PhD Studentship in Composites Material Research

PhD Studentship Processing of carbon nanotube - epoxy matrix composites

*Supported by EPSRC and BAe Systems, a bursary of up to £16,900 p.a. plus
fees is available. Conditions apply*
*
*Academic Supervisors:*
Professor Ivana Partridge and Dr A A Skordos, Composites Centre, Materials
Department

Cranfield University currently have a vacancy for a high-calibre graduate to
undertake an exciting PhD research project in the area of carbon nanotubes
for advanced composites.

The incorporation of carbon nanotubes into epoxy resin matrices for advanced
composites is a highly topical research issue. The development of nanotube
modified polymer matrix composites shows great potential for the enhancement
of mechanical and electrical properties. However, success hinges on the
development of effective and scaleable means of processing these materials.

This project will focus on the filling stage of Resin Transfer Moulding for
the processing of nanotube filled epoxy matrix composites. Modelling of the
chemorheology of the modified resin and its flow during impregnation will be
carried out, alongside characterisation of the interaction of nanotubes with
the fibrous reinforcement. The possibility of enhancing the distribution of
carbon nanoparticles by localised placement and manipulation of the flow
field will also be studied and the potential use of this type of strategy in
a component design/optimisation context will be explored.

The successful applicant will work within the Composites Centre at Cranfield
University, which has extensive experience in the field of thermosetting
resin modification and a growing activity in the area of nanocomposites.
This project is a part of a wider on-going collaboration between the
University researchers and research staff at the BAe SYSTEMS Advanced
Technology Centre in Bristol, UK.

*Entry Requirements:
*Applicants should have a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or
equivalent, in physics, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials
science or other relevant science discipline. Good mathematical skills are
also important.

**Value of Award:
*Sponsored by EPSRC and BAe Systems, this studentship will cover tuition
fees at the UK/EU rate only and provide a bursary of up to £16,900 dependent
on qualifications, experience and project. Details on overseas student fees
are available on our website at: www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/fees

*How to Apply
*If you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete
the application form at: www.cranfield.ac.uk/prospectus/app/pgappform.pdf

Alternatively, for more information and an application form please contact:

Enquiries, Cranfield University, School of Applied Sciences
Tel: +44 (0)1234 754086
Fax: +44 (0)1234 754109


Closing Date for Applications:* 11th June 2007*

Other research studentships are also available, for details please visit:
www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/studentships

Postgraduate Research Studentship: Content-based visual search

Full-time Postgraduate Research Studentship: Content-based visual search
engines Knowledge Media Institute

*Based in **Milton Keynes*

*Tenable from **1 October 2007*

*** *

The project will be focused on core data modelling methods and search
algorithms for more efficient and effective content-based visual engines.
This will involve developments of suitable indexing time feature
representation and query time selection schemes for visual data (images and
videos), effective similarity measures and efficient localized k-NN query
processing strategies to minimize search space yet maintaining acceptable
precision. This project will be carried out in the context of the new PHAROS
project, which is a main Integrated Project funded by the EU FP6 in a recent
call on audio-visual search technologies. The methods developed from this
PhD project will be plugged into the FAST search engine and will be
evaluated using not only standard datasets from evaluation conferences such
as TRECvid and ImageCLEF etc., but also the data from PHAROS content
providers.

You should have a strong background in Computer Science or Information
Systems, and must have qualifications of First or upper second class honours
degree or research master degree. Strong programming skills in C/C++ and
Matlab, existing research experience in computer vision,
human-computer-interaction or information retrieval, and international
conference/journal publications would be desirable. This studentship is open
for national and international applicants.

The studentship rate is £12,600 a year.



For further information, and to apply go to
http://kmi.open.ac.uk/studentships/studentship2.cfm or contact Professor
Stefan Rüger or Dr. Dawei Song

quoting the reference code: 2713. Closing date: 10 June 2007.

*Equal Opportunity is University Policy.*

*Further Details* <http://www.open.ac.uk/employment>

[UK] Fully Funded PhD Studentships in Robust and Autonomous Satellites Formation Flying, Cranfield University

[UK] Fully Funded PhD Studentships in Robust and Autonomous Satellites Formation Flying, Cranfield University



Department of Aerospace, Power and Sensors
Fully Funded PHD Studentship
Robust and autonomous satellites formation flying

Future trend in space science missions is the usage of several spacecraft flying in formation, in order to achieve higher accuracy in Earth and extra solar planetary observations, or higher region coverage when monitoring science data. A ground-based command and control system for relative spacecraft positioning would be very complex and may not provide sufficiently rapid corrective control commands. Thus, the overall focus of this work is to significantly increase the onboard autonomy of the future spacecraft, thereby reducing the ground support required.

As part of our collaborative research work with EADS Astrium, we wish to recruit a research student for a PhD study on robust and autonomous satellites formation flying. The main objective of the proposed research project is to study the formation flying of space vehicles from different perspectives such as navigation, control and fault diagnosis and recovery using robust estimation and control theory. We will investigate decentralized information fusion architecture to enhance the quality of relative pose estimation of the space vehicles.


