Vacancy for a PhD student

The research group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is a dynamic and international research team where the majority of research projects aim to study the biodiversity of traditional fermented food products to identify and fully characterize interesting isolates of lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria. These isolates are further investigated towards their potential as innovative, functional starter cultures to be used in industrial food fermentations to improve texture, shelf-life and aroma of the fermented foods. Also, IMDO is involved in health-related research projects on pro- and prebiotics as functional foods.

To accomplish its mission, IMDO can rely on a state-of-the- art research infrastructure comprising computer-controlled fermentors, molecular microbiology equipment and an extensive analysis platform for metabolomics, as well as on an in-house developed functional gene microarray.



To strengthen its team, IMDO wants to hire a PhD student that will be involved in research on genomics, transcriptomics, and metagenomics of lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria. The successful candidate should have a Master degree in Bio-engineering Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or Biology. Knowledge of bioinformatics software tools for sequence analysis and Perl scripting skills are a plus, as is hands-on experience with Linux and MySQL (or a related RDBMS). Further, the candidate should be a team-player and should have excellent communication skills.

For practical information concerning this vacancy, please contact
Dr. Stefan Weckx (stefan.weckx@vub.ac.be).

To apply for this vacancy, please send your application letter and curriculum vitae to:
Prof. Dr. ir. Luc De Vuyst
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO)
Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel
E-mail: ldvuyst@vub.ac.be

Masters Studentships in the History of Medicine

The School of Historical Studies at Newcastle University is pleased to advertise between 4 and 6 Masters Studentship Awards for postgraduate study in Newcastle`s Wellcome Trust recognised MA programme in the History of Medicine during the academic year 2009-10. The closing date for applications is 30 April 2009.



The stipends for these awards will be set as follows: Two studentships will be awarded at either £15,000 (including home/EU fees) for full-time home/EU students, or £20,000 (including international fees) for full-time non-EU students of outstanding merit; the other studentships will be awarded at either £5,000 (including home/EU-fees) for meritorious full-time home/EU students, or £10,000 (including international fees) for non-EU students. Part time studentships will be awarded to meritorious applicants at c. half the above rate per annum.

The studentships are funded by the Northern Centre for the History of Medicine and will be available as of September 2009. The Northern Centre is a partnership between the Universities of Newcastle and Durham, and is supported by the Wellcome Trust. Successful applicants will join the postgraduate community based at the School of Historical Studies at Newcastle University. Postgraduate teaching and research supervision in the History of Medicine at Newcastle is delivered by scholars with established international reputations in the field.

Eligibility:
Applications for the studentship are invited from highly motivated graduates from various backgrounds including the Humanities and Social Sciences (e.g. History, Classics, Philosophy, Literature, Religious Studies, Archaeology, Psychology, Sciences, Sociology etc.). Applicants require a good (or predicted) undergraduate degree result (1st or high 2:1) in such a subject. Candidates with a medical background are also strongly encouraged to apply, and the studentship is open to current stage 4 Newcastle medical students who have opted to take the MA in the History of Medicine as an intercalated degree after stage 4 MBBS. Applications from overseas candidates with equivalent qualifications are also very welcome.

Application procedure:
Applicants are asked to send:
i) a CV and list of academic qualifications and experience;
ii) a personal statement and letter of application outlining reasons for wanting to pursue postgraduate study in the history of medicine at Newcastle and highlighting specific research interests (max 300 words),
iii) copies of any relevant certificates and transcripts, and
(iv) letters of recommendation from two academic referees.

Applications should be sent to the Postgraduate Secretary,
Ms Sandra Fletcher,
School of Historical Studies,
University of Newcastle,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, to arrive no later than 30 April 2009.

For specific inquiries about the studentships and about the MA programme please contact:
Prof. P.J. van der Eijk,
Degree Programme Director,
MA in History of Medicine,
School of Historical Studies & Northern Centre for the History of Medicine,
Newcastle University,
Armstrong Building,
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU,
tel: (direct) 0191 222 8262;
email: philip.van-der-eijk@ncl.ac.uk

Masters of Science Program at Ecole Centrale de Nantes

Master of Science in Applied Mechanics on
- Computational Structural Mechanics
- Design Systems and Products
- Metallic Assemblies and Complex Composites
- Civil Engineering and Environment
- Hydrodynamics – Energetics and Propulsion

Master of Science in Control Engineering and Production Systems on
- Automatic Control, Robotics, Signal and Image
- Embedded Computer Science and Production Systems

Master of Science and Techniques in Urban Environment on
- Atmosphere, Water and Urban Environment



Application form
- Before May 15, 2009 on www.ec-nantes.fr/master

Scholarship
- We can help the students with very good academic background to obtain scholarships from embassies, industries and Centrale Nantes

Language courses
1st year in English - 2d year in French

Tuition fees
- €6300 for the two years.

Website
www.ec-nantes.fr/master

Master Program Scholarships in Islamic Finance at Qatar University

Master of Science in Islamic Finance and Diploma in Islamic Finance
The Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies (QFIS) is offering full-scholarships for the following programs:
1. Master of Arts in Islamic Studies with a specialization in Contemporary Fiqh
2. Master of Arts in Islamic Studies with a specialization in Religions and Contemporary thought
3. Master of Arts in Public Policy in Islam
4. Master of Science in Islamic Finance
5. Diploma in Islamic Finance
6. Diploma in Islamic Studies



Note: only the first two programs require a bachelors of religious studies as a pre-requisite

Scholarships include tuition, housing etc. for international students

Deadline for applying: 31 March, 09
Deadline for submitting language results (TOEFL & Arabic test): 13 August, 09

Please visit the website for the admissions and scholarship forms and for further details.
Contact Information:
Admissions Office
Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies
P.O Box 34110
Doha, Qatar
Phone: +974 4546560 / +974 4546559
email: nalmerikhi@qfis.edu.qa
website: http://www.qfis.edu.qa

PhD Scholarships in Chemistry at University of Warwick

Department of Chemistry University of Warwick
http://www.warwick.ac.uk/go/chemistry/research

PhD Studentships will be available in 2009/10 for projects in:
1. Chemical Biology
2. Materials Chemistry
3. Physical Chemistry, Chemical Physics
4. Synthetic Chemistry
5. Theory and Computational Chemistry



You will normally have high 2i or 1st degree in Chemistry or related science and have evidence of research ability from your undergraduate degree.

