PhD scholarship in Metabolomics using Dissolution DNP-NMR

Published: Monday, 23 October 2017 - 20:33 UTC

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Detailed information can be found here: PhD Sholarship in dDNP

A PhD scholarship is available in the Centre for Hyperpolarization in Magnetic Resonance (HYPERMAG) at DTU Elektro, starting at the beginning of 2018. 

HYPERMAG is a Centre of Excellence founded by the Danish National Research Foundation. We conduct research in the field of biomedical engineering with the aim of conducting real time functional imaging by tracking metabolic processes with isotope labelled tracers. 

The centre specializes in a technology, hyperpolarization with dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP), that produce signal enhancement on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) by many orders of magnitude. This large signal increase allows direct detection of metabolism in living objects from cell to man. In the Biology group, in particularly, we focus on developing new applications that exploit signal-enhanced tracers in the observation of transient states in metabolic networks. 

The subject of the PhD project is stable isotope resolved metabolomics within the framework of dDNP NMR. The aim is to establish and execute data acquisition, analysis and interpretation strategies for quantitative dDNP NMR analysis of metabolites in cellular systems. Using the developed and demonstrated tools human tissue samples will be analysed with dDNP NMR and evaluated in the context of metabolomics research.

Responsibilities and tasks 

The PhD candidate will be working with interdisciplinary experimental research rooted in biophysics. 

The project will include: 

  • Establishment and validation of NMR acquisition strategy and data analysis methods 
  • Development of data interpretation methods for quantitative dissolution DNP NMR 
  • Demonstration of developed tools on metabolite extract data from pathogen-host bio-systems 
  • Ex vivo study of stable isotope resolved metabolism analysis using tissue samples. 

We seek an enthusiastic candidate with background in biotechnology, biophysics or equivalent to carry out this interdisciplinary project. Knowledge within dissolution DNP and NMR is preferred. Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are required. 

Qualifications 

Candidates should hold a MSc in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the MSc in engineering. 

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide: http://www.dtu.dk/english/Education/PhD/Rules/PhDguide.

Assessment

The assessment of the applicants will be made by Senior Scientist Mathilde Hauge Lerche and Associate Professor Pernille Rose Jensen. Final assessment will be on the basis of an interview. 

You are more than welcome to contact us by email: mhauler@elektro.dtu.dk

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 an 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 with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here: http://www.dtu.dk/english/career/meet-our-people/career-paths.

Further information 

Further information may be obtained from Senior Scientist Mathilde Hauge Lerche, tel.: +45 5362 4555. 

You can read more about Center for Hyperpolarization in Magnetic Resonance on http://www.hypermag.dtu.dk.

Application

Please submit your online application no later than 5 November 2017 (Local 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 in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. 

The file must include: 

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their MSc, but cannot begin before having received it. 

All qualified candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.