This estimation will be used as basis to develop a model based fault diagnosis and recovery module to make up for any occurs of faults, which will degenerate the performance of the formation flying setup. In addition and using robust control theory, we will be able to achieve, a precise decentralized control & computation for the fleet of space vehicles, formation maneuvers assuring the formation flying mission performance, with being robust to navigation uncertainties and linked to the fault diagnosis module. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with our industrial partner and the resulting interactions will provide an exceptionally rich research environment. In addition to simulation validation, this project entails 30% real time simulations and possibly experiments to validate proposed algorithms.

Entry Requirements:
For this research studentship, we are seeking a talented graduate, having (or be expected to obtain) at least an upper second class honours degree (first class honours preferred), MSc or equivalent in engineering or computer science. Good mathematical background and experience of signal processing, control systems, data fusion and real time systems would be most desirable.

Eligibility:
We are looking for a UK national student (or a European resident in the UK for three years). The studentship is for three years and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus a £17,000 per annum (normally tax free) contribution to living expenses.

Applicants should make initial enquiries or send a CV with contact details of two referees to: Dr Aouf n.aouf@cranfield.ac.uk

Start Date: As soon as Possible or by October 2007

[Germany] PhD Studentships in Cluster Ion Physics, Universitat Hamburg

[Germany] PhD Studentships in Cluster Ion Physics, Universitat Hamburg



Subject to granting we offer a PhD-position at the University Hamburg in the group of M. Martins for experimental studies on the core level spectroscopy of free cluster ions starting from July 1, 2007.

Within a larger collaboration we are setting up a new experiment called PIPE for studies on free ions in the soft x-ray region at the storage ring PETRA III in Hamburg funded by the BMBF. PIPE will offer unique possibilities to study atomic, molecular and cluster ions within an ionic beam using different spectroscopic methods.

Focus of the project will be the analysis of the electronic and geometric structure of core level excited transition metal cluster ions depending on the cluster size,using methods as NEXAFS and EXAFS. The applicant will be responsible for the development and setup of the control and vacuum system of PIPE together with the collaboration partners. The work will furthermore include the modification of a cluster source for experiment with PIPE and the first experiment on free, mass selected metal cluster ions.


We offer a stimulating, international atmosphere with excellent experimental facilities. An application should include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae including certificates, a list of publications, a statement of qualifications relevant for the position, as well as names and complete addresses of two referees and should be send in english or german to:

Dr. M. Martins, Universitaet Hamburg,
Institut fuer Experimentalphysik,
Luruper Chaussee 149,
D-22761 Hamburg, Germany

or by Email (michael.martins@desy.de) until June 15, 2007

Requirements:
We are looking for highly motivated physicists or chemists who will pursue the project and develop the required experimental skills. Knowledge in spectroscopic methods, UHV equipment and atomic, molecular or cluster physics are desirable. Experience with synchrotron radiation sources would be appreciated.

Contact:
Michael Martins
Luruper Chaussee 149
Hamburg, Germany 22761

Phone: +49-40-8998-3121
Fax: +40-40-8998-2179

[Saudi Arabia] Master and Doctoral Scholarships in Science and Technology at King Saud University

Embassy of Indonesia for Saudi Arabia announces master (S2) and doctor/PhD (S3) scholarships from King Saud University (KSU) in science and technology. This information announced by the Ambassador of Indonesia for Arab Saudi and Oman, Salim Segaf Al Jufrie and Culture Attache Juhdi Syarif, after meeting with KSU director, Abdullah bin Abdurrahman bin Abdullah Al Uthman in Riyadh past weekend.

To RI Ambassador, Abdurrahman express every year there are 300 scholarships to learn in KSU. Ten percent given to Indonesia student. In detail, scholarship given to 20 master students (S2), and 10 students PhD program (S3). Study is submitted with English deliverer. Besides, student also is asked to be researcher assistant. Other cooperation on the market KSU is lecturer transfer program.

A master and PhD programs majoring in Food Science, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Physics, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Operational Research. Besides, also majoring in Computer and Information Sciences, Nursing, Society health science, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.


Scholarship obtained for example hostel, scholarship money for the price of 2500 riyal Saudi (about $666) per month.

Requirements:

• Minimum TOEFL score 550
• Last Bachelor/master degree certificate, value transcript, health report, good deportment letter ( all translated to English and ratified by translator is cursed).

Please send all documents to:

KBRI Riyadh: Indonesian Embassy
c/o Atase Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan KBRI Riyadh
Po Box 94343 Riyadh 11693
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ph. +966 1 4880028/ 4882131 Fax +966 1 4883866

Deadline: Not later than June 30, 2007.