International students must have the equivalent of a UK 2i or above. You may also have a Masters or MChem degree.

Please apply using the University of Warwick on-line application system www.go.warwick.ac.uk/pgapply

Competitive Scholarships
The Department of Chemistry at Warwick also supports applications for University of Warwick competitive scholarships.

More information is available at
www.go.warwick.ac.uk/chem-phd/funding/wprs

For Details on how to apply see www.go.warwick.ac.uk/chem-phd

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program in Economics at National University of Singapore

ADB-Japan Scholarship Program, Departement of Economics National University of Singapore

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) - Japan Scholarship Program (JSP) was established in April 1988 with financing from the Government of Japan. It aims to provide an opportunity for well-qualified citizens of ADB`s developing member countries to pursue postgraduate studies in economics, management, science and technology, and other development- related fields at participating academic institutions in the Asian and Pacific Region. The ADB-JSP enrolls about 300 students annually in 20 academic institutions located in 10 countries within the Region.

Department of Economics, National University of Singapore is one of institution participating in this ADB-JSP scholarship program.



Below is program offered:
-Master in Social Sciences (Economics)

SCHOLARSHIP DESCRIPTION
The ADB-JSP provides full scholarships for one to two years.
- full tuition fees
- a monthly subsistence and housing allowance
- an allowance for books and instructional materials
- medical insurance
- travel expenses

The scholarship is for one year with an extension to the second year of study, as appropriate, which shall be conditional on the scholar maintaining a satisfactory level of performance as determined by the institute. The maximum duration of scholarship award is two years for masters and doctorate programs.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- A national of an ADB borrowing member country (applicants from countries that are no longer borrowing from ADB are not eligible for the ADB-JSP Scholarship).
- Gained admission to an approved post graduate course in any of the participating academic institutions. (Department of Economics, National University of Singapore)
- A bachelor`s degree or its equivalent with superior academic record.
- At least two (2) years of full-time professional working experience
- Proficiency in oral and written English communication skills to be able to pursue studies.
- Not more than 35 years old at the time of application.
- In good health.
- Should agree to return to his/her home county after completion of studies under the Program.
- Staff of participating academic institutions are not eligible for the Scholarship.
- Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management and staff of ADB, consultants, and relatives of the aforementioned are not eligible for the Scholarship.
- Executive Directors, Alternate Directors, management and staff of the other international organizations are not eligible for the Scholarship.
- Applicants living or working in a country other than his/her home country are not eligible for the Scholarship.

Upon completion of their study programs, scholars are expected to contribute to the economic and social development of their home countries.

MORE INFORMATION:
ADB-JSP Coordinators
Department of Economics
Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences
AS2 Level 6, 1 Arts Link, Singapore 117570
Email: ecssec@nus.edu.sg, ecsbox2@nus.edu.sg

Or you can also visit ADB- Japan Scholarship Program`s website at www.adb.org/jsp for more detail information about this program.

The International Priority Graduate Program (PGP) at Ritsumeikan University

Ritsumeikan University
APPLICATION GUIDELINES (PGP) 2009
The Japanese Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture (MONBUKAGAKUSHO)
HOST UNIVERSITY RECOMMENDATION SCHOLARSHIP
"The International Priority Graduate Program (PGP)"

The Monbukagakusho offers scholarships to international students with recommendations from their host universities under the following guidelines:



ELIGIBILITY AND CONDITIONS
1) Applicants must be graduate students who will newly enter Japan for the purpose of study.
2) Nationality: Applicants must have nationality of a country that is recognized by the Japanese government as of April 1, 2009.
3) Age: Applicants must have been born on or after April 2, 1974.
4) Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree.
5) Major Fields: Applicants must specialize in the same or related field as their area of study in their home university. It must also be a field in which the applicant can receive supervision and guidance at the institution where the applicant has been admitted.
6) Language: All courses at this program are conducted in English. Applicants must possess a sufficiently high level of English proficiency to be able to take classes in English.
7) Health: Applicants must be in both good physical and mental health.
8) Arrival in Japan: Applicants must arrive in Japan on the date designated by the host institution in mid-September, 2009. Applicants will be notified of further details regarding arrival in Japan at a later date. Neither travel allowances nor lump-sums will be provided in cases where travel to Japan is not possible between the designated dates.
9) Application Deadline: Ritsumeikan will undertake preliminary screening of applications prior to forwarding them to the Monbukagakusho (in addition to other documents prepared by the university). Completed applications must be submitted with all necessary documents to the Ritsumeikan University International Center at Kinugasa Campus or Biwako-Kusatsu Campus, depending upon the Graduate School you are applying to (address written below) by February 8, 2009. Faxes are also acceptable, however, all original documents must arrive at the respective Office of International Education by the above date.

More information, visit:
http://www.ritsumei.ac.jp/eng/international_programs/grad_programs/pgp/application_ pgp.shtml