Denmark: PhD Scholarships in Advanced Synthetic Aperture Ultrasound Imaging, Technical University of Denmark

PhD Scholarships in Advanced Synthetic Aperture Ultrasound Imaging

Three 3-year PhD scholarships are available at the Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark from May 2009.

The projects are sponsored by the Advanced Technology Foundation project: “Implementation of synthetic aperture ultrasound methods” made in collaboration between the Center for Fast Ultrasound Imaging at DTU, the ultrasound manufacturer BK Medical and Rigshospitalet. The project seeks to develop methods for synthetic aperture (SA) ultrasound imaging and its commercial implementation. SA imaging is a radical departure from conventional ultrasound and can give many advantages in terms of better contrast, resolution, and frame rate. CFU has been a pioneer in developing SA imaging and has been the first to demonstrate blood velocity imaging using the SA concept. This has been done using the experimental scanner RASMUS. A new scanner SARUS has now been developed and forms the basis for this project. The new scanner can acquire data in 1024 channels and is the first scanner which makes it possible to acquire real time three-dimensional SA data.

The three projects are:

Two stage beamforming for flow estimation
An efficient method for implementing SA anatomic imaging is to use a two stage beamformer consisting of a simple first stage beamformer and a more complicated second stage dynamic beamformer. This approach should be expanded to be useful for SA blood velocity estimation. Existing techniques for vector velocity estimation should be further refined and implemented on the SARUS scanner for flow rig and in-vivo studies.

SA compound imaging
The project seeks to suppress the speckle artifacts in ultrasound images by combining images acquired from different directions. This is possible using SA images and the project includes developing methods for data acquisition, processing, combination, and presentation. The techniques will be implemented on the SARUS scanner for phantom studies and pre-clinical trials in collaboration with Rigshospitalet. The final result should be a real time implementation.

3D vector velocity imaging
The project seeks to develop methods for estimating the velocity of flowing blood in all directions using two-dimensional ultrasound transducers and the experimental ultrasound scanner SARUS. One or more of the four two-dimensional vector velocity methods developed at CFU should be extended to three dimensions and implemented on the SARUS scanner for validation and pre-clinical trials. Presentation of the seven-dimensional data sets is also part of the project.

All three projects can start either in May or June 2009. You should indicate which projects you are interested in. You should have a background in signal and image processing. Knowledge of medical imaging and acoustics will also be beneficial.

Qualifications
Candidates should have a master’s degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master’s degree in engineering.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programs of DTU For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students.

Further information
Further information is available at www.elektro.dtu.dk and www.elektro.dtu.dk/Centre/cfu/English.aspx/ or from Professor Jørgen Arendt Jensen, e-mail: jaj[ at ]elektro.dtu.dk

Application
We should have your online application by 6 May 2009. Apply online at www.dtu.dk/vacancy. Please open the link “apply for this job online” and fill in the application form and attach your application and CV. The application must include curriculum vitae and documentation of a completed master’s diploma including grades

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Estonia: PhD Scholarships in Data Mining and Software Engineering, Institute of Computer Science, University of Tartu

The Institute of Computer Science at University of Tartu is inviting applications for multiple PhD positions to undertake research in the context of industry-university collaborative projects. Successful applicants will conduct research in the fields of data mining and software engineering, specifically in one the following topic areas:

- Social Network Analysis: Developing and evaluating techniques for efficient analysis of very large and rapidly evolving social networks in order to discover patterns of individual or collective user behaviour

- Adaptive User Interfaces: Applying data mining and machine learning techniques in order to discover user intentions at runtime and to adapt the delivery of online content accordingly

- Service Monitoring: Monitoring networks of software services on a continuous basis in order to identify anomalies, misuses and re-design opportunities.

- Software Development Monitoring: Applying data mining and machine learning techniques in order to analyse networks of software developers and code contributions in software development projects.

Successful candidates will evolve in either the Software Engineering Group or the Bioinformatics and Data Mining Group at University of Tartu’s Institute of Computer Science. The Institute participates in the Estonian Centre of Excellence in Computer Science which provides an environment for the development of PhD students and young researchers.

The scholarships are for a period of four years, at a rate of EUR 800 per month (after taxes). In addition, travel expenses will be reimbursed to successful applicants relocating from abroad. The scholarship package will also provide funds to participate in conferences, workshops, and/or summer schools during the PhD studies.

