Imaging Cardiovascular Macro- and Microstructure Using HfO2 Nanocrystals as X-ray Tomography Contras
- Employer
- Global Academy Jobs
- Location
- Switzerland
- Closing date
- Oct 30, 2020
View more
- Sector
- Science, Physical Sciences and Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry
- Hours
- Full Time
- Organization Type
- University and College
- Jobseeker Type
- Academic (e.g. 'Lecturer')
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Job Details
The Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) at the University of Basel invites highly motivated scientists to apply for the SNI PhD program in Nanoscience.
Your position
In DeRooLab (Department of Chemistry, University of Basel), we are working on the synthesis and analysis of nanocrystals and atomically precise clusters [1-3]. In the X-ray Tomography Group (Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut), we are developing instrumentations and algorithms for tomographic X-ray imaging, exploiting synchrotron and laboratory sources [4-5].
In 2016, cardiovascular diseases were responsible for 31% of all global deaths (WHO). To develop personalized treatment, it is essential to analyse the structural organization of the heart. Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging (SR X-PCI) is a non-destructive tomography technique, providing 3D information: from full heart morphology down to cellular level microstructure. However, the use of a contrast agent remains necessary to achieve ultra-fast acquisition or improve contrast for cell differentiation.
In your first years, you will learn synthetic inorganic techniques at the University of Basel and develop sustainable syntheses for hafnium oxide nanocrystals and hafnium oxo-clusters. You will then learn how to functionalize the surface to stabilize the particles in biologically relevant media. Finally, you will apply these CT (computed tomography) contrast agents at the Paul Scherrer Institute to visualize the cardiovascular system of the whole heart and improve the contrast in heart transplant biopsies. This experience will offer you a broad range of synthetic and analytical techniques, including electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, X-ray tomography, etc.
[1] J. De Roo et al. Nat. Mater. 2016, 15, 517
[2] E. Dhaene et al. Nano Lett. 2019, 19, 7411
[3] Z. Hens and J. De Roo. JACS. 2020, 142, 15627
[4] M. Stampanoni et al. Developments in X-Ray Tomography V, Proceedings SPIE. 2006, 6318, U199-U212
[5] H. Dejea et al. Scientific Reports. 2019, 9(1): 6996
[6] H. Dejea et al. FIMH Springer, Cham. 2017
Your profile
You are highly motivated and have a Master in Nanosciences or Chemistry. A highly interdisciplinary background is a plus, in the areas of synthetic chemistry, physical chemistry and physics. Computing and image analysis skills would be an asset. You enjoy working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
You will be registered as a PhD student in the graduate program of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute at the University of Basel.
We offer you
The successful candidate will join an attractive interdisciplinary programme together with the ~30 currently supported scientists. The SNI covers a wide variety of topics, including cutting edge quantum physics and chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology, or medical research.
Your position
In DeRooLab (Department of Chemistry, University of Basel), we are working on the synthesis and analysis of nanocrystals and atomically precise clusters [1-3]. In the X-ray Tomography Group (Swiss Light Source, Paul Scherrer Institut), we are developing instrumentations and algorithms for tomographic X-ray imaging, exploiting synchrotron and laboratory sources [4-5].
In 2016, cardiovascular diseases were responsible for 31% of all global deaths (WHO). To develop personalized treatment, it is essential to analyse the structural organization of the heart. Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Phase Contrast Imaging (SR X-PCI) is a non-destructive tomography technique, providing 3D information: from full heart morphology down to cellular level microstructure. However, the use of a contrast agent remains necessary to achieve ultra-fast acquisition or improve contrast for cell differentiation.
In your first years, you will learn synthetic inorganic techniques at the University of Basel and develop sustainable syntheses for hafnium oxide nanocrystals and hafnium oxo-clusters. You will then learn how to functionalize the surface to stabilize the particles in biologically relevant media. Finally, you will apply these CT (computed tomography) contrast agents at the Paul Scherrer Institute to visualize the cardiovascular system of the whole heart and improve the contrast in heart transplant biopsies. This experience will offer you a broad range of synthetic and analytical techniques, including electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, X-ray tomography, etc.
[1] J. De Roo et al. Nat. Mater. 2016, 15, 517
[2] E. Dhaene et al. Nano Lett. 2019, 19, 7411
[3] Z. Hens and J. De Roo. JACS. 2020, 142, 15627
[4] M. Stampanoni et al. Developments in X-Ray Tomography V, Proceedings SPIE. 2006, 6318, U199-U212
[5] H. Dejea et al. Scientific Reports. 2019, 9(1): 6996
[6] H. Dejea et al. FIMH Springer, Cham. 2017
Your profile
You are highly motivated and have a Master in Nanosciences or Chemistry. A highly interdisciplinary background is a plus, in the areas of synthetic chemistry, physical chemistry and physics. Computing and image analysis skills would be an asset. You enjoy working in a dynamic, multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
You will be registered as a PhD student in the graduate program of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute at the University of Basel.
We offer you
- Excellent scientific and social environment
- Very competitive employment conditions
- Membership in a very supportive and recognised community
The successful candidate will join an attractive interdisciplinary programme together with the ~30 currently supported scientists. The SNI covers a wide variety of topics, including cutting edge quantum physics and chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology, or medical research.
Company
Global Academy Jobs works with over 250 universities worldwide to promote academic mobility and international research collaboration. Global problems need international solutions. Our jobs board and emails reach the academics and researchers who can help.
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