PhD Research Opportunities - The School of Earth, Environmental and Biological

PhD Research Opportunities - The School of Earth,
Environmental and Biological Sciences

The School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences (EEBS), Science and Engineering Faculty (SEF) at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in Brisbane, Australia is seeking highly motivated students with strong field-based research interests to be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary research program.

PhD opportunities are available in the following areas:

1. Volcanology, igneous petrology & geochronology of Miocene Volcanism related to the opening of the Gulf of California
Investigating the Early-Mid Miocene igneous record of the Gulf of California (Mexico). The Gulf of California is a young example of a continental rift developed close to an active continental margin. Most continental-scale rifts that proceed to sea floor spreading develop in association with large volume igneous activity, however, the role of magmatism and the igneous record are commonly overlooked in understanding rift evolution. It has been widely presumed that Gulf of California rift developed rapidly beginning ~12 Ma, but new studies are challenging these previous models and suggesting a much earlier history to rifting and volcanism. Importantly, volcanism across the region may provide important records on the timing of the switch from wide to narrow rift modes. This PhD project will reinvestigate the mid-Miocene igneous record around the Gulf of California, but principally in Baja California to test this new conceptual model. The Project will involve field studies (stratigraphy, physical volcanology) and sampling for analytical research (petrology, whole-rock geochemistry, geochronology) to understand the origin, timing and evolution of magmas during this apparent switch in rift modes.

We are looking for a student with previous experience in field mapping, volcanology, igneous petrology and/or geochronology. NB - an ability to speak Spanish is highly desirable

For further information, please contact: Dr Scott Bryan (scott.bryan@qut.edu.au)

2. Sedimentology and Sedimentary Provenance studies of intraplate orogenic-related sedimentation
Sedimentary rocks are a key recorder of tectonic events. This fundamental Australia-based research will take new approaches to establish a finely tuned record of orogenic processes deforming the continental interior and how sediment loading from this mountain building event may have affected extension and magmatism at the continental margin. This project will examine the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous (~380-320 Ma) continental sedimentary record across central and eastern Australia as this time slice records widespread rift basin development in northeastern Australia, intraplate orogenic events in central Australia (Alice Springs Orogeny), the progradation of a major sheet of cratonic-derived quartz-rich sand spreading outwards across Australia, and the initiation of Late Paleozoic glaciation. Mutliple dating techniques applied to the detrital minerals will be a key component of this project, revealing both the igneous and high-grade metamorphic history (from U/Pb zircon and rutile ages), and the recent tectonic and exhumation history (using lower temperature thermochronometers) of the source region. These new data will provide new insights into the relationship and timing of sedimentation and deformation. We are looking for a student with previous experience in field mapping, stratigraphy/sedimentology, sedimentary petrology and/or geochronology.

For further information, please contact: Dr Scott Bryan (scott.bryan@qut.edu.au)

3. Formation, preservation and environmental significance of magnetic Fe pisoliths
Iron nodules (pisoliths) are a common feature of many soils and weathering pro?les in the tropics and subtropics of Australia and around the world. Magnetic and non-magnetic soil Fe nodules commonly occur together in the same soils, where the magnetic nodules are distinguished by their high maghemite and hematite content. Previous research suggests that magnetic nodules form by intense heating of non-magnetic Fe nodules in topsoils during high-intensity bushfires. However magnetic nodules commonly occur deep within the soil or weathering profile, leading some authors dismiss thermal transformation of other Fe oxides. Alternative explanations which have been proposed include slow oxidation of ferrous solutions or formation via ferrihydrite in the presence of high concentrations of P, citrate or other organic ligands. This project will undertake a detailed geochemical, mineralogical and morphological comparison of magnetic and non-magnetic nodules in order to determine the mode of formation of magnetic Fe nodules in various environmental settings.

