France РUniversity of Franche-Comt̩ PhD Scholarship

Ph.D. Training Opportunity & Stipend – starting fall 2008

Spectral analysis of phase noise and frequency stability of oscillators
proposed byEnrico Rubiola

FEMTO-ST Institute, Dept. of Time and Frequency
CNRS et University of Franche Comte

Subject
Time and frequency have a privileged role in physics and applications because they are the most precisely measured physical quantities. The wrist watch, for example, is the only artifact accurate within 1E-5 – 1E-6 at a cost affordable to all consumers. Atomic clocks exhibit the amazing accuracy of 1E-15, and a stability better by a factor 10. Though the accuracy of 1E-15 relates only to fundamental physics and metrology, short term stability is a major concern in telecommunications, space applications and radars.

Traditionally, frequency stability is measured in the time domain and described using wavelet variances known as the Allan variance sigma_y^2(tau) and its modified versions. The variable tau is the measurement time. The stability depends on the measurement time in the same way of a balance, which is less “precise” when the mass to be measured is very different from 1 kg.

The estimation of sigma_y^2(tau) and of its confidence is well documented in the literature available in the past 20 years. Conversely, the spectral analysis of oscillators is still an empirical domain, in which results are usually given as a raw power spectral density of the phase noise, i.e., Sphi(f) ou L (f). Analysis seldom goes beyond the identification of the interference from the mains power supply (50 or 60 Hz et harmonics) and the identification of two-three fundamental types of noise. This approach is no longer suitable to the needs of emerging technologies.

This is a new domain. Hence, the minimum target is reasonably low: to adapt established spectral-analysis methods to the oscillator and to identify the oscillator’s stochastic phenomena. Nonetheless, this is a great opportunity for a smart student, as he can innovate in the interpretation of the oscillator physics and in the measurement methods and achieve outstanding experimental results. A side branch is the improvement of the measurement accuracy, which is currently of 2 dB in primary laboratories. The bulk of the expected work is about the statistical analysis of phase noise spectra. Besides, the student will achieve a deep understanding of oscillators and of experimental techniques.

University and laboratory
Ph.D. scholarship is managed by the University of Franche Comt’e, Besançon, France. The work site is the Time and Frequency Dept. of the FEMTO-ST Institute, affiliated to the University of Franche Comt’e, Besançon. This department, merging the laboratory of chronometry (LCEP) and the laboratory of physic and metrology of oscillators (LPMO), issues from the Laboratoire de l’Horloge Atomique, funded by the Nobel prize Alfred Kastler. The T&F Dept. is the world leader in the domain of the measurement of the oscillator noise. Besides, this department is the european leader in the domain of ultra-stable oscillators and chip-scale atomic clocks.

Candidate profile
The best student for this subject is fond to computer programming and calculus, and eager to learn sophisticated experimental methods of electronics. He is motivated by the will of learning and by the investment on his future life. In the longer term, he would like to do applied research in academic institutions or industry, or high-tech engineering, preferably in international environment.

Advisors
During his Ph.D., the student will be advised by E. Rubiola (2/3-3/4), full professor, and by F. Vernotte (1/4-1/3), full professor and head of the Observatory of Besançon.

Stipend
The student will receive a stipend from the French ministry of education for three years, as ruled by the French government. The candidate must fill two conditions

age 29 years max,
university degree “Master 2″ (5 year university degree) or equivalent, obtained in 2008. The equivalence is managed on site.
Candidates unaware of the French education system should know that: tuition are very small or zero, and the stipend is generally sufficient for a modest yet quite reasonable life standard.

Contact
e-mail: rubiola@femto-st.fr
home page http://rubiola.org

Beasiswa : Phd – Postdoc Scholarship

Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Title: Spatial and/or temporal growth of water waves in a wind-wave flume

Prof. Michael Stiassnie is seeking a suitable qualified researcher to undertake Post-Doctoral study to develop a theoretical model for the growth of water waves in a wind-wave flume, under his supervision.

About Technion:
For more than eight decades, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, which is located in Haifa, has been Israel’s primary technological university and the largest center of applied research. It is ranked among the leading technological universities in the world. The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering has 60 senior faculty members active in research and education, and they currently supervise the education of ~900 undergraduate students, ~240 master degree students, ~85 doctor students, and ~10 post-doctoral researchers.

Project Abstract:
The importance of adequate description of interaction of wind with ocean waves cannot be overestimated, both on the global level of earth climate, and on a more local level of the necessity to predict the sea state for practical operation of off-shore and near-shore facilities. The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of the dominant phenomena that determine the growth of waves under the effect of wind in a laboratory flume. This will enable us to offer better modeling of wind-wave growth rate. To attain this goal, it is crucial to realize that as water waves are affected by wind, the wind velocity profile in the vicinity of air-water interface is strongly affected by the waves.

