Italy : MASTER IN COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Deadline: 31 May 2012

> Open to: 30 students of different nationalities
> Scholarship: Financial aid will be granted to selected

enrolling students on the basisof both merit and assessment of their financial situation Description IUSS-PAVIA, Institute for Advanced Study was launched in 1997 under a special “program agreement” with the Ministry of Education, University and Research, inside a unique
system in the country, which can claim the historical presence of illustrious academic colleges. In July 2005 it was recognized as an independent and autonomous “Scuola Superiore ad ordinamento speciale” in virtue of the excellent quality of activities carried out,
attaining the same status of Scuola Normale and Scuola Sant’Anna di Pisa, and SISSA in Trieste.

Due to the completeness of its education and training fields, which allows a strong interdisciplinary approach, the mission of IUSS is that of contributing to the growth of a small number of selected students by offering them, at any step of their higher education, qualified programs enhancing their capabilities and knowledge. The Institute is also committed to scientific progress by preparing young researchers and developing scientific research programmes.

IUSS CORE PROGRAMS:
* Internal courses offered, on a merit base, to a small number
of selected brilliant students of Pavia´s University.
* Master degrees characterized by a strong international vocation.
* Ph.D. programs providing an interdisciplinary approach and
exposure to cutting edge research.
* Advanced short term courses and seminars.

The Master Program in Cooperation and Development (CD), organized in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – General Directorate for Cooperation and Development (DGCS) the Italian NGOs Cisp, Coopi, Vis and the University of Pavia, aims at training professionals in the field of international cooperation. Students are prepared to work in institutions operating in the area of cooperation and development, such as International Organizations, Governmental Bureaus, firms working in Developing Countries, Public Institutions,
Non-Governmental Organizations, and other no-profit organizations.

PROGRAM:
The Master lasts 16 months, beginning on October 2012 and ending on January 2014. It is a full time Master Program, entirely taught in English. The Master is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach to the realm of Cooperation and Development that links the subjects
explored in the coursework to three distinct yet strongly interrelated disciplinary areas: Economics, Human and Institutional Studies, Project Cycle Management. The program isstructured intotwo main parts:

a residential period ofclass work in Pavia – from October to June – and an internship period which will take place between July and December.
Costs

The cost of enrolment for the a.y. 2012-2013 is 7.000,00 euro. Fees include:
* Tuition fee
* Attendance to regular program classes and additional seminars
* Handout teaching material
* Free access to computer rooms and libraries
* A partial contribution to the expenses related to the
internship (primarily air ticket and insurance).

The first instalment of the fees, 1.500 euro, is due at the moment of
enrolment. In case of subsequent renunciation this amount will not be
reimbursed.

Scholarship
Financial aid will be granted toselected enrolling studentson the basisof both merit and assessment of their financial situation. Types of financial aid foreseen:
* total waving of fees
* partial waiving of fees
* contribution to the accommodation cost in Pavia Eligibility
Each year 30 students of different nationalities are admitted to the
Master Program. Applicants can be graduates of any major. A good
knowledge of English is required.

Application
In order to apply you have to download and fill in the application
form and send it to:
Segreteria CDN Pavia
c/o Collegio S. Caterina
Via San Martino 17/b
27100 PAVIA (Italy)

For more information please consult the FAQs section, or the Official Call.
http://www.iusspavi a.it/eng/ master.php? id=27&sez= 2

Application Deadline : 31 May 2012

Sri Lanka : Sri Lankan Government funded Scholarships for Foreign Students

Sri Lankan Government funded Scholarships for Foreign Students in the any subject (excluding Medical & Dental Sciences) for the Academic year 2012, Sri Lanka

Eligibility:

-Be citizens of the selected 48 countries

For Undergraduate Applicant:

Candidates with impressive results of an examination deemed equivalent to G.C.E. (Advance Level) Examination of Sri Lanka are eligible to apply for admission to universities in Sri Lanka.

For Postgraduate Applicants:

Applicants should have a first degree from a recognized university with good academic merits and for PhD studies a relevant postgraduate qualification, which is normally a Masters degree.

English Language Proficiency:

English is the medium of instruction. Accordingly, an applicant whose previous education has not been conducted in English must demonstrate a good command of English sufficient to meet the demands of classroom instructions, written assignments and participation in tutorials and discussions. Therefore applicants must provide evidence of proficiency in English i.e. achieve a minimum score of TOEFL 525 or a score of IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate studies. For Masters or PhD the required marks should be a score of TOEFL 550 or a score of IELTS 6.5 and above

-Candidates with impressive results of an examination deemed equivalent to G.C.E. (Advance Level) Examination of Sri Lanka are eligible to apply for admission to universities inSri Lanka

-Scholarships are open for courses of studies other than Medical & Dental Science

-Places are limited for Engineering Sciences

-Candidates can request for more courses indicating their preferences as places are limited in some fields.

Scholarship Description:

Applications are invited from eligible foreign students to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels in Sri Lankan Universities. The award under the special 100 scholarships programme, made by the Ministry of Higher Education, Sri Lanka, is for courses of study that will begin in October of 2012.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 30 June 2012

Italy : PhD Fellowship Application Now Open For Non-Italians Educated Abroad

Applicants must be non-Italian, currently reside outside of Italy and have attained academic qualifications from non-Italian Institutions. Each fellowship amounts to €19,800 per year. The deadline for submission of applications is 15 May 2012. For further information write tophdfellowship@uniroma1.it.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 15 May 2012

UK : Westminster International Scholarships

Amount:

Full tuition fee waivers, accommodation, living expenses and flights to and from London.