We are looking for a student with previous experience in environmental chemistry / geochemistry

For further information, please contact: Dr David Murphy (david.murphy@qut.edu.au)

4. The role of stored energy in rock deformation up to large strain and rotation
The project investigates the impact of stored energy on the deformation of rocks up to large strains and rotations. The successful candidate will employ numerical and physical modelling to examine the energy budget and mechanics of two-phase deformation (inclusions in a matrix) to large strains and rotations. She/he will explore the relevance of stored energy for fault formation and rock rheology.

We are looking for student with previous experience in at least one of these fields - structural geology, geomechanics, computational modelling, mechanical engineering, and analogue modelling

For further information, please contact: Dr Christoph Schrank (christoph.schrank@qut.edu.au)

5. Investigate diagenetic processes and histories of the Holocene reef and upper Pleistocene material
The project will recover cores through the Holocene reef sequence (0-10 ka) in two reefs (Heron and One Tree) in the southern Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and reconstruct reef growth (i.e. geomorphological development), sea level and palaeoclimate histories. The applicant will participate in both phases of the coring campaigns in the southern Great Barrier Reef, and work closely with the other national and international partners in the project We are looking for a student with previous experience in carbonate sedimentology, coral reef biology, geochemistry and geology.

For further information, please contact: Dr Luke Nothdurft (l.nothdurft@qut.edu.au)

6. Searching for pre 3.7Ga greenstone domains within the East Pilbara Craton
Study of Eoarchean terranes (4.0 Ga-3.6 Ga) has provided invaluable information on the early Earth including; the requirement for early formed proto crust and complementary depleted mantle. Nevertheless, all presently recognised localities that contain lithologies older than ~3.6 Ga have been subjected to at least amphibolites facies metamorphism. Geochemical evidence indicates that it is highly likely that pre 3.7 Ga crust is present in the Pilbara, but as of yet none have been definitively recognised. Furthermore, the Pilbara Craton contains abundant basaltic sequences that have been subjected to no more than lower greenschist facies metamorphism.

This proposal seeks to acquire samples from localities identified to have potential of pre 3.7 Ga rocks for geochemical characterisation and dating.

We are looking for a student with previous experience in igneous or metamorphic geology

For further information, please contact: Dr David Murphy (david.murphy@qut.edu.au)

Selection Criteria for a suitable candidate include:

• a MSc degree in Earth Systems (or equivalent); or a relevant First Class or Second Class Division A Honours degree; or a Professional Doctorate from a recognised institution with a grade point average of at least 5.0 on a 7 point scale
• Excellent communication skills
• Research and Field experience - such as publications
• A full driver's licence and the ability to do field work in remote locations
• Sufficient command of English to complete the proposed course of study

The annual scholarship round is now open, with applications closing October 12, 2012.

Information on PhD scholarships available and how to apply can be found at:
http://www.qut.edu.au/research/scholarships-and-funding/research-scholarships

Queensland University of Technology has one of Australia's fastest growing research profiles, and aims to become research-intensive in selected areas of strength and priority. QUT's focus is to undertake high-impact research that is both of the highest academic quality and also aimed at making a real and practical difference to the world around us.

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PhD project in Statistics & NGS - Lyon, France

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies are profoundly impacting many domains of biomedical research, ranging from basic biology to translational research and soon to personalized medicine. Rapid technological advances have dramatically increased the throughput of sequencers, while sequencing costs are falling down spectacularly. This already has a strong impact in terms of developing personalized medical treatments based on individual genomic backgrounds. NGS raises huge challenges to store, analyze and exploit the unprecedented wealth of data produced by current and upcoming NGS machines. New methodological and computational developments are needed to elucidate the multiscale structures of genomes, transcriptomes and epigenomes, their relationships, and their variations across individuals, from NGS data. The particular nature of the data and the complexity and variety of problems addressed calls for new statistical and machine learning approaches, while the scale of data produced by NGS experiments, which easily reaches Terabytes and continuously increases, calls for computationally extremely efficient procedures. Although the field of NGS Bioinformatics is also moving quickly, it is still in its infancy with many problems remaining unsolved or calling for better solutions than those currently available.

