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Saturday, January 31, 2009

Austria: PhD Positions in Adaptive Method Coupling for the Simulation of Problems in Geotechnical Engineering, TU Graz

Vacant PhD Positions in Adaptive Method Coupling for the Simulation of Problems in Geotechnical Engineering, TU Graz, Austria


For a translational Brain Power project Adaptive Method coupling for the simulation of problems in geotechnical engineering, funded by the Austrian science fund two research positions (PhD students) are offered.

The objective of the 3-year project is to develop strategies for an efficient, adaptive coupling of the 3 main numerical methods namely the Finite Element Method (FEM), Boundary Element Method (BEM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM), depending on the physical phenomena encountered.

Two PhD students will be employed. One will work under the supervision of Dr. Rojek from Polish Academy of Sciences (whose expertise is the DEM) and will be concerned mainly with the DEM, the other and will be supervised by Prof. Gernot Beer, head of the Institute for Structural Analysis at Graz University of Technology and be mainly concerned with the BEM. The work location will be the Graz, Austria but since the research group is international no German language skills will be required.

The appointment will be offered initially for one year and extended for another two years after an positive evaluation of the work done in the first year. The gross stipend will be Euro 1.767,80 per month. Ample funds are available to support travel to conferences for the presentation of results. The start of the project is envisaged to be March 1, 2009.

The minimum requirements are:

Completed Master or Diploma in an appropriate discipline, recognised by the TU Graz
Experience in computer programming (preferably C++)
Knowledge of numerical methods (FEM, BEM, DEM)
Your application should be sent before January 14, 2009 by e-mail to Gernot.Beer[ at ]tugraz.at and jrojek[ at ]ippt.gov.pl .

Your email should contain a PDF file as attachment with the following information:

Curriculum Vitae
a copy of your Diploma or Master certificate together with the grades obtained
a description of the work done to date (i.e. Abstract of Diploma or Master thesis)
a letter describing your scientific interests
Names and email-addresses of at least two persons that may write a letter of recommendation
Closing date: January 14,2009

Spain: Postdoctoral Positions in Wireless Communications, University of Vigo

Spain: Postdoctoral Positions in Wireless Communications, University of Vigo

Postdoctoral Positions in Wireless Communications, University of Vigo, Spain


Description
The Signal Processing in Communications Group (GPSC, www.gts.tsc.uvigo.es/gpsc ), affiliated with the Department of Signal Theory and Communications at University of Vigo, Spain, invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in the field of wireless communications. The selected candidates will join GPSC to investigate fundamentals and algorithm design/evaluation for communication and sensor networks.

Areas of particular interest include:
- Sensor networks
- Cognitive Radio
- Compressed Sensing

GPSC is formed by 5 faculty members from the University of Vigo as well as several MSc and PhD students, and participates in several research projects funded by the European Commission and the Spanish Government. Among these, the recently launched COMONSENS project (www.comonsens.org) integrates investigators from 10 different top research institutions in Spain. GPSC members also actively collaborate with the Galician R&D Center in Advanced Telecommunications (GRADIANT, www.gradiant.org ) in diverse contracts with ICT companies. Thus, the selected candidates will enjoy unique opportunities to participate in exciting research projects with both industry and academia.

Desirable background

A Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering is required
Knowledge and experience in sensor networks, cognitive radio and/or compressed sensing
Good verbal and written skills in English are required
Strong publications in international conferences and journals in the area of communications
Postdoctoral experience in a recognized group with expertise in the field is a plus
Experience in the organization, management and training of technical staff/students is a plus
Communication, computing and interpersonal skills are important
Capacity to work both independently and within a team
Contract conditions
The initial appointment will be for one year, with annual renewal dependent on funding and performance. Expected start date is March 2009. Successful applicants will be offered a 30,000-36,000 € yearly gross salary depending on qualifications, as well as health benefits.

Applications
Interested candidates may apply to Prof. Roberto Lopez-Valcarce (valcarce[ at ]gts.tsc.uvigo.es).

Applications should include electronic copies of the following:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae. (*Please include your e-mail address and a recent picture.)
A cover letter addressing the specified job qualifications.
A letter of recommendation by a senior Professor/Researcher.
A copy of the publication deemed as best representative of the candidate’s creative research.
Priority consideration will be given to applications received by February 15, 2009. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.

Contact:
Roberto López Valcarce
Departamento de Teoría de la Señal y Comunicaciones
ETSET. University of Vigo
36310 Vigo. Spain
Phone: +34 986 818659,
e-mail: valcarce[ at ]gts.tsc.uvigo.es

Closing date: February 15, 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

China: Chinese Government Special Scholarship, Postgraduate Program, Fudan University

Chinese Government Special Scholarship, Postgraduate Program (Master and Doctoral), Fudan University, China

Fudan University Detailed Implementation of the 2009 “Chinese Government Special Scholarship - Postgraduate Program”

In order to increase the cooperation and understanding between the people of China and other countries, develop outstanding international talent and improve the perception of China’s higher education, under the mandate of the Department of Education, Fudan University is opening application for full-time postgraduate studies under the 2009 Chinese government scholarship program.

In order to facilitate the implementation of the Chinese Government Scholarship, the following detailed implementation has been issued in accordance with the “Chinese Government Scholarship Application Method”

I. Scholarship scope and distribution

1. The Scholarship is aimed at assisting Master’s and Doctorate candidate students who apply for Fudan University in 2009.

2. 30 Scholarships are available for 2009.

3. Scholarship scope:

- Students are exempt from registration fees, tuition, laboratory fees, internship fees, study materials and accommodation costs;

- A living stipend is provided (Masters Students 1700RMB/month, Doctorate Students 2000RMB/month);

- New arrival one time set up subsidy 1500RMB/person;

- To provide out-patient medical fees and Chinese Government Scholarship Foreign Students Medical Insurance 600RMB/person/year.

Note: For details, please consult Chinese Government Scholarship Council Webpage at www.csc.edu.cn

II. Qualifications for Scholarship Application

1. Applicants must be foreign nationals, and in good health;

2. Education and age requirements:

Applicants for doctorate studies should have obtained a master’s degree and not be older than 40; applicants for master’s studies should have obtained a bachelor’s degree and not be older than 35;

3. Applicants should be graduates of internationally known overseas universities, or those universities that have established exchange programs with Fudan University. Applicants should have excellent grades; or should be a student from overseas university recommended by a Fudan University postgraduate advisor;

4. Applicants should not be holding scholarship of any other category.

III. Application for area of study

All Chinese-taught and English-taught programs open to international students. (Not including MBA, IMBA and all cooperation programs with foreign universities or institutions.)

For more information, please consult http://www.fso.fudan.edu.cn

IV. Application materials

1. Two copies of the Chinese Government Scholarship Application Form, can be downloaded from this link.
2. A copy of Application Form for Foreigners Wishing to Study at Fudan University can be downloaded from this link.

3. A certified copy of the certificate for the highest education level attained. If the applicant is still in school or working, evidence of studies or current position should be provided. Non English or Chinese language documentation requires a certified English or Chinese language translation;

4. Complete original or certified Undergraduate or Master’s transcripts. Non English or Chinese language documentation requires a certified English or Chinese language translation;

5. Personal Statement. Masters applicants should write no fewer than 1000 Chinese words, and Doctorate applicants no fewer than 1500 Chinese words, when applying for courses given in Chinese. Applications for courses given in English require a 2000 word personal statement in English. The content should include education and work experience, results of academic research, research plan, and personal goals and plans after graduation, etc.

6. If the applicant has published a paper, received an award or scholarship or any other evidence of academic ability, the title, abstract and publication or any other valid documentation should be provided.

7. Two recommendation letters from professor or associate professor, written in Chinese or English.

8. A copy of Physical Examination Record for Foreigners can be downloaded from Chinese Government Scholarship Council web page and should be printed double-sided.

Note: 1. Please provide a valid email address in the application form for good contact.

2. Whether or not the application is successful, the application materials will not be returned.



V. Application time and approval process

Application is open until the 15th of April, 2009. We will count on the postmark.

1. Applicants should send the application materials to the Fudan University Foreign Students Office. The Foreign Students Office will pass the application materials of qualified applicants to the relevant department;

2. After inspection and comment, the departments will return the materials to the Foreign Students Office within the allocated time.

3. The final results will be made by the Review Committee of Fudan University for International Students Scholarships. Fudan University will report the results to the Chinese Government Scholarships Council for approval.

4. Fudan University will send the admission notice and Visa Application Form (JW201) to the successful applicants right after the results are approved by the Chinese Government Scholarships Council

VI. Scholarship recipients must go to Fudan University to register on the date stipulated by the university. Students who have not received permission and arrive late for this process will have their Scholarship status automatically cancelled.

VII. Foreign Students who have received scholarships should participate in annual scholarship evaluation. Scholarship holders who fail to meet the requirements will have their scholarship cancelled.

VIII. Fudan University reserves the final right of interpretation of these detailed implementation regulations.

IX Contact

Address:
Foreign Students Office,Fudan University
No.220 Handan Road,Shanghai,China 200433
Tel: 0086-21-55664568, Fax: 0086-21-65117298

E-mail: xr_zhang[ at ]fudan.edu.cn; lei_wang[ at ]fudan.edu.cn
Web: www.fso.fudan.edu.cn

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sweden: PhD Positions in Privacy, IT Security and in Computer Networking, Karlstad University

PhD Positions in Privacy, IT Security and in Computer Networking, Karlstad University, Sweden

Karlstad University invites applications for:
Two Ph.D. positions in Computer Science with specializations in Privacy& IT Security and in Computer Networking

1) PhD position in Privacy & IT Security, 100% , Reference FAK1 2008/176
The Ph.D. position is available within the Privacy & Security Group at the Department of Computer Science at Karlstad University.The Privacy & Security Group is focusing on privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), network and operating system security, as well as usability of security & PETs.