Website King Saud University

[Netherlands] PhD Researchers in Global Change and Hurricanes, Utrecht University

The departments of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences are currently looking for 2 PhD students (AIO) (f/m) for the High Potential Programme granted by the Utrecht University: Global Change and Hurricanes. The research of the departments is part of the Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation and of the Organic Geochemistry group from the department of Earth Sciences.

Project description: Global Change and Hurricanes:
If and how global warming affects hurricane activity is a topic of considerable interest and intensive research efforts. The available instrumental record, however, is still too short to document and understand the complex links within the climate system responsible for hurricanes. Only through extending the records beyond the instrumental measurements by paleodata, we can capture the full range of natural variability inherent to the climate system. This allows quantification of the separate effects of changing environmental variables. We aim to construct detailed paleo-records from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico for the past 10.000 years which trace back the conditions within the natural system that trigger intensive hurricane seasons. For the first time, paleo-records of precipitation, vegetation, storm induced runoff and sea surface temperatures will be combined in a modeling environment. Only long-term records integrated by modelling the ocean-atmosphere biosphere system enable the detection of any deviations from the normal state that may consequently be ascribed to ongoing and future human interference with the system.


Paleoecologists and Earth-scientists from the Utrecht University will produce detailed marine and terrestrial proxy data of sea surface temperature (SST), precipitation, CO2, BIT index (influx of organic matter in marine sediments), d18O and vegetation patterns. Environmental scientist will integrate these records through numerical process modelling.

PhD student 1: Sea Surface Temperature and storm detection in the marine realm
Accurate correlation of marine and terrestrial settings is of prime importance for time equivalent documentation of environmental changes and to evaluate the synchronicity of occurring shifts and events. Stable hydrogen isotopes, measured directly on both, leaf fragments from terrestrial sites and from biomarker molecules in marine settings, will be used to establish a robust correlation of the contrasting realms. With the accurate dating of the different sites, we will be able to provide a well-defined timeframe for phases characterized by increased storm activity, allowing the systematic analysis of periodicities and amplitude changes of the natural system. Sea surface temperature will be reconstructed using both well established and newly developed organic geochemical proxies (UK37, TEX86). Major hurricane landfalls induced storm surges will be investigated by looking at their distinct imprints in the sedimentology of the coastal and on-shore environments.

Hurricanes in the wider surroundings of the studied transect will be reconstructed from marine sediments, using state of the art organic geochemical techniques. The stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopic signatures of respectively cellulose and leaf waxes will be used to quantify past changes in the strong convection and thus isotopic fractionation caused by hurricane-tied precipitation.

Combining stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in fossil plant organic matter (leaf, wood and biomarker molecules) thus allows detailed reconstruction of past hurricane intensity. The PhD student will be involved in both field work and organic geochemical analyses.

PhD student 2: Ocean-Atmosphere-Biosphere interactions
The paleo-records can be integrated in different models acting on various levels of the coupled ocean-atmosphere-biosphere system. These paleo time-series can be used to directly link increased hurricane intensity, which is reflected by SST and BIT, with the dynamics of vegetation and catastrophic runoff amounts caused by hurricanes. However, several feedback mechanisms between the atmosphere and biosphere need to be included to understand potential nonlinearities between ocean-atmosphere-biosphere systems since they may cause sudden shifts in precipitation, evapo-transpiration/runoff ratios and vegetation. Therefore numerical dynamical models on regional scale need to be used and developed. Inverse modeling, with the paleo-records derived from contrasting environments and based on contrasting biogeochemical and paleobotanical techniques allows us to test the accuracy and information value of the different proxy-data sets.

The PhD student will work together with earth scientists and paleo-ecologists from Utrecht University, who also take part in the High Potential Programme, and with several institutes in Florida. Main task of the candidate is modelling although the candidate will also be involved in field work and lab analyses. The project will lead to a PhD thesis.

Qualifications for PhD position 1:
Highly motivated candidate with experience in Earth Sciences and a MSc in an appropriate field.

Qualifications for PhD position 2:
The candidate must have experience in modelling and programming of dynamical climate models and holds a MSc (or equivalent) degree in a relevant field (e.g. earth sciences, environmental sciences, meteorology).

Terms of employment
We offer a fulltime PhD position for 4 years (0.8 fte is an option). The gross monthly salary increases from EUR 1,956.- in year 1 to EUR 2,502.- in year 4, according to the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. Secondary benefits include e.g. a pension scheme, flexible employment conditions, holiday bonus and end-of-year bonus.

Further details
Are you interested? You can obtain further details for PhD1 from Dr. Gert-Jan Reichart (phone: +31(0)30 253 5041 e-mail: g.reichart@geo.uu.nl) or Prof. Dr.ir. J.S. Sinninghe Damsté (phone: +31(0) 222 369550 e-mail: damste@nioz.nl).

For PhD2: Dr. Stefan C. Dekker (phone +31(0)30 253 2500 e-mail: s.dekker@geo.uu.nl) or Prof. Dr. Martin J. Wassen (phone: +31(0)30 253 5764, e-mail: m.wassen@geo.uu.nl).

