Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Expert

The ETH Zürich Geothermal Energy & Geofluids (GEG) Group investigates subsurface reactive fluid and geothermal energy transfer, developing and employing computer simulations, laboratory experiments, and field analyses. Our aim is to gain fundamental insights and to develop sustainable technologies to address societal needs. 

ETH Zurich is the no. 1 in the QS World University Rankings of the world's best universities in the subjects Earth & Marine Sciences, Geology, and Geophysics. 

Subsurface fluid injection or extraction induces changes in geologic reservoir properties due to thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical-biological (THMCB) coupled processes. Advancing the understanding of these processes enables the development of subsurface energy extraction and fluid (e.g. CO2 / H2) and energy storage technologies as well as monitoring technologies thereof.  For example, CO2-Plume Geothermal (co-invented by Prof. Saar), turns CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) into CO2 Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) by extracting geothermal energy from the CO2 while geologically sequestering all injected CO2.

To invent and improve such subsurface technologies and associated monitoring solutions, the GEG group is developing and employing numerical simulators, conducting field analyses, and conducting reactive transport experiments in its reactive transport laboratory. This laboratory currently houses an X-ray Computed Tomography (XRCT) scanner, a laser lab (Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF)), and soon a multi-nuclide MRI scanner.

We invite applicants with a strong background in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques, ideally with an interest in instrumentation development, data processing, and 3-D image visualization. You will play a key role in the design and the development of the custom-made, world-unique MRI experimental facility to be functional in the GEG Lab in approximately two years (2026).

You will have the chance to work on cutting-edge, novel research projects, designing and running high-temperature and high-pressure experiments of actual geofluids inside the MRI, addressing the understanding and utilization of geothermal energy and geofluids processes. You will also be responsible for the continuous, technical development, expansion, operation, safety, and maintenance of the MRI.  We are furthermore looking for candidates who are ideally also experienced in 3D image reconstruction, processing and analyses techniques.  

We seek a highly motivated, self-organized and curious individual with a degree in MRI technique development or applications with a minimum of 3 years of MRI experience. You are someone who enjoys the technological and scientific challenge of developing groundbreaking and custom-made MRI solutions to conduct unique and constantly changing experiments to run in a multi-nuclide MRI device that you co-design, maintain, expand and operate. You value working with researchers in a wide range of science and engineering fields, but with a focus on geothermal energy extraction as well as subsurface storage of energy and fluids. You are a person who values being part of the dynamic and growing GEG group, playing an important role in forming the energy transition for a growing world population facing climate change.

The successful candidate will have:

• strong theoretical and practical knowledge of developing, operating, maintaining and expanding MRI systems.
• practical knowledge, or strong interest, in supporting the MRI design process.
• advanced experience in data acquisition, data analysis and image processing of MRI scans.
• experience in, or a dedication to learn, control technology such as programmable logic controller, Python electronic programming and control programming (e.g. LabView, SPS, Matlab).
• a structured approach regarding hazard identification and mitigation.
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• fluent English communication skills enjoying working in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.

Advantageous is furthermore, if the candidate:

• is knowledgeable regarding X-Ray Computed Tomography (XRCT) and/or laser-based optical methods (PIV/PTV/LIF/LDA).
• has basic knowledge concerning (biologically mediated) chemical reactive transport processes in porous/fractured media.
• has a basic understanding of geothermal energy extraction as well as subsurface fluid (CO2, H2, CH4, etc.) and energy storage processes.
• has basic German knowledge.

We provide a dynamic and exciting work environment with cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure. The GEG Group values an open and inclusive group culture.

The position is 80-100% with a competitive salary according to ETH Zurich standards. The position is for one year with the potential for annual extensions and the expectation of long-term employment in the GEG laboratory, based on employee performance. The anticipated start date is 1st of November 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.