One major statistical challenge raised by NGS data is the ultra-high dimension which refers to the explosion of the number of recordings to be compared with a moderate/low number of individuals (NGS putatively deals with as many recordings as genomic positions). This curse of dimensionality requires the development of new statistical methods even for standard questions like clustering and classification. Lasso-type methods based on L1 penalization have received enormous attention these past years, due to their joint computational and statistical efficiencies. Among different strategies, fused-lasso penalties have been defined to control for sparsity for spatially organized data. The development of lasso and fused-lasso methods in the context of aligned-based NGS data is the central challenge of this PhD project. NGS data are counts that can be over-dispersed, which makes Generalized Linear Models an appropriate framework for this purpose. Another possible research direction of the project is to develop penalized versions of Partial Least Square (PLS) methods. PLS is widely used for efficient dimension reduction by compressing variables on the basis of an empirical covariance criterion. PLS-Lasso strategies would be an interesting direction to compress and select relevant biological features based on NGS data.

This project will be part of the ABS4NGS project that has recently selected by the ``investissement d'avenir'' call. This project gathers a consortium of Algorithmicians, Bioinformaticians, Statisticians, and Biologists funded for 4 years to develop mathematical approaches for the analysis of NGS data. We are seeking for candidates interested in statistical methodology and applied statistics. The successful candidate will be based at the LBBE, Lyon, and will work in collaboration with Sophie Lambert-Lacroix (TIMC-UPMF, Grenoble), Vivian Viallon (IFSTTAR-ICJ, Lyon) and Franck Picard (LBBE, Lyon).


- Links to ABS4NGS :
http://www.enseignementsup- recherche.gouv.fr/cid59286/20- laureats-pour-la-seconde- vague-des-appels-a-projets-de- l-action-sante-et- biotechnologies.html
- Pages :
http://membres-timc.imag.fr/ Sophie.Lambert/
http://www.inrets.fr/ linstitut/unites-de-recherche- unites-de-service/umrestte/ equipe/statutaires-ucbl-puph- hcl/vivian-viallon.html
http://pbil.univ-lyon1.fr/ members/fpicard/
- contact franck.picard@univ-lyon1.fr

--
Franck Picard - CNRS
Laboratoire Biometrie et Biologie Evolutive
UCB Lyon 1 - Bât. Grégor Mendel
43 bd du 11 novembre 1918
69622 VILLEURBANNE cedex, France
tel : +33 (0)4 72 44 85 44
fax : +33 (0)4 72 43 13 88
http://lbbe.univ-lyon1.fr/- Picard-Franck-.html
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2012 International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Cell Biology and Bioengineering, Germany Read more: 2012 International Max Planck Researc

International Max Planck Research School for Molecular Cell Biology and Bioengineering offers PhD Research in Molecular Cell Biology and Bioengineering, Germany 2012

Study Subject(s):Molecular Cell Biology and Bioengineering
Course Level:PhD
Scholarship Provider: MPI-CBG, IMPRS-MCBB, TUD
Scholarship can be taken at: Germany

Eligibility:
Predoctoral fellows of the International PhD Program are registered as PhD students at the TUD, and obtain their doctoral degree from the TUD. More information about the matriculation procedure, which is only relevant for PhD students admitted to the program

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes

Scholarship Description: PhD students of the International PhD Program will receive financial support for the duration of their thesis. Financial support is granted via one of two types of funding, (i) fellowships or (ii) working contracts. The type of funding a student receives is dependent upon the specific source of funding for each student, and is defined by the available resources of the hosting group leader and the hosting organization. Due to the availability of resources, the type of funding may change during the course of the PhD thesis. Fellowships are tax free and do not include any contributions to social insurances. Health insurance is compulsory and individual arrangements are to be made by the fellow (with the help of the PhD program office).