Eligibility:

You must be an international student from a developing country and hold an offer for a full-time Masters degree.

Criteria:

Academic excellence, development potential and financial need.

Deadline:

31 May 2012


These generous awards are aimed at fully funding you if you are from a developing country and will study a full-time Masters degree at the University. Particular preference will be given to you if you can demonstrate how the knowledge you acquire from your studies will aid the development of your own country.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 31 May 2012

UK : 40 new Doctoral College PhD studentships

The University of Brighton Doctoral College is inviting applications for up to 40 new Doctoral College studentships for the 2012/2013 academic year.

Each offers funding to pursue research across a range of topics in the arts and humanities, life and physical sciences, and the social sciences and will support full-time doctoral study at the university over a three-year period.

Find out more about funding details and deadlines

Review all project topics by subject area

Talk to us about your research future at Brighton.

Choose to join the University of Brighton as a research student and you will be part of our new university-wide Doctoral College that fully supports doctoral studies within the university's broader research culture.

Our support for researcher development has been recognised in 2012 with the prestigious European Commission HR Excellence in Research Award.

You will be assisted in your discovery of new knowledge by a strong supervisory team and a researcher development programme. With many of our researchers world leaders in their fields, you will work in collaboration with the university to build specialist areas of excellence and ensure the work's ability to impact.

Transformative research

The University of Brighton is committed to delivering transformative research that has real-life positive impacts. We believe there are two types of research - applied and yet to be applied. Find out more about our range of research.

In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE2008) the university moved 21 places up the Times Higher Education quality league tables. Ninety-eight researchers submitted for Art and Design, securing 35 percent world leading activity, with another nine units of assessment recording world-leading research.

About the European Commission's HR Excellence in Research Award

A UK-wide process, incorporating the QAA Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes and the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers, enables institutions to gain the European Commission's 'HR excellence in research' badge, acknowledging alignment with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for their Recruitment

Further Information

Application Deadline : 8 June 2012

Alumni Study Award for Postgraduate – University of Sussex

Application Deadline : 30 September 2012

Eligibility

You are eligible for an Award if you meet ALL the criteria set out below.* You are eligible for an Award even if you have had a break in your study at Sussex.

• you have attended our International Summer School or been a Visiting & Exchange student or you have one of the following degrees awarded by the University of Sussex: BA, BEd, BEng, BSc, LLB, LLM, MA, MChem, MEng, MMath, MPhys, MRes, MSc, MSW, MPhil, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, PGCE or Certificate or Diploma awarded by CCE
• you are applying for a Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, MA, MRes, MSc, MSW, LLM, MPhil, DPhil, New Route DPhil, DSW or EdD at the University of Sussex
• you have not yet begun your postgraduate degree at Sussex – Awards apply only to new registrations
• you will become eligible on registering as a student of the University of Sussex
• you have a UK bank account and your bank details are up to date on Sussex Direct by 30 January 2012

Procedure

There is no application procedure as such. The awards will be paid automatically into a UK bank account. Awards will be paid to you during the Spring Term. The payment will be made directly into your UK bank account via the Banks Automated Clearing System (BACS), please ensure you have entered your UK bank account details into Sussex Direct. Payment of your Award will happen automatically. The Development and Alumni Relations Office will write to you in January to confirm payment of the Award.

Timetable

Awards will be paid to you during the Spring Term.

More detail information, Please visit the Website

12th Summer School on Image and Robotics (SSIR'12) June 25th

*CALL FOR PARTICIPATION*

*12th Summer School on Image and Robotics (SSIR'12)
June 25th to July 6th 2012*

Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada, Baja
California (CICESE)

Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

Web Site: http://www.image-and-robotics.org/SSIR-2012

Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE), The French National Institute for Research in Computer Science and Control (INRIA Rhône-Alpes), The French-Mexican Laboratory of Informatics and Automatic Control (LAFMIA), and the Mexican Network on Robotics and Mechatronics (RobMec) invite you to take part in the 12th Summer School on Image and Robotics (SSIR'12) to be held in Ensenada Baja California Mexico.

CICESE is one of the 27 research centers coordinated by Mexico’s National Council for Science and Technology (CONACYT) and is a recognized scientific institution at a national and international level. It's main goal is to generate knowledge that may contribute to the solution of problems that affect Mexico’s social and economic environment. Its graduate programs rank
among the best in the country, and some programs are leaders in Latin America.

SSIR'12 will be a 2 week-long residential summer school. The courses on this school are primarily aimed at last-year engineering, master and PhD students on image and robotics related programs abroad.

SSIR'12 will be hosted this year by the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education at Ensenada, Baja California,

This summer school is the twelve in the series organized in the framework of the very active cooperation between French and Mexican researchers and institutions developing computer science.

The courses include general and fundamental knowledge for robot control and perception system design. This includes scene identification and modeling, robot localization, pattern recognition, path planning and execution and robot physical interactions. The formation will be articulated along four principal subjects:

- Perception: image processing and computer vision.
- Algorithmics: motion generation, execution and control.
- Mobile robotics.
- Learning and Bayesian methods.

No prior high knowledge of robotics nor computer vision will be required. Participants will attend to general lectures and talks on more specialized research areas, making it possible to concretely cover both research and practical subjects. Workshop sessions has been introduced in the program to allow a higher degree of interaction between students and instructors. In
workshops, voluntary students are invited to present the projects they are working on or they have already participated. Please check details for workshop proposal in the Summer School Web site.

