Doctoral Student in Magnetic Resonance 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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

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…