How to Apply: Email, Post

Scholarship Application Deadline: Registration deadline: 1 July 2012, Application deadline: 10 July 2012

Further Scholarship Information and Application

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PhD studentships in the Medical Genomics & Systems Biology (MGSB) University of Melbourne

Multiple PhD studentships are available in the Medical Genomics & Systems Biology (MGSB) Group at the University of Melbourne. MGSB is a multi-disciplinary research group whose aim is to use recent breakthroughs in genomic and molecular profiling technology (ultra high-throughput DNA/RNA sequencing, microarrays, metabolomics, etc.) to uncover the genomic basis of complex disease, understand pathogenesis at a systems-level, and build predictive models for patient stratification and precision medicine. To do this, we apply and develop concepts in graph theory, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and epidemiology.

Our research is highly collaborative both around Australia and internationally. Each position is most suitable for a candidate with background in analytical (e.g. maths/statistics/computer science/physics) and biological sciences (e.g. biology/biochemistry/genetics). However, we most value those with strong enthusiasm to learn.

The PhD scholarship is full-time for up to 3.5 years and consists of an annual stipend of AUD$23,728, conference/travel support of $2,000, and a laptop or desktop computer. The PhD is research based, there are no coursework or teaching requirements.

For more information about the MGSB group, selection criteria and how to apply, please contact Dr Michael Inouye (minouye@unimelb.edu.au)

Website: http://www.path.unimelb.edu.au/research/labs/inouye

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13 PhD positions in Population Genetics, Vienna, Austria

Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics
http://www.popgen-vienna.at/application/procedure.html

Deadline: 13 February 2011

Procedure

We encourage young, enthusiastic graduate students intrigued by the interdisciplinary nature of the Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics to apply for the program within the application deadline. However, interested students are welcome to apply throughout the year as additional positions may become available. A high level of dedication and activity will be expected from you during the program, and you should be able to integrate into a very international team with English as the working language.
Only complete applications will be considered!

Applicants are requested to provide the following information as a single pdf document by email:
�¡CV
�¡a motivation letter with a statement of research interests
�¡university certificates including grades
�¡a copy of your university degree that enables you to pursue a doctoral study (diploma, master); if you will earn your degree after the deadline: please supply recent transcripts
�¡an indication of two preferred topics
�¡at least two reference letters (download form below) assessing your scientific qualifications need to be e-mailed directly to us. Please allow sufficient time for your referees to send their letters within the deadline!

The selected candidates will be invited for an interview with the faculty members.

The interview will consist of three phases:
1.presentation of one publication selected by the applicant from three publications suggested by the faculty.
2.questions of the faculty to the applicant about the paper and the applicant's background and motivation
3.questions of the applicant to the faculty.

As the next step in the selection procedure the applicants will have the opportunity to interact with current students of the Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics. This will take place without the presence of the faculty members and should provide the applicants with further insights into the spirit of the PhD program. Furthermore, the applicants are given the opportunity to interact with the prospective thesis advisor to discuss specific aspects of the project. The final decision is made by the faculty, aiming to recruit the candidates with the highest scientific potential.

http://www.popgen-vienna.at/application/procedure.html Continue Reading...

14 PhD positions in Biology, University of Groningen, NL

Job opportunities in the Systems Biology Centre for Metabolism and Ageing

http://www.rug.nl/fmns-research/SystemsBiology/JobOpportunities

We are recruiting 14 PhD students/postdocs from various disciplines relevant for Systems Biology, including biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, statistics, mathematics and theoretical biology.

Scientific excellence and enthusiasm will be the most important criteria for selection. Previous experience in Systems Biology or in research related to metabolism and/or ageing research is advantageous but not required.

Each of the 14 positions will be filled by either a postdoc or a PhD student. Postdoc positions will be for 3 years, PhD positions for 4 years. The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Medical Centres / Dutch Universities. Successful applicants will be linked to specific projects, based on their own interests and the needs of the Centre.

Applications will be collected centrally. Applications, integrated in one pdf file, should consist of:

•a motivation letter, clearly stating how the prior expertise fits to the research program of the centre and also indicating a preference for one or more of the available projects;
•an extensive CV;
•two reference letters.

