Co-Op Student

DescriptionGENERAL SUMMARY:This student will work under the direction and supervision of the electrical engineer at the Imaging Center and will support development and management of a high field (9.4T, 400MHz) pre-clinical MRI system. MR systems use resonant circuits that produce near-field electromagnetic fields as antennas. The student will be fabricate and test RF (near field) resonant coils. Fabrication includes laying out patterns, populating with components, and adjusting components to achieve resonance. RF test equipment will be employed, and the results used in experiments. Other tasks include using CAD to design the flexible PCB bases for these antennas, 3D printing of support fixtures, and testing and assembly. Some microprocessor (teensy, arduino) based projects might also be available. Some work with the fields and mathematical design of the coils could be possible with appropriate background.PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Design and fabricate RF antenna flexible PCB, and populate the antennas with components.Design and print RF coil fixtures using 3D methods. Assemble and test the coils into systems.Design and fabricate associated fixtures. Perform electronic testing of the coils.Perform investigations into coil component performance and properties.Potentially perform MRI image analysis in support of coils evaluationPotentially implement PCB circuit and arduino/Teensy based systems.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:NoneThis Co-op will be a hands-on program in resonant near-field RF antennas for MRI. An RF antenna for MRI is a distributed element multi-resonant circuit made from flexible PCB and capacitors. Students will fabricate coils from 3D printed fixtures, printed PCB antennas, and chip capacitors; loaded and unloaded tuning will be performed to prepare the coils; a python program implementing linear algebraic solutions to the resonant circuit equation will be used to design multi-resonant coils. Students will have a range of opportunity to participate in theoretical development as well as using network analyzers to tune and fabricate the coils and designing and 3D printing fixtures as needed. This project is primarily used for pre-clinical MRI at 9.4 Tesla (400MHz) at McLean Hospital in Belmont. This student will work under the direction physics) and supervision of the electrical engineer at the Imaging Center.QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS:Undergraduate or graduate student in the engineering or physical sciences at Northeastern University.SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:Careful attention to detail.Knowledge of RF circuitsSoldering.Electrical test skillsThe ability to learn new engineering systemsOrganization and professional record keepingEEO Statement McLean is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Partner's Healthcare is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.