UK : Postdoctoral Research Fellow-Quantitative Systems Biology

The Quantitative Systems Biology group, within the Clinical Sciences Centre of the Medical Research Council and the Faculty of Medicine of Imperial College in London (UK), is seeking postdoctoral candidates with a motivated interest in interdisciplinary research, aimed towards a quantitative understanding of the function of complex biological systems. The successful applicant will investigate the quantitative and systems-level properties of signalling, genetic and transcriptional networks in mouse and human T lymphocytes, carrying out projects that integrate experimental measurements with data analysis and mathematical modelling.

The successful candidate will have recently completed a Ph.D. in a biological discipline with a strong publication record. In addition, a sound knowledge of the standard laboratory techniques of molecular and cell biology is expected, as well as experience with immunoassays, flow cytometry and handing of primary cells. Familiarity with high-throughput methods for the analysis of genomes, transcriptomes or proteomes and a working knowledge of mathematical and computational methods will be advantageous. We are a recently established and expanding research lab seeking enthusiasm, flexibility and willingness to learn across disciplines.

Additional information can be found on our website http://ping.fm/SSfBM Informal enquiries about the research projects are particularly encouraged and should be made to Dr Alberto Polleri, Group Head, at polleri@csc.mrc.ac.uk

This post is a Career Development Fellowship to support post-doctoral scientists in early or changed career training and help establish them as a successful and independent research scientist in their chosen field. It is a 3-year training and development post, which incorporates both scientific and transferable skills training.

For a complete job description, see here.
Tentative Application Deadline : 28 May 2010

Portugal : Post-doctoral research position in Organelle Cross-talk and Disease

There is firm evidence now that peroxisomes and mitochondria exhibit a closer interrelationship than previously appreciated. This “peroxisome-mitochondria connection” includes metabolic cooperation/cross-talk, as well as an overlap in key components of their division machinery. Thus, peroxisomal alterations in metabolism, biogenesis, and dynamics can potentially influence mitochondrial functions, and vice versa. Peroxisomal and mitochondrial dysfunctions are often associated with neurological and developmental defects. As both organelles are indispensable for human health and development, there is currently great interest in the identification and functional characterization of novel disease-related peroxisomal and mitochondrial proteins.

For the identification and characterization of novel, potentially disease-related peroxisomal and mitochondrial proteins, we currently seek an experienced and highly motivated post-doctoral candidate, who will combine fungal genetics with cell and molecular biology in mammalian cells. Successful candidates will join the “Organelle Biogenesis and Disease” Group at the Centre for Cell Biology & Dept. of Biology at the University of Aveiro, Portugal, which is located in the heart of the Ria de Aveiro, one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Europe. For further information, please visit our website (http://ping.fm/snwWe) or contact Michael Schrader (mschrader@ua.pt).

Applicants will have a Ph.D. in biology, biochemistry or a related field in natural sciences, strong knowledge of basic molecular biology, protein biochemistry and enthusiastic interest in cell biological research. Expertise with molecular biological techniques, fungal genetics, organelle motility, life cell imaging or organelle isolation and protein purification will be considered as an advantage. The experimental work is supposed to be performed in Portugal and in the United Kingdom.

Duration: 3 years (initial period: 1 year)
The position is immediately available and the starting date should be as soon as possible. The candidate will obtain a FCT postdoctoral fellowship within the project PTDC/SAU-OSM/103647/2008 according to FCT regulations.

Closing date for applications: 06.06.2010 (subject of extension if no adequate candidate has been selected). Candidates will be notified about the results of the selection by mail and/or E-mail.