The participation cost for the summer school are

-
- Students: $4,000 mexican pesos (MXN)
- Academics (non students): $8,000 mexican pesos (MXN)
- Industrial: $10,000 mexican pesos (MXN)

This cost will cover:

1. tuition,
2. study materials,
3. coffee breaks,
4. one meal on school days (Monday to Friday).

Students lodging will be provided by the SSIR 2012 organizing committee. A limited amount of rooms have been booked.

Please note that the maximum Summer School attendance is restricted to 60 participants. Selection of participants will be carried out by a Scientific committee.

*A limited number of scholarships will be granted to students. The application form can be found on the Summer School web site.*

http://www.image-and-robotics.org/ssir-2012

*Important dates*

Registration deadline. Please note that, if the number of registered participants reaches 60 (payment received) registrations could be closed before that date:

- June 17th if room is NOT booked
- TBA if room is booked

[image: -] Scholarship application deadline

- students from foreign (non-Mexican) institutions: May 11th
- students from Mexican institutions: May 18th

[image: -] Scholarship assignment:

- students from foreign (non-Mexican) institutions: June 4th
- students from Mexican institutions: June 4th

Scholarship for Master in Cooperation and Development of Pavia 2012-2013

IUSS-PAVIA, Institute for Advanced Study was launched in 1997 under a special “program agreement” with the Ministry of Education, University and Research, inside a unique system in the country, which can claim the historical presence of illustrious academic colleges. In July 2005 it was recognized as an independent and autonomous “Scuola Superiore ad ordinamento speciale” in virtue of the excellent quality of activities carried out, attaining the same status of Scuola Normale and Scuola Sant’Anna di Pisa, and SISSA in Trieste.
Due to the completeness of its education and training fields, which allows a strong interdisciplinary approach, the mission of IUSS is that of contributing to the growth of a small number of selected students by offering them, at any step of their higher education, qualified programs enhancing their capabilities and knowledge. The Institute is also committed to scientific progress by preparing young researchers and developing scientific research programmes.
IUSS CORE PROGRAMS:

• Internal courses offered, on a merit base, to a small number of selected brilliant students of Pavia´s University.
• Master degrees characterized by a strong international vocation.
• Ph.D. programs providing an interdisciplinary approach and exposure to cutting edge research.
• Advanced short term courses and seminars.

The Master Program in Cooperation and Development (CD), organized in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – General Directorate for Cooperation and Development (DGCS) the Italian NGOs Cisp, Coopi, Vis and the University of Pavia, aims at training professionals in the field of international cooperation. Students are prepared to work in institutions operating in the area
of cooperation and development, such as International Organizations, Governmental Bureaus, firms working in Developing Countries, Public Institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations, and other no-profit organizations.
PROGRAM:
The Master lasts 16 months, beginning on October 2012 and ending on January 2014. It is a full time Master Program, entirely taught in English. The Master is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach to the realm of Cooperation and Development that links the subjects explored in the coursework to three distinct yet strongly interrelated disciplinary areas: Economics, Human and Institutional Studies, Project Cycle Management. The program isstructured intotwo main parts: a residential period ofclass work in Pavia – from October to June – and an internship period which will take place between July and December.

Costs

The cost of enrolment for the a.y. 2012-2013 is 7.000,00 euro. Fees include:

• Tuition fee
• Attendance to regular program classes and additional seminars
• Handout teaching material
• Free access to computer rooms and libraries
• A partial contribution to the expenses related to the internship (primarily air ticket and insurance).

The first instalment of the fees, 1.500 euro, is due at the moment of enrolment. In case of subsequent renunciation this amount will not be reimbursed.

Scholarship

Financial aid will be granted toselected enrolling studentson the basisof both merit and assessment of their financial situation. Types of financial aid foreseen:

• total waving of fees
• partial waiving of fees
• contribution to the accommodation cost in Pavia

Eligibility

Each year 30 students of different nationalities are admitted to the Master Program. Applicants can be graduates of any major. A good knowledge of English is required.

Application

In order to apply you have to download and fill in the application form and send it to:

Segreteria CDN Pavia

c/o Collegio S. Caterina

Via San Martino 17/b

27100 PAVIA (Italy)

For more information please consult the FAQs section, or the Official Call.

Spain : Postdoctoral candidates for the 7 FP Marie Curie 2012 Fellowship

The research group Analysis and Advanced Materials for Structural Design (AMADE– Universitat de Girona, http://amade.udg.edu) is a research group that responds to the demand of the industrial sector in three particular areas:

·         Innovation (new designs, new materials, new design  tools),

·         Product improvement,

·         Analysis of in-service behavior.

From AMADE wesupport the R+D activities of companies. Market demands and incentives from the Public Administration motivate companies develop R+D projects. Often, however, they do so without sufficiently specialized staff and without the specific equipment needed to do it, especially in small and medium-sized companies.

AMADE seeks Postdoctoral candidates for the 7 FP Marie Curie 2012 Fellowship that will close in August 2012. We are interested both in Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) and International Incoming Fellowships (IIF). The candidates are expected to contribute to one of the following research interest:

Project 1: Enhancement of the mechanical behavior of composite structures by means of the optimum design of tow-hybrid thin-ply laminates.

Requested Profile: Physicists or engineers specialized in composite materials and computational models to simulate the mechanical behavior of composite structures.

Project 2: Thermal recovery of plastic deformation capacity of elasto-plastic energy dissipators subjected to low-cycle fatigue.