Qualifications: Qualified for this position are candidates with a University degree of 240 ECTS, from which at least 60 ECTS were awarded for courses at advanced level and have a Master’s degree or the Swedish Magister or Civilingenjör Degrees in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or equivalent. Qualified are also those candidates who have achieved corresponding degrees and/or knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

Knowledge or experience in some of the areas of IT security, wireless communication security, PETs or usability of security & PETs is desirable.

2) PhD position in Computer Networking, 100% , Reference FAK1 2008/175
The Ph.D. position is available within the Distributed Systems and Communications Research Group (DISCO) at the Department of Computer Science at Karlstad University. Research within DISCO is focused on development of transport and application layer protocols, cross-layer interactions and the design of future 4G wireless systems, including Wireless Mesh and AdHoc Networks.

Qualifications: Qualified for this position are candidates with a University degree of 240 ECTS, from which at least 60 ECTS were awarded for courses at advanced level and have a Master’s degree or the Swedish Magister or Civilingenjör Degrees in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or equivalent. Qualified are also those candidates who have achieved corresponding degrees and/or knowledge in Sweden or abroad.

Some background in computer networking or telecommunication as well as good programming skills is required for the position. Knowledge or experience in some of the areas of transport or application layer protocols, wireless networks, cross layer interactions or performance evaluation of computer networks is desirable.

Admission (for both positions): On the basis of individual assessment of the candidates’ abilities to successfully pass the research education. The earliest date for filling the position is the 1st April 2009. The position is limited to 4 years, but can be prolonged for up to one more year, if the PhD student also takes on other research, teaching or administrative tasks besides his/her PhD research. Those tasks should not exceed 20% of the time of a full-time position.

Application: Your application should contain a cover letter motivating your reasons for applying, a CV, copies of your degrees, a list of attended courses with grades and dates, if applicable copies of publications or proofs of other achievements, and reference letters or contact addresses of reference persons. Please also refer to the position that you want to apply for.

More information:
Professor Simone Fischer Hübner: Simone.Fischer-Huebner[ at ]kau.se (for the PhD position in Privacy & IT Security)
Professor Anna Brunstrom: Anna.Brunstrom[ at ]kau.se (for the PhD position in Computer Networking).

Union representative for SACO Thomas Wennstam (Thomas.Wennstam[ at ]kau.se) and for OFR Barbro Berglund (Barbro.Berglund[ at ]kau.se).
All persons are available at +46 54-700 10 00.

Applications with Reference Numbers should be sent to:

Karlstad university
Faculty of Economic Sciences, Communication and IT
S-651 88 KARLSTAD
SWEDEN

Closing date: 2009-02-08.

UK: PhD Studentships in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience of Autism School of Psychology, University of Birmingham

PhD Studentship in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience of Autism School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK

Funding is available for a three-year PhD studentship from October 2009, for a student interested in studying the development of autism in infants and/or children using the tools of developmental cognitive neuroscience. The successful candidate will be trained to conduct developmental research using event-related potentials (ERPs), eye-tracking technology, and clinical / behavioral assessments.

The University of Birmingham School of Psychology is a 5* RAE-rated Psychology department with excellent facilities, established research groups, and substantial external funding. Research supervision for this studentship will be provided by Dr. Joseph McCleery, and the successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art EEG/ERP equipment (http://www.egi.com), eye-tracking technology (http://www.eyelinkinfo.com), and a variety of clinical assessments, for their research. Finally, the recently established Cerebra Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders provides a larger community to support research and training towards understanding autism as it relates to other neurodevelopmental disorders.

This studentship requires enthusiasm for clinically-oriented research, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to producing and disseminating excellent experimental research. Prior involvement with event-related potentials or eye-tracking research, and/or prior experience working with infants and children, would be a considerable advantage.

The studentship pays the tuition fee and a maintenance allowance currently £12,940 per annum. Home and international students are eligible to be considered for this studentship. This includes students without a degree in psychology but with a degree that equips them with relevant skills in neuroscience, cognitive science, computer science, medicine, or biology. Tuition fees for overseas applicants will be paid at the home tuition fee rate.

Application:
For more information, and informal discussion about the studentship, please contact Dr. Joseph McCleery (joe.mccleery[ at ]gmail.com). To obtain the Research Studies brochure and an application form, please contact Ms. Parveen Chahal (p.k.chahal[ at ]bham.ac.uk).

Requirements:
Applicants should hold, or anticipate receiving very soon as shown in supporting documents, a bachelor’s or master’s degree, diploma, or equivalent in one of the relevant fields. The Research School welcomes participation by women, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, or disability.

Closing Date: February 28, 2009

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Europe: The European Master’s Program in Computational Logic

The European Master’s Program in Computational Logic, Europe

We are glad to offers you the possibility to join our European Master Program of Computational Logic. This program is offered jointly at the Free-University of Bozen-Bolzano in Italy, the Technische Universität Dresden in Germany, the Universidade Nova de Lisboa in Portugal, the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid in Spain and the Technische Universität Wien in Austria. Within this program you have the choice to study at two of the five European universities. You will graduate with a MSc in Computer Science from each of the two universities you have selected.

Information on the universities and the program including the application form are provided here:
http://european.computational-logic.org

Language of instruction is English. Tuition fees are 3.000 EUR per year.

We would like to draw your attention to the ERASMUS-MUNDUS scholarship program. The ERASMUS-MUNDUS consortium offers 2-year scholarships of 42.000 EUR for non-EU students in our European Master Program in Computational Logic. EU-students may apply for a three-month scholarship of 3100 EUR for doing their project at NICTA in Australia.

Application deadline is February 10, 2009. Online-applications (pdf-files, ONLY) are possible and must contain:

Application form
Curriculum Vitae
Reports on university examinations (transcripts) and diploma (first degree or bachelor degree). If the bachelor degree will only be available after the deadline, students are required to send us a PRELIMINARY certificate.
English language certificate (TOEFL and IELTS)
More information on the application procedure are available from this page.

Closing date: February 10, 2009

UK: PhD Studentship in Developmental Biology, University of Aberdeen

PhD Studentship in Developmental Biology, University of Aberdeen, UK

Regulation of the Drosophila Cellular Immune Response by the Nucleokinesis Complex

Evidence is mounting that during attachment or encapsulation events leukocytes, platelets, and insect haemocytes use the same adhesion complexes as epithelial and neuronal cells. In mammalian neuronal cells a nucleokinesis complex regulates nuclear migration. There is mounting evidence that this same apparatus is important in regulating Drosophila circulating immunosurveillance cell (haemocyte) activity.

The key question of this study is to ask how the nucleokinesis complex regulates embryonic haemocyte migration.

Eligibility:
Fees will be paid at UK/EU rates only. Candidates must be UK citizens or EU citizens who have resided in the UK for three years, and should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree or a Masters degree or an equivalent qualification

Commences October 2009

Application: For more information email Dr. Michael Williams at m.j.williams[ at ]abdn.ac.uk or visit:
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/ibes/staff/m.j.williams

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Norway: Postdoctoral Fellowship in Distributed Generation Technology, University of Agder

Postdoctoral fellowship in distributed generation technology, University of Agder Norway, Faculty of engineering and science Ref. 132/08


A three-year postdoctoral fellowship in Distributed Generation Technology is available at the University of Agder; Norway. The post is at the Faculty of Engineering and Science which is located in Grimstad, Norway.

Agder Energi, a large Norwegian electricity producer, sponsors the position, as a part of a strategic strengthening of the renewable energy area at the University of Agder.

The main objective of appointment as a post-doctoral research fellow is to qualify for work in ?The criteria for employment as post doctor are given in the Regulations of employment for positions as post doctor, university fellow, research fellow etc., issued by the Ministry of Education and Research, January 31, 2006, with legal authority under the Act of Universities and University Colleges, § 6-4, part six. (text in Norwegian only)

We seek a person with a recent PhD in Photovoltaic Technology or a similar field, either from the end user side (power electronics) or from the materials side (physics of photovoltaic cells). Candidates with strong academic abilities, laboratory experience and a high publication rate from their PhD are preferred. The post doctor is expected to:?

1. Continue research in Photovoltaics based on previous experience and in team with members of the Photovoltaic group at the University of Agder with the objective of writing joint papers. (A research proposal must be submitted together with the application.)?

2. Representing University of Agder in the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) throughout the employment period.?

3. Participate in the supervision of PhD-students in End Use of Photovoltaic Technology, including work in the laboratory, and contribute to the establishment and building up of Agder University Photovoltaic Laboratory.?

4. Teach at all levels of our study programmes (total of 25% of the three-year period calculated from common criteria at the Faculty of Engineering and Science)

A comprehensive assessment of documented professional competence forms the basis of the appointment. The applicants are expected to enclose a proposal for a research project (point 1 above) including a realistic plan of progress for the three year project, taking into account the other responsibilities as given above.

In addition, importance is attached to pedagogical qualifications and teamwork abilities.

The person to be appointed must expect changes in the organization and assignments, and can be instructed to carry out other tasks than those listed above for the University of Agder.

Appointments are made by the Appointment Committee for Teaching and Scientific Positions at University of Agder.

The state’s work force shall to the greatest extent possible reflect the diversity of the population. For this reason, the state’s personnel policy aims to achieve a balanced age and gender mix and recruit people from minorities. Women and people with an immigrant background are encouraged to apply. If applicants are otherwise equally competent, female applicants will be preferred.