To apply, please mention reference number BPD 10/2 and send your CV, a motivation letter, a one-page synopsis of current research, and the names and contacts of at least two senior researchers for reference (optionally including recommendation letters) to

Dr. Michael Schrader
Centro de Biologia Celular & Depto. de Biologia
Universidade de Aveiro
3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Email: mschrader@ua.pt
Tentative Application Deadline : 6 June 2010

UK : CSC International PhD Programme

Two MRC studentships are currently available in the following groups:
DNA Replication , christian.speck@csc.mrc.ac.uk
Lymphocyte Development, tathiana.santana@csc.mrc.ac.uk
To apply, please email a current CV to the address shown.
A PhD is one of the most exciting times in the life of a scientist and has a major influence on their future career. The MRC Clinical Sciences Centre as a place of excellent science and education provides competitive PhD training, offering a outstanding starting platform for a career as a research scientist.
At the CSC, more than 30 research groups are organized in to three sections: Epigenetics, Development and Cancer; Experimental and Clinical Neuroscience, and Genomic, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Medicine. The mix of clinical and basic biological sciences creates a stimulating and flexible environment facilitating a broad education. The 3.5 year research programme provides a comprehensive scientific training in a vibrant international research environment with state-of-the-art research facilities and cutting-edge research projects. Laboratory work is supplemented by seminars, group lab meetings, training courses and participation in conferences. The degree is awarded by Imperial College, an outstanding university, ranked 5th in the world in the Times Higher Education 2009 ranking. More than 60 students from all over the world are currently working at the CSC creating a young dynamic and international atmosphere.
The PhD programme is managed by Prof. Anne Soutar. Students are selected from amongst highly qualified applicants after thorough interviews by a committee representing the CSC research sections. Competitive funding £17,500 (non-taxable stipend) is provided for 8 UK PhD students and up to 3 European / International positions. In addition a large number of students supported by external fellowships also start their PhD at the CSC each year.
Students start their PhD with an intensive 1 month series of lectures and demonstrations, details of which can be seen here.
For their research projects, students are guided by their supervisor(s) and 2 academic mentors during their PhD. The PhD will promote independence in research and encourages students to develop their own ideas.
The PhD programme at the CSC also provides access to a wide variety of training courses for transferable skills, including a 3 day residential Research Skills Course, a 2 day presentation skills course and a career development course providing guidance for the next steps after PhD study. You can download a pdf of the 2009-2010 Graduate School of Life Sciences and Medicine transferable skills courses programme here.
There is also an excellent seminar programme featuring invited scientists as well as CSC Group Heads. Students present seminars on their research at the student seminar series, and posters on their research at the CSC Retreat. Each student may attend at least one UK conference and one overseas conference during the course of their PhD, providing invaluable experience and exposure to the wider scientific community.
The quality of the research and facilities, the collaborative spirit of the CSC and the international environment of the institute make this a special place to be.
Tentative Application Deadline : 31 May 2010

Italy : ANNOUNCEMENT OF SELECTION (13 Phd Grants) Doctoral School in Cognitive and Brain Sciences

Doctoral Programme:
This educational programme takes advantage of the multi-disciplinary skills of its faculty, of the CIMeC laboratories (Center for Mind/Brain Sciences) and of the various departments (Physics, Information and Communication Technology, Cognitive Sciences and Education). The Doctoral course offers an education that allows students to acquire elevated competence in specific areas of fundamental and applied research, encouraging professional development in innovative fields that often require knowledge in different areas. The course also expects an active role on behalf of its students in carrying out seminar-based tasks. Research subjects expected for the current specializations are the following:
Cognitive Neuroscience:
- Number cognition
- Dynamics of complex systems
- Multisensory integration
- Visual memory
- High field MRI-derived measures of brain structure and function
- Eye Movements and Cognition
- Multimodal functional neuroimaging
- Neuroplasticity and recovery of cognitive/linguistic disorders
- Neuropsychology of reading and writing
- Neurosciences and the arts
- Neurosciences and language disorders
- Perception, Attention & Awareness
- Plasticity following sensory deprivation
- Medical decision making
- Word production
- Psychophysics and neural computation
- Inductive and probabilistic reasoning
- Neural representation of concepts, actions and objects
Language, Interaction & Computation:
- Computational lexicography and lexicology
- Embodied communication
- Multimedia intelligent interfaces
- Statistical models of text mining and co-reference resolution
- Theoretical and computational models of semantic interpretation and of the acquisition of semantic and lexical knowledge
- Theoretical linguistics
- User modelling and adaptive systems
All courses will be held in English starting from the first year.
Scientific Areas:
Cognitive Sciences
Experimental Psychology (attention, perception, reasoning, language, memory, sensory processing)
Experimental Physics
Computer Science
Linguistics
Cognitive Neuropsychology
Neuroradiology
ANNOUNCEMENT OF SELECTION: 26th cycle – academic year 2010/11
Specialized curriculum:
Cognitive Neuroscience
Number of positions: 8
Number of grants: 8

