Project

This PhD project aims to uncover structure and organization of the vasculature in the context of disease. Recently, our interdisciplinary international team comprising physicists, biomedical engineers, mathematicians, biologists, radiologists and pathologists has recently demonstrated that vascular structural organization can be assessed using multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography (mMRE).

The physics of shear wave propagation through biological tissue provides insight into its underlying microstructure. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) enables the in vivo measurement of shear wave propagation and the inference of tissue biomechanical properties from these patterns. Clinically, MRE is already well established for assessing liver stiffness in fibrosis and other diseases.

Our newly developed approach extends current MRE applications by bridging the scale gap between shear-wave wavelengths and microvascular spacing, enabling a noninvasive, macroscopic assessment of vascular architecture. This work is of immediate clinical relevance, as many diseases induce or are accompanied by pathological changes in the vascular network.

Project Tasks

The PhD candidate will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Development of a processing pipeline for mMRE based on established mathematical models and computational approaches
• Analysis of an existing comprehensive mMRE dataset acquired in a preclinical stroke model, including validation of imaging findings using available histopathological data
• Translation of the method to human imaging, including sequence optimization, adaptation of the processing pipeline, and execution of a proof-of-principle pilot study in healthy volunteers
• Comparison of obtained results with reference values from human brain atlases

Who we are and what we offer

We are an interdisciplinary and international team with over 15 years of close collaboration on MRE-related projects.

Prof. Dr. Ralph Sinkus is an MR physicist and renowned expert in the field of MRE. His lab in Paris, France (CRI, U1149, INSERM) has long-standing experience in both in vivo and in vitro mechanical imaging. PD Dr. Katharina Schregel is a board-certified neuroradiologist and Deputy Section Head of Neuroradiology at Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. She is a clinician scientist with strong expertise in translational preclinical and clinical MRE in neurological diseases.

Both groups provide access to state-of-the art small animal and human MRI platforms and excellent scientific infrastructure.

For this PhD position, we offer:

• A structured program with regular team meetings, progress reports and external supervisors, in addition to joint supervision by Prof. Sinkus and Dr. Schregel
• An interdisciplinary and international research environment with expertise spanning all relevant aspects of the project
• An innovative and highly translational project with immediate clinical relevance
• A salary determined in accordance with the INSERM doctoral remuneration scale, with additional compensation for travel expenses between Paris and Jena
• The possibility of part-time remote work

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate eager to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment, with primary supervision in Paris, France, and Jena, Germany. Although the position is based in Paris, willingness to travel to and work part-time in Jena is required.

The following qualifications are expected:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., medical imaging, biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related discipline)
• Experience in programming (C++ required; Python is an asset)
• Fluency in English (both spoken and written); basic knowledge of French and/or German is advantageous
• Mandatory enrollment in a Paris-based doctoral school and willingness to complete the PhD in France; additional affiliation with Jena University Hospital as a visiting researcher
• Prior experience in MRI and medical image analysis is considered an asset; strong motivation and willingness to learn are essential

Project duration:

xx/2026 – yy/2029 (?)

Please send your application materials including CV and cover letter to:

ralph.sinkus@inserm.fr or katharina.schregel@med.uni-jena.de

Short version for job portals:

PhD Position in Medical Imaging Science (mMRE & Vascular Architecture)

We offer a PhD position for highly motivated MSc graduates interested in medical imaging and MRI research. The project aims to characterize vascular structure and organization in disease using multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography (mMRE). This novel approach enables noninvasive, macroscopic assessment of vascular architecture and has immediate clinical relevance.

The PhD candidate will develop and apply mMRE processing pipelines, analyze preclinical stroke imaging data with histopathological validation, and translate the method to human brain imaging, including a pilot study in healthy volunteers.

The project is jointly supervised by experts in MR physics and neuroradiology at INSERM (Paris, France) and Jena University Hospital, Germany, offering access to state-of-the-art MRI platforms and an interdisciplinary, international research environment.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in medical imaging, biomedical engineering, physics, or a related field
• Programming experience (C++ required; Python an asset)
• Fluency in English
• Willingness to enroll in a Paris-based doctoral school and complete the PhD in France
• Motivation to work across disciplines and locations (Paris/Jena)

We offer:

• Structured doctoral training and joint international supervision
• Innovative, translational research with clinical impact
• Salary according to the INSERM doctoral remuneration scale

Travel support between Paris and Jena and partial remote work options