Research Two PhD Positions in Experimental Microbial Ecology, Switzerland

Research objectives are to better understand why cross-feeding sometimes occurs within microbial communities and how cross-feeding can promote diversity within these communities. Denitrification of nitrate to nitrogen gas is used as a model cross-feeding pathway, which has important implications for water quality, air quality, and global warming. The research projects are expected to improve our mechanistic understanding of how microbial communities assemble together.

The PhD positions will largely focus on experimental work, but may incorporate theoretical components as well. The projects will require the development of expertise in experimental microbiology, microbial ecology, and microbial evolution. Both positions will begin January 1st, 2011, but this is to some degree negotiable.
A successful applicant will have an MSc degree or equivalent in environmental or biological sciences. The applicant should have a working knowledge of microbiology, ecology, and evolution. The applicant must be able to conduct research independently and to communicate in English.

The applicant should include 1) a cover letter that describes their motivation to work on the project, 2) academic transcripts / list of courses completed or ongoing, including grades, 3) a CV, and 4) contact information for at least two academic references. Do not include letters of recommendation. These will be requested later.

Please apply online via the button below. For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. David Johnson at david.johnson@env.ethz.ch. Please, do not email applications or CV to Dr. Johnson. Only submit applications online or if technical problems occur to Rolf Oertli at oertli@pa.ethz.ch.

Application Deadline : 30 October 2010

PhD Position in Neuroanatomy/Neuroscience (3x2 years)

Job description
The successful candidate will do research to get a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Our projects are focused on neuroimmunological repair strategies after brain and spinal cord injury with special emphasis on the use of anti-inflammatory mediators to enhance functional regeneration. The successful applicant will be working on “the use of stem cells as carriers of pro-regenerative factors after spinal cord injury”. The project includes a rich spectrum of techniques such as cell and brain slice cultures, histology, molecular biology and behavior tests.

We offer a highly interactive and well-equipped environment at the host. The BIOMED institute was established in 1999 and conducts biomedical research in two core areas: neuro-inflammation and the development of biosensors. Basic and clinical research is organized in four strategic programs and much effort is put into academia-clinic interactions and academia-industry interactions for valorization of scientific findings. BIOMED employs approximately 120 persons including more than 35 PhD students.
The candidate will also participate in teaching macroscopic and microscopic neuroanatomy in the department of morphology for bachelor students in Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She/He will also supervise master students in the School for Life Sciences. The UHasselt provides a high-performance and dynamic teaching concept based on supervised self studies in which researchers also play an active role.

Profile and diploma
We are looking for particularly motivated and ambitious scientists. Experience with stem cell culture and cell transfection will be greatly appreciated. The candidate must have excellent communication skills, a good knowledge of English, and must be highly motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team. For teaching purposes, the candidate must become fluent in Dutch within one year.
Candidates must have an officially recognized master degree in biological, (bio)medical or life sciences or equivalent with a molecular/cellular orientation. Last year students can also apply.

Further information

* Content job responsibilities:
o Research: Prof. dr. Sven Hendrix, 011 26 92 46, sven.hendrix@uhasselt.be
o Teaching: Prof. dr. Marjan Vandersteen, 011 26 85 12, marjan.vandersteen@uhasselt.be
* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Yves Soen, 011-26 80 85, yves.soen@uhasselt.be

Application
Applicants must use the official application forms

* which are available at the Rectoraat of Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan - building D, B-3590 Diepenbeek (Belgium), phone +32 - 11 - 26 80 10
* or which can be downloaded here pdf-file ( http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.pdf ) / Word format ( http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc )

The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than October 15 2010.

Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

Asia Pacific Scholarship Consortium : list of scholarships

The Asia Pacific Scholarship Consortium is an informal network of universities in Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the Philippines that aims to facilitate scholarships in high quality postgraduate courses for individuals from Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR who require financial support to study. The Consortium was established in 2007.

All applications must be submitted by December 1,. No late applications will be accepted.

PURPOSE: To provide opportunities and scholarships for high quality, post-graduate study in fields relevant to development of the Mekong Sub Region, for individuals who demonstrate both academic and professional excellence and potential to become leaders in the following fields:

• Community Health
• Development
• Education
• Environment
• Humanities & Social Sciences
• Media
• Policy & Administration
• Social Work

Successful students will study at prestigious international universities in Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia or the Philippines. Scholars will undertake masters degrees by coursework. Courses typically take one to two years to complete. Scholars must complete the course within the specified time period on a full time basis.

INTERNSHIPS: Successful students will be eligible to apply for an APSC Graduate Internship. Interns will be placed in organizations and institutions within the Southeast Asian region for a period of three months, so as to further develop skills acquired during formal degree study.

AWARD STRUCTURE: The following costs will be covered under the award at a basic level:

• Academic tuition and mandatory fees for the duration of the course, including examination and thesis costs.
• A monthly stipend for room and board, and living expenses sufficient for a single student. There will be no support for students' families.
• Accident and sickness insurance during the program
• Support for educational supplies and materials.
• Transport for the student to travel one time from their home to the campus and to return at the end of the program.
• All costs related to securing and maintaining a student visa for the duration of study.
• Professional development fund available to cover support for academic development such as attendance of academic conferences or subscription to journals.
• A research fund will be available on a competitive basis for students who wish to undertake thesis research in their home country.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must:

• hold an undergraduate degree at the time of application deadline with an excellent academic record;
• be a resident of Myanmar, Cambodia or Lao PDR;
• have experience working in at least one of the fields listed above for development in their home country;
• be proficient in English;
• be committed to returning to their home country after completion of the program to continue their work.

Applicants must complete the application materials and submit them to APSC by December 1. The APSC Scholarship Application* and the APSC Reference Forms* should be filled in on your computer and sent to apsconsortium@gmail.com. Your materials will be processed more quickly if completed in this manner, but hand-written or scanned copies of these documents are acceptable only if you have difficulties completing these documents electronically. The application materials required for this program are as follows:

1. APSC Scholarship Application*.
2. One academic letter of reference (using the APSC Reference Form*).
3. One professional letter of reference (using the APSC Reference Form*).
4. Scanned copies of all previous educational transcripts (or an explanation as to why these are unavailable).
5. Scanned copy of your passport page (if available).
6. Scanned copies of any official English language exams you have taken, such as TOEFL or IELTS (if available).

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview and selection exam. The exam will be an ITP TOEFL test but will include an additional essay component. Based on an applicant's interest, the shortlisted applications will be recommended for submission to a university from within APSC. This decision will be made by the selection committee. Applicants may be asked to complete a further application, depending on the entrance requirements of the selected university. Applicants do not need to apply to universities directly under this program. Masters courses will start between May and September, depending on the prospective university. Support will be provided for all logistics related to travel and registration at the respective universities.

To apply or request more information please contact apsconsortium@gmail.com or write to us at: PO Box 196, Chiang Mai University Post Office, Chiang Mai, 50202, Thailand