Requested Profile: Physicists or engineers specialized in materials or engineers specialized in steel structures, ultimate behavior of structures or earthquake engineering.

Project 3: Implementation of numerical models for the instantaneous and time-dependent behaviour prediction of reinforced concrete structures strengthened or reinforced using different materials (i. e. steel and FRP).

Requested Profile: Engineers specialized in modelling of reinforced concrete structures.

The successful applicants will integrate into a research group composed of 15 doctors, 19 PhD students, 4 Master students, and 12 technicians for a period of 2 years.   

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should send their CV indicating the candidate’s research experience and academic titles, together with a motivation letter focused on one of the mentioned research projects. This information should be sent toinfo@amade.udg.edu at latest on May 27 2012.

Application Deadline : 27 May 2012

UK : PhD studentship available in Energy Demand

UCL is one of the world's premier universities, consistently ranked in the global top 10. It is a world-class research and teaching institution.

The UCL Energy Institute was established as UCL's response to the global challenges of mitigating climate change and providing energy security in the 21st century, as well as to support the UCL Grand Challenges. UCL has a substantial track record of energy research and world-leading competencies in a wide range of disciplines; the mission of the UCL Energy Institute is to build on this foundation by coordinating and stimulating research on energy and carbon emissions reductions across the university. The Institute helps build multidisciplinary teams and supports academics in applying their skills to the energy problem. For more information about our research and our people see our website http://www.ucl. ac.uk/energy/ .

The UCL Energy Institute Doctoral Training Programme includes the London - Loughborough Centre for Doctoral Research in Energy Demand which is the premier centre for energy demand research in the built environment in the UK. The Centre offers fully funded four year PhD studentships to eligible applicants.

The Centre brings together two leading energy research universities, UCLwho together have the expertise to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to take on senior roles in academia, industry, commerce and policy formulation. It also links two regions with vibrant and expanding activity in the energy and built environment arena.

The Centre offers a four year programme which combines a one year Master of Research (MRes) followed by a three year doctorate (PhD).
Why apply?

* As one of our students you will join a vibrant and diverse community of academics and graduate students.
* We aim to deliver a broadly based, multi-disciplinary and demanding PhD training programme which will prepare you for your future career.
* On completion of the programme you will have expert knowledge in the area of energy research relevant to your research project; project and programme management skills; teamwork, communication and leadership skills and the ability to seek optimal solutions to complex or multifaceted problems.
* You will receive an enhanced stipend of £17,090 per annum tax-free plus UK/EU fees for four years (conditions apply).

Who we are looking for
Applications are invited from UK graduates with a good first degree (1st or 2:1) in one of the following areas - physics, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, natural sciences, materials science or a related physical science. Eligible EU and overseas students with these or equivalent qualifications may also apply.

Studentship Details
The CDT is dedicated to addressing the challenge of climate change and this should be reflected in the project undertaken by the successful student. Projects on offer this year include:

* Heat pumps and smart energy - a dynamic problem
This engineering/ physics project will investigate the detailed interplay between heat delivery via heat pumps, thermal mass of living spaces, other thermal storage options and the need to minimise demands on the grid.
* Multifunctional insulation materials
The majority of available insulation materials are selected only for their thermal performance. However, considerable cost reductions, energy savings and ease of operations may be achieved by the development of multifunctional insulation materials, selected for properties such as low toxicity, structural performance, ease of cutting to size, robustness for maintenance etc, in addition to thermal properties. This project will investigate the science and cost-effectiveness of multifunctional insulation materials.
* What does all this data mean?
Suited to a student with strong mathematical background, this project will employ probabilistic techniques to investigate the evidence for trends in energy consumption, and relation to physical effects.
* Development of practical tests for estimating heat losses from heat distribution systems in buildings in the field
Changes in building regulations over the last decade have meant that the annual demand for space heating is now less than that for water heating in typical new dwellings. This means that a significant proportion of heat losses associated with provision of hot water can no longer be assumed to be useful and may contribute to overheating of living spaces in Summer. In the same way that the co-heating test has been developed to enable the quanitification of fabric heat loss, there is a need for a series of tests to characterise heat losses from heat distribution and storage systems in buildings. The aim of this project is to develop, demonstrate and evaluate such tests for a variety of building types.

The above projects may evolve over the course of the MRes year, in the light of new developments. We will also consider student proposals.

Studentship Details: 1 full EPSRC funded studentship for eligible applicants
Stipend: Enhanced stipend of £17,090 per annum tax-free plus UK/EU fees
Duration: Four years (conditional upon completion of the MRes + MPhil to PhD upgrade)
Start Date: September 2012 (Enrolment week commencing 17th September 2012 tbc)
Eligibility: See http://www.lolo. ac.uk/joinus/ page/title/ becomeastudent/

How to apply
Applicants must complete an online pre-application form (http://www.lolo. ac.uk/joinus/ application). If you are unable to submit an online form or have technical difficulties please contact Alison Parker at alison.parker@ ucl.ac.uk<mailto:alison.parker@ ucl.ac.uk>. The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is Friday 11 May 2012 at 17.00. Interviews will be held the week commencing the 28 May 2012.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 28 May 2012

UK : TRANSPORTATION MASTERS-INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Institute for Transport Studies (ITS), University of Leeds UK, is offering a full-fees Masters scholarship, to provide a unique opportunity to a student of outstanding ability, achievement and potential.

The International Transport Scholarship 2012/13 will fund the fees for an international student to undertake a Masters programme at ITS, on a one year full-time basis (www.its.leeds.ac.uk/courses/masters/)

The scholarship forms part of the ITS mission to advance the understanding of transport globally via the development of skills and best practice.  It is anticipated that the scholarship recipient will return to their home country after the Masters programme, to apply their new skills to an area of identified need.  