You may also visit the groups website at: www.geo.uu.nl/ivau and www.geo.uu.nl/environmentalsciences

Application
Applications, including a curriculum vitae, a statement of your research interests, and the names and addresses of 2 references, must be sent to:

Faculty of Geosciences - Personnel Department
PO Box 80115
3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands

or submitted by e-mail to: peno@geo.uu.nl

Please mention where you originally saw our advertisement and quote vacancy number 72077 in all communications. The positions are open until May 31, 2007.

[Ireland] Masters Studentship in Coastal Software Development, University College Cork

Coastal Software Developer / Masters Studentship
Two-year stipend, €16K p.a. plus tuition fees
Contribution to overall research costs including research exchange programme
Location:Haulbowline Island, Cork, Ireland

The CMRC is a multidisciplinary scientific research group whose primary objective is to make a significant contribution to the scientific understanding of coastal and marine environments and their management. The Marine Geomatics team works closely with the physical, biological and coastal management teams in using technologies to analyze their scientific data outputs in order to produce maps, visualisations and information (http://cmrc.ucc.ie).

We wish to recruit an additional member to the Marine Geomatics team to work on the EU ECOOP project (http://cmrc.ucc.ie/pages/K_project_page.php?project_code=ecoop) to develop a data management system to deliver real time and near real time data and metadata. The successful candidate will implement a framework for managing and providing access to harmonised, quality assured observational and satellite data and associated metadata sourced from regional oceanographic observation centres in Europe.


The successful candidate will have:

• Graduated with 1st Class Honours in Computer Sciences or a related field,
• Proficiency and excellence in programming languages such as Java, PHP, and C/C++
• Excellent team working and oral and written communication skills.

Other beneficial qualities include:

• Knowledge of OGC and metadata standards, OpenDAP,
• Web development, HTML, an understanding of GIS / Web GIS, Open Source Software, XML, Unix/Linux,
• Interest in using technology with the coastal/marine environment and knowledge of the coastal/marine domain,

Additional opportunities include:
- The potential to pursue a research masters degree (student fees covered).

UCC is an equal opportunity employer.

Closing date for applications is　Monday June 25th 2007. Please forward curriculum vitae, including a statement of research interests and experience as well as names and addresses of two referees, either electronically (grainne.lynch@ucc.ie) or by regular mail to:

Gráinne Lynch
Coastal & Marine Resources Centre,
Naval Base, Haulbowline,
Cobh,
County Cork,
Ireland.
Phone: 00 353 21 470 31 00

Offical Announcement

[UK] PhD Studentshipsi in Politics & International Relations, University of London

To mark the launch of the Centre for European Politics and the Centre for Global and Transnational Politics, the Department of Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway is offering two PhD studentships.

Thomas Holloway Research Studentship

One Departmental Research Studentship
Students proposing research in the following subject area will be prioritised for this Studentship: borders in global politics (including the transformation of borders under conditions of globalization); theorizing borders in a global age; involvement of citizens in bordering and debordering; differentiated, diffuse, networked, and mobile borders.

This Departmental Research Studentship covers tuition fees at the standard home/EU rate (currently GBP 3,168 per year full-time), plus a top-up Departmental Assistantship of GBP 5,350. This is tenable for up to three years for full-time study. Holders of the Departmental Research Studentship will be required to provide 4 hours of teaching per week as a condition of their Studentship.


Eligibility
Both studentships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence to new students who will commence a research programme in the academic year 2007-2008, from the UK, from the EU or from overseas. Please note that students who have already started their programme are not eligible for consideration. Students from overseas will be liable for overseas fee rates but may use the home/EU amount to pay towards the extra costs.

How to apply
In order to be considered for the awards, candidates are advised to contact Dr James Sloam (james.sloam@rhul.ac.uk ) for the Thomas Holloway studentship, and Dr Chris Rumford (chris.rumford@rhul.ac.uk ), for the departmental studentship, as soon as possible. Candidates should apply for a place in the Department no later than 8th June 2007.
Please visit our departmental website for further information (http://www.rhul.ac.uk/politics-and-IR/ ).

Communities and Education Program in Aceh (CEPA)

REQUEST FOR TENDER
AusAID, the Australian Agency for International Development, in partnership with the Indonesian Government, administers the Australia Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD). The primary objective of the AIPRD is to support Indonesia’s reconstruction and development efforts, both in and beyond tsunami-affected areas, through sustained cooperation focused on the Indonesian Government’s programs of reform, with an emphasis on economic and social development.

AusAID is seeking proposals from organisations interested in providing services for the following development program.

Communities and Education Program in Aceh (CEPA): Phase 2

The goal of CEPA is to contribute to effective and cohesive community participation in basic education rehabilitation in school communities recovering from conflict in Aceh. The main strategy for achieving this goal is to foster improved governance of education and working relationships at the community, school and district levels.

