Implementation of automated NMR magnet shimming algorithms

Job description

You use small programs and scripts to simplify or optimise boring tasks in your life? Then this is exactly the right job for you!

Motivation: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has become indispensable in various fields of research such as physics, chemistry and medicine. It provides a non-invasive and non-destructive method for examining a wide range of samples, for example to find out the composition of SARS-CoV-2 at an atomic level.

A homogeneous magnetic field is essential for an accurate and precise result, but this is – among other factors – altered by the sample to be examined. The magnetic field can be adjusted by so-called "shim coils", but this procedure must, in many times, be carried out manually and requires a lot of time and experience. This process is called "shimming".

To make this work easier, various iterative algorithms have been used that relieve humans of this task (e.g. Simplex method). Since the large manufacturers of NMR instruments make their products more attractive by using such helpers or assistants, their exact implementation is hidden as much as possible.

Your task: The task of this job is to implement existing iterative optimization algorithms (e.g. in python) so that they can be used in a simulation of the NMR problem. Ideally, the functions will be transferred to real-world experiments on NMR devices.

You will be part of Prof. Korvink’s research group where you can get support from members with expertise in NMR theory, methodology, hardware, and simulation.

Starting date: As soon as possible

Contract duration: 3-8 months

Qualification:

  • Highly motivated student with excellent academic record
  • Excellent knowledge of programming languages (python)
  • Experience with algorithm development/implementation and simulation
  • Optional: Basics in NMR
  • Languages: English or German

Click here to apply

Technical contact

M.Sc. Moritz Becker
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Institute of Microstructure Technology
P.O. Box 3640
76021 Karlsruhe

phone: +49 721 608-23150
e-mail: moritz becker does-not-exist.kit edu

Dr. Mazin Jouda
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Institute of Microstructure Technology
P.O. Box 3640
76021 Karlsruhe