Scholarship value: £14900 (full-fees)

Application deadline: 8 June 2012

Further Information

Application Deadline : 8 June 2012

Germany : EMBL International PhD Programme

Welcome to the EMBL International PhD Programme. The EMBL International PhD Programme, originally established in 1983, represents the flagship of EMBL's commitment to first class training and education. Internationality, dedicated mentoring and early independence in research characterise our programme. Considered to be one of the most competitive PhD training schemes to enter, we are committed to providing EMBL PhD students with the best starting platform for a successful career in science.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 14 June 2012

Sweden : PhD-doctoral position in Computer and Systems Sciences

1 PhD-doctoral position in Computer and Systems Sciences with specialization in Video interaction and consumer-oriented Internet of Things services, at the Mobile Life Centre on the Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV), Stockholm University. Ref. No. SU 617-1058-12. (Deadline for applications: April 30, 2012.) Prolonged application time! New deadline for applications: May 15, 2012.

Topic 
The PhD student will investigate a new hybrid media that combines emergent mobile technologies for video interaction with the advances in the Internet of Things in order to generate consumer-oriented applications. Combining these sources into new hybrid formats could produce more diverse ways of experiencing remote contexts. We are interested in the role of emerging enjoyment services in temporally and spatially distributed leisure and experience activities. We foresee that developing new hybrid media to broadcast the wild and nature, and its display and presentation in home environments. Building on ethnographic work studying people’s experiences of nature and the wild, as well as outdoor activities, we propose to build trial systems that support sharing nature experiences online and display them at home in urban areas. Using sensors, cameras, microphones and mobile phones we will experiment with medialising what goes on in forests and in the sea, as well as sharing it online over the web to phone and on the web.

About the doctoral position and requirements
The Department of Computer and Systems Sciences (DSV) belongs to Stockholm University and is located in one of the world's leading ICT clusters, Kista, just outside Stockholm, Sweden. The department conducts research and education in different areas of computer and systems sciences, and has about 200 employees.

The Mobile Life VINN Excellence Centre at Stockholm University with SICS and KTH as strategically important research partners, is located in Kista outside Stockholm, Sweden. The Centre started in 2007 and has grown to be about 50 researchers, exploring experiential, leisure and playful mobile and ubiquitous interactions, also in collaboration with Nokia Research, Ericsson Research, Microsoft Research and IKEA.

The announced doctoral position requires that the applicants can be admitted to the doctoral program in Computer and Systems Sciences. Both general and specific academic entry requirements must be met. See further information on the web site, www.dsv.su.se/en/research/postgrad/.

The doctoral position involves four years of full-time studies (240 ECTS), leading to a doctoral degree in Computer and Systems Sciences at Stockholm University. One year is financed by doctoral grant and three years by doctoral studentship. The position may involve administration/teaching duties up to 20% of full time; such an arrangement gives that the position is prolonged corresponding to the time of administration/ teaching work. The doctoral position requires good English skills.

Selection criteria in judging the applicants are:

• Independence in analyzing and structuring previous work,
• Formulation of problem and cogency in previous work,
• Proven ability to adhere to prescribed timetables,
• Competence in visualization and interactive multimedia
• Methodological and scientific maturity, and
• Good abilities in communication and cooperation.

The applicants will be ranked according to the above criteria. Based on the ranking results, a number of applicants will be contacted. The decision on admission will be made by a departmental committee. Stockholm university strives to achieve an even gender distribution among doctoral students, and women in particular are encouraged to apply.

To the application should be attached:

• Brief description outlining the applicant’s interest in the doctoral position.
• Attested curriculum vitae (CV).
• Attested copy of degree certificate and listing of completed courses.
• List of publications, including theses and project reports.
• Copy of Master´s thesis or equivalent academic publication and copies of items from the above list of publications.
• Two references, including brief statements of how they relate to you, their phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
• Other qualifications that the applicant wishes to present as a basis for admittance.

Information
For more information, please contact Professor Oskar Juhlin, Mobile Life VinnExcellence Centre, Dep. of Computer and Systems Sciences, Stockholm University, oskarj@dsv.su.se, or the director of PhD studies, Åsa Smedberg,asasmed@dsv.su.se.

Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST),
tfn 08-16 2000 (vx), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), tfn 070-316 43 41.

The application marked with the reference number SU 617-1058-12 is to be submitted no later than May 15, 2012, to: 
Stockholm University
Registrar/PÄ
SE-106 91 Stockholm
Sweden.

The application can also be forwarded electronically to e-mail:registrator@su.se.

Documents sent electronically should be in Word- or pdf-format. Note! State reference number SU 617-1058-12 in the subject line.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 15 May 2012

Sweden : PhD position in theoretical modeling of ultrafast magnetization dynamics

The PhD student will perform theoretical investigations and computational modeling of laser-induced non-equilibrium magnetization processes in magnetic materials on ultrashort time scales. The research work includes development of theoretical models and computer programs for ultrafast optical control of magnetization in strong laser fields. Density-functional theory (DFT) programs will be used for accurate description of magnetic materials. The research will be performed in a EU project in collaboration with both experimental and theoretical researchers from various countries.

The prospective applicant is expected to be strongly motivated and have a Masters degree in theoretical or computational physics or materials science. Excellent exam marks are considered an asset, as well as previous experience with electronic structure theory and/or experience with code development.

