Monday 13 October 2014

6 New Scholarships


1-Germany : PHD STUDENT POSITION IN AGRO-ECOLOGY


We are looking for a candidate to fill a PhD student position in a project on the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and services in Swiss vineyards. The work is to be carried out in the framework of the European BiodivERsA project PromESSinG and is embedded in the Swiss National Science Foundation NFP68 “Soil as a resource”. Other project partners are D, F, A, ROM.
Cultivation of grapevine has a high potential of providing ecosystem services (ESS) linked to
biodiversity since viticulture does not aim at producing maximum yield but rather high quality products.
Additionally, viticulture can provide high levels of biodiversity inside the cropped area which cannot be found in annual cropping systems. Thus, viticultural systems provide ideal conditions for analyzing ESS relevant for the grapevine grower such as soil fertility and stability, water retention, pest and weed control as well as grape quality in relation to soil biodiversity and functioning.
The PromESSinG project responds to the need to unravel biodiversity-driven processes associated with the main ESS in viticultural systems taking different spatial (field, landscape) scales into account.
A particular focus will be on soil biodiversity, as interactions between the diverse soil biota as well as chemical and physical properties of the soil environment are fundamental for the provision of soil-based ecosystem services.
The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and skilled young researcher with a master degree in
Ecology, Agriculture or related discipline. S/he should have excellent communication skills and a
working knowledge of French and/or (Swiss-)German for communicating with local land owners;
language spoken in the research group is usually English. Background knowledge in soil or landscape ecology and statistics is an asset.
The position starts at 1. January 2015. Salary is according to SNF rules.
Please send your electronic application including a CV and a short letter of motivation (Why are you
the ideal candidate?; max. 1 page) no later than 1. November 2014 to Sven Bacher, Department of
Biology, Unit Ecology & Evolution, University of Fribourg, Switzerland. E-mail: sven.bacher@unifr.ch
Application Deadline : 1 November 2014
Photo Credit: www.gru.edu


2-Netherlands : PhD candidate in Theoretical Computer Science


The Institute for Logic, Language and Computation (ILLC) is a research institute at the University of Amsterdam, in which researchers from theFaculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities collaborate. Its central research area is the study of fundamental principles of encoding, transmission and comprehension of information. Research at ILLC is interdisciplinary, and aims at bringing together insights from various disciplines concerned with information and information processing, such as logic, mathematics, computer science, linguistics, cognitive science, artificial intelligence and philosophy. Research is organized in three research groups: Logic and Computation (LoCo), Logic and Language (LoLa) and Language and Computation (LaCo). Check here for an overview of the research being carried out in the different groups. For the research carried out by the individual staff members of ILLC, see their personal pages viaPeople at ILLC.
Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) is the Dutch national research institute for mathematics and computer science and is linked to the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO). The mission of CWI is to conduct pioneering research in mathematics and computer science, generating new knowledge in these fields and conveying it to trade, industry, and society at large. CWI is located at Science Park Amsterdam. It is an internationally oriented institute, with 160 scientists from approximately 30 countries. The facilities are first-rate and include excellent IT support, career planning, training, and courses.
Staff members at CWI and ILLC (Harry BuhrmanSerge FehrRonald de WolfChristian Schaffner) do research on a variety of topics in quantum information processing including quantum cryptography, quantum algorithms, cryptographic protocols and complexity theory.

Job description

The Institute for Logic, Language & Computation (ILLC) at the University of Amsterdam, and the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI) are looking for a PhD candidate in the area of quantum cryptography.
The aim of the PhD project is to develop new quantum-cryptographic protocols (beyond the task of key distribution) and explore their limitations. An example of an active research is position-based quantum cryptography. Another aspect is to investigate the security of classical cryptographic schemes against quantum adversaries (post-quantum cryptography).
The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Christian Schaffner. The PhD candidate will be expected to fulfil the following tasks: 
  • complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
  • regularly present intermediate research results at international workshops and conferences, and publish them in proceedings and journals;
  • collaborate with the researchers in other relevant parts of ILLC, CWI, and the University of Amsterdam in general;
  • participate in the organisation of research activities and events at ILLC, such as conferences, workshops and joint publications;
  • assist in teaching activities at ILLC in subjects relevant to the candidate's research activities. 

Requirements

  • a Master's degree with excellent grades in computer science, mathematics or physics with outstanding results or a comparable degree;
  • candidates with a strong background in cryptography or quantum information are preferred;
  • demonstrated research abilities by completion of an (undergraduate) research project;
  • good academic writing and presentation skills;
  • good social and organisational skills.