The position is placed within the State salary scale, salary plan 17.510, post doctor, code 1352, salary grade 57-64 (NOK 435.700-NOK 496.100. A compulsory pension contribution will be deducted and paid to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund according to current statutory provisions.

The following documentation should be submitted in three hard copies:?

Certified copies of diplomas and references?
Project description and plan of progress
Up to 10 selected scientific publications,?including a list of the publications submitted.
Applicants are asked to submit their application and CV online. Please use the link “Send application”. Alternatively, the application and CV can be sent in three hard copies to University of Agder, Faculty of Engineering and Science, attn. Adviser Anne Lise de Lange, Serviceboks 509, 4898 Grimstad, Norway, quoting “Ref nr. 132/08.

Closing date for applications: 28 February 2009.

The applicant is responsible for sending complete documentation as well as the correct number of sets. All documentation must be available in a Scandinavian language or English.

Further information are available on request to Professor Ole-Morten Midtgård, phone no. +47 37 25 32 38, email ole-morten.midtgard[ at ]uia.no and to Professor Tor Oskar Sætre, phone no. +47 37 25 31 37, email tor.satre[ at ]uia.no, as well as on the Internet: www.uia.no/stillling/

Monday, January 26, 2009

Switzerland: PhD Position in Financial Economics, University of St Gallen

PhD Position in Financial Economics, University of St Gallen, Switzerland

At the University of St. Gallen, Department of Economics, one 35% - 70% -POSITION IN FINANCIAL
ECONOMICS OR QUANTITATIVE FINANCE

starting in March 2009. The position is part of the Prof. Enrico De Giorgi’s research group. It is assumed that candidates for these position are willing to start a Ph.D. in Financial Economics or Quantitative Finance at the University of St. Gallen. Ph. D. topics for a thesis can cover both, theoretical or empirical methods in Finance and Economics. Examples of recent research articles that could be starting points for a Ph. D. thesis can be downloaded from the web address: http://www.people.lu.unisi.ch/degiorge/

The successful candidate will be integrated in a young, strongly research oriented team, with strong foundation in quantitative methods in Finance and Economics. The group will be located at the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics of the University of St. Gallen. The new Ph. D. candidate is expected to interact strongly with the professors of the Institute of Mathematics and Statistics in the development of their thesis, as well as with professors and post?docs of the Swiss Institute of Banking and Finance. The candidate is also expected to collaborate in the development of the teaching activities of the group in the areas of mathematics and quantitative methods for Finance and Economics.

Applications for the position should be send no later than Friday, January 30, 2009 by e?mail with a complete CV to: enrico.degiorgi[ at ]lu.unisi.ch.

Candidate Profile:

Bachelor and Master degrees in Economics, Finance, Mathematics (in this case, with some
studies in Economics), or related fields;
Willingness to write a Ph. D. thesis in Financial Economics or Quantitative Finance at the
University of St. Gallen;
Strong willingness to apply quantitative methods in Finance or Economics;
Interest in Decision Theory, Behavioural Finance and Behavioural Economics.
Duties:

Collaboration in the teaching of mathematics at different teaching levels;
Collaboration in the research activities of the group in the areas of Mathematics, Financial Economics and Quantitative Finance;
Development of a Ph. D. thesis in Financial Economics or Quantitative Finance at the University of St. Gallen.
Starting Date: 1st of March 2009.

Grmany: PhD Scholarships in North American Studies, Free University Berlin

Graduate School of North American Studies invites applications for 12 Doctoral Grants

The Graduate School of the John F. Kennedy-Institute for North American Studies invites applications for the academic year 2009/2010. Six academic disciplines in the humanities and social sciences collaborate in offering a structured curriculum. The doctoral program is interdisciplinary in its approach and focuses on those social transformations impacting the United States and Canada at the beginning of the 21st century. Areas of emphasis include domestic and foreign policy, economic development, ethnic identity and relations, as well as recent transformations in media, art, literature, culture, and religion.

Applicants interested in pursuing a doctorate with an emphasis in North American Studies must have a completed degree (M.A. or the equivalent) with above average marks in one of the following disciplines: American Cultural Studies, American Literature, History, Political Science, Sociology and Economics.

Grants are awarded for a period of one year with the possibility of two annual extensions. The language of instruction is English.

Scholarships amount to ca. 1.500 € per month.

It is also possible to apply for admission to the program independently from applying for a stipend.

Guest students are welcome to stay for a period of up to one year. Guest students must be self-supporting.

All application materials (completed application form, study proposal of 3 pages, outline of dissertation project of 8-10 pages, curriculum vitae, two recent letters of reference, copies of earned degrees, proof of language skills, and a writing sample) must be received by January 31, 2009 at the following address:

Freie Universität Berlin
Graduate School of North American Studies
Professor Dr. Winfried Fluck, Director
Lansstrasse 5-9
14195 Berlin, Germany

For further information on application requirements and the graduate program, and for the application form, please see www.gsnas.fu-berlin.de Please address all inquiries to the administrative coordinator: office[ at ]gsnas.fu-berlin.de

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Switzerland: PhD Position In Quantitative Finance with Applications in Asset Pricing, Università della Svizzera Italiana

PhD Position In Quantitative Finance with Applications in Asset Pricing, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Faculty of Economics, Switzerland

The Faculty of Economics of the Università della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland, opens a PhD position in Quantitative Finance with applications in Asset Pricing, starting in Spring 2009.

The Faculty of Economics of the Università della Svizzera Italiana, founded in 1996, provides an exciting environment in which to develop a research career. The Faculty is involved in scientific programs at Swiss level and in the NCCR-FINRISK competence centre in Finance of the Swiss National Science Foundation.

The successful candidate will be integrated in a young, strongly research oriented team, with strong foundation in quantitative methods in Finance and Economics. For further information on research activities, please visit the web-sites:

http://www.unige.ch/ses/metri/ronchetti/
http://www.people.lu.unisi.ch/trojanif/
http://www.people.lu.unisi.ch/gagliarp/
http://www.people.lu.unisi.ch/degiorge/

The candidate for this position should have the following qualifications:

Master in Finance, Economics or Mathematics with strong foundation in quantitative methods;
Interest in numerical methods and Behavioural Finance.
Closing date for application is January 30, 2009. The position starts at 1st March 2009, or at a date to be arranged.

Please send an application with a complete CV to:

Prof. Dr. Enrico De Giorgi
Prof. Dr. Fabio Trojani
Faculty of Economics
Università della Svizzera Italiana
Via Buffi 13
CH-6900 Lugano
Switzerland
E-mail: enrico.degiorgi[ at ]lu.unisi.ch, fabio.trojani[ at ]lu.unisi.ch

UK: Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarships 2009

Wellcome Trust Biomedical Vacation Scholarships 2009, UK

Applications are invited from biomedical and veterinary science departments for undergraduates to work on a biomedical science research project during their summer vacation.

Scholarships provide the student with a stipend for up to eight weeks. Research expenses are not provided.

Students should be undergraduates in the middle (i.e. not the first or last) years of their first degree studies. They should be registered for a basic science, medical, dentistry or veterinary degree at a university within the UK or the Republic of Ireland (RoI). Projects must be undertaken at a UK or RoI university. Preference will be given to undergraduates without previous research experience.

Students are encouraged to arrange their scholarship away from their usual place of study. Application forms and further details are available until 9 February 2009, from the Wellcome Trust website

Applications must be submitted on behalf of the student, by the project supervisor.

Forms must be returned by 16 February 2009.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

The Netherlands: Postdoc Positions in Molecular Phenotyping of Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Netherlands Cancer Institute

Postdoc Positions in Molecular Phenotyping of Breast and Ovarian Cancer, Netherlands Cancer Institute, The Netherlands

This European Seventh Framework program project will benefit from a rich variety of data types measured on a very large number of tumors collected by the participants in this consortium. For example, mRNA expression, genotyping and histo-pathological data will be available for roughly 7000 breast cancer cases, while aCGH and genotyping data will be available for 4000 ovarian cancer cases. The bioinformatics postdoc will be responsible for the development of computational approaches aimed at characterizing the molecular phenotypes of tumors using the rich collection of data sources and to evaluate the association between genetic and environmental factors and (molecular) phenotypes of disease.

Requirements:
The ideal candidates will have a background in one of the following areas: bioinformatics, engineering, computer science, statistics, physics, biotechnology, or biology. Knowledge of fundamental aspects of computer science (algorithms and data structures, programming languages) is required. Knowledge of statistics, artificial intelligence or bioinformatics is highly desirable.

Contact:
For further information about the position, or to apply, please contact Dr. Lodewyk Wessels tel. +31 20 512 7987 or e-mail: l.wessels[ at ]nki.nl

Belgium: PhD Positions on Speech Recognition, Handwriting Recognition and Robotics, Ghent University

Several Ph.D. positions on speech recognition, handwriting recognition and robotics using Reservoir Computing available, Ghent University, Belgium

Several fully funded Ph.D. positions are available in Machine Learning at the Reservoir Lab, part of the Electronics and Information Systems Department, faculty of Engineering of the Ghent University, Belgium.

The Projects
The positions are made available in the context of the following integrated projects:

“Self-organized Recurrent Neural Learning for Language Processing” (ORGANIC), funded by the European Commission within the 7th Framework Program. Details about the project can be found at the preliminary reservoir computing website.
“Reservoir Computing for auditory pattern recognition” (RECAP), funded by the Research Programme of the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO).
The research concerns the investigation of architectures and algorithms for the efficient learning of large recurrent neural networks based on the Reservoir Computing concept (where only a linear readout layer is learned, and the recurrent connections are fixed or trained in an unsupervised way). Important research topics are the unsupervised learning of a large hierarchy of recurrent sub-layers, and the integration of various adaptation techniques. The application domains are off-line handwriting recognition, speech recognition and various aspects of robotics (such as robot localization, motion control, …).

