The NMR Research Unit (http://cc.oulu.fi/~nmrwww/) at the University of Oulu, Finland, invites 
applications for a four-year PhD studentship in spin physics and magnetic resonance theory. 

In the project we investigate one or both of the following nuclear spin hyperpolarisation methods: 

1. Spin-exchange optical pumping (SEOP), where a large degree of spin polarisation is first achieved 
for the unpaired electrons of alkali-metal atoms by optical pumping with circularly polarised light, 
and subsequently transferred to noble gas, e.g., 129/131Xe and 3He nuclei in gas-phase collisions 
between the two species. We simulate computationally the detailed spin transfer process at 
different experimental conditions (temperature, pressure, gas composition, choice of alkali metal 
and noble gas pair), to maximise the nuclear spin polarisation levels of the noble gas. Also of 
interest are the applications of the polarised substance in gas-phase metrology and fundamental 
physics.

2. Hyperpolarised chemical exchange saturation transfer, where SEOP-hyperpolarised, bulk 129Xe 
gas is exchanged into a host biosensor molecule, then saturated with a sweeping radio-frequency 
(rf) irradiation and exchanged back to the bulk solution. This results in polarisation depletion in the 
bulk, which is measurable in the intense, so-called z-spectrum as a function of the rf frequency. 
We model the relaxation, spin transfer and exchange effects in different cage systems, including 
paramagnetic ones. By this we seek microscopic understanding of the factors leading to the 
specific chemical shift and shape of the z-spectrum, paving way to sensing applications.

We require a MSc degree (or equivalent) in physics, physical/theoretical/computational chemistry, 
materials science, or a related field. The successful candidate has experience in quantum and 
statistical mechanics, as well as scientific computing. Knowledge of NMR spectroscopy, quantum 
chemistry, spin dynamics, molecular dynamics, or reaction kinetics is considered a merit.

Further information about the PhD student position is available at 
https://oulunyliopisto.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:758008/. 
Applications (deadline October 31, 2024) can only be made through the appropriate link given 
above.