Further information

Appointment

Appointment (1,0 fte) is on a temporary basis for a period of four years. For the first two years the PhD candidate will be appointed at the ILLC, University of Amsterdam, initially for a period of 18 months and then, on positive evaluation, for a further six months. During the final two years, the PhD candidate will be employed by the Centrum Wiskunde & Informatica (CWI).
On the basis of a full-time appointment (38 hours per week), the gross monthly salary amounts to €2,083 during the first year, rising to €2,664 during the fourth year. The Collective Employment Agreement (CAO) of the Dutch Universities is applicable during the first two years.
Preferred starting date 1 December 2014.

Job application

Applications should include the following information, in separate pdf files (not zipped), using surname, initials and a self-evident word as file names, e.g. , Smith J CV. Applications should include:
  • a curriculum vitae;
  • a letter of motivation (at most 1 page) explaining why you are interested in this position;
  • a list of all university courses taken, including a transcript of grades;
  • a report from an undergraduate research project you have done;
  • the name and contact details (including email address) of two – three referees who can provide details about your profile (one of whom should be the main supervisor of your Master thesis);
  • completed applications should be submitted by 31 October 2014 to application-science@uva.nl, and should state your name and vacancy number in the subject field. The committee does not guarantee that late or incomplete applications will be considered.
Please note that you may also apply even if you have not yet completed your Master’s degree.
Application Deadline : 31 October 2014


3-UK : Queens University Belfast, Research Fellowship Scheme


Our new Research Fellowship Scheme has been established to attract outstanding and ambitious researchers from across the globe to join Queen's University. The support that will be available for the Fellows is exceptional enabling them to become leaders in their field. Queen’s Fellows will initiate, develop and manage high level research projects in line with the University's research strategy. As such the scheme is aligned to the University's vision that is based on world class leadership in the pursuit of excellence which is relevant to society.
This prestigious four year Research Fellowship is a fantastic opportunity to build upon the foundations of an academic career and will lead to an academic post, subject to performance. The purpose of the scheme is to support the Fellows in pursuing their research. There will be a lighter teaching load and administration responsibilities during the award. Some teaching responsibilities will be introduced into the role to ensure the post-holder can transition appropriately to an academic post.
To support our ambitious research strategy we are currently making a substantial investment in our priority research areas and expect to award 20 fellowships at this time
Applicants with research expertise in Cyber Security are encouraged to apply. The salary scale for the posts is Ac3 £38,511 - £50,200 per annum (including contribution points).

Contact: queens.fellows (at) qub.ac.uk
Application Deadline : 17 October 2014


4-Spain : Ph.D. student (3 positions), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Catalonia


We offer three predoctoral grants motivated by the start of two large research projects related to security, privacy, cryptography and the economics of privacy.
The candidates' primary job will be to do research within the project. Additionally, they are expected to submit a PhD thesis based on the research carried out.
What we require:
Candidates should have a Master's degree in Computer Science. Also acceptable is a Master's degree in Economics or Social Sciences, as long as the candidate's skills in mathematics and computer science are demonstrably good. Knowledge of cryptographic protocols, game theory and/or behavioural economics will be regarded as an additional merit.
Where we are:
Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) is based in Tarragona (Catalonia), which is a coastal city 90 km south of Barcelona. URV has been ranked by Times Higher Education 2014 as the world´s 66th best university under 50 years of age. Also, according to the CWTS Leiden 2014 ranking, URV has the second highest research impact on ``Math., Comp. Sci. and Engineering´´ among European universities. According to the Shanghai ARWU ranking, URV is one of the world's top 200 universities in computer science.
What candidates should send:
Send your CV and publication record, plus two recommendation letters to
Prof. Josep Domingo-Ferrer ( josep.domingo (at) urv.cat ).
Contact: Josep Domingo-Ferrer, Distinguished Professor, UNESCO Chair in Data Privacy, josep.domingo at urv.cat
Application Deadline : 30 November 2014