For general information about the Centre, contact one of the members of the Management Team

The following 14-projects are currently available:

1 position, Work Package 1.1: Network-based statistical inference ,Prof. E. Wit, Prof. M. Heinemann

1 position, Work Package 1.2: Computational, global modeling of ageing ,Prof. F.J. Weissing, Prof. Arjan van der Schaft

4 positions , Work Packages 2 and 3: A concerted, multi-group effort towards solving the ageing puzzle in yeast,Prof. M. Heinemann, Dr. L. Veenhoff, Prof. I. van der Klei, Prof. M. Merrow

4 positions , Work Packages 4 and 5: A multi-scale Systems Biology approach to unravel the relation between calorie restriction, physical activity and biological ageing of mice, Dr. B.M. Bakker, Prof. A.K. Groen, Dr. B. Jayawardhana, Prof. G. van Dijk

1 position ( filled) , Work Package 6.1: Proteomics Analysis,Prof. R.P.H. Bischoff, Dr. H. Permentier

1 position , Work Package 6.2: Metabolomics Analysis,R.P.H. Bischoff,Dr. H. Permentier, Dirk-Jan Reijngoud

2 positions , Work Package 7: Metabolism and Healthy Ageing,Prof. M. Hofker, Prof. C. Wijmenga

http://www.rug.nl/fmns-research/SystemsBiology/JobOpportunities
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Post-Doc in Biochemistry or Biological Sciences in Dijon, France

The INSERM U866 Research Centre “Lipids, Nutrition, Cancer”

has an open position for

a Post-Doc

(PhD in Biochemistry or Biological Sciences)

For a transversal project in the INSERM Research Centre to improve the outcome

of cancer therapy by testing new potential treatments against human tumors (colon,

and breast cancer) with high level of efficacy and low toxicity.



Despite aggressive therapies, resistance of many tumors to established treatment

procedures still constitutes a major problem in cancer therapy. For example, the

therapeutic strategy of colorectal cancer is mainly based on surgery and a palliative

chemotherapy with 5-FU/folinic acid associated with Irinotecan.



However this strategy is not very successful, mainly due to establishment of a strong

resistance of cancer cells against the cytotoxic drugs, and to metastatic invasion.

The overall aim of the proposed transversal project in the INSERM U866 Unit “Lipids,

Nutrition, Cancer” is to evaluate: 1) the effect of polyphenols and new chemicals

analogues on the tumor cell plasma membrane, 2) and to determine novel cellular targets

in the cellular lipid metabolism which is implicated in the chemotherapeutic response and

in the Multi-Drug Resistance.



Disciplines: Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology



This project is part of a large scale program involving several teams in the INSERM Unit

Beside basis support from INSERM and French Ministery of research, this program is

supported by the “Conseil Régional de Bourgogne”, the vitivinicultural sector, the NACre

(Nutrition-Food Cancer research) network, the “Cancer League” (Côte d'Or committee) and

INCa (National Cancer Institute and Easter France Cancer cluster).



This position will be available in September-October 2010

and offers a competitive salary (2,500 euros per month).

General information on the INSERM U866 Research Center is available at:

http://www.u-bourgogne.fr/INSERM-U866/indexe.html

The INSERM Research Centre is situated in the University of Dijon, near the University

Hospital, with excellent communication facilities. Language spoken include English and

French. The INSERM Unit counts 10 teams with about 220 people and supported by 11

technical platforms (Cytometry, lipidomics, proteomics, metabolomics, RPE, …) in the

Research Federative Institute “Santé-Stic” (http://www.u-bourgogne.fr/IFR100/)

Curriculum vitae, name and contact details of two referees have to be sent to the

Supervisor of the Research Program by Email to

Dr. DELMAS Dominique (ddelmas@...)

INSERM Research Center “Lipids, Nutrition, Cancer”

Team 9 “Metabolic and Nutritional Laboratory”

University of Burgundy, Faculty of Sciences, 6 Bd Gabriel 21000 Dijon – FRANCE

Tel: +33 3 80 39 37 01 Continue Reading...