The $7.5 million program is to be implemented in partnership with selected communities and the Government of Aceh. CEPA Phase 2 will be implemented over a two year period covering up to 50 villages across three Districts and building on significant progress made under Phase 1 of the Program.

It is anticipated that this program will commence in July 2007.

Tender documents are available to download from the AusTender website.

All enquiries should be addressed in writing to: Alek Werchanowski at alek.werchanowski@ausaid.gov.au or by fax +612 6206 4066.

Closing Date: 2.00 pm (Canberra time) on Wednesday 6 June 2007.

Eligibility Criteria: Organisations must be an Indonesian firm or carry on business in Australia or New Zealand. Full details of eligibility criteria are provided in the Request for Tender documentation.

PhD studenthsip in Mathematical Modelling - University Colleg

PhD Studentship Numerical Modelling of Industrial Processes exhibiting Layer
Phenomena
Department of Mathematics

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship to work on a mathematical
modelling project that also involves significant amounts of numerical
computation. The underlying research investigates certain industrial
processes whose solutions exhibit layers. In collaboration with Professors
Martin Stynes and Grigory Shishkin the project will develop mathematical
models whose numerical solutions require novel state-of-the-art techniques.

The successful applicant will have - or expects to be awarded shortly - a
good undergraduate degree (or Masters) in applied mathematics or a related
numerate discipline. S/he will have a strong interest in modelling and in
the numerical solution of differential equations.

The project is funded by the Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science
and Industry (MACSI) which is supported by the Science Foundation Ireland
Mathematics Initiative. The studentship includes an annual salary of
€18,000, plus Ph.D. fees at UCC/NUIC, and there is additional generous
support for travel.

The studentship will commence in Autumn 2007 and is tenable initially for 18
months, with an additional 18 months dependent upon a successful progress
review.

Applications by email to Professor Martin Stynes , who can
also be contacted via email or phone (+353-21-4902539) for informal
enquiries and further information.

Applications must include:

- CV, including clear statements regarding the quality of your
examination grades and your competence in spoken and written English;
- a covering letter describing your interest in this position;
- the names of 3 academic referees, together with the positions they
hold and their email and postal addresses.

*Closing date: Friday, 6 July 2007*

King Saud University Scholarship for Indonesia Students

Embassy of Indonesia for Saudi Arabia announces master (S2) and doctor/PhD (S3) scholarships from King Saud University (KSU) in science and technology. This information announced by the Ambassador of Indonesia for Arab Saudi and Oman, Salim Segaf Al Jufrie and Culture Attache Juhdi Syarif, after meeting with KSU director, Abdullah bin Abdurrahman bin Abdullah Al Uthman in Riyadh past weekend.

To RI Ambassador, Abdurrahman express every year there are 300 scholarships to learn in KSU. Ten percent given to Indonesia student. In detail, scholarship given to 20 master students (S2), and 10 students PhD program (S3). Study is submitted with English deliverer. Besides, student also is asked to be researcher assistant. Other cooperation on the market KSU is lecturer transfer program.

A master and PhD programs majoring in Food Science, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Physics, Botany, Microbiology, Zoology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Operational Research. Besides, also majoring in Computer and Information Sciences, Nursing, Society health science, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Petroleum Engineering.

Scholarship obtained for example hostel, scholarship money for the price of 2500 riyal Saudi (about $666) per month.

Requirements:

• Minimum TOEFL score 550
• Last Bachelor/master degree certificate, value transcript, health report, good deportment letter ( all translated to English and ratified by translator is cursed).

Please send all documents to:

KBRI Riyadh: Indonesian Embassy
c/o Atase Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan KBRI Riyadh
Po Box 94343 Riyadh 11693
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Ph. +966 1 4880028/ 4882131 Fax +966 1 4883866

not later than June 30, 2007. website King Saud University

Madina Islamic School: Open for registration and Accept Transfered Students

Madina Islamic School is an Islamic Integrated National-plus school offering Islamic, National and International standard of education

In Cooperation with:

• Al Azhar Cairo through Azhari Islamic School (Tahfidz, Islamic studies and Arabic)
• The Islamic School of Victoria Melbourne, Australia (Curriculum VELS and VCE)

Open for registration and Accept Transfered Students

Program:

• Native Teacher for Arabic and English
• Students Exchange Program to The Islamic School of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
• Scholarship Program from The Islamic School of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia

Outcomes

• Apply Islamic values comprehensively in their life.
• Memorixe Qur’an for Primary and Secondary
• Posses communication skill in English and Arabic.

Posses International standard of academic competency.

Tebet Dalam IV No.1 Jakarta Selatan
Phone: 8312311, 8309379, 70999831, Fax: 8309373
Website: http://www.madinaschool.sch.id
E-mail: info@madinaschool.sch.id

This information taken from Harian Kompas Minggu 29 April 2007.

The Netherlands: PhD Researchers in Global Change and Hurricanes, Utrecht University

The departments of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences are currently looking for 2 PhD students (AIO) (f/m) for the High Potential Programme granted by the Utrecht University: Global Change and Hurricanes. The research of the departments is part of the Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development and Innovation and of the Organic Geochemistry group from the department of Earth Sciences.

