Doctoral Student in Magnetic Resonance for the Study of Granular Systems

Immigration Policy Lab; Zürich; On-site; CHF 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leading research

Collaborative environment

Excellent infrastructure

Career development

Competitive salary

Job summary

ETH Zurich’s Institute for Biomedical Engineering is seeking a Doctoral Student in Magnetic Resonance for the study of granular systems. The role focuses on advancing MR technology to study soft, arbitrarily shaped particles and to track particle swarms in granular media, within a collaborative two-PI environment.

The position is 100% in Zurich, fixed-term, with opportunities to contribute to interdisciplinary research across engineering and materials science, and participation in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Good command of English, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Advance magnetic resonance technology and methods for studying granular systems with arbitrarily shaped and soft particles.
• Collaborate with partner doctoral researchers to fabricate tailored and soft particles and to develop experimental setups for granular systems.
• Contribute to particle tracking, imaging, and method development on magnetic resonance equipment.

Education

Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

Strong English proficiency (oral and written)

Job description

Doctoral Student in Magnetic Resonance for the Study of Granular Systems

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zurich is one of the leading universities worldwide and renowned for its excellence in education, fundamental and applied research, and technology transfer. At the Institute for Biomedical Engineering, one research focus is on nuclear magnetic resonance. The team of Prof. Klaas Prüssmann drives innovation in magnetic resonance from physical and mathematical principles all the way to novel imaging, sensing, and tracking technology. In close collaboration with academic and industrial partners, we pursue applications in the biomedical realm, process engineering, and materials science. One recent focus of interest is on the use of magnetic resonance for particle tracking in granular systems. We are looking for a Physicist or Engineer to join us on this frontier as a Doctoral Student.

Project background

Granular systems are ubiquitous in nature and of fundamental importance to industry, from food and pharma to material conversion. However, despite their widespread occurence and use, many important phenomena such as the transition between flowing and solid states, mixing, segregation, or surface instabilities, are poorly understood. Magnetic resonance has proven a powerful means of studying granular physics, permitting both dynamic imaging and, newly, the tracking of particle swarms. The focus is now on further expanding the tracking strategies and, in the applied realm, on exploring the role of the shape of particles and how granular dynamics change when particles are soft and deform upon stress.

The project is a shared effort with ETH colleagues in process engineering and encompasses two Doctoral Student positions, one each at the Institute for Biomedical Engineering (Prof. Prüssmann) and the Laboratory of Energy Science and Engineering (Prof. Müller). The two Doctoral Researchers will benefit from immersion in both environments and are foreseen to collaborate closely.

Job description

The objective of the Doctoral Student hired by the Institute for Biomedical Engineering is to advance magnetic resonance technology and methods towards the study of granular systems made up of arbitrarily shaped and soft particles. This will include work on principles of particle tracking and imaging, creation of new methods, implementation on magnetic resonance equipment, all the way to experimental exploration and use in granular systems.

The collaborative effort with the partner Doctoral Student will particularly target the fabrication of tailored and soft particles, applied studies in granular systems science, and the creation of experimental setups to this end.

Profile

Applicants for this position are expected to have a Master’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, or from another program with substantial coverage of Physics and Mathematics. The position also requires a good command of English, both oral and written.

We highly value:

• Analytical strength
• Intellectual rigor
• Creativity
• Passion for both abstract thought and practical implementation
• Intrinsic motivation
• Team orientation

Previous experience with magnetic resonance or granular systems is a benefit but not a requirement.

We offer

• An opportunity to do leading research
• Membership in a dynamic, collegial team of diverse backgrounds
• An exciting academic environment
• Excellent infrastructure
• Excellent perspectives for career development
• A competitive salary

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.