Project for a MSc/ MRes student on coral and anemone physiology at the Monaco Scientific Centre

RE: Project for a MSc/ MRes student on coral and anemone physiology
at the Monaco Scientific Centre.

We are seeking a motivated graduate student to conduct a research
project on the influence of light on intracellular pH in symbiotic
cnidarian cells. The project fits into a wider programme of research
conducted at the Monaco Scientific Centre that concerns the
physiology of tropical and temperate corals in the context of global
environmental change, particularly ocean acidification. http://www.centrescientifique.mc/csmuk/presentation.php. The student
will be joint supervised by Dr Sylvie Tambutte (Team Leader of the
Physiology and Biochemistry Group) and Dr Alexander Venn.

The proposed project will provide the graduate student with the
opportunity to acquire skills in cell biology, with an emphasis on
the application of physiology to environmental issues. The applicant
will need to be already enrolled in a masters programme at another
institution, but the proposed project may fill part or all of a
student's requirement for research experience. The student will
preferably have some laboratory experience with a background in
physiology or cell and molecular biology. Duration of the project is
flexible with a maximum of 6 months, with a flexible start date from
January 2010. All bench fees/ laboratory costs are covered by CSM and
a bursary of 300 euros per month is available.

The Monaco Scientific Centre ("Centre Scientifique de Monaco" or
"CSM") is a world leader in coral physiology, particularly in the
areas of biomineralization and symbiosis. Although primarily a French
speaking laboratory, CSM provides an international research
environment, regularly hosting researchers from locations such the
US, Australia and Japan (thus English is widely spoken). CSM is
currently housed in the Monaco Oceanographic Museum and funded by the
Government of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Short project synopsis:
The cnidarian-dinoflagellate symbiosis underpins coral reef
ecosystems. The ecological importance of corals and their
vulnerability to environmental change has led to growing interest in
cnidarian physiology (see Weis and Allemand 2009 What determines
coral health? Science, 329, 1153-1155). We have recently developed an
approach to measure intracellular pH in corals and symbiotic
anemones, a fundamental parameter that influences most aspects of
cell physiology (Venn et al. 2009 Imaging intracellular pH in a reef
coral and symbiotic anemone. Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences of the USA. 106 (39) 16574-16579). The purpose of the
proposed project is to build on our preliminary data and investigate
how intracellular pH in host cnidarian cells is modified by the
photosynthesis of intracellular algae under different environmental
conditions. The project will use the symbiotic anemone Anemonia
viridis as a model.

The student may have the opportunity to apply for a fully funded
Ph.D. on this topic at CSM starting in October 2010.

Interested candidates should send a CV to Sylvie Tambutte stambutte@centrescientifique.mc and Alexander Vennalex@centrescientifique.mc

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PhD Fellowship in Systems Biology of Human Metabolism, Univ. of Iceland

website link:
http://www.systemsbiology.is/PhdSysBioHumMet

PhD Fellowship in systems biology of human metabolism

The Center of Systems Biology, University of Iceland is looking to recruit a highly motivated PhD students to join a growing effort focusing on systems biology of human metabolism. The research at the CSB UoI focuses on 1) human metabolism and 2) industrial biotechnology. The Center is an interdisciplinary center with the Schools of Medicine, Engineering and Natural Sciences participating.

The CSB UoI aims to characterize human disease using a systems biology approach. This research effort includes on 1) expanding the currently available human metabolic reconstruction, 2) discovery of new functions and pathways in human metabolism using computational and experimental techniques, 3) phenotyping of human cell lines using metabolomic techniques, 4) computational and experimental analysis of metabolic changes associated with disease, and 5) high-throughput drug screening. We use the state-of-the-art computational methods to guide and design human cell culturing experiments as well as metabolomic measurements. These technologies are embedded in a biologically driven research program that aims at systematic understanding of human metabolism, disease manifestation and drug target identification.