Project description: Global Change and Hurricanes:
If and how global warming affects hurricane activity is a topic of considerable interest and intensive research efforts. The available instrumental record, however, is still too short to document and understand the complex links within the climate system responsible for hurricanes. Only through extending the records beyond the instrumental measurements by paleodata, we can capture the full range of natural variability inherent to the climate system. This allows quantification of the separate effects of changing environmental variables. We aim to construct detailed paleo-records from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico for the past 10.000 years which trace back the conditions within the natural system that trigger intensive hurricane seasons. For the first time, paleo-records of precipitation, vegetation, storm induced runoff and sea surface temperatures will be combined in a modeling environment. Only long-term records integrated by modelling the ocean-atmosphere biosphere system enable the detection of any deviations from the normal state that may consequently be ascribed to ongoing and future human interference with the system.

Paleoecologists and Earth-scientists from the Utrecht University will produce detailed marine and terrestrial proxy data of sea surface temperature (SST), precipitation, CO2, BIT index (influx of organic matter in marine sediments), d18O and vegetation patterns. Environmental scientist will integrate these records through numerical process modelling.

PhD student 1: Sea Surface Temperature and storm detection in the marine realm
Accurate correlation of marine and terrestrial settings is of prime importance for time equivalent documentation of environmental changes and to evaluate the synchronicity of occurring shifts and events. Stable hydrogen isotopes, measured directly on both, leaf fragments from terrestrial sites and from biomarker molecules in marine settings, will be used to establish a robust correlation of the contrasting realms. With the accurate dating of the different sites, we will be able to provide a well-defined timeframe for phases characterized by increased storm activity, allowing the systematic analysis of periodicities and amplitude changes of the natural system. Sea surface temperature will be reconstructed using both well established and newly developed organic geochemical proxies (UK37, TEX86). Major hurricane landfalls induced storm surges will be investigated by looking at their distinct imprints in the sedimentology of the coastal and on-shore environments.

Hurricanes in the wider surroundings of the studied transect will be reconstructed from marine sediments, using state of the art organic geochemical techniques. The stable oxygen and hydrogen isotopic signatures of respectively cellulose and leaf waxes will be used to quantify past changes in the strong convection and thus isotopic fractionation caused by hurricane-tied precipitation.

Combining stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in fossil plant organic matter (leaf, wood and biomarker molecules) thus allows detailed reconstruction of past hurricane intensity. The PhD student will be involved in both field work and organic geochemical analyses.

PhD student 2: Ocean-Atmosphere-Biosphere interactions
The paleo-records can be integrated in different models acting on various levels of the coupled ocean-atmosphere-biosphere system. These paleo time-series can be used to directly link increased hurricane intensity, which is reflected by SST and BIT, with the dynamics of vegetation and catastrophic runoff amounts caused by hurricanes. However, several feedback mechanisms between the atmosphere and biosphere need to be included to understand potential nonlinearities between ocean-atmosphere-biosphere systems since they may cause sudden shifts in precipitation, evapo-transpiration/runoff ratios and vegetation. Therefore numerical dynamical models on regional scale need to be used and developed. Inverse modeling, with the paleo-records derived from contrasting environments and based on contrasting biogeochemical and paleobotanical techniques allows us to test the accuracy and information value of the different proxy-data sets.

The PhD student will work together with earth scientists and paleo-ecologists from Utrecht University, who also take part in the High Potential Programme, and with several institutes in Florida. Main task of the candidate is modelling although the candidate will also be involved in field work and lab analyses. The project will lead to a PhD thesis.

Qualifications for PhD position 1:
Highly motivated candidate with experience in Earth Sciences and a MSc in an appropriate field.

Qualifications for PhD position 2:
The candidate must have experience in modelling and programming of dynamical climate models and holds a MSc (or equivalent) degree in a relevant field (e.g. earth sciences, environmental sciences, meteorology).

Terms of employment
We offer a fulltime PhD position for 4 years (0.8 fte is an option). The gross monthly salary increases from EUR 1,956.- in year 1 to EUR 2,502.- in year 4, according to the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. Secondary benefits include e.g. a pension scheme, flexible employment conditions, holiday bonus and end-of-year bonus.

Further details
Are you interested? You can obtain further details for PhD1 from Dr. Gert-Jan Reichart (phone: +31(0)30 253 5041 e-mail: g.reichart@geo.uu.nl) or Prof. Dr.ir. J.S. Sinninghe Damsté (phone: +31(0) 222 369550 e-mail: damste@nioz.nl).

For PhD2: Dr. Stefan C. Dekker (phone +31(0)30 253 2500 e-mail: s.dekker@geo.uu.nl) or Prof. Dr. Martin J. Wassen (phone: +31(0)30 253 5764, e-mail: m.wassen@geo.uu.nl).