Specialized curriculum:
Language, Interaction and Computation
Number of positions: 5
Number of grants: 5
Announcement of selection: published in Gazzetta Ufficiale n. 35 of the 4th of May 2010 and available in Box Download.
Application’s deadline to participate in the selection: 8th of June 2010
Admissions Committee and Examination’s time and location: see Box More
Result of the evaluation of titles: see Box Download
Go to the online application : http://ping.fm/LuAHm
Tentative Application Deadline : 8 June 2010

PhD Positions at the Institute of Statistics, Faculty of Economics, University of Neuch?l

The Institute of Statistics of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Neuchâtel expects to open up to two assistant positions (for a total of up to 150% working time) starting in August 2010. The successful candidates are expected to enroll in and begin working towards a Ph. D. degree in Statistics at the University of Neuchâtel. The possible topics of the thesis cover theoretical and/or empirical methods in statistics and econometrics related to the areas of expertise of the department.
The Faculty of Economics of the University of Neuchâtel, has around 400 students, over 30 full professors and guest teachers, 20 lecturers, and about 30 teaching and research assistants.
The Institute of Statistics, one of the seven institutes that constitute the Faculty, gives bachelor and graduate courses included in the university degree programs in economics, mathematics, management, social sciences, labor psychology, and informatics. Moreover, the Institute of Statistics offers a master program in statistics. The research interests of the faculty include sampling, estimation in finite populations, public statistics, extreme values, time series, statistical methods applied to finance and macroeconomics.
Ideally located at the heart of Europe (halfway between Zürich and Geneva), Neuchâtel offers its residents an exceptional quality of life and is an ideal place for study and high-level research work.
QUALIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT GROUNDS FOR APPOINTMENT
The applicants should
have a Bachelor and Master degrees in statistics, mathematics (with some knowledge of economics), economics or finance (with a strong mathematical background), or related fields,
be willing to start working on a Ph. D. thesis in the fields of statistics or econometrics at the University of Neuchâtel,
poses a high level of independence, intellectual openness, creativity and scientific curiosity,
be interested in doing research, be motivated to study, understand and finally master possibly complicated technical problems, be willing to neatly write up the results,
poses strong quantitative skills, good knowledge of probability and statistics/economet rics,
be interested in teaching and willing to perform to a high level in the didactic duties,
have good knowledge of both French and English,
have less than 30 years of age (see Règlement des assistants -
http://rsn.ne.ch/ajour/default.html?416453.htm)
JOB DESCRIPTION
The assistants will be employed on a fixed-term contract and will be active in the Institute of Statistics, University of Neuchâtel for the full duration of this position
The successful candidate is expected to conduct research towards the completion of a Ph. D. Thesis.
They will function as a teaching assistant for bachelor and master level courses and expected to interact with the students and to assist them in their learning effort. The teaching is both in French and English.
The assistant will also play an active role in the department. She/he is expected to interact with other researchers in the school, to participate in department’s activities, to contribute to the scientific life of the department by attending seminars, conferences, taking part in organizing of scientific events, supervising undergraduate/ graduate theses within her/his research area, etc.
The position offers also the possibility for close academic collaboration with the other institutes and departments of the university (in particular with the Institutes of financial analysis, information management, and economic research, and the department of mathematics) , as well as relevant departments of the Universities of Geneva and Lausanne (these last ones in the frame of the collaboration agreement “Triangle d’Azur”).
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The successful candidates will receive benefits and salary in accordance to the rules and regulations of the University of Neuchâtel (see http://www2.unine.ch/rh/page12271_fr.html).
Rough and non-binding estimates of the salary for 100% employment go from a gross salary of around CHF 68,000 (€ 48,000)/year in the first year to roughly CHF 79,000 (€ 56,000)/year in the fourth year.
HOW TO APPLY
Each applicant should send ONE (paper) copy of the following to the address below
Transcripts of certificates of graduate university courses
Copies of bachelor/master diplomas
A CV including biographical information, degrees, work experiences, list of publications (if any), and list of honors, awards, scholarships, fellowships
A short statement (1-2 pages) describing the applicant’s interest in the research area, if possible also the work that he or she would like to do during the appointment (this statement is not a commitment to conduct the outlined work, but is important evidence of the applicant’s ability to think of an appropriate scientific project), her/his views on teaching, relevant previous experiences related to didactic activities of any kind, etc. other experiences and interests demonstrating the qualities listed in the section on QUALIFICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT GROUNDS FOR APPOINTMENT
Three reference letters to be sent directly to the address indicated below. The candidate should arrange for the letters to be posted by the application’s deadline. The names and addresses (including e-mail and FAX) of three referees should be included in the CV.
Address: Secrétariat de l’Institut de Statistique,
Faculté des Sciences Économiques,
Pierre à Mazel, 7
2000 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
In addition the documents (1) to (4) should be sent electronically to the address: messagerie.istat@ unine.ch
(if an electronic version of document (1) is not available, a legible digital picture or a scanned copy should be provided with the original paper version sent by normal mail to the address above).
Applications will be considered on an on-going basis and interviews will be conducted until the qualified candidates are found. The positions will begin in August 2010. The appointment will be announced on the web page of the Institute of Statistics as soon as the positions are filled.
For further information write to Catalin Starica at catalin.starica@unine.ch

