PhD scholarship in Multinuclear NMR Metabolomics to Study “the obese brain” - DTU Health Tech

We are seeking a highly organized and scientifically inclined colleague to join our brain metabolism group for a 3-year PhD position. In this role, you will have the opportunity to utilize cutting-edge technical equipment, specifically EPR for methodology development and high field NMR equipped with hyperpolarization to investigate the metabolic connections between obesity and brain health. The primary objectives of the project are to develop methodologies for examining brain metabolism in obesity and to pinpoint potential biomarkers with clinical applicability.

Background

Metabolic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) presents an appealing avenue for exploring integrative physiology, allowing for the assessment of cellular function across various levels of biological organization, from isolated cells to whole organisms. Its specificity and quantitative capabilities make it a widely utilized method for examining the chemical fingerprints (metabolomics) present in tissue extracts. Integration of hyperpolarization via dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP) enhances the sensitivity of NMR, facilitating the targeted investigation of healthy and aberrant metabolism through the biochemical conversion of isotope labelled metabolites. This enhancement typically manifests as increased signal intensity and improved spectral resolution, particularly when MR-active isotopes other than hydrogen are employed.

At Hypermag, within the magnetic resonance section of DTU Health Technology, we specialize in hyperpolarized magnetic resonance. In 2023, we installed the first clinical 3T MR scanner at DTU, expanding our capabilities to conduct animal studies. The Metabolic Brain Magnetic Resonance (MBMR) group is focused on developing metabolic biomarkers with translational potential and refining MR methodologies for their characterization and efficacy assessment. We are seeking individuals passionate about new technology, imaging, and brain metabolism, willing to contribute to our dedicated team's efforts to establish hyperpolarized MR as a method for clinical translational metabolic research at DTU.

Responsibilities and tasks 

This PhD project aims to explore the links between metabolic syndrome (MetS), such as obesity, and brain health. Within the MBMR group, we are establishing the infrastructure to study this within a physiologically relevant context for clinical translation, utilizing a diet-induced obesity pig model that accurately reflects the human MetS condition. Specifically, the Ossabaw pig breed available at DTU Health Tech will provide ex vivo tissue samples from both fatty tissue and brain.

The PhD project will involve setting up and testing all necessary tools to conduct valuable biological studies, collaborating closely with team members in the brain metabolism group. This includes selecting and evaluating optimal NMR sequences, producing hyperpolarized multinuclear labeled tissue extracts, developing analysis tools for metabolite quantification, and advancing the capabilities for identifying and quantifying dDNP NMR isotope-labeled targeted metabolomics. Special emphasis will be placed on advancing techniques for targeted ex vivo tissue analysis, particularly focusing on recent advancements in hyperpolarization technology such as higher field strengths and the utilization of non-persistent UV-generated radicals.

As a PhD student in the magnetic resonance section, you will be expected to:

• Contribute to the research-based education of bachelor and master students
• Take responsibility, as a member of the brain metabolism group, for maintaining high-quality performance on instrumentation for hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy
• Undertake a 3-6 month exchange visit to one or more of our esteemed international collaborators renowned for their expertise in hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy and/or metabolic research
• Act as teaching assistant for at least a total of 210 hours on DTU courses chosen from a course database
• Foster collaborations spanning across DTU Health Tech and with partner groups specializing in metabolism and MR at KU Pharma and Danish University hospitals

Qualifications

These contributions require a combination of interests and skills, and we are specifically looking for a person who has:

• Experience with data analysis 
• Flair for and interest in experimental work
• Interest and previous experience in metabolism and spectroscopy
• Experience with Matlab or Python programming, or other relevant software for hardware control and data modelling
• Good self- and project management skills

It is necessary for an applicant for this interdisciplinary project to be naturally interested and take active participation in these connected scientific research fields related to the project: metabolism, biochemistry, NMR and EPR physics, data analysis.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education

. 

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here

.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Dr. Mathilde Hauge Lerche, email: mhaulerdtu.dk

. 

You can read more about DTU Health Tech: 

www.healthtech.dtu.dk/, the MR section: www.healthtech.dtu.dk/research/research-sections/section-magnetic-resonance, and the MBMR group: www.healthtech.dtu.dk/research/research-sections/section-magnetic-resonance/group-metabolic-brain-magnetic-resonance.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark

. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar

” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 14 March 2024 (23:59 Danish time)

. Applications must be submitted as one PDF file

containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file

. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Health Tech engages in research, education, and innovation base on technical and natural science for the healthcare sector. The Healthcare sector is a globally expanding market with demands for the most advanced technological solutions. DTU Health Tech creates the foundation for companies to develop new and innovative services and products which benefit people and create value for society. DTU Health Tech’s expertise spans from imaging and biosensor techniques, across digital health and biological modelling, to biopharma technologies. The department has a scientific staff of about 210 persons, 140 PhD students and a technical/administrative support staff of about 160 persons, of which a large majority contributes to our research infrastructure and related commercial activities.

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DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.