You may also visit the groups website at: www.geo.uu.nl/ivau and www.geo.uu.nl/environmentalsciences

Application
Applications, including a curriculum vitae, a statement of your research interests, and the names and addresses of 2 references, must be sent to:

Faculty of Geosciences - Personnel Department
PO Box 80115
3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands

or submitted by e-mail to: peno@geo.uu.nl

Please mention where you originally saw our advertisement and quote vacancy number 72077 in all communications. The positions are open until May 31, 2007.

Ireland: Masters Studentship in Coastal Software Development, University College Cork

Coastal Software Developer / Masters Studentship
Two-year stipend, €16K p.a. plus tuition fees
Contribution to overall research costs including research exchange programme
Location:Haulbowline Island, Cork, Ireland

The CMRC is a multidisciplinary scientific research group whose primary objective is to make a significant contribution to the scientific understanding of coastal and marine environments and their management. The Marine Geomatics team works closely with the physical, biological and coastal management teams in using technologies to analyze their scientific data outputs in order to produce maps, visualisations and information (http://cmrc.ucc.ie).

We wish to recruit an additional member to the Marine Geomatics team to work on the EU ECOOP project (http://cmrc.ucc.ie/pages/K_project_page.php?project_code=ecoop) to develop a data management system to deliver real time and near real time data and metadata. The successful candidate will implement a framework for managing and providing access to harmonised, quality assured observational and satellite data and associated metadata sourced from regional oceanographic observation centres in Europe.

The successful candidate will have:

• Graduated with 1st Class Honours in Computer Sciences or a related field,
• Proficiency and excellence in programming languages such as Java, PHP, and C/C++
• Excellent team working and oral and written communication skills.

Other beneficial qualities include:

• Knowledge of OGC and metadata standards, OpenDAP,
• Web development, HTML, an understanding of GIS / Web GIS, Open Source Software, XML, Unix/Linux,
• Interest in using technology with the coastal/marine environment and knowledge of the coastal/marine domain,

Additional opportunities include:
- The potential to pursue a research masters degree (student fees covered).

UCC is an equal opportunity employer.

Closing date for applications is　Monday June 25th 2007. Please forward curriculum vitae, including a statement of research interests and experience as well as names and addresses of two referees, either electronically (grainne.lynch@ucc.ie) or by regular mail to:

Gráinne Lynch
Coastal & Marine Resources Centre,
Naval Base, Haulbowline,
Cobh,
County Cork,
Ireland.
Phone: 00 353 21 470 31 00

Via: Offical Announcement

[Switzerland] PhD Research Studentship in Biostatistics - Swiss Tropical Institute

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship in the area of spatial statistical modelling applied to mapping schistosomiasis transmission in different settings of Africa. The studentship covers living cost and tuition fees and provides support for 3 years. The starting date is June 1st, 2007 or as soon as possible after that date by negotiation.Appropriate qualifications are either an MSc in Mathematics with a substantial statistical component or in Biology or other related fields followed by postgraduate qualification in Statistics. Applicants should have also sound computing skills.

The successful applicant will register for a PhD degree at the University of Basel. The main objective of the research project is to develop Bayesian statistical methodology for the analysis of non-stationary, geostatistical data collected over a large number of locations. This methodology will be applied to a number of schistosomiasis-related datasets from Africa

1. to determine behavioural, environmental and socio-economic risk factors related to schistosomiasis transmission, and
2. to assess spatio-temporal patterns of the disease. The successful candidate will be supervised by PD Dr. Penelope Vounatsou (spatial statistics) and Prof. Jürg Utzinger (epidemiology).

The PhD project is part of a bigger programme on schistosomiasis research funded by the EU co-ordinated by the DBL–Institute for Health Research and Development in Denmark and involving many other partners in Europe and Africa. Applicants should send a CV and the names and addresses of two referees to the following address:

Dr Penelope Vounatsou
Swiss Tropical Institute
Socinstrasse 57
CH-4051 Basel
Switzerland
Tel: +41 61 284-8109
Fax: +41 61 284-8105
Email: penelope.vounatsou@unibas.ch

[Denmark] PhD Visiting Scholarships at SPIRIT- Aalborg University

Up to three visiting scholarships are available at the Doctoral School SPIRIT, Aalborg University, in the Fall 2007. The application deadline is 15 May 2006. Duration of scholarship: 15 August-15 December 2007. Monthly stipend: DKK 7,000 (to cover rent and other living expenses during the stay). In addition to this SPIRIT will cover one round-trip ticket. Who can apply: PhD candidates who are enrolled in a PhD program outside Denmark and whose PhD project falls within one or more of the thematic areas of the doctoral school:

• Transnational orders reconstructed, focusing on the nature and origins of processes of internationalisation and globalisation, including the relationship between ‘the west and the rest’, cultural exchange through history, securitization, and alternative futures for ‘developing’ countries.
• Interregional transformations, focusing on both macro-regional processes such as integration within the EU and NAFTA, and sub-national regionalism as processes related to identity, governance, and economic development strategies.
  