Requirements
Candidates for these Ph.D. positions should have a Masters degree in Electrical, Computer or Physics Engineering; or in Physics, Mathematics or Informatics. The ideal candidates have a background or previous experience in one or more of the following: Machine Learning, programming (Python, Matlab, …), statistics, signal processing, speech recognition, control engineering, or robotics. A good knowledge of English is essential.

Appointment, Salary and Working Environment
The appointment is for four years. As an employee of the university you will receive a competitive
salary (starting with a net monthly salary of approximately 1.600€) as well as excellent secondary benefits (holiday allowance, etc.). Assistance for finding accommodation is provided. We offer an exciting job in a stimulating environment, with a nice amount of flexibility and academic liberty. Our young and vibrant research group has a thorough expertise in the research area. Belgium was ranked first on the “Best Countries for Academic Research” worldwide list (The Scientist, 2007), and Ghent University was appointed second place on the “Best Places to Work in Academia” non-US list (The Scientist, 2006). According to a study of EUROFOUND, Belgium, Finland and Austria have the highest quality of life in the European Union.

Application
If you are interested in one of the Ph.D. vacancies, please send in electronic format: a detailed curriculum vitae, a motivation letter, a publication list and selected publications (if applicable), your course program and corresponding grades, and two letters of recommendation to Benjamin Schrauwen (Benjamin.Schrauwen[ at ]UGent.be). Some positions start in April 2009, others in October 2009. Applications which are received before February 1, 2009 get priority.

Closing date: February 1, 2009

PhD / Postdoc Positions in Systems Biology of Insertional Mutagenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, The Netherlands

A major goal of cancer research is to understand the gene networks that control tumorigenesis. Towards this end, large scale in vivo insertional mutagenesis screens are performed at the NKI. While this approach is extremely powerful, it still suffers from some limitations. First, viral insertions in the genome are not completely random, but show substantial biases. Second, when a virus integrates in an intergenic region, it is difficult to predict which of the surrounding genes will be affected. Third, the expression status of the integrated provirus itself is likely to be affected by the local chromatin structure. In this project we will employ very large scale insertion data obtained via deep sequencing, expression data en newly generated and public genome and chromatin profiling datasets to construct predictive models of insertion bias, effects of the environment on the genes and the effects of the insertions on genes. These models will be validated through directed perturbations of components identified in the modeling step as critical.

Requirements:
The ideal candidates will have a background in one of the following areas: bioinformatics, engineering, computer science, statistics, physics, biotechnology, or biology. Knowledge of fundamental aspects of computer science (algorithms and data structures, programming languages) is required. Knowledge of statistics, artificial intelligence or bioinformatics is highly desirable.

Contact:
For further information about the position, or to apply, please contact Dr. Lodewyk Wessels tel. +31 20 512 7987 or e-mail: l.wessels[ at ]nki.nl

Friday, January 23, 2009

UK: PhD Studentships in Statistics, University of Cambridge

PhD Studentships in Statistics, University of Cambridge, UK

Vacancy Reference No: LF04227

Applications are invited for PhD studentships in Statistics, to be held in the Statistical Laboratory. The Studentships are associated with the Cambridge Statistics Initiative which is targeted at the development of novel statistical methodology, both generic and in specific application areas. Information about the Laboratory can be found at www.statslab.cam.ac.uk .

The studentships will provide funding to cover fees at the home/EU rate. Additional funding for fees for those paying the overseas arts rate could be available and will be assessed competitively. A stipend will be paid of at least the equivalent to the national minimum (£13290 for the academic year 2009/10) for a minimum period of 3 years.

Supervision, along with research training tailored to the needs of the student, will be provided by the Laboratory. Research interests of academic staff can be found here .

Applicants must qualify for admission to the PhD course at the University of Cambridge. They should normally hold (or expect to be awarded) a first class UK honours degree or equivalent and a postgraduate qualification in Mathematics or Statistics.

Initial enquiries, which should include a curriculum vitae and an indication of possible research topics, should be directed to Professor A.P. Dawid. (apd[ at ]statslab.cam.ac.uk)

Limit of tenure: 3 years

Closing date: 31 January 2009.

Italy: Postdoctoral Position in Gravitational Waves, European Gravitational Observatory

Postdoctoral Position in Gravitational Waves, European Gravitational Observatory, Italy

Description:
The fellowship holder will participate to the commissioning of the Virgo+ interferometer. The work will consist in characterizing the thermal aberrations of the interferometer, the implementation of aberrations reduction strategies and locking strategies for Virgo+. In the study of thermal effects, particular attention will be devoted to the coupling of the input thermal aberrations with interferometer aberrations, also with the use of simulations codes. The work includes also the operation of the Thermal Compensation System, the definition of a figure of merit, the use of different beam input powers, with the aim of operating the interferometer at full power (25 Watts).

Other important activities will concern the suspension control. Part of the work will be dedicated to the tuning of present control loops and to the design of control strategies for Virgo+ equipped with Monolithic Suspensions.

The fellow will work within the commissioning team. He/she will also participate in the preparation of the data taking periods and in the noise analysis.

Requirements:

- PhD in Physics or in related field. In particular a PhD thesis in fields related to the above mentioned subjects would be a title of merit.

- Background requested in Experimental Physics, Optics.

- Availability to work in a team will be appreciated.

- Fluency in English is crucial.

To apply for this position please use the EGO Application Form available and send it to jobs[ at ]ego-gw.it quoting the reference FL-CM-08.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Ireland: PhD Position in Electron Device Physic, Tyndall National Institute

PhD Position - Electron Device Physic, Tyndall National Institute, Ireland (Simulation of Semiconductor Nanowire Field Effect Transistors)

A PhD candidate with strong interest in electron device physics and computational material science is sought. Background or familiarity with scientific computing is an advantage.

This project will focus on the simulation of field effect transistors made from semiconductor nanowires. The simulations will treat the device structure on the atomic scale, including realistic models of the semiconductor/oxide interface.The initial phase of the project will entail software development focused on adding a self-consistent Poisson solver to an atomic scale electron transport simulator.

Positions are available immediately through funding provided by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the successful applicant will work with a team of researchers developing quantum mechanical descriptions for future electron devices. Additional opportunities exist through the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technologys PhD scholarship programme: http://www.ircset.ie

Application
To obtain further details on the application procedure or to discuss project details, please contact: Jim Greer, Head of Electronics Theory Group, jim.greer[ at ]tyndall.ie and include a copy of a recent CV or transcript.

To apply for this position, please submit a CV to careers[ at ]tyndall.ie, quoting the reference number JG-11

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Canada: Postdoctoral Position in Chronic Wasting Disease Modeling

Postdoctoral Position in Chronic Wasting Disease Modeling, Canada

A cross-disciplinary research team studying the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the Canadian Prairies is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to take the lead in creating mathematical models to inform understanding as to how intervention strategies will affect spread of CWD and cervid population dynamics. The modeler will work closely with established researchers on infectious disease in the School of Public Health and Department of Computer Science, and with researchers and students in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine conducting an ongoing field studies on the movement and health status of deer populations, investigating the impact of intervention strategies and vaccination.

Applicants should have earned a doctoral degree in mathematics, Computer Science, physics or engineering or other technical discipline, have past experience in building or analyzing models of infectious disease spread, familiarity with applied mathematics (including differential equations, probability theory, and some knowledge of statistics), exposure to programming and debugging in one
or more object-oriented programming languages, and an interest in applications of modeling to animal and veterinary health. Exposure to epidemiology, and previous work with ecological modeling or individual-based simulation models is desirable but not required. Funding is currently available for a 1- year postdoctoral positional position, with possible extension to 2 years, starting immediately.

Applications will be considered until February 15, 2009.

Interested applicants should write to Dr. Cheryl Waldner at cheryl.waldner[ at ]usask.ca to apply and for further information.

Spain: PhD Student Fellowship in System Neuroscience, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona

PhD Student Fellowship in System Neuroscience, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain


A PhD student fellowship (FPI) in the field of System Neuroscience is availabe with Dr David Robbe at the IDIBAPS (Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer ), Barcelona Spain. The preferred starting date is september/october 2009. However deadline for application is 31st of January 2009 and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Evaluation and interviews will start immediately.

The project will aimed at understanding the effect of cannabinoids on thalamocortical network activity and oscillations. Student will be trained to advanced in vivo electrophysiological recording methods (silicon probes, tetrodes) in rodent, pharmacoly, behavior and advanced data analysis. Because of the multi-disciplinary nature of the project, applicants with diploma or BSc in Biology, Physics or Mathematics are encouraged to apply.

The position is offered for 4 years. The salary is according to spanish standard. During their thesis, successful candidate will also have the possibility to perfrom a short-term fellowship (6 month) in a foreign laboratory.

Applications, including a cover letter explaining the reasons for the application, a CV and names of two references should be sent at: davrobbe[ at ]clinic.ub.es or davidrobbe[ at ]gmail.com

Relevant Publication:Cannabinoids reveal importance of spike timing coordination in hippocampal function. Robbe D et al., Nat Neurosci. 2006 Dec;9(12):1526-33. Epub 2006 Nov 19.