The successful applicants will have:

- A Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering or a related field, awarded no later than June 2009.
- Strong software development skills
- Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English
- Preferably: demonstrated knowledge and skills in at least one of the above topic areas

Please send a curriculum vitae, a statement of interest in one of the proposed research topics and a copy of academic transcripts, to Prof. Marlon Dumas (marlon.dumas[ at ]ut.ee).

Applications will be accepted until 15 May 2009. Successful applicants are expected to start in September 2009.

For further information, see:
http://sep.cs.ut.ee/index.php?n=Main.PhDPositions

USA; POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN VISUAL NEUROSCIENCE

POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN VISUAL NEUROSCIENCE
Center for Perceptual Systems, University of Texas at Austin

The laboratory of Eyal Seidemann at the Center for Perceptual Systems in the University of Texas at Austin is seeking applications for an NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship. Our laboratory studies mechanisms of population coding in the visual cortex using a powerful combination of optical imaging with voltage-sensitive dyes and electrophysiology. Neurophysiological and psychophysical experiments are combined with computational and modeling techniques. The successful applicant would have an opportunity to work closely with our collaborators, Bill
Geisler, Randolph Blake and David Heeger. The Center for Perceptual Systems (www.cps.utexas.edu) and the Institute for Neuroscience at UT Austin (www.neuroscience.utexas.edu) offer excellent facilities, an outstanding interdisciplinary scientific environment and a very collegial atmosphere. Austin is an affordable city and is widely
considered one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the US.

Computational background, programming experience (C/C++/Matlab), and experience with neurophysiology or psychophysics are desirable. Please send CV, statement of research interests and the names of three references to Eyal Seidemann (eyal [ à ] mail.cps.utexas.edu).

UK; PhD Studentship in Bionanotechnology

PhD Studentship in Bionanotechnology:
Man-made Transmembrane Molecular Transporters Built from Biological Components.

Due to funding restrictions this PhD studentship is only open to UK nationals, or EU nationals currently resident within the UK. The position is available to start any time before October 2009. This is a tax-free stipend covering tuition fees and living expenses at the standard EPSRCrate (commencing at ~£13,000 per year).

Project:
Interfacing biological components in non-natural ways provides opportunities for the creation of molecular devices with applications in bionanotechnology. We have developed a supramolecular device for resolving sub-nanometre displacements of a single DNA molecule threaded through a transmembrane pore protein. This approach has allowed the extension of a single DNA molecule by DNA polymerase to be resolved with single-base resolution for the first time.1 (research highlighted in ‘Nature’, ‘Nature Biotechnology’ and ‘ACS Chemical Biology’).

Whilst transmembrane molecular transporters have essential roles in biology, such a device has never been constructed by man. This PhD studentship seeks to build upon our established approach and will result in the construction of the first-ever man-made transmembrane molecular transportation devices built from DNA and protein components. The interdisciplinary nature of this project will provide training in a broad range of methods spanning the fields of chemistry, molecular biology and biophysics:
• single-molecule detection using patch-clamp electrophysiology
• theoretical background in single-molecule biophysical techniques
• handling biomolecules (proteins/DNA)

Applications:
Applications must be recieved before 30th April ‘09 (or as soon after this date as possible).
Applicants should possess a steady hand and express a keen interest in molecular machines. Previous research experience in molecular biology is desirable, but not essential. Due to funding restrictions, applicants MUSTbe UK nationals, or EU nationals currently resident within the UK. Applicants should be in possession of (or expecting to obtain) a first class or upper-second class degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry or other cognate discipline before the 1st Oct ‘09. To apply, email a copy of your CV to scott.cockroft@ed.ac.uk. Please include a brief description of previous research experience, and the contact details of two referees.

Further information:http://www.chem.ed.ac.uk/staff/academic/cockroft.html

1. “A Single-Molecule Nanopore Device Detects DNA Polymerase Activity with Single-Nucleotide Resolution” S. L. Cockroft, J. Chu, M. Amorin, M. R. Ghadiri. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 818–820.http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ja077082c

Featured in Nature: “Supramolecular Chemistry: Embrace the Base”http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v451/n7178/full/451502a.html

Nature Nanotechnology: “Nanopores: Detecting DNA”http://npg.nature.com/nnano/reshigh/2008/0108/full/nnano.2008.23.html

ACS Chemical Biology: “Sensing Single Base Incorporation with Nanopore Micromanipulation” http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/cb8000205

Informal enquiries should be directed to scott.cockroft@ed.ac.uk Tel: 0131 650 4758

USA; Postdoctoral Fellow - Liver Diseases

A postdoctoral position is available, effective immediately, in the Section of Digestive Diseases at Yale University School of Medicine. Projects include studies of the mechanisms of vascular abnormalities observed in the late stage of liver diseases.