The application should include a description of research interests and relevant experiences, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of the Master thesis or outline of the Master’s thesis, published articles or relevant materials, if available. Applicants are asked to provide names of reference persons or to include recommendation letters.

The PhD position is limited to four years in the case of full-time studies, or five years if teaching duties (maximum 20%) are included.

Further information about the postgraduate education at the Department of Physics and Astronomy is available at http://www.physics.uu.se.

Uppsala University is aiming for a more even gender distribution and women are especially encouraged to apply.

More information concerning the PhD position can be obtained from ProfessorPeter Oppeneer, e-mail: peter.oppeneer@physics.uu.se, phone +46-(0)18 471 3748. Labor Union representatives are Anders Grundström, SACO, phone +46 18 471 5380, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, phone +46 18 471 1996 and Stefan Djurström, SEKO, phone +46 18 471 3315.

You are welcome to submit your application electronically no later than 27 May 2012, UFV-PA 2012/926. Use the link below to access the application form.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 27 May 2012

Netherlands : PhD studentship on exciton-plasmon interaction

In the framework of a new large research initiative on Nanoscale Quantum Optics, the Dutch FOM (Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter) has an open PhD position. The research will be carried out at the Photonics and Semiconductor Nanophysics group at the Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands), see http://www.phys.tue.nl/psn. The selected candidate will perform cutting-edge fundamental research at the interface between quantum optics and solid-state nanophysics. The goal is to investigate the spontaneous emission of excitons in semiconductor nanostructures in the presence of strongly localised plasmonic resonances around metal nanoparticles. We wish to investigate the regimes of weak and strong coupling between excitons and plasmons, and evidence the breaking of the conventional dipole approximation in the presence of nanoscale optical confinement.

The selected candidate will be involved in all aspects of the project, from the nanofabrication of metal nanostructures, to the advanced optical characterisation by far-field and near-field spectroscopy and scanning tunneling luminescence, and the theoretical modeling of the spontaneous emission process.

We welcome applications from candidates with a Master degree and an excellent academic record in condensed-matter physics or optics. Candidates must prove a strong attitude towards experimental physics and the drive and capacity to tackle different aspects of a complex physical problem with large independence.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 31 August 2012

Netherlands : PhD position: Data-Driven Learning of Linear Parameter-Varying Models

The Control Systems group has a long tradition in modeling, system identification and control of dynamical systems. The group aims to be a nationally and internationally acknowledged center in mastering complexity of dynamic systems. Currently, the Control Systems group focuses its fundamental research around model approximation, networked systems, model predictive control and spatial-temporal systems. The group covers a wide variety of applications in modeling and control system design in projects. These include power networks, electromechanical systems, automotive systems, chemical production processes, and various applications in the process industry. We disseminate our expertise and knowledge to students, the scientific community and to industry. Currently about 30 people work at the Control Systems group, including postdocs and PhD students.

Project description

Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) systems are flexible models capable of representing nonlinear/time-varying dynamical systems in terms of a linear structure. Signal relations in this structure depend on a so-called scheduling variable, which embeds time-variance, nonlinear dynamical aspects, etc., into the behavior of the LPV model.

The LPV framework provides computationally efficient and robust control-synthesis approaches for nonlinear/time-varying systems — making it attractive to chemical-process and high-tech mechatronic applications. However, systematic LPV modeling based on measured data or first-principle knowledge is still unresolved — a widely recognized shortcoming of this promising theory. Currently it is not understood how (1) to achieve an exact and low-complexity embedding of a nonlinear behavior into an LPV structure, (2) to find optimally parameterized representations of LPV behaviors, and (3) to efficiently estimate them based on measured data.

This Phd project aims to surmount these challenges by establishing an innovative synergy between the Machine Learning (ML) and LPV frameworks. The aim is to develop computationally efficient model learning approaches capable of supporting control synthesis. The emerging ML framework provides powerful data-driven approaches to facilitate non-parametric learning of complicated data-relations. The flexibility of the ML framework in defining learning objectives (aim-relevant estimation) and its ability to facilitate optimal recovery of structural relationships (model structure selection) provide novel perspectives in terms of developing dedicated methods to solve the limiting problems (1)-(3) of the current LPV theory.

The results of the fundamental research will be applied to modeling problems in complex physical/chemical and/or electrical/mechatronic systems as e.g. high-purity distillation columns and high-performance positioning applications.

Tasks

• Study the literature of machine learning and LPV identification.
• Development of data-driven modeling approaches which are capable to surmount the challenges (1)-(3).
• Achieve controller objectives based model learning to support control synthesis directly by the developed identification approaches.
• Stochastic analysis of consistency and convergence of the results and empirical validation of the techniques on complex physical/chemical and/or electrical/mechatronic systems.
• Dissemination of the results of your research in international and peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
• Writing a successful dissertation based on the developed research and defending it.
• Assume educational tasks like the supervision of Master students and internships.

Requirements

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• You are a talented and enthusiastic researcher.
• You have experience with or a strong background in systems and control, mathematics, statistics and signal processing. Preferably you finished a master in Systems and Control, (Applied) Physics, (Applied) Mathematics, Information Technologies, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• You have good programming skills and experience (Mathematica and/or Matlab is an asset).
• You have good communicative skills, and the attitude to partake successfully in the work of a research team.
• You are creative and ambitious, hard working and persistent.
• You have good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).

