequency detector development - DTU Space
DTU Space - Bygning 348
If you are passionate about advanced MRI technology and want to contribute to the next generation of medical imaging, this PhD position offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of radiofrequency detector development in collaboration with leading international researchers in Denmark and Australia.
A typical MRI scanner uses radiofrequency detectors to image water molecules. Imaging other molecules and nuclei requires additional new detectors and antennas. The objective of the PhD project is to demonstrate MR imaging of nuclei other than hydrogen by building MRI detectors and antennas, which can cover frequencies of multiple nuclei.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The main outcome of the project will be a broadband/multinuclear detector array, ready to be implemented in clinical environment. It is a cross-disciplinary project and collaboration with the Department of Health Technology at DTU as well as other national and international institutions, such as University of Queensland, Aarhus University Hospital, GE Healthcare, DRCMR and others is an essential part.
The tasks and responsibilities include:
The applicant will take part in research-based teaching.
Contributing to the development of a good work atmosphere and a thriving environment is essential.
The candidate should have a master’s degree in engineering, preferably in electrical engineering.
It is an advantage to have experience in
The position also requires, that:
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.
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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures
The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date will be as soon as possible by mutual agreement with the candidate.
The primary workplace is at DTU Lyngby Campus and a longer stay of about 6 month is anticipated at University of Queensland, Australia.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Prof. Vitaliy Zhurbenko
You can read more about the Electromagnetic Systems Division and the Department of Health Tech at https://www.healthtech.dtu.dk/Research/Research-Sections/Section-Magnetic-Resonance/Group-MRI-acquisition and www.space.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
We encourage you to submit the complete job application as early as possible since evaluation is conducted continuously, however no later than 31 December 2026 (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.
The Electromagnetic Systems Division holds expertise within radiofrequency engineering. It is our goal to ensure research and engineering training at the highest international level. The project will be conducted in close cooperation with DTU Health Tech.
DTU Space
The Institute has about 200 employees and is located in the greater Copenhagen area at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. In the Astrophysics & Atmospheric Physics Division of the Department of Space Research and Space Technology (DTU Space), current focus areas cover exoplanets, large-scale structure of the universe, physics of compact objects, space weather, upper atmosphere physics and cosmo-climatology, as well as development of instrumentation, in particular high-energy instrumentation, i.e. X- and gamma ray detectors and optics. The division is currently active in the operation of instruments and data analysis from three satellites. The division also runs four instrumentation laboratories and hosts a center for space weather research and forecasts.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
A typical MRI scanner uses radiofrequency detectors to image water molecules. Imaging other molecules and nuclei requires additional new detectors and antennas. The objective of the PhD project is to demonstrate MR imaging of nuclei other than hydrogen by building MRI detectors and antennas, which can cover frequencies of multiple nuclei.
Responsibilities and qualifications
The main outcome of the project will be a broadband/multinuclear detector array, ready to be implemented in clinical environment. It is a cross-disciplinary project and collaboration with the Department of Health Technology at DTU as well as other national and international institutions, such as University of Queensland, Aarhus University Hospital, GE Healthcare, DRCMR and others is an essential part.
The tasks and responsibilities include:
- Literature study and evaluation of different multi-frequency detector configurations and identifying the most promising;
- Develop efficient element decoupling strategies minimizing noise correlation between array elements;
- Design and implement multinuclear multichannel radiofrequency coil array for MRI;
- Imaging experiments:
- Coordinate efforts on mechanical and electrical safety tests end approval for clinical use;
- Disseminate the project results to the public and exchange of knowledge with society.
The applicant will take part in research-based teaching.
Contributing to the development of a good work atmosphere and a thriving environment is essential.
The candidate should have a master’s degree in engineering, preferably in electrical engineering.
It is an advantage to have experience in
- High frequency circuit design, fabrication and testing;
- Use of VNAs, spectrum analysers, noise figure meters and other measurement equipment in circuit testing;
- High frequency circuit design software;
- MR technology.
The position also requires, that:
- You are driven by pushing boundaries;
- You are motivated by both individual and team accomplishments;
- You thrive on collaboration and teamwork.
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.
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. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures
The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date will be as soon as possible by mutual agreement with the candidate.
The primary workplace is at DTU Lyngby Campus and a longer stay of about 6 month is anticipated at University of Queensland, Australia.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Prof. Vitaliy Zhurbenko
You can read more about the Electromagnetic Systems Division and the Department of Health Tech at https://www.healthtech.dtu.dk/Research/Research-Sections/Section-Magnetic-Resonance/Group-MRI-acquisition and www.space.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
We encourage you to submit the complete job application as early as possible since evaluation is conducted continuously, however no later than 31 December 2026 (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
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (you must use guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here: http://rftoolbox.dtu.dk/Grade%20conversion%20Bachelor%20&%20Master.xls )
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.
The Electromagnetic Systems Division holds expertise within radiofrequency engineering. It is our goal to ensure research and engineering training at the highest international level. The project will be conducted in close cooperation with DTU Health Tech.
DTU Space
The Institute has about 200 employees and is located in the greater Copenhagen area at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. In the Astrophysics & Atmospheric Physics Division of the Department of Space Research and Space Technology (DTU Space), current focus areas cover exoplanets, large-scale structure of the universe, physics of compact objects, space weather, upper atmosphere physics and cosmo-climatology, as well as development of instrumentation, in particular high-energy instrumentation, i.e. X- and gamma ray detectors and optics. The division is currently active in the operation of instruments and data analysis from three satellites. The division also runs four instrumentation laboratories and hosts a center for space weather research and forecasts.
DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.
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