L?Or?-Unesco For Women in Science Fellowship for Female Researchers 2010

Target group: Master’s degree, PhD degree
Purpose: Study, Research
Field of study: Agriculture, forestry and fishery , Engineering, Environmental Science, Medical and health sciences, Natural sciences
Countries: All
Eligible candidates: high-quality female researcher. Note that application has to be done by the National Commission for UNESCO of applicants country of origin.
Value and purpose of grant: $40.000
Grant award period: two years

Closing date: May, 31 is deadline for preliminary applications at the National Commission. June, 30 is deadline for application done by the Netherlands National Commission for UNESCO at UNESCO headquarters in Paris .

Availability: l’Oréal – UNESCO offers yearly 15 fellowships worldwide to young female researchers, for each UN election group 3 fellowships are available.

Grant provider: L’Oréal – UNESCO

Application procedure

Please contact the National Commission for UNESCO of the country of origin.

Application must include:

Application form; diplomas; results of TOEFL-test; letter of recommendation; host institute’s letter of acceptance; detailed description of research work

Additional information

The Netherlands National Commission for UNESCO every year can propose four Dutch candidates for the fellowship to the UNESCO headquarters in Paris . Non-Dutch nationals are requested to contact their National Commission for UNESCO of their country of origin. However, information about the fellowship of course can be obtained via The Netherlands National Commission for UNESCO: (+31)70 – 42 60 263.

The fellowship programme advocates the establishment of an international network. Candidates are encouraged to study in a country abroad for at least 12 months. Hence a letter of acceptance of a host institute is requested.

For more information see:

http://ping.fm/znkh0’oreal

[Australia] Phd Scholarship ? University of Sydney World Scholars

Up to 20 new full tuition fee PhD scholarships are offered per annum for commencing international students. Scholarships cover the full cost of tuition fees for three years. A travel contribution of up to AUD $1,250 each way will also be provided to scholarship holders.

The World Scholars program is for commencing international students from participating countries, undertaking a PhD in any discipline. The application process is highly competitive with scholarships awarded on the basis of research potential and academic merit. Scholarship holders should demonstrate, in their PhD application, an outstanding academic track record and capacity to engage in innovative and world class research.