Job description:

* Expansion and refinement of the human metabolic reconstruction.
* Identification of missing metabolic genes using bioinformatics and modeling tools (gap filling)
* Development of cell type specific metabolic models from experimental data and the human metabolic reconstruction.
* Databases and literature mining for genomic information.
* Computational modeling of human metabolism in health and disease.
*

The project will thus include key technologies used in computational systems biology and bioinformatics.

Your qualifications:

* Master´s degree (or equivalent) in Bioinformatics, (Molecular) Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or Medicine.
* Strong interest in human biology and computational modeling.
* Basic skills/ experience in programming and statistical data analysis.
* Communication skills and team orientated work.

Our Offer:

* Working in a scientifically stimulating, innovative, dynamic, well- equipped, and international surrounding.
* In-depth training in cutting edge technologies used in systems biology.
* Numerous training opportunities in (molecular) biology, systems biology and bioinformatics.
* Initial short-term employment contract for three years.

The position is available immediately. Please send a cover letter, a brief description of research experience and interests, a curriculum vitae and contact information for three references in pdf file form to Professor Ines Thiele ( systemsbiology@hi.is ).

All applications will be answered and applicants will be informed about the appointment when a decision has been made. Salary for the positions will be according to collective wage and salary agreement.

Appointments to the University of Iceland do take into account the Equal Rights Project of the University of Iceland.

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2 PhD Scholarships in Freshwater Ecology at the Univ of Canterbury, NZ

Two PhD Scholarships in Freshwater Ecology at the University of Canterbury

(a) Flow variation and threatened galaxiid fishes, and
(b) influence of urbanisation on stream invertebrate populations.

Two fully funded PhD studentships are available within the Freshwater Ecology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury for freshwater ecology research. This is a chance for high calibre students to join a successful research team investigating a wide variety of issues in freshwater ecosystems.

We are looking for students who can undertake innovative research that will both improve understanding of fundamental issues and enhance current management. There is an opportunity for students to develop their own research ideas as long as they fit within the overall focus of the research group. However, we would especially like to hear from students who wish to work on either (a) the effects of flow variation on the ecology of threatened galaxiid fishes or (b) the influence of urbanisation on stream invertebrate populations.

Applicants need to have the potential to carry out innovative and insightful research, as well as the initiative and personality to communicate the results to a wide variety of groups. They must be able to work within a team and can expect high quality mentoring and support from the group. Successful applicants will have a strong academic record, appropriate practical and technical experience, and will have demonstrated a high level of ability in written and oral communication.

The scholarships are for study at the University of Canterbury within the Freshwater Ecology Research Group within the Freshwater Ecology Research Group of the School of Biological Sciences in association with Associate Professor Angus McIntosh and Dr Jon Harding, and are available now for start by October 2009. The scholarships consist of a NZ $22,000 p.a. student stipend and funding to cover course fees and research expenses for three years.

Applications should be sent via e-mail to Katie McHugh (Katie.mchugh-at-canterbury.ac.nz), administrative assistant in the School of Biological Sciences, by 19 June 2009, and should include:
(i) a full curriculum vitae (including phone contact details),
(ii) a copy of your academic record,
(iii) a one page statement of your research interests and aspirations,
(iv) the names and contact details of three referees who are willing to provide confidential comments on your capacity to undertake a PhD, and
(v) an indication of your desired start date.

Successful applicants may be required to submit copies of official documents before being admitted to the PhD program at the University of Canterbury.
Questions of an academic nature can be addressed to either:
Associate Professor Angus McIntosh (angus.mcintosh@canterbury.ac.nz) or Dr Jon Harding (jon.harding@canterbury.ac.nz).

For information on PhD study at the University of Canterbury, including entry requirements, see: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/postgrad/qualifications/phd.shtml
For information on the School of Biological Sciences see: http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/
For information on the Freshwater Ecology Research Group see: http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/ferg/index.shtml Continue Reading...