  
• Global and local identities, focusing on conceptual and empirical studies of globalisation as a complex and conflict-ridden process, and on modern and contemporary challenges to existing socio-economic relations, political actors, entrenched identities and everyday life which are posed by new conceptions of gender, nation, class, and ethnicity.
• Managing interculturalism, focusing on the challenges to private firms and public policy posed by the increasingly transnational nature of production of goods and services, international migration, and the increased cultural creolisation of consumption in large parts of the world, from everyday household goods to exotic tourism experiences.

Requirements
Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD program and the stay at SPIRIT should be an integral part of their PhD studies.

Practical information
Travel to and from Aalborg as well as a monthly subsistence allowance of DKK 7,000 (approx. EUR 938/US$ 1,270) are covered. Visiting doctoral candidates will be provided with desk space, a personal computer with internet access and access to the Aalborg University Library. In addition PhD candidates will be allocated a personal supervisor during their stay at SPIRIT.

SPIRIT will assist visiting PhD candidates in finding accommodation in Aalborg. Furthermore, Danish language classes are available at Aalborg University free of charge for those interested.

Application Procedure
Applicants are required to fill in the application form and enclose the following documents:

• A letter motivating the choice of SPIRIT as a suitable place to carry out your research.
• Specification of the topic of your PhD project (max. 5 pages).
• An outline of the work which you propose to undertake while based at SPIRIT. Please note that the work must be an integral part of the PhD project (max. 2 pages)
• Research experience, number of years of full-time PhD research, and expected date of award of doctorate.
• Documentation of enrollment in a PhD program
• Supervisor reference(s) (must state that the stay is recognized as an integral part of your PhD project)
• CV

Application Deadline: May 15, 2007 – at noon (GMT) at the latest.

Applicants will be notified of the selection committee’s decision by email no later than June 22, 2007.

Please send your application (preferably via email in one PDF file. References may be sent separately by email, fax or ordinary mail) to:
Ms Julie Skibsted Larsen
(julie (at) ihis.aau.dk)

Contatc:
SPIRIT
Aalborg University
Fibigerstraede 2
9220 Aalborg East
Denmark
Fax: +45-9635-0044
Please visit SPIRIT’s homepage for further information: http://www.ihis.aau.dk/spirit/scholar/visiting_E2007.html

[Canada] Postdoctoral Position in Retinal and Early Eye Development, University of Victoria

A postdoctoral position is available in the Retinal and Early Eye Development laboratory at the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

One of the major themes in our lab is to understand the mechanisms underlying neuronal cell type diversity. A primary focus is on the development of mouse retinal bipolar interneurons, which make up a heterogeneous and functionally complex class of retinal interneurons essential for receiving, processing and transmitting visual signals. We employ a variety of cell and molecular approaches on transgenic and knock-out mouse models.

Our lab is part of the Neuroscience group and Centre for Biomedical Research at the University of Victoria. UV is located on the southernmost tip of the picturesque Vancouver Island and is a short trip to Vancouver and Seattle

Requirements:
The candidate must have a PhD or MD/PhD with a strong background in cell and molecular biology. Hands-on experience with animal models is highly desired and knowledge in ocular or neurobiology and/or developmental biology is a plus.

Application
Please send CV and contact information for three (3) references to Dr. Robert L. Chow at bobchow@uvic.ca (http://web.uvic.ca/biology/People/chow/chow.htm)

[Australia] Postdoctoral Positions in Nanotechnology, Flinders University

One postdoctoral position is available within the Nanobiotechnology Research Group in the School of Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia. The successful applicant will participate in a collaborative biomaterials research program between the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Flinders University.

The key focus of this laboratory-based post is on high-throughput screening of biomaterials with properties tailored to the requirements for applications in stem cell technologies. Key responsibilities include:

• the development of new coating, patterning and surface chemistries for microarrays,
• the application of the microarray format as a high-throughput screening tool to identify biological and chemical factors that influence cell behaviour (eg phenotypic control of bovine adult stem cells) and for high content analysis in cell-based assays and
• the design and analysis of smart biomaterials presenting optimised surface chemistry and topography.

This position is available for two years from July 1, 2007 on a full-time basis.

Salary will be offered on the Research Associate Level B scale, currently from AU$63,792 to AU $75,750.

Further information regarding this post, contact Assoc. Prof. Nicolas Voelcker (by telephone +61 (0)8 82015338 or by email: nico.voelcker@flinders.edu.au) or Assoc. Prof. Helmut Thissen (by telephone +61 (0)3 95452191 or by email: helmut.thissen@csiro.au).

Applications must address the specified selection criteria. The detailed position information (including selection criteria) is available at www.flinders.edu.au/employment/pdf/07105.pdf and essential information for intending applicants is available at www.flinders.edu.au/employment

Applications must be lodged with Job Applications, Human Resources, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001. Please quote reference: 07105

Closing Date: Monday 14 May 2007