This position is supported by an NIH training grant, and the applicant must be either U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Preference will be given to a highly motivated individual with a background in basic biochemistry, molecular biology and/or vascular biology, and who is at the early stage of postdoctoral training.

Application

For further information and to apply, send a CV, a brief statement of research interests, and the names and contacts of 3 references to:yasuko.iwakiri@yale.edu

[UK] Houtan Foundation PhD Scholarship for the Anthropology of Iran

The University of St Andrews is offering one PhD fees-waiver scholarship in the Anthropology of Iran (Social Anthropology). Applicants should be engaged in research in either the humanities or social sciences, on a topic of relevance to contemporary Iran. Any successful candidate would be expected to conduct fieldwork appropriate to an anthropological doctoral program and to work closely with one of the senior members of the Department. Applications are welcome from any part of the world, but the scholarship will only cover the cost of home [UK] fees.

To apply or request further particulars, please contact the office for the Department of Social Anthropology, North Street, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AL [Ph: 01334 462977 / ls40@st-andrews.ac.uk].

To request further information on the work of the Department of Social Anthropology and to discuss proposed doctoral projects, please contact the Post graduate Convener: Dr Mark Harris mh2@st-andrews.ac.uk

To request further information on the Houtan Foundation Ph.D. Scholarship and to discuss proposed doctoral topics, please contact: Dr. P. Khosronejad: pedram.khosronejad@st-andrews.ac.uk

Information on the activities of the Department of Social Anthropology can be found at:
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/anthropology

Information on the activities of the School of Philosophical, Anthropological and Film Studies can be found here.

Also, for further information on the Institute for Iranian Studies at the University of St Andrews can be found here

Closing date for applications: 30 April 2009.

Australia : Call for Outstanding Scientists- VESKI Innovation Fellowships

Call for Outstanding Scientists

to undertake Research in Melbourne... 

  Applications are NOW OPEN for 

VESKI Innovation Fellowships 2009/10

 Applications for VESKI Innovation Fellowships for take up in financial year 2009/10 are NOW OPEN with submissionsclosing at 5pm on Friday, 22^nd May 2009.

The VESKI Innovation Fellowships are open to individuals in the fields of science, technology and design specifically relating to innovative technology, biotechnology, design, advanced manufacturing, environmental technologies, or the enabling sciences and technologies.

In addition to the above named fields; the 2009/10 Call for Applications encourages submissions in the areas of: 

     Clinical Research focusing on Health Outcomes;
     Renewable Energy Generation & Demand Management.

The VESKI Innovation Fellowships (Australian) are awarded annually to outstanding Australian expatriates in the fields of science, technology or design.

The VESKI Innovation Fellowships (non-Australian) are awarded annually to outstanding researchers who are not Australian citizens, but who may wish to undertake research in Victoria.

Successful individuals can receive up to AUD$50,000 per annum for a maximum of up to five years. These funds must be matched with financial funding and in-kind contributions from a host organisation such as an academic/research institution.

VESKI Innovation Fellowships are provided to support the return of the successful applicant to Victoria to undertake their specified research project. The funds made available and the duration of the proposed fellowship are determined by the VESKI Board.

Please follow the links below to Download an Application Form and review the VESKI Innovation Fellowships Selection Criteria:

If you are an Outstanding Australian Expatriate Researcher, please click HERE.

If you are an Outstanding Non-Australian Researcher, please click HERE.