PhD Studentships, Biological Sciences, NotchIT Project

Notch Signalling in Development and Pathology
Research Fellowships and PhD Studentships
http://www.notchit.eu/index.php

NotchIT is a 4-year FP7 European Union funded Project which was awarded to 7 academic and 1 industrial partners from 6 European countries to train young researchers at early stage of their career in the field of Notch signalling (total budget of the project is 3.4 million Euro).

NotchIT integrates expertise from several areas of developmental biology and pathology. Expertise in myogenesis, haematopoiesis, neurobiology, heart and vascular biology, tumour biology and molecular pharmacology is congregated in this project, providing a unique platform for interdisciplinary work.

Young researchers will be exposed to basic research - utilizing different experimental models from zebra fish to mice – to clinical and translational research. NotchIT encourages participation at meetings, short-term exchange visits and interactions among laboratories through an attractive Training programme.

We invite applications for the following positions (16 in total):
1) Postdoctoral Research Fellows. Max duration 2 years
2) Research Fellows (no PhD required). Max duration 3 years
3) PhD students. Max duration 3 years

For all the positions, Marie Curie salary rates apply
Applicants should submit Curriculum Vitae, including publications list and names and contact info of two referees by e-mail ( info@notchit.eu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) indicating research areas of interest and laboratories of choice.

Closing date: 20 March 2009;

Positions available starting from April 2009. (www.notchit.eu)

NotchIT Principal Investigators and research laboratories:

Isabella Screpanti (coordinator), Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Urban Lendahl, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Alexander Medvinsky, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Freddy Radtke, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
José Luis de La Pompa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
Anne Joutel, INSERM, Paris, France
Shahragim Tajbakhsh, Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
Lilian Wikström, NeuroNova AB, Stockholm, Sweden Continue Reading...

5 PhD positions at Leibniz Graduate School Systems Biology Lab-on-Chip

website link:
http://sbloc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=29

The International Leibniz Graduate School Systems Biology Lab on a Chip admits five students once a year. Applications for the program starting at September 1, 2009 should be posted by May 1, 2009 (delivery date).

The program is open to qualified young science and engineering graduates. Applicants must hold a Masters, Diploma or equivalent degree in sciences or engineering with excellent student records. The degree should include an experimental research experience of at least four months. Applications are welcome even if the required degree has not been awarded by the time of the application. It only has to be conferred before entering the program.

A foreign diploma or degree conferred may not always be recognized as equivalent to its German pendant. Admission to doctorate studies in Germany with a foreign degree requires that the foreign degree qualifies the holder for direct admission to doctorate studies in the country where the degree was obtained.

After a selection process including interviews and presentations in June the candidates will be informed of the final decision by mid of July. Continue Reading...

PhD positions, Biological Sciences, Cross Talk Project, Europe

PhD positions, Biological Sciences, Cross Talk Project, Europe

The Cross Talk project is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network, that
brings together 8 academic participants, 2 industrial partners and 3
associated partners. Their association promotes complementarities of
expertise in several scientific research fields, supporting an
early-stage training program.Cross Talk has
the overall objective to achieve major breakthroughs in the
understanding of the mechanisms underlying the dialogue between the
intestinal microbiota and hosts. To reach this aim, Cross Talk will:

• Decipher the molecular mechanisms involved in the microbiota-host recognition

• Reveal how the bacterial signals are integrated by the different players of the mucosal immune system

• Validate the cross-talk mechanisms identified in the previously
described steps in vivo. The expected outputs are new knowledge and
applications for the food and drugs industry.
Cross Talk aims to rise a new generation of young scientists, well
trained to sustain the emergence of metagenomics, a new supra-
discipline calling for competencies in microbiology, cell biology,
immunology, human physiology, high throughput technologies and
bioinformatics. In this respect, Cross Talk will provide individual
training through research projects and organize network meetings,
spring schools and workshops.
http://www.cross-talk.eu

http://www.cross-talk.eu/index.php?id=37 Continue Reading...