Each year, the University will invite applications from selected participating countries. For the 2010 intake, these include certain countries in East Asia, Latin America and Western Europe, as well as India, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. For more details about the countries included in this scheme, please see the Application Guidelines below.

Some other countries, including China, already have special scholarship schemes in place at present.

How to apply
The 2010 intake, for students commencing PhD studies in Semester 1 (March) 2011, is now open.

Prospective applicants must have a Firm Offer of Admission to a PhD at the University of Sydney before lodging a World Scholars application. In addition, PhD candidates are expected to have made contact with their potential academic supervisor prior to submitting their application for a PhD.

Key Dates

31 July 2010:
PhD applications must be submitted.
10 Sept 2010:
Applicants must have received a Firm Offer of Admission.
17 Sept 2010:
Applicants must submit a World Scholars Application Form.
Candidates who are interested in applying for the University of Sydney World Scholars are encouraged to identify a potential academic supervisor and begin preparing a PhD application as soon as possible. Application Guidelines + Forms (PDF)

University of Sydney Postgraduate Research Applications
For further information regarding postgraduate research applications and requirements, please contact:
International Office
Tel. +61 2 9351 4079 Email: io.mail@sydney.edu.au
University of Sydney World Scholars Applications
For further information regarding World Scholars applications and requirements, please contact:
David Boyd
Tel. +61 2 9114 0525 Email: david.boyd@sydney.edu.au

[Denmark] PhD scholarship Relativistic electrons in electric discharges

Denmark: PhD scholarship Relativistic electrons in electric discharges

A three-year PhD scholarship is available at DTU Space, with start dateSeptember 1st 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter on the following subject:

Relativistic electrons in electric discharges

The position, which is funded by The Danish Council for Independent Research Natural Sciences, is related to a mission planned for the International Space Station: “The Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor” (ASIM) for observations of extreme thunderstorms and their influence on the atmosphere. ASIM is led by DTU Space in collaboration with the Danish company Terma.

The project will study, how electrons are accelerated to relativistic energies in electric discharges in the atmosphere. The question has been raised after the surprising observations from satellite of high-energy radiation from the atmosphere above powerful thunderstorms, later followed by the discovery of radiation from lightning and from laboratory discharges. It is now understood that the radiation is bremsstrahlung from electrons that are accelerated to unexpected high energies. The acceleration process is not understood but is interesting because it influences the dynamics of the discharges and their effect on the atmosphere.

The microphysics of discharges is relatively unexplored because of its complexities. DTU Space has developed numerical methods to study the phenomenon with very high precision of the electron dynamics. These will be used to study the conditions for electrons to reach high energies and their influence on the discharge dynamics. The simulations will be evaluated relative to measurements from laboratory experiments.

Eligible candidates
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.

A PhD student is sought with good background in physics and numerical methods. The study will be conducted in collaboration with researchers at the Technical University of Eindhoven, Holland, and the Russian Federal Nuclear Center – VNIIEF, Sarov, Russia.Approval and Enrolment The study will be under the DTU Space PhD network “Space Science and Technology” www.space-phd.dk/English.aspx. The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes 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. The period of employment is 3 years.The study will be based on the DTU Space “south” office, Juliane Maries Vej 30, close to downtown Copenhagen. The student will organizationally be under the Department of Solar System Physics.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Department Chair Torsten Neubert, tel. +45 3532 57231

Application
We must have your online application by28 June 2010. Please open the link “apply for this job online” and fill in the application form and attach your application and CV.