Please feel free to pass this information on to any relevant or interested parties

China : Scholarships for International Graduate Degree Program

Following english language programs are available in NationalTaipei University of Technology for Masters and Phd Program

International Graduate Degree Program

• College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
• College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science?
• College of Engineering
• College of Management
• College of Design
• Collgeg of Humanities and Social Science
     

For Brochures and Details, Click here

For Scholarships Application, click here

Scholarship Form

Send your application to
 
International Student Office Office of Academic Affairs
No. 1, Sec. 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Rd. Taipei 106, Taiwan
Republic of China
National Taipei University of Technology

April 30,2009 - Application Deadline

Netherlands : PhD-students-Rotterdam Business and the Ruhr Industry

This summer a new research project will start at the faculty of History and Arts, funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and entitled:

Outport and Hinterland: Rotterdam Business and the Ruhr Industry, 1870-2000

This research project aims to explore the development of the economic links between Rotterdam, Rotterdam business and the Rhine mouth ports on the one hand, and the Ruhr district and Ruhr industry on the other in the course of the 1870-2000 period. The central research questions are: how and why economic interdependencies between Rotterdam and its hinterland evolved over these 130 years, in which way the main actors shaped the cross-border region, and what role networks or clusters played in this process.

For the following three subprojects the faculty is searching for three PhD-Students:

a) Coal, Iron Ore and Steel
Rotterdam Business and the German ‘Montan’ Industry, 1870-1940
b) Opting for Oil.
Rotterdam’s Oil Harbour and the Move from Coal to Petrochemical
Feedstock of the Rhine Industry, 1945-1970
c) The Box and Rotterdam’s New Hinterland.
The Rise of Container Transport and Globalisation,1970-2000

The project focuses on two main actors in the Lower Rhine economy, i.e. firms and governments. The guiding theory is based on ideas of
agglomeration or clustering as used in economic geography.

The project will start in July, 2009 and will be concluded in the summer of 2013.

Hein A.M.  Klemann

PO BOX 1738 (L 3-015), NL-3000 DR Rotterdam, Die Niederlande

+31 10 408 2449

Klemann@fhk.eur.nl

Belgium : Vacancies for MOTIVATED RESEACHERS at Faculty of Economics and Business Administration

Ghent University,Faculty of Economics and Business Administration has vacancies for MOTIVATED RESEACHERS (M/F) In the field of Operations Research To start between 01/03/09 and 01/10/09

Research field

 The Research Group Operations Research and Scheduling conducts research in the following fields:

• Project planning: planning of projects (such as IT projects, construction projects, ...) under limited availability of resources, as an alternative for commercial software planning tools such as MS project, PrimaVera.
• Hospital planning: staffing and scheduling of personnel, Operation Room planning, patient planning and planning of various resources (scanners, beds,…).
• Project control: follow-up of time and cost of a project during project progress by means of Earned Value Management .

This research field is well known under several names, such as Operations Research, Combinatorial Optimisation, Computer Science,… and is discussed in detail on the following internet sites:

or www.informs.org

www.projectmanagement.ugent.be

Job description

• You carry out academic and applied research in the field of Operations Research (optimisation,decision making, quantitative decision techniques,…).
• You develop new concepts, algorithms and applications in the expertise area of optimisation, with an emphasis on the planning of personnel and resources in hospitals (health care optimisation) and project scheduling environments.
• You aim at holding a doctoral degree, after approximately 3 to 4 years research.
• You are prepared to give exercise sessions (preferably in Dutch) to classes with commercial engineers and/or civil engineers. 
  

Profile

• You have a dynamic personality and a quantitative mind.
• You are holder of a university degree (preferably commercial engineer, applied economic sciences, civil engineer, bio engineer or a master's degree in IT or Computer Science).
• You have a wide interest in optimisation applications and you really want to complete research in this field.
• You are familiar with at least one higher program language (e.g. C, C++, Visual Basic, Java) or you are prepared to make efforts for learning a program language.
• You can work independently, accurately and systematically.
• You have a very good knowledge of the English language (both orally and in writing).

Offer

• A young, dynamic and stimulating work environment.
• A contract as full-time scientific employee within the Ghent University.
• Contact and cooperation with prominent national and international research groups and companies.
• Possibility to present research results on important international conferences.
• Extralegal advantages: bicycle compensation, advantages in the UGent facilities (GUSB) and the 

Interested?

Feel free to contact Prof. Mario Vanhoucke, promotor of these research projects, by e-mail tomario.vanhoucke@UGent.be  or send your CV to

Faculty of Economics and Business Administration

Secretariat Department EB08,

To the attention of Prof. Mario Vanhoucke,

Tweekerkenstraat 2, B-9000 Ghent

Belgium

Official Announcement