The Klinikum rechts der Isar university hospital of the Technical University Munich is a major European center of medical care and education. With over 1.161 beds and almost 5.500 employees, we treat some 300.000 patients per year with state-of-the art care. Job Description
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is seeking applications from highly motivated candidates for two PhD positions in magnetic resonance imaging. The PhD positions are embedded within the Emmy Noether Junior Research Group “Combined biochemical and biophysical imaging biomarkers for characterization of tumor metabolism and response to therapy“ led by Dr. Franz Schilling and part of the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Center (SFB 824, www.sfb824.de) entitled “Imaging for Selection, Monitoring and Individualization of Cancer Therapies“. The successful candidates will develop novel non-invasive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging biomarkers of unprecedented sensitivity for the characterization of tumor metabolism and response to therapy. They will focus on previously unexplored pH-sensitive hyperpolarized molecules and advanced diffusion MRI techniques that provide novel information currently not accessible with existing methods. Imaging biomarkers enable a comprehensive characterization of tissue providing functional, physiological, metabolic, cellular and molecular information beyond anatomical structures. For cancer patients, specific non-invasive imaging strategies for early-stage detection, tumor phenotyping and evaluation of response to therapy are not available at a satisfactory level, creating a pressing need for these advanced imaging technologies. The preclinical imaging core located at the Department of Nuclear Medicine (www.nuk.mri.tum.de) 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. Background:
Recent research articles from our group on these topics are

• Düwel et al. "Imaging of pH in vivo using hyperpolarized 13C-labeled zymonic acid." Nature Communications (2017), 8:15126.
• Schilling et al. "MRI measurements of reporter-mediated increases in transmembrane water exchange enable detection of a gene reporter." Nature Biotechnology (2017) 35(1): 75-80.

Qualification:
We invite applications from candidates having a M.Sc. or equivalent degree in physics, chemistry, bioengineering, or other related subjects. Previous experience in biomedical imaging is beneficial. Team spirit, capability of independent self-motivated work, as well as very good English and communication skills are required. Good computer skills and proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g. MATLAB) are required. Our offer:
The doctoral candidates will be employed by TUM (75 % TV-L E13) for a total duration of three years. Successful applicants will be enrolled within the TUM Graduate School receiving a structured doctoral training (https://www.gs.tum.de/en/doctorate-at-tum/). Application details:
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, certificates and transcripts of academic degrees, a letter of motivation detailing the applicant's research interests, and contact information for at least 2 references. Please send your application within one PDF-document to bewerbung.nuklearmedizin@mri.tum.de but no later than January 31^st, 2018.