PhD in Deuterium Metabolic Imaging at TUM/Cambridge

01.10.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The Department of Nuclear Medicine at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is seeking applications from highly motivated candidates for a PhD position in deuterium metabolic imaging. The PhD position is co-supervised by the TUM-IAS Hans Fischer Senior Fellow Prof. Dr. Kevin Brindle (https://www.ias.tum.de/ias/brindle-kevin/) and Prof. Dr. Franz Schilling (https://www.professoren.tum.de/en/schilling-franz). The imaging infrastructure located at the Department of Nuclear Medicine (www.schillinglab.com) and the Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM, www.translatum.tum.de) provides state-of-the-art imaging instrumentation and consists of a group of scientists working on applications and specific improvements of multimodal imaging. The aim of this project is to use deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of glioblastoma and to translate this work, via studies in Cambridge using a 7 T MRI, into the clinic. The position will remain open until filled.


Your responsibilities:
 Develop previously unexplored methods using deuterated molecules that provide novel metabolic information currently not accessible with existing techniques
 Establish imaging biomarkers in a preclinical setting based on magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography to enable a comprehensive characterization of tumour tissue, providing functional, physiological, metabolic, cellular and molecular information beyond that obtained from imaging anatomy
 Preclinical work with cell culture and small animal tumour models
 Design of imaging strategies for early-stage detection, tumor phenotyping and evaluation of response to therapy

Your profile:
 Excellent M.Sc. or equivalent degree in physics, chemistry, biomedical engineering or other related subjects
 Previous experience in biomedical imaging is an advantage
 Team spirit, capability of independent self-motivated study
 Very good English and communication skills are a prerequisite
 Experience in basic chemistry, good computer skills and proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g. MATLAB) are required

We offer you:
 Well-equipped, state-of-the-art research environment within the Klinikum rechts der Isar
 Workspace in the middle of Munich with excellent research network and excellent public transport connections (option for ‘Job-Tickets’ from MVV, Deutsche Bahn, Meridian and BOB)
 Membership in TUM Graduate School (mandatory)
 You will join the TUM Graduate School, which offers excellent opportunities for career development, continued education, and life-long learning
 Situated next to the Alps, Munich is consistently ranked as one of the most enjoyable cities in which to live in the world
 The doctoral candidate will be employed by TUM (75 % TV-L E13) for a total duration of three years. The successful applicant will be enrolled within the TUM Graduate School receiving a structured doctoral training programme (https://www.gs.tum.de/en/doctorate-at-tum/).


We look forward to your application!

Contact: Prof. Dr. Franz Schilling | 089 / 4140 –4586 | Department of Nuclear Medicine

Please submit your complete application documents by e-mail including
• CV, cover letter, contact details of at least two references
• your preferred starting date.

E-Mail: bewerbung.nuklearmedizin@mri.tum.de


If the candidates’ suitability for the position in question is equal, severely disabled applicants shall be given preference. Interview-related costs can, unfortunately, not be reimbursed.

Kontakt: schilling@tum.de