What we offer

We offer a challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious university through a fixed-term appointment for the period of 4 years. The research in this project must be concluded with the attainment of a PhD degree.As an employee of the university you will receive a competitive salary as well as excellent employment conditions. A salary is offered starting at EUR 2042 per month (gross) in the first year and increasing up to EUR 2612 per month (gross) in the last year. Moreover 8% bonus share (holiday supplement) is provided annually. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. The university offers an attractive package of fringe benefits such as excellent technical infrastructure, child care, savings schemes, and excellent sports facilities.

TU/e offers opportunities for personal development by developing your social and communication skills. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the PROOF program as an excellent addition to your scientific education.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 13 May 2012

Netherlands : PhD studentship on quantum photonic networks

Quantum information processing enables new paradigms for computing and communication, leading for example to new algorithms for solving problems which are computationally difficult (quantum computing) and to physically-secure quantum cryptography. Photons are one of the preferred physical implementations of quantum bits, due to the long propagation distance, and several ideas and first demonstrations of quantum gates operating with photons are being investigated. However, any practical implementation of a small quantum circuit operating with photons faces the critical requirement of scalability: Present table-top experiments using bulky optical components or fibers cannot be practically scaled beyond few qubits due to the large number of components needed and to the high coupling loss. Our group is pursuing an alternative and potentially revolutionary approach to quantum networks, which is based on integrating single-photon components (sources, detectors, gates) on a single semiconductor chip. These solid-state optical circuits operating at the single-photon level are in principle scalable to hundreds and thousands of devices, opening the way to a small-scale quantum processor. We have already demonstrated some of the key building blocks (sources¹, detectors²) of this integrated quantum technology, and we are planning to start investigating small circuits operating at the level of two or few photons.

The selected candidate will perform fundamental research at the interface between nanophotonics and quantum optics. He/she will conceive and fabricate solid-state nanophotonic devices and small optical circuits operating at the single-photon level, using advanced nanotechnology tools, and investigate the quantum optical photon-photon interactions in view of their application to quantum information protocols. Some examples include the coherent transfer of single photons between two network nodes constituted by quantum dots in photonic crystal cavities, the investigation of the stimulated emission process at the single-photon level, and the application of single-photon nonlinearities to quantum gates. This research will be carried out in collaboration with other European groups active in the field.

We welcome applications from candidates with a Master degree in physics with top marks and with a background and interest in optics or photonics. Candidates must prove a strong attitude towards experimental physics and the drive and capacity to tackle different aspects of a complex problem with large independence.

Candidates are urged to apply as soon as possible, as selection will start immediately.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 31 August 2012

Netherlands : PhD Position in Communication and Information Studies

As a PhD student you will participate in the Professional Communication research programme of the Centre for Language Studies. The aim of this programme is to develop and test models of the way in which message design characteristics influence the outcome of the persuasion process in both Dutch and international contexts.

Work environment
Radboud University Nijmegen is strategically located in Europe and is one of the leading academic communities in the Netherlands. Established in 1923, and situated in the oldest city of the Netherlands, it has seven faculties and enrols over 17,500 students in 107 study programmes.
The Faculty of Arts consists of ten departments in the areas of language and culture, history, history of arts, linguistics and business communication, which together cater for about 2,700 students and collaborate closely in teaching and research.
Your research will be embedded in the Centre for Language Studies at the Faculty of Arts.

What we expect from you
- you have a MA degree (or expects to complete the degree before September 2012) in Communication and Information Studies, Communication Studies, or Social Psychology;
- you have knowledge of and a strong affinity with argumentation research;
- you have experience in (corpus) analytical research and appropriate statistical techniques;
- you are result-oriented and have excellent writing skills.

What we have to offer
We offer you:
- employment: 0,8 - 1,0 fte;
- in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
- the gross starting salary amounts to €2,042 per month based on full-time employment, and will increase to €2,612 per month in the fourth year, based on a 38-hour working week;
- the total duration of the contract is 4 years. You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years;
- you will be classified as a PhD student (promovendus) in the Dutch university job-ranking system (UFO).

Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Would you like to know more? 
Further information on: Faculty of Arts 
Further information on: Centre for Language Studies (CLS) 
Further information on: Argument Quality 

Prof. Dr. Hans Hoeken
Telephone: +31 24 3612884
E-mail: h.hoeken@let.ru.nl 

Dr. Jos Hornikx
Telephone: +31 24 3615513
E-mail: j.hornikx@let.ru.nl

Applications
Are you interested?
Apply by sending in a proposal drawn up in accordance with the guidelines atwww.ru.nl/cls/argumentquality 
Please include the following with your proposal:
- a curriculum vitae, including academic qualifications, grades, a list of publications if applicable, and the names and contact details of two referees;
- a letter explaining your motivation, your interest in the project, and your competence in the research field;
- a writing sample such as a chapter from your Master’s thesis or a forthcoming or published article or presented conference paper.
It is Radboud University Nijmegen's policy to only accept applications by e-mail. Please send your application, stating vacancy number 23.37.12, tovacatures@let.ru.nl, for the attention of ms. M. Loock, HRM officer, before 1 June 2012.
For more information on the application procedure: +31 24 3612916

Further Information

Application Deadline : 1 June 2012

Netherlands : PhD student Efficient Data Structures for Trajectory Data

The Algorithms group, headed by prof. Mark de Berg, focuses on algorithms and data structures for spatial data. The group performs fundamental research in computational geometry, I/O-efficient algorithms, and graph drawing, with applications to, for instance, geographic information systems and automated cartography. Currently the group consists of Mark de Berg, Kevin Buchin, Maike Buchin, Herman Haverkort, Bettina Speckmann, and several PhD students, making it one of the largest groups world-wide in this area. For more information on the group, see:http://www.win.tue.nl/algo/