Closing date: 31 January 2009

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Portugal: Master and PhD Positions in Engineering, MIT-Portugal Program

Master and PhD positions in Engineering, MIT-Portugal Program, Portugal

The MIT Portugal Program announces its call for applications for the 2009-10 academic year. Each program is offered in association by a consortium of Portuguese universities, with the participation of MIT (US) faculty.

The Leaders for Technical Industries program will train a new generation of leaders for companies with a technological profile, and enable a new European paradigm in managing product development and production systems. Students participating in this program will have the ability to foster the innovative application of new knowledge in successful products and/or processes. LTI includes classroom curriculum, industrial internships, time at MIT, and a doctoral thesis. Students will have the opportunity to participate in applied research projects developed under the frame of the EDAM agenda in cooperation with MIT Portugal’s Industrial Affiliates program.

For more information please consult the following link:
http://www.mitportugal.org/edam/edam-doctoral-program.html

Candidates may simultaneously apply for FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) scholarships.

Degree in one of the following areas: mechanical, electronical, industrial, chemical or materials/polymers engineering or mathematics or physics (considered upon curricular analysis).

Website: www.mitportugal.org

Job Starting Date: 15/09/2009

Application Deadline: 28/02/2009

Required Skills
Strong motivation to develop a career in the fields of technological or manufacturing management.

Further Requirements
Formal candidacy materials and the online application form are available at the MIT Portugal Program website.

PhD programs have application deadline of 28 February 2009.

Please check www.mitportugal.org for complete information.

UK: PhD Research Studentships, School of Applied Social Sciences, Durham University

PhD Research Studentships, School of Applied Social Sciences, Durham University, UK

(closing date: 03:00 GMT, Monday 16th February, 2009)

The School of Applied Social Sciences at Durham University invites applications for a range of studentships and bursaries for PhD study starting in October 2009. Fully funded Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) studentships are available for Sociology (including Criminology and Sociology of Sport) and Social Work (including Community and Youth Work) and are open to UK and EU students. We also invite applications for fully funded Durham Doctoral Fellowships (open to students from UK and overseas), Overseas Research Students Awards (overseas fees only) and Bursaries in Community and Youth Work and Social Work.

ESRC studentships
+3 studentships are for those who have already completed recognised ESRC research training at Masters level; 1+3 studentships are for those without a recognised research Masters degree. The 1+3 award is for a four-year programme, including a one-year MA in Social Research. During this year, students develop a PhD proposal, which is then completed during the subsequent three years. These awards include maintenance grants and tuition fees paid for UK students. For EU students the awards cover tuition fees only. Annual maintenance grants (£12,940 at 2008-9 rate, subject to adjustment) do not attract income tax or National Insurance. Research students have the opportunity to undertake some paid seminar teaching. Potential applicants should consult the ESRC website.

For further information on postgraduate training. In your application, you must include a research proposal that matches the ESRC research areas.

Applications
Applicants wishing to be considered for the awards starting in October 2009 should make an application to the University by 3.00 GMT on Monday 16th February, 2009. To apply, please read the further details about studying for a research degree in the School, and then fill in the online application form by going to this page and following the link to the application form.

Please indicate for which studentship you are applying (you may apply for more than one if eligible). Applicants are expected to have, or to be predicted to obtain, an upper second or first class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a social sciences or related subject, or to be able to demonstrate other relevant experience including other postgraduate degrees.

For further information, please contact Jill Lea, Research Secretary, j.m.lea[ at ]durham.ac.uk (0191 3341485) in the School of Applied Social Sciences, Durham University, Elvet Riverside 2, New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3JT, UK.

Europe: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships in Mathematical Modelling in Engineering

Name.
Erasmus Mundus MSc course in MathMods (Mathematical Modelling in Engineering: Theory, Numerics, Applications)

Website. http://www.mathmods.eu

Scholarships:
Several Erasmus Mundus scholarships are offered by the European Commission to non-European students. These scholarships amount to a maximum of EUR 42,000.00 to cover the two-year expenses and are granted to the most promising applicants. A limited number of scholarships are also available for European students.

Institution.
The MSc course is offered by a consortium of five universities in Europe,coordinated by the

University of L’Aquila in Italy (UAQ) and involves other four leading institutions in Europe:
Autonomous University of Barcelona in Catalonia (UAB),
University of Hamburg in Germany (UHH),
Gdansk University of Technology in Poland (GUT),
University of Nice - Sophia Antipolis in France (UNSA).
Aims.
Mathematical modelling lies at the heart of most current technological innovations and has become a fundamental tool in many fields of engineering. Essentially multidisciplinary in its applications, mathematical modelling and simulation is in its own right a key technology which is bound to increase its presence within efficient industries and businesses. The proposed programme reflects this multidisciplinarity, drawing on the unifying mathematical aspects from the various and often separate engineering disciplines

Study Plan.
MathMods MSc course is divided into four semesters. Each semester totals 30 ECTS credits. Mobility scheme will involve at least two institutions.

The FIRST YEAR is common for all students. This will guarantee an equal knowledge platform for all of them.

First semester: Theory (UAQ)

Second semester: Numerics (UNSA)

The SECOND YEAR will be divided into five branches, which reflect the partners’ field of excellence:

Third semester: Applications (UAB / UHH / UAQ / GUT / UNSA)

Advanced computational methods in material science
Mathematical modelling applications to biology and finance
Modelling and simulation of electronic devices
Modelling, simulation, and optimization of complex systems
Stochastic modelling and optimization.
Fourth semester: Thesis (UAB / UHH / UAQ / GUT / UNSA)

Language.
The language of the whole course will be exclusively English at each of the five universities. Students will also have to attend a local language course during the semester they are spending in each university partner.

Admission criteria.
Applicants must have obtained a recognized Bachelor’s Degree (BS, BSc, SB, etc.) – or a degree at the level of a Bachelor’s Degree, for instance its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of high standing, or 180 ECTS credits in the European system – in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering with a large background in Mathematics.All applicants whose native language is not English are required to prove a satisfactory level of spoken and written English, certified by TOEFL (550 points), IELTS (6.0 points) or equivalent.

How to apply?
The application to MathMods programme and the submission of all the required documents must be made online. Applicants will find instructions and the link to the form on MathMods web-site: www.mathmods.eu

Deadlines.
Deadlines for Scholarships

The applications for Erasmus Mundus scholarships will close on 15 January 2009.
The applications for MathMods Consortium Scholarships will close on 15 May 2009.
Deadlines for Registration

For Third Countries applicants the online application will close on 15 May 2009.
For European Applicants the online application will close on 15 May 2009.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Canada: MSc and PhD Positions in Geochemistry, the University of Manitoba

MSc and PhD Positions in Geochemistry, the University of Manitoba, Canada

The geochemistry group in the department of geological sciences, University of Manitoba have funds to support several M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. Projects include ore deposits, evolution of seawater and atmospheric composition, tectonics and geochronology.

Students interested in the application of stable and radiogenic isotopes to these or similar geological projects are encouraged to apply. The department of Geological Sciences has recently acquired several new instruments including, two Delta V Plus with peripherals for the analysis of H, C, O, N and S, and a Cameca 7f magnetic sector secondary ion mass spectrometer (SIMS) for light and heavy isotopic analysis. These new labs complement the X-ray and microbeam facilities, which include SX100 electron microprobe, SEM, LA-ICP-MS, FTIR, Mossbauer, and powder and single crystal diffractometers.

Interested students should contact:

Andrey Bekker (Precambrian atmospheric and ocean composition)
bekker[ at ]cc.umanitoba.ca
Alfredo Camacho (Tectonics and geochronology)
camacho[ at ]cc.umanitoba.ca
Mostafa Fayek (Uranium deposit research and exploration)
fayek[ at ]cc.umanitoba.ca

Europe: European Master in Informatics (EuMI)

European Master in Informatics (EuMI), Europe

The University of Trento (Italy), the RWTH Aachen University (Germany), and the University of Edinburgh (Scotland) offer a two year (120 ECTS credits) Joint Master’s Programme, named European Master in Informatics (EuMI). The objective of the Master’s Programme is to educate professionals who will understand advanced techniques, tools, and methodologies in the field of Computer Science, and who will be able to put this knowledge to practice in the key application domains of Net-Centric/Media Informatics, Life Science Informatics, and Embedded Systems Informatics. The Programme will admit a maximum number of 50 students for the academic year 2009/2010.

Scholarships non-EU Students
For the academic year 2009/2010, a number of scholarships will be offered for students who are residents of countries outside the European Union, the European Economic Area / European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and the candidate countries for accession to the European Union (Croatia and Turkey). The amount of the scholarship is € 21.000 per year.

These scholarships are funded by the European Commission within the Erasmus Mundus programme and will be assigned according to the requirements and constraints of this programme, as defined in the Erasmus Mundus programme.

These constrains include but are not limited to: reserved positions for specific countries, no residence in EU, limitation in previous stays in EU, no previous enrolment in other European Master. More information about the Erasmus Mundus programme can be found at this page.

Scholarships EU Students
In addition, a number of scholarships will be assigned to students resident in European Union countries. The amount of the scholarship is about € 3.500 per year.

Further scholarships and tuition waiver may be made available depending on the financial sources available at the time of students’ selection.

Tuition fees
The tuition fees for academic year 2009-2010 are € 6.500. The tuition fee may be waived in part or in total depending on the financial sources available at the moment of the selection. Students will be provided access to the facilities of the participating universities (library, computers, laboratories, Internet).

Please, visit the official announcement for more information

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Norway: PhD Fellowships in Information Technology, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

PhD Fellowships, Faculty of Information Technology, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

The Faculty of Information Technology, Mathematics, and Electrical Engineering (IME) at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) invites applicants for 8 PhD research fellowships.