The material that should be given consideration in the assessment must be attached.DTU Space encourages applications from students who expect to complete their masters degree before September 1st 2010 with a score that fulfils the requirements.All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
Contact :
Head of Danish Doctoral School of Space Science and Technology
Professor John Leif Jørgensen
E-mail: jlj@oersted.dtu.dk
Tel: (+45) 4525 3448

Postal address:
Danish National Space Center
Measurement & Instrumentation
Technical University of Denmark
Elektrovej, bldg. 327
DK-2800 Kgs. Lyngby
Denmark

[Switzerland] Two open PhD positions in formal development and testing of secure software

The research group headed by Prof. David Basin at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich (ETH Zurich) has two open positions for PhD students. For these positions, we are looking for enthusiastic students with a strong background in

formal methods or mathematical logic
and with an interest in applying their knowledge to formal development and testing of secure software. Additionally, experience in the following specialized areas would be an asset:
formal software development by refinement,
automated test case generation techniques.
Benefits
PhD students are paid employees of the university. Salary and employment conditions are attractive. The PhD student employed will be given the opportunity to carry out a PhD in Computer Science at ETH Zurich. ETH Zurich regulations require doctoral students to hold a Master’s or equivalent degree (e.g. Diplom). Successful candidates are expected to be able to join us on October 1st, 2010.

Zurich is a diverse and multicultural city which is consistently rated among the best cities in the world in which to live. We favor the same sort of diversity that defines Zurich’s cultural makeup and encourage anyone matching the profile above to apply, regardless of where you are from.

Application requirements
Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a brief description of research interests, transcripts of grades, and, if possible, publications, and letters of recommendation from teachers or employers. Applications and inquiries should be sent to Christoph Sprenger and Mohammad Torabi Dashti at the following email address.

infsec.positions@inf.ethz.ch

Source: http://ping.fm/hEAy1

[UK] International Student Master Scholarships at UCL Centre for International Health and Development

CIHD is an interdisciplinary collaboration of leading academics working on health and development in a global context. We are based at the Institute of Child Health within University College London and work closely with the UCL Institute for Global Health

Our main research themes are:

maternal and newborn health
nutrition and livelihoods
early childhood development
disability and children in difficult circumstances
Cross cutting topics include HIV prevention and treatment, the evaluation of community interventions, and the analysis of health systems and policies.

We collaborate with a number of centres of excellence (especially in Africa and Asia) and share results of research widely so that they can contribute to the improvement of the health, nutrition and development of people in poor communities. We also work with a range of international agencies and NGOs promoting the use of evidence-based good practice.

CIHD Scholarship and Funding
1. African Graduate Scholarships:
**Application deadline for scholarship is on May 14, 2010**
Co-funded by:

CP Charitable Trust African Graduate Scholarship
Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust African Graduate Scholarship
The scholarships exist to support African nationals with a high-quality academic and professional background who wish to further develop their skills and knowledge in their specific field. The Scholarship is a one-off award for the academic year September-September.

Candidates must meet the following criteria:

The candidate must be an African national and a permanent resident of an African nation.
The candidate must have made an application to UCL to study for a full-time postgraduate programme at the Centre for International Health and Development for the coming academic year.
The scheme offers a substantial scholarship towards UCL tuition fees and some living costs. Therefore, the candidate must arrange for and obtain additional funding for their subsistance cost while livig in the UK. The candidate must also be able to provide evidence that he/she has secured other sources of funding for travel and living costs.
Please also see the guidelines and application procedures
Download a scholarship application form
Applications must be received at CIHD by the specified deadline (for the academic year 2010-11)
2. CIHD Virtual Scholarship:
CIHD offers a limited number of partial scholarships of £1,500 for MSc applicants from overseas and £1,000 for PG Diploma applicants from overseas. These scholarships are paid towards tuition fees only and are not awarded for living/subsistence costs.

Eligibility: Available to suitably qualified applicants who have been given and have accepted an unconditional offer from UCL but are having some difficulty in obtaining full scholarships.

If you feel you are eligible for this scholarship please:

Write a two page statement of the value of this course to your personal development in your chosen field of work.
Write a statement of funding applications you have made.
Provide details of any sponsorships you have been awarded and
Please return these along with a completed Scholarship application form by 10th July 2010.
Contact:
Postgraduate Administrative Assistant
UCL Centre for International Health and Development
Institute of Child Health
30 Guilford Street
London WC1N 1EH
Email: cihdcour@ich.ucl.ac.uk
Direct tel: +44 (0)20 7905 2119
Fax: +44 (0)20 7404 2062
For further details go to:
http://ping.fm/Hy0Sb