Job Description

NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are analytical tools routinely used in many fields of science and technology today. Applications range from structure or material characterization in chemistry and material science to clinical diagnosis.

To shorten measurement times and increase resolution, NMR and MRI crave for higher sensitivity. High levels of polarization can be generated by hyperpolarization methods, but the natural linewidth still limits the resolution of an NMR experiment. Recently, it was demonstrated that this limit can be overcome by generating a RASER (radio wave amplification by stimulated emission of radiation). The RASER is analogous in many ways to its well-known “brother” the Laser, but based on radio waves instead of light. In 2017, such coherent spontaneous emission in an NMR experiment pumped by parahydrogen hyperpolarization was achieved for the first time. This leads to unprecedented precision as such a signal can be acquired over long periods of time (in theory indefinitely) instead of a few seconds.

You will be part of an interdisciplinary team, which develops this technique. One of the pioneers of this method supervises the project and has been awarded with a “Young Investigator group preparation program” fellowship for this research. Your main task will be the design, assembly and operation of a NMR RASER in multiple chambers simultaneously. There is the opportunity to work as a student research assistant prior to the thesis and the opportunity to co-author a research publication.

Contract duration   3-9 Months

Starting date             by appointment

Personal qualification

good academic record, highly motivated, interested in interdisciplinary work, residence in Germany, fluent English or German.

Job Profile and online apply

Technical contact

Dr. Sören Lehmkuhl
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Institute of Microstructure Technology
P.O. Box 3640
76021 Karlsruhe

phone: +49 721 608-22760
e-mail: soeren lehmkuhl∂kit edu