The 8 research fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis, to help recruit talented candidates for the PhD study programs administered by IME.

The Faculty is keen to attract the best candidates available and puts few restrictions on training background and fields of research. Applicants must however contact a relevant research group at IME and name a prospective thesis advisor prior to submitting their application.

Further information about the announcement and instructions for application, please visit this link.

Possible thesis advisors within the database area:
http://www.idi.ntnu.no/grupper/db/

Applications should be submitted to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Information Technology, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway, or by e-mail to application[ at ]ime.ntnu.no . Applications should be marked IME-056-2008.

Closing date: February 16th 2009.

Switzerland: PhD Positions in Biomedical Image Processing at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)

PhD Positions in Biomedical Image Processing at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

A position for a Ph.D. candidate is currently available at the Biomedical Imaging Group, École polytechnique fédérale de lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, under the supervision of Prof. Michael Unser. The research involves the development of new wavelet-based algorithms for the processing of biomedical images. Application areas include magnetic resonance imaging, microscopy, and ultrasound.

The study requirements are a masters degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or applied mathematics. Previous experience in image/signal processing and wavelets is highly desirable. Applicants should have a strong theoretical background and a desire to use mathematical tools in their research. A good knowledge of Java, C, Mathematica, and Matlab is also required.

EPFL offers top research facilities and competitive remuneration. Appointment for the PhD position is for a maximum of 4 years, provided successful progress, and should lead to a PhD dissertation.

Applicants should send detailed CV, summary of grades, and three reference names and email to:

Prof. Michael Unser
E-mail: big[ at ]epfl.ch
École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
STI/IMT/Biomedical Imaging Group, Station 17
CH-1015 Lausanne VD
Switzerland

Belgium: PhD Positions within the Electromagnetics Group, University of Ghent

Fully paid 4 years Ph.D. positions within the Electromagnetics Group, University of Ghent, Belgium

At present several fully paid 4 years Ph.D. positions are available within the Electromagnetics Group of the Dept. of Information Technology. Apart from a Master’s degree in Electrical or Physical Engineering and good knowledge of English, basic (graduate) knowledge in Electromagnetics and high-frequency electronics is sufficient. The Ph.D. candidate will be provided with all guidance and hardware and software tools necessary to perform state-of-the art research in one of the following fields:


High-frequency behavior of Integrated Circuits (ICs) with a special focus on ICs for the automotive industry. This research will be conducted in cooperation with Flemish industry partners, such as Melexis and ON Semiconductor, and also within a consortium of well-known European electronics manufacturers, such as Philips, NXP, Bosch, Infineon, …

Flexible and implantable antennas (in cooperation with Recticel and Flanders’ Drive)
Design and modeling of advanced submicron interconnect technologies of ICs (in cooperation with Agilent Technologies)
Advanced time-domain (FDTD) and finite element (FE) techniques for the simulation of antennas for usage within the ADS-framework of Agilent Technologies
Detection of concealed objects with millimeter waves (within a Strategic Basic Research project of the IWT) and early detection of breast tumors
Fast Maxwell solvers for very large and complex structures in cooperation with foreign research groups in the USA, Finland, Italy, Turkey, and Israel.
As a researcher within the Electromagnetics Group, you will be part of a team that has reached the top of the international scientific community for more than 20 years and this will allow you to fully develop your creative abilities. During these four years, you will regularly take part in international congresses and upon your request an internship in a foreign research group can be arranged. The Ph.D. research itself can be focused on more fundamental investigations as well as on innovative applied research in close collaboration with industry.

Through intensive coaching by senior researchers and professors and through cooperation with the Electromagnetics Group’s academic and industrial partners, the candidate will be trained as a highly skilled scientist and design engineer. Upon completion of the four years program, the Ph.D. graduate will be ready for a successful academic career or to hold an important position in a high-tech company.

Interested candidates are requested to send their curriculum to Dr. D. Vande Ginste (dries.vande.ginste[ at ]intec.UGent.be), Prof. H. Rogier (hendrik.rogier[ at ]UGent.be), or Prof. D. De Zutter (Fellow IEEE) (daniel.dezutter[ at ]UGent.be). Please provide sufficient details on the Electromagnetics and high-frequency electronics courses in your curriculum.

Via: official announcement

Saturday, January 17, 2009

UK: PhD Studentship in Scalable Pico-Hydro Power, University of Bristol

UK: PhD Studentship in Scalable Pico-Hydro Power, University of Bristol

PhD Studentship in Scalable Pico-Hydro Power, University of Bristol, UK

Electrical Energy Management Group, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

A fully-funded 3½ year PhD studentship is available in the Electrical Energy Management Group at the University of Bristol for research involving modular and scalable pico-hydro generation (1kW) for grid-tied DC mini-grids. This project provides a unique opportunity to combine state-of-the-art electrical engineering research, development work in remote areas overseas with a well-known charity, and sponsorship by a company that is world leading in design and manufacturing. The work will include power electronics, mechanical design, and a mix of other theoretical and practical work. The PhD candidate will be expected to have an electrical engineering background, and demonstrate a strong interest in mechanical design and development work.

Salary: Up to £18,000pa tax free.

The fully funded PhD studentship is available to any nationality, however if you are not a UK Home student (or EU student who has spent the past three years in the UK), the salary would need to be reduced to cover overseas university fees. When you apply, please indicate whether you are eligible for UK Home funding, or if you have other sources of funds.

The studentship is available now and the closing date for applications is 31 January 2009.

Please either email a cover letter stating your interests and a full CV (including grades) to Dr Bernard Stark (bernard.stark[ at ]bristol.ac.uk) or email to arrange an informal discussion.

USA: Postdoctoral Position in Translational Breast Cancer Research, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical

Postdoctoral Position in Translational Breast Cancer Research, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, USA


Postdoctoral Opportunity open in Boston, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Translational Breast Cancer Research in new up-to-date facility. All technologies available.

Must be willing to work with human specimen and with murine breast cancer models.

Interest in high-throughput technologies such as gene expression arrays, SNP arrays and proteomics a plus.

Must have PhD, MD or equivalent.

Please direct further inquiries to : Dr. Gerburg Wulf, gwulf[ at ]bidmc.harvard.edu

Gerburg Wulf MD PhD
Attending Physician - BIDMC
Assistant Professor in Medicine - Harvard Medical School

Friday, January 16, 2009

Spain: 300 PhD Scholarships in Science and Technology, the Spanish CSIC

300 PhD scholarships at the Spanish CSIC, Science and Technology, Spain

Research topics in all areas of Science and Technology including Human and Social Sciences.

The CSIC (Spanish Council for Scientific Research), the largest public research body in Spain, offers 300 grants to conduct research leading to PhD theses in the framework of its JAE Programme for doctoral research training. The Programme focuses on topics in all the areas of Science and Technology, including Human and Social Sciences. The hosting research groups belong to the CSIC´s Centres and Institutes, located in the main Spanish cities.

The grants are available for University degree holders of all nationalities. Applications from students in the last year of their University studies can be accepted. The grants provide 4 years of funding (2 years scholarship + 2 years contract). Annual stipend is € 14,400 during the 2 first years. In addition, grants cover the cost of University courses and mobility allowances to enable stays at research Institutions other than CSIC. Travel expenses (€ 1200) for residents outside Europe.

Medical insurance is fully covered by the Spanish National Health Service.

Earliest and latest possible starting dates: 1st July 2009 and 1st November 2009.

Online applications are now open until 31st January 2009.

More information and access to the online application can be found in this page.

USA: PhD Positions in Microbiology/Biofilm Research, Binghamton University

Ph.D. position opening(s) in Microbiology/Biofilm research at Binghamton University, USA


The Microbial Biofilm Research group at the Department of Biological Sciences at Binghamton University offers a number of Ph.D. Fellowships and Research Assistantships each year to new students. Applications are now being accepted for students who intend to begin study during the Fall Semester 2009. Both Fellowships and Research Assistantships offer annual stipends of US$17,000 plus tuition. Position availability will depend on funding. Support is available for up to four years.

Students may focus their studies in the areas of (1) Biofilm development and antibiotic resistance, (2) Biofilm dispersion, or (3) Coaggregation and signaling of oral and freshwater biofilms. Ph.D. positions in the field of biofilms provide an excellent opportunity for students to collaborate on research projects with faculty and students of the Microbial Biofilm Research group. For further information, please visit: http://bingweb.binghamton.edu/~ksauer/index_files/Page628.htm.

For best consideration, applications should be complete by 31 January 2009, although assistantships may be available to later applicants. Questions may be addressed to Drs. Karin Sauer (ksauer[ at ]binghamton.edu), Alexander Rickard (arickard[ at ]binghamton.edu), and David Davies (dgdavies[ at ]binghamton.edu).

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Japan: United Nations University (UNU) International Course

United Nations University (UNU) will organize the tenth regular session of its six-week UNU International Course at UNU Centre in Tokyo, Japan, from 11 May through 19 June 2009.

The UNU International Courses (UNU/IC) are organized annually for a select group of postgraduate students and professionals in various occupations (from multidisciplinary educational background including environmental sciences) who wish to pursue careers in international fields in public-service or private organizations, including the United Nations, multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations, as well as national foreign service organizations. The courses are designed to provide analyses of global issues from both theoretical and empirical perspectives.

UNU/IC consists of a compulsory Core course (UN System: Pressing Issues and Sustainable Solutions) and optional Courses (Students are allowed to choose one or two courses from - Peace and Human Rights; Global Change and Sustainability; International Development and Cooperation). The courses are offered by international faculty and English will be used as instruction language.