5-Brazil : Post doctoral fellowship in Chemical Engineering


Post-doctoral scholarship opportunity, brought by FAPESP, for 24 months duration, linked to thematic project Study of new technologies and processing routes for solid waste treatment and recycling (process number 2012/51871-9).
The project will be developed in the LAREX - Recycling, Waste Treatment and Extractive Metallurgy Laboratory – scientific research center located at Chemistry Engineering Department of Polytechnic School of University of São Paulo.
The thematic project's general objective is to characterize and study processes and technological alternatives to treat and recycle solid waste according to what was established by the National Solid Waste Policy in addition to studying the implications and regulations under Brazilian law about the theme. The selected candidate will develop the theme: “Electrodialysis applied to obtain purified metals from acidic solutions containing metal produced from printed circuit boards”.
The candidate must demonstrate scientific expertise in the proposed topic. It is desirable having expertise in solid waste, electrochemistry techniques (electrodialysis) and chemical analysis techniques (AA, ICP, EDX, IC).
The candidates should send the following documents, as PDF files, to Prof. Jorge Alberto Soares Tenório, principal investigator (usplarex@gmail.com). The deadline for submission is October 19th, 2014.
Interested candidates are requested to send the following documents, quoting the above reference:
a) Curriculum Vitae;
b) PhD certificate;
c) Covering letter, explaining the reasons why they are applying for the fellowship;
The selected candidate will receive a monthly fellowship in the amount of R$ 6,143.40 and a grant, equivalent to 15% of the annual value of the fellowship which should be spent in items directly related to the research activity.
If necessary, the successful applicant will also receive support for moving and settling in São Paulo to develop the project. More information about FAPESP’s Postdoctoral fellowships is available atwww.fapesp.br/bolsas/pd.

More post-doctoral scholarships opportunities, from other knowledge areas, can be seen at FAPESP website:
Application Deadline : 19 October 2014
Contact Adress: Jorge Alberto Soares Tenório
Contact Email: usplarex@gmail.comCl

6-Poland : Postdoctoral Position-bioinformatic-computational biologist


Position: Postdoc (bioinformatician/computational biologist) in “Development and integration of new multiscale modeling tools for molecular biology: structure, dynamics and thermodynamics” project.
Number of stipends: 1
Institution : Laboratory of Theory of Biopolymers, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw
Maximum period of stipend agreement: 8 months
Position starts on: 01.11.2014

Stipend’s amount: 5000 PLN (+salary from the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw)
Pension insurance: yes
Key responsibilities include:
1. Development of molecular modeling tool(s) for structure prediction and study of dynamics and thermodynamics of proteins and/or nucleic acids (and other biomolecules) and/or their assemblies.
2. Work in close collaboration with other project participants
Profile of candidates:
1. PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Bioinformatics, Biology, or related field (obtained in the last 4 years)
2. experience in bioinformatics is required, preferably in projects associated with analysis of protein sequence and structure and function and/or nucleic acids structure and function
3. excellent programing skills will be a big plus
4. excellent English (written and oral) is important
Required documents:
1. CV in English (including list of publications)
2. Copy of PhD diploma
3. Cover letter
4. Two reference letters
For more details about the project please visit:
http://biocomp.chem.uw.edu.pl/research/team-project
Principal Investigator: Prof. Andrzej Kolinski
Address for applications: biocomp@chem.uw.edu.pl
Closing date: 20/10/2014
Please include in your offer:
"In accordance with the personal data protection act from 29 th August 1997, I hereby agree to process and to store my personal data by the Institution for recruitment purposes”.
The granting institution may seek to contact the best candidates only
Application Deadline : 1 November 2014
Contact Adress: Laboratory of Theory of Biopolymers, Department of Chemistry, University of Warsaw
Contact Email: biocomp@chem.uw.edu.pl

Wednesday 1 October 2014

European Scholarships



Europe : Erasmus Mundus International Masters in Russian, Central East European Studies (IMRCEES) Scholarships


The International Masters in Russian, Central and East European Studies (IMRCEES) programme welcomes applications from students around the world. You can apply as a self-funded student or you can apply for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship.
Applicants must apply online and submit the necessary supporting documentation with the online application.
For all categories of applicants, your application must include the following documents:
  • University of Glasgow Application form:  online application for a place on the degree programme
  • Certified copies of academic transcripts (translated into English)
  • Degree certificate (and an official translation):
    NB: Students who have not yet completed their degree can also apply.  Please provide academic transcripts to date.  Offers of a place on the programme will be conditional pending receipt of the final degree result.  Applications will be considered for scholarship but any offer of a scholarship will also be conditional until the final degree result is confirmed. See 'Who is Eligible to Apply' - conditional offers.
  • CV (European format)
  • English language proficiency test certificate
    NB.  In cases where it is not possible to provide proof of language qualification at this stage, applications will still be accepted but any offer of a place on the programme or of a scholarshiop will be conditional until the test result is received.  See 'Who is Eligible to Apply' - conditional offers.
  • Proof of citizenship (i.e. information page of passport)
  • Two references (at least one academic and if appropriate, the other may be from the applicant’s most recent employer)
    References uploaded online are preferred. However, references sent by post or by email attachment will also be accepted.  All references must be received by the application deadline.
  • Erasmus Mundus Scholarship application form:  EM IMRCEES 2015-2017 Scholarship Application Form
or


The deadline for scholarship applications is 01 December 2014.  Late or incomplete applications will not be put forward to the Consortium scholarship selection committee.
Photo Credit:  www.123rf.com
Courtesy:



2.        

