Deuterium Metabolic Imaging

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 and Prof. Dr. Franz Schilling.

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