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to find appropriate funding from potential sources. Limited numbers of fellowships (both full and partial) are also available to assist very few outstanding candidates from developing countries.

For information on courses organized in the previous years as well as for detailed information (brochure, application form etc) please visit http://www.unu.edu/ic/. If you have further questions, please contact: Ms. Wilma James through e-mail: james[ at ]hq.unu.edu

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2009.

For wider circulation, you are kindly requested to put up this information on your institution’s bulletin/notice board and share through print and e-newsletters, e-mail groups, relevant networks etc. Please feel free to pass this message to professional colleagues and friends who may wish to benefit from this opportunity.

ium: Postdoctoral Researcher in Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp

Postdoctoral Researcher in Cell Biology and Histology, University of Antwerp, Belgium

University of Antwerp The Laboratory of Cell biology and Histology (Department of Veterinary Sciences; Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences) is seeking to fill the following full-time vacancy: Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f).

The University of Antwerp is a knowledge centre with more than 3.000 co-workers that performs ground-breaking and innovative research of international standing. The university takes special care to ensure optimum support and supervision of students, and pays constant attention to educational innovation. The university is an autonomous pluralistic institution that is committed to the enhancement of an open, democratic and multicultural society, and it pursues an equal opportunities policy.

Job description:
Co-implement and coordinate the research project Bidirectional communication between the enteric nervous system and elements of the immune system in inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders (TOP-project funded by the Special Research Fund (BOF) of the University of Antwerp; duration: 4 years). This project aims at investigating the interactions between neuronal elements of the gastointestinal tract and elements of the immune system, i.e. mast cells and dendritic cells, during inflammation in two animal models. Special attention will be paid to the possible role of stress-related proteins and their receptors in this interaction.

Profile and requirements:

You have a doctoral degree and hold a MSc degree in the life sciences domain [sciences (biotechnology, biology, biochemistry; bio-engineering); pharmaceutical sciences; veterinary sciences; (bio)medical sciences].
Experience with morphological techniques (immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, in situ hybridization, confocal microscopy, life cell imaging) is an asset.
You are experienced or interested in molecular biological techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, quantitative PCR) and cell culturing (cell lines, primary cell cultures).
Some experience with electrophysiological techniques is recommended.
Experience in supervising PhD and Master students is preferred.
You are a strong team player and motivated to become part of a multidisciplinary research group.
We offer:

A position as a full-time (100%) postdoctoral fellow/researcher (m/f) on an annual contract basis with the possibility of renewal for the duration of the project.
Salary scales are according to university regulations within the available budget of the research project (gross salary starts at 3162 EUR/month and depends on the candidates useful former professional experience).
- Starting date: as soon as possible
Interested?
Further information can be obtained from the project promoters:

- Prof. Dr. Jean-Pierre TIMMERMANS
(tel.: 03-2653327; e-mail: jean-pierre.timmermans[ at ]ua.ac.be)

- Prof. Dr. Dirk ADRIAENSEN
(tel.: 03-2653475; dirk.adriaensen[ at ]ua.ac.be)

How to apply?
Via submission of a complete application file consisting, minimally, of a letter of application and a complete curriculum vitae (personal data, overview of studies and competences, list of publications, data on possible referees, other useful information). Please send (via electronic or regular mail) your application by 23 january 2009, at the latest, to:

Prof. Dr. J.-P. TIMMERMANS
University of Antwerp
Laboratory of Cell biology & Histology
Groenenborgerlaan 171 2020 Antwerp

E-mail: jean-pierre.timmermans[ at ]ua.ac.be

Closing date: 23 january 2009

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Singapore: PhD scholarships in Visualization, Shape Modeling and Shared Virtual Reality, AI, Nanyang Technological

Singapore: PhD scholarships in Visualization, Shape Modeling and Shared Virtual Reality, AI, Nanyang Technological University

PhD scholarships in Visualization, Shape Modeling and Shared Virtual Reality, AI, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore


PhD Projects on visualization, shape modeling and shared virtual reality in Co-Space
Function-based modeling, visualization and interaction in shared virtual environments

This topic unifies several PhD projects which will contribute towards the NRF funded project entitled “Visual and Haptic Rendering in Co-Space”. The work will be carried out at the Centre for Advance Media Technologies (CAMTech) of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The goal of the project is to propose an efficient interoperable mathematical model defining geometry, visual appearance and tangible physical properties of objects in Co-Space which is a new paradigm of a shared virtual world where the real and virtual objects co-exist and virtual objects can even be touched. The object definitions must be small in size and invariant to the rendering platform used in Co-Space. The particular goals of the project include development of the fast interactive definitions by implicit and explicit functions, description of complex geometry using parametric partial differential equations, introduction of function-defined physical properties to objects in Co-Space, and development of several exemplar applications illustrating the usefulness of the proposed approach, including an ability to establish physical contact with other party in Co-Space through haptic devices. The projects will also address GPU-based rendering and general purpose computation on GPU, grid-based rendering and interactive free-form shape modeling, 3D reconstruction.

Projects on AI
Cyber-learning in cyberworlds

Cyber-learning is an important and vital part of university education. However, when more and more information is provided electronically, it often results in disorientation and exhaust of the students. The students become more and more interested in personalized education where, ideally, their personal mentors would be able to help with solving any problem. Creating and using educational cyberworlds with cyber-instructors may become an excellent teaching tool implementing personal mentoring of students at affordable cost. Design and implementation of cyber-instructors requires the following research and development work to be done:

To study the existing educational cyberworlds and intelligent talking agents (chatbots)
To propose a concept of cyber-education where virtual instructors will augment and even replace real instructors. Cyber-learning with cyber-instructors must incorporate elements of fun and games.
The proposed concepts can be implemented within a shared virtual world or as a stand-alone version. The candidate has to design and implement cyber-instructors, which will be able to maintain conversation with the students as well as offer different educational services. There must be designed and developed interactive software tools with user-friendly interfaces allowing the lecturers to add content to the “brains” of the cyber-instructors.
Requirements to the candidates

Solid background in mathematics and/or physics
Advance programming skills (C, C++, Java)
Experience in computer graphics (undergraduate course at least, former projects will be an advantage)
Further advantages will be given to candidates with:

Experience in web (Java Script, Perl, etc.) and 3D web (VRML, X3D, AW RWX, SL scripts) programming.
Knowledge of Grid and/or cluster computing.
GPU programming.
Experience in volume graphics, ray tracing, etc.
The detailed topic will be defined after discussing it with the applicant.

Other requirements and the application procedure are available here.

Application procedure
The application process takes about 6 months to apply and complete all the paper work. Datelines for the final submission of the in-principally approved applications for international candidates: 10 October for January intake and 10 June for August intake.
To initialize the application process, email me your extended CV, graduate transcripts (in English), and a detailed essay about your knowledge of the area of research, proposed research topic and skills and experience you have with reference to it and the above listed requirements. The next step is an oral interview (~45-60 min) which is normally done by skype or phone for foreign students. The purpose of the interview is to check you language skills as well as professional knowledge and personal traits. TOEFL and GRE are normally required but sometimes can be replaced by our own tests (by skype and email). The applicants will be also required to pass a professional test (by email).

Scholarship description
The graduate projects start in January or August and last normally 4 years. This is a full time research project which has to be done in Singapore at NTU. The workload is quite high, especially during the first year. The working environment is excellent. The students will receive a monthly stipend of S$ 2,000 during the first 1.5 year, and after passing the confirmation examination, $2,500 during the subsequent years. About S$ 800-1000 will pay for meals and accommodation. Exceptional candidates can be awarded a special stipend of S$3,000. No part-time job is allowed however there can be a paid teaching job offered. During the project, the student has to take 3-6 graduate subjects up to the School’s discretion.

Contact:
Alexei Sourin, Ph.D., M.Eng.,
Associate Professor

Division of Computer Science, School of Computer Engineering
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Office: N4-02a-10 Phone: +65-67904292 Fax: +65-67926559
Email: assourin { at } ntu.edu.sg

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

The Netherlands: PhD Positions in Upscaling Small-scale Land and Water System Innovations, UNESCO-IHE

The Netherlands: PhD Positions in Upscaling Small-scale Land and Water System Innovations, UNESCO-IHE

PhD Positions in Upscaling Small-scale Land and Water System Innovations, UNESCO-IHE, The Netherlands

PhD position available at UNESCO-IHE (SSI-2 Project), Upscaling small-scale land and water system innovations in dryland agro-ecosystems for sustainability and livelihood improvements (SSI-2)

Re-Advertisement
Recently, an interdisciplinary research project was approved by the UNESCO-IHE Partnership Research Fund (UPaRF).

This project will form part of the broader successor programme of SSI, in which the following institutes collaborate: UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education (Delft, The Netherlands), University of Dar Es Salaam, University of KwaZulu Natal, Delft University of Technology, the International Water Management Institute, Sokoine University of Agriculture and the Stockholm Resilience Centre.

Within the current project a PhD positions is available, linked to the themes described below. If successful, the PhD degree will be awarded by Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

Project description
The project focuses on the semi-arid areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where 95% of the total agricultural land is used for rainfed agriculture, water availability is scarce and highly variable, and average yields often remain below 1 ton per ha. The resilience of the farming systems is low as well, due the large (and increasing) variability of the hydro-climatic conditions and a limited capacity to adapt. As a result, crop failure is the norm. Water availability is a key entry point to improve crop productivity in these regions (Falkenmark and Rockström, 2004).