UK : Jonathan Young Endowed Scholarship




An award of up to £1000 for one or more students in the University of Exeter Business School to finance travel in support of studies or research, excluding normal travel to and from the University.  Open to graduate or undergraduate students in the University of Exeter Business School and who have registered for the current academic year.  Travel must be undertaken within the current academic year.

Summary

Application deadline:7th November 2014
Value:£1000
Duration of award:for 1 year
Contact: Postgraduate Administration Officegradfunding@exeter.ac.uk

How to apply

The scholarship will be advertised at the beginning of October (subject to sufficient funds) with a closing date of  7 November.
Application forms are available from the Scholarships web site
If you have any queries: Tel: (01392) 722207 or e-mail us at:gradfunding@exeter.ac.uk
Application Deadline : 7 November 2014
Photo Credit: www.univ-orleans.fr




3.       

France : Post-doctoral fellowship in Parasitology at the Institut Pasteur


A 28-month postdoctoral position, funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR), is available in the Trypanosome Cell Biology research unit at the Institut Pasteur in Paris (http://www.pasteur.fr/en/research/trypa) under the supervision of Dr. Brice Rotureau.
PROJECT: Importance of trypanosome sensing during the early infection in the mammalian host

Description

Human African Trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness is a neglected tropical disease caused by the flagellated protist Trypanosoma brucei. Nagana is a similar disease in cattle due to closely related trypanosome species. The injection of these extra-cellular parasites by the bite of the tsetse fly induces a local inflammatory response. Trypanosomes then apparently transit via the lymphatic system before invading the bloodstream where they proliferate and cause the typical symptoms of the disease. However, very little is known about the early steps of infection, especially the mechanisms of trypanosome differentiation, proliferation and passage to the bloodstream.
The aim of this project is to establish the importance of the trypanosome flagellum in this early phase of the infection. This multi-functional organelle has been proposed to be a key virulence factor.
The early steps of T. brucei development upon natural transmission of a fluorescent strain by a tsetse fly bite will be monitored using state-of-the-art intravital imaging technologies. Functional investigations with conditional knockout parasites will be performed to discover the role of flagellum sensing in migration towards specific tissues and avoidance of host immune cells by using mutants deprived of specific flagellar sensing candidate proteins. Overall, these studies will reveal the early steps of trypanosome infection and could be crucial to improve early diagnosis and treatment.
Application Deadline : 30 November 2014
Photo Credit: www.nu.edu





4.     

Germany : Ph.D. position - Plant signal transduction and abiotic stress response


A PhD student position is available at the Department of Plant Systems Biology in the frame of the SFB924 Molecular mechanisms regulating yield and yield stability in plants. at the LifeScience campus of the Technische Universitt Manchen in Freising-Weihenstephan.

Many growth environments have a negative impact on plant growth and yield since they expose plants to abiotic stresses such as cold or heat stress, salt stress and dought stress. For optimal plant growth and ultimately optimal yield, plants need to be able to grow in these adverse environments. The environmental changes associated wtih global warming make it even more pressing to understand the responses of plants to adverse environments.

In the advertised Ph.D. project, we are interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms that control plant growth in abiotic stress conditions in response to the plant hormone gibberellin (GA). GAs have been implicated in various stress responses and here we seek to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between this plant hormone and cold responses, also as a model for other abiotic stresses. To this end, we have generated already a comprehensive gene expression dataset from the plant model species Arabidopsis thaliana and the crop plants tomato and barley explosed to cold stress in the presence and absence of the GA hormone. Through data analysis we have identified a range of novel cold response elements that we now seek to analyze at the molecular level.

We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. student to integrate genetic, physiological and cell biological analyses and to identify novel players in cold and other abiotic stress responses in plants. The laboratory has expertise in a very borad range of cell biological techniques as well as molecular biology and physiology approaches. The project is also well suited for applicants with an interest in next generation sequencing data analyses, bioinformatics or biomathematics.

The position will remain open until filled.

The Department of Plant Systems Biology has direct access to state of the art technology for cell biological analysis, biochemical analysis, next generation sequencing etc. and possesses all techniques and equipment required for plant research. The laboratory also has strong ties with the Plant Bioinformatics unit located at the Helmholtz Zentrum München.

If you are interested in the position, please send a letter of motivation and a CV with at least two names of referees to:claus.schwechheimer@wzw.tum.de.

For reference see our web sites:

http://sysbiol.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=2&L=1

http://sfb924.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=3
Application Deadline : 15 October 2014
Photo Credit: www.eusa.eu