Description

We are developing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensors that measure magnetic fields for medical robotic applications. The research focuses on sensing hardware with RF electronics independent of the MRI scanner, enabling precise magnetic measurements in strong magnetic fields. Your work will involve the design, implementation, and experimental validation of NMR probes and their RF instrumentation, with applications in magnetic tracking.

Successful applicants will join the Medical Robotic Systems (MRS) Lab at Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, and contribute to research in the following areas:

  • NMR probe and RF coil design, fabrication, tuning, and impedance matching
  • RF excitation and receive circuits, transmit/receive switching, and low-noise signal acquisition
  • Pulse generation, synchronization, and digital signal processing
  • Characterization of sensing precision, measurement speed, stability, and interference
  • Integration and validation of NMR sensing hardware for magnetic tracking

Education & Experience

Applicants should:

  • Have a background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Physics, Mechatronics, or a closely related field
  • Have strong motivation for experimental research and doctoral study
  • Have good oral and written communication skills in English
  • Be able to work on-site at METU in Ankara

Applicants should have experience or knowledge in the following areas:

  • Practical RF experience is required, demonstrated through research, coursework projects, or professional work
  • Knowledge of RF circuits, impedance matching, resonance, and signal measurement
  • Experience with electronic circuit design, prototyping, and laboratory debugging
  • Programming for data acquisition and analysis, preferably in Python or MATLAB

Experience in the following areas is an advantage:

  • RF coil design, NMR, or MRI instrumentation
  • Vector network analyzers, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators
  • Low-noise analog electronics, PCB design, and electromagnetic simulation
  • Digital signal processing, FPGA development, or embedded systems

Scholarship & Financial Support

Selected students will receive scholarship support funded by a TÜBİTAK research project and serve as teaching assistants in the Robotics Graduate Program. They will receive a tuition fee waiver and have the opportunity to access on-campus graduate housing. A support letter will also be provided for their Türkiye Scholarships application.

Timeline

Interviews are tentatively planned for December 2026. Selected candidates may join the laboratory between February and May 2027 with PhD enrollment targeted for September 2027.

Eligibility & Inclusion

This application call is for international students only. Turkish applicants will be considered through separately announced YÖK Araştırma Görevlisi recruitment calls and should apply through those procedures.

We welcome international applicants from diverse backgrounds and particularly encourage women interested in RF instrumentation, sensing, and medical robotics to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive research environment where researchers can develop their ideas, build experimental expertise, and contribute to advances in medical technology.

Application

Please complete the online application form using the link below. The form provides instructions on the required information and supporting documents.

Apply Online

For questions, please contact the principal investigator.