Project description:The availability of devices that can be used for tracking objects has increased tremendously over the past years, leading to an explosive growth of data recording the trajectories of objects. To make effective use of these data, efficient algorithms and data structures are needed. Most research to date focuses on efficient algorithms for analyzing trajectories: computing the similarity between two given trajectories, clustering a set of trajectories, finding motion patterns, and so on. This project considers the data-structuring aspects: how can we preprocess and store a large collection of trajectories such that certain queries on the collection can be answered efficiently. The focus will be on similarity queries: report (or count) the (sub)trajectories in the collection that are similar to a given query trajectory. The goal of the project is to develop solutions that work well in practice and whose performance is supported by a theoretical analysis of their speed and accuracy under reasonable assumptions on the input data. The project will thus have a theoretical component as well as an experimental component.

The project will take place in the Algorithms Group at the TU Eindhoven, under the supervision of prof. Mark de Berg.

As a PhD student your tasks concern the following activities:

• Perform scientific research in the described domain;
• Present results in international conferences;
• Publish results in scientific journals;
• Participate in activities of the group and the department;
• Assist staff in teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in the domain of the group (at most 20% of the time)

Requirements:We are looking for talented, enthusiastic PhD candidates who meet the following requirements:

• An MSc. degree in Computer Science or Mathematics, with a firm background in algorithms.
• Have an interest in theoretical algorithms research and in experimental algorithms research.
• Creative, proactive team player with good analytical skills;
• Good communicative skills in English, both written and oral.

Appointment and salary:
We offer:

• A full-time temporary appointment for a period of 4 years, with an intermediate evaluation after 9 months;
• A gross salary of € 2,042 per month in the first year increasing up to € 2,612 per month in the fourth year;
• Support for your personal development and career planning including courses, summer schools, conference visits etc.;
• A research position in a young, enthusiastic and internationally renowned research group.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (e.g. excellent technical infrastructure, child daycare, savings schemes and excellent sport facilities).

Further Information

Application Deadline : 31 May 2012

Denmark : Attractive PhD Scholarships in SESAMO

DTU Informatics seeks candidates for two PhD scholarships devoted to the analysis of security and safety in embedded systems as part of the SESAMOproject funded by the European Union ARTEMIS programme.

Project Description
SESAMO is a European consortium of 14 industrial partners and 6 academic institutions that aim to focus on

1. a methodology to reduce interdependencies between safety and security mechanisms and to jointly ensure their properties,
2. constructive elements for the implementation of safe and secure systems,
3. procedures for integrated analysis of safety and security, and
4. an overall design methodology and tool-chain utilizing the constructive elements and integrated analysis procedures to ensure that safety and security are intrinsic characteristics of the system.

The DTU Informatics involvement in SESAMO concentrates on the interplay between safety and security and the trade-off between security and performance e.g. in cases where high levels of security might put too high demands of energy usage of battery operated devices.

We lead Task 3.1 Analysis and Assessment of Safety and Security where we will analyse to which extent fuzzy constraints and stochastic systems with multiple reward structures can be used to describe degrees of compliance with safety and security measures.

We are a key player in Task 3.2 Safety and Security Analysis and Assessmentwhere we will study the use of model checking and constraint solving to provide designers with information about the Pareto frontier between safety and security constraints.

The work will be both theoretical, based on examples and case studies from the industrial partners, and should contribute to prototype tools. Applicants should present a plan for how their competences can be used to realise the goals mentioned above.

Research Environment
The PhD students will be employed at DTU Informatics north of Copenhagen and will be able to work closely with the industrial partners in the project, and they will join the lively research environment in the Language Based Technology section of DTU Informatics, which hosts MT-LAB, a VKR Centre of Excellence for the Modelling of IT Systems, and which participates inIDEA4CPS, funded by the Danish Foundation for Basic Research in the area of Cyber Physical Systems.

Required Background
Ideal candidates have strong background in classical computer science, including some of the areas of semantics, static analysis, model checking, and language based security. Prior exposure to research is appreciated – in particular co-authorship of scientific papers. Preference will be given to candidates that can document background relevant for the research to be carried out.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in the ITMAN Graduate School Programme of DTU Informatics offering training on entrepreneurship, communication and teaching skills. Information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies is included in the general rules at DTU, which may be obtained here.

Salary and Appointment Terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current Danish rules for PhD students and are competitive with entry-level positions in Industry. The period of employment is 3 years and the start date may be as early as June 1st but can also be a bit later in the autumn.

Further Information
If you have any specific questions regarding the scientific content of these PhD projects, please contact Professor Flemming Nielson.

If you have questions about how to fill out the forms required for the electronic application please contact ITMAN Graduate School secretary: Ulla Jensen, phone: + 45 4525 3359.

Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted electronically as one single PDF filecontaining all materials to be given consideration. Applications must include the following documents and in the following order:

1. A letter motivating the application (cover letter, max.1 page)
2. Curriculum vitae
3. References (or names of persons willing to write references)
4. Link to M.Sc. thesis and other relevant publications by the applicant, if available
5. Documentation of a relevant completed M.Sc. or M.Eng.-degree
6. Course and grade list of bachelor and master degrees
7. Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)

Applications must be submitted in English and we must have your online application by May 14^th, 2012. To apply, open the link in the grey bar below: "apply for this job online" (“søg stillingen online”).

All candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

Further Information

Application Deadline : 13 May 2012