The research and outreach programme of “Smallholder systems innovations in integrated watershed management” (SSI-1, 2004-2008) thus focused on the identification and application of innovative agricultural water management practices that offer opportunities to increase both food security and safeguard environmental integrity. The impact of these innovations on food production and ecosystems has been studied at field and watershed scale at sites in the Thukela river basin in South Africa and the Pangani river basin in Tanzania.

There is a growing awareness that a real transformation of the countryside will only be possible if innovative soil and water technologies and land and water management practices are adopted, and locally adapted, at a large scale and in combination with increased fertilizer use (see e.g. Rijsberman, 2004; Polak, 2005; Rockström et al., 2007). Only then will rural areas be able to transform from their current position of marginalization and poverty to a motor of socio-economic development (Prahalad, 2004).

Since the conditions under which such a transformation may occur, as well as the potential impacts at different scales, are still ill-understood, a new project will focus on the socio-economic and bio-physical conditions and impacts of upscaling these innovations. This new project (SSI-2, 2008-2012) will take note of some new drivers that influence the opportunities for agricultural innovation and rural socio-economic transformation: increasing food prices, increased access to information in the rural countryside, climate change impacts, and the limited access of farmers to energy sources in the face of an increasing global demand for biofuels (e.g., de Wit and Stankiewics, 2006; Uhlenbrook, 2007). The two PhD research projects form part of the broader SSI-2 programme.

PhD Project 1: Water processes at different spatial scales
This research theme addresses the hydrological implications for up-scaling land and water system innovations. The objective is to gain better understanding of the interactions between processes linking local and larger scales.

The analysis focuses on how the dominant hydrological processes may change at different spatial scales. The research builds on the understanding of the hydrological processes gained during SSI-1, with a stronger emphasis on groundwater-surface water interactions and potential implications of/for land management changes.

It is hypothesised that surface-groundwater interactions are critical to the impacts of water system innovations, and that it impacts vary with scale and different physiographic characteristics.

This hypothesis will be verified in the field and the results used for predictive modelling to determine impacts of up-scaled use of WSIs on water quantity and quality for downstream users under different scenarios. The surface-groundwater interactions (including wetlands) are also crucial for the hydrological variability and water resources availability at different scales and, consequently, for the provision of ecosystem services.

Research question: What are the hydrological impacts of small scale farming activities, incl. water system innovations, across different scales? Particular attention will be paid to different types of rainwater harvesting, supplementary irrigation and full scale irrigation.

Methodology: Understanding the hydrological impacts of small scale farming activities across different scales, requires the understanding of the hydrological processes at these scales. This research will take up the small scale hydrological understanding (project 3.1) and investigate the large scale (500-5,000-45,000 km2) hydrological processes through the use of remote sensing data combined with field observations (incl. hydro-chemical and tracers studies). Of particular interest is the groundwater surface water interaction (incl. generation of wetlands) and the impact of this on the downstream water availability (PBWO, 2006). A process-based distributed hydrological model will be developed to investigate different scenarios of uptake and extent of the small scale farming activities.

This study will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Stefan Uhlenbrook, Dr. Jan Willem Foppen, Dr Shreedhar Maskey (UNESCO-IHE), Dr. T.A. Kimaro (UDSM).

The following applies to the position:

All topics will be carried out in a so-called sandwich construction with different phases at UNESCO-IHE in the Netherlands and field research in Tanzania (with regular contacts with Tanzanian and Dutch supervisors).
PhD positions are funded with a fellowship for which NUFFIC regulations apply.
Starting date: April 1, 2009 for 4 years.
Qualifications: M.Sc. degree (average mark: 80% or above) in a discipline relevant to the topic, e.g. environmental engineering, socio-economics of the water sector, hydrology and water resources.
The applicants must demonstrate a strong interest and experience in conducting interdisciplinary research.
The applicant should be willing to co-operated with other researchers in the SSI-2 programme
The applicants should be willing to co-supervise MSc research projects.
The applicants must be fluent in English.
Preferred country of citizenship of the applicants is Tanzania.
Age: 40 years and below.
Work experience in relevant fields of studies is desirable.
The project it is jointly led by Dr. T.A. Kimaro (kimaro[ at ]wrep.udsm.ac.tz) and Ms. M.L. Mul (m.mul[ at ]unesco-ihe.org) of UNESCO-IHE.

Applications, including curriculum vitae, the names and contact details of three contactable referees, and a motivation letter, should be sent by email to both Dr. T.A. Kimaro and Ms. M.L. Mul before 31 January 2009. Please mention the subject heading “PhD application SSI-2 project 1”.

We intend to contact short-listed candidates on or before 15 February 2009.

Closing date: 31 January 2009

Singapore: Research Fellow in Signal Processing, Virtual Reality, Nanyang Technological University

Research Fellow in Signal Processing, Virtual Reality, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

We are inviting highly qualified candidates to apply for a Research Fellow, for a period of 3 years. The research team is led by Prof Olga Sourina and includes professors from EEE, SCE, and MAE, 3-4 PhD students, and collaborators from Singapore industry.

Job Description
The job is in the interdisciplinary area of research including signal processing, virtual reality, and computer graphics. This work is a part of the project Emotion-based personalised digital media experience in Co-spaces funded by Singapore National Research Foundation. The project will be carried out in School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The goal of the project is to propose new forms of human-centric and human-driven interaction with digital media that have the potential of revolutionizing entertainment, learning, and many other areas of life. In this project, new algorithms of emotion/engagement based user interactions in Co/Space (http://www.idm.sg/co-space/) will be developed and implemented. Thus, the user of interactive digital media could have a new emotion-based personalized digital experience that would add seamlessness to the user’s engagement through the interface in many applications such as learning, entertainment, medical application, etc. The content can be driven by the user’s emotions and/or engagement interpreted from the user’s electroencephalograms (EEG) signals. Application of the algorithms in entertainment industry such as 3D collaborative environments and games will be proposed.

Requirements

A PhD degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering/Computer Engineering/Computer Science or related-fields.
Advanced programming skills.
Knowledge of one or more of the following areas will be an advantage: signal processing, 3D computer graphics, virtual reality, collaborative virtual environments, web programming.
Strong analytical, mathematical and conceptual abilities and able to work independently and in a team.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Remuneration & Benefits
Successful candidates will be offered a competitive salary and benefits based on their qualifications.

Cost of living
Refer to this page for the cost of living in Singapore. You can also search the internet for it and find other independent assessments. If you have particular questions, you could ask me by email.

Term of Appointment
The appointment will be for 3 years with opportunity to get a job in Singapore industry collaborative companies.

Contact Person
Send your complete CV and expected salary via email to:
Asst Prof Olga Sourina
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/home/eosourina
email: eosourina[ at ]ntu.edu.sg

School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Nanyang Technological University
S2.2-b2-22
Singapore 639798
phone: +65 6790-5442

Monday, January 12, 2009

UK: PhD Research Studentship in Optimising Pharmaceutical Flows For Better Drug Delivery, Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

PhD Research Studentship in Optimising Pharmaceutical Flows For Better Drug Delivery, Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, UK

3-year duration. Stipend £11,500 pa (UK/EU), £8,000 pa (non-UK/EU). Tuition fees paid in full. Applications from overseas candidates welcomed.

Understanding the behaviour of airborne particulates is a must for any manufacturer designing systems for the handling and delivery of pharmaceutical powders. The drug component must be controlled, the particles are often difficult to handle and cohesive. Furthermore, the interaction between the gas and the particles is complex. We propose to consider this problem by combining a fundamental understanding of particulate and multiphase flows with state-of-the-art multiphysics computational techniques and experimental systems to produce novel designs for pharmaceutical delivery. A successful member of our group can expect to be a part of a team of experts that works within a framework of international collaboration (UK, USA, India, Israel, France).

Applications are invited for a PhD position expected to commence October 2009.

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr. Ricky Wildman, email r.d.wildman[ at ]lboro.ac.uk or Mr. Henk Versteeg h.k.versteeg[ at ]lboro.ac.uk, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leics LE11 3TU, UK, Telephone 01509 227630.

For an application pack and details of admission requirements please contact Ms JR Mason, Research Administrator, email J.R.Mason[ at ]lboro.ac.uk

Please quote Ref: RDW111208 on the application form and in any correspondence.

Curriculum vitae will only be accepted if accompanied by a completed University application form. Applicants should be in possession of, or expect to receive, an Upper Second or First Class degree in a physical science or engineering discipline.

The closing date for all applications is 23rd January 2009

Switzerland: PhD Studentships in Computational Physics, the University of Basel

PhD Studentships in Computational Physics, the University of Basel, Switzerland


Two PhD positions will be available in 2009 in the computational physics group at the university of Basel in Switzerland (www.unibas.ch/comphys/comphys).

The computational physics group of Prof. Stefan Goedecker focuses on the development of new algorithms for atomistic simulations and their application to challenging problems. A wide variety of methods ranging from force fields over density functional schemes to quantum Monte Carlo methods is used in these investigations.

One project will be be done in collaboration with the experimental group of Prof. E. Meyer within the National Competence Center for Nanosciences. The aim is use innovative simulation methods to better understand atomic force microscopy experiments (see e.g. Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 236106 (2008))

The other project is within a joint Swiss/Indian research program and aims at a better understanding of complex clusters using density functional methods (see e.g Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 055501 (2005))

Candidates for the two positions are not only expected to have a good physical/chemical understanding of condensed matter systems but also good mathematical and programming skills. Applicants who can not present high scores in the GRE exam (www.ets.org/gre) will have to pass an individual test in the area of computational physics. The usual application documents together with the name of two references should be send to: Stefan.Goedecker[ at ]unibas.ch