Postdoc in MRI Physics

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Delft; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Individual employment package

Health insurance discount

Flexible working week

Leave 232 hours

Education opportunities

Parental leave (partially paid)

Vitality program

Job summary

TU Delft invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher to explore a link between acoustic perturbations, spin dynamics, and MR relaxation for a new microstructure-sensitive MRI contrast.

You will design MR experiments, develop pulse sequences, model spin dynamics, analyze data, and collaborate across MR physics, engineering, and biomedical imaging to translate findings toward biomedical applications.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, medical physics, or related field.
• Strong MRI/spin physics background and data analysis skills.
• Experience with MR pulse-sequence development or spin modeling desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct MR experiments and develop pulse sequences.
• Model spin dynamics and analyze data to interpret mechanisms.
• Collaborate across MR physics, engineering and biomedical imaging.

Skills

MRI

Spin physics

Data analysis

Pulse-sequence development

Python

MATLAB

C/C++

Education

PhD in physics or related field

Tools

MR pulse-sequence development

Spin simulations

Numerical simulations

Job description

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.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.

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 join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

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. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum‑and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. 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. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

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.
• 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.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Sebastian Weingärtner, via [e-mail].