Detailed measurements of the air and water flow field in a laboratory wind-wave flume and of the spatial and/or temporal evolution of the wave field will be carried out by a partner team, lead by Prof. Lev Shemer at the Tel-Aviv University. The experimental results will be compared with new computations based on the solution of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation for the experimentally determined air and water velocity profiles. Such a comparison will lead to critical assessment of the underlying model assumptions and to introduction of appropriate modifications. It is expected that an iterative experimental-theoretical process will lead to a better understanding of the physics of air-water flow interaction, in particular of the wind-wave growth mechanism, and as a result to a more accurate theoretical description of this process.

Selection Criteria

Ph.D. degree related to fluid-mechanics, obtained not earlier than 31.12.2005 (essential)
Strong analytical and mathematical skills (essential)
A good working knowledge of programming (desirable)
A good knowledge of English (desirable)
Experience in water-waves related research (advantage)
Commencement Date
January 2009 or earlier

Scholarship
U.S. $ 28,000 per annum, tax exempt
Duration: one or two years

Application and Contact
Professor Michael Stiassnie
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Division of Environmental, Water and Agricultural Engineering
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Haifa 32000, Israel
Tel: +972-4-8293361 ; Fax: +972-4-8228898
e-mail: miky@tx.technion.ac.il
http://www.technion.ac.il/~cee/stiassnie

Study Trips / Study Seminars and Practicals in Germany

Next Application’s Deadline for Study Visits to Germany by Foreign Students: 01 November 2008

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funds Study Visits and Study Seminars and Practicals in the Federal Republic of Germany by groups of foreign students under the direction of university teachers.

Group Visits to Germany by Foreign Students
(Study Trips / Study Seminars and Practicals )

I. Target Group and Length of Stay
Funding can be provided for groups of students who are fully matriculated in their third semester or higher in a respective degree programme at a foreign university and who travel under guidance and direction of a university teacher. Groups must be made up of at least 10 participants and must not, as a rule exceed 15 persons. One university teacher may additionally be funded as an accompanying person.
Group Visits and Study Seminars and Practicals should last no less than 7 days. Funding is available for a maximum 12 days (including travel days), although the stays may last longer.

II. Funding Objectives
This funding programme aims to deliver subject-related knowledge by arranging corresponding visits, tours and information meetings (Study Visits) respectively by organising subject-related seminars and practical courses in the field of higher education (e.g. specialist courses, block seminars, workshops) at the invitation of a German university which is then also responsible for arranging seminars and practicals in academia, business and industry and, possibly, in public institutions (Study Seminars and Practicals).
To facilitate meetings with German students, academics and researchers to establish and maintain contacts between German and foreign universities.
To enable participants to acquire a greater understanding of Germany by providing an insight into economic, political and cultural life in Germany. This part of the visit must not make up more than one third of the stay.
In the case of Study Seminars and Practicals, the programme aims to encourage a policy of reciprocal invitation, although this does not constitute a condition of support, which means that funding can initially also be given for visits in only one direction.
Cultural events (e.g. concert trips) may be funded if the focus is on subject-specific meetings between students and the relevance to higher education is proven.
A maximum of one application per year can be considered per department, institute and applicant. Required/mandatory excursions or measures which have already been carried out cannot be funded.

Annual funding for applicants, departments or institutes is not possible.

III. Funding
The DAAD takes out health, accident and public/private liability insurance for each funded group. Further details are contained in the Award Letter.

Due to the limited financial resources, the DAAD reserves the right to reduce the level of funding. It is assumed that the universities or other sponsors (e.g. support associations, companies from business and industry) will contribute to the overall costs, so that the personal contribution to be made by participants remains at a reasonable level.

III. 1. Study Trips
Regulations applying to Indonesia (among other countries)
a) Programme planning
The DAAD plans the programme design. Wishes and preferences stated in the application form will, as far as possible, be taken into consideration. However, it is likely that cuts or changes will be made to the programme due to decisions reached by the selection committees. The DAAD provides a travel guide fluent in the agreed group language who is responsible for the smooth running of and compliance with the programme drawn up by DAAD Head Office

b) Meals and accomodation
As a rule, groups will be accommodated in twin or three-bed rooms in hotels or youth guesthouses/hostels. The DAAD pays the subsistence costs (meals and accommodation) for the group (including for the group leader and, where appropriate, bus driver) during the stay in Germany.

c) Transport
The DAAD decides on the choice of means of transport. In many cases, a coach/bus will be used to ensure that the visit programme schedule can run smoothly. In the case of groups that cannot travel to Germany with their own coach/bus, the DAAD can hire a coach/bus for travel within Germany. If the group travels in a coach/bus not hired by the DAAD, a seat must be available for the DAAD guide; in such cases, the DAAD will pay the fuel costs for travel within Germany. For some programme points, however, use of public transport may be more suitable. The conditions will be advised on an individual basis.

The DAAD regrets that it is unable to pay any international travel costs.

III. 2. Study Seminars and Practicals
Regulations applying to Indonesia (among other countries)
Groups receive a flat-rate sum of € 40.- per person and day as a subsidy towards the travel and subsistence costs.

IV. Application papers
The DAAD is only able to process punctually submitted complete applications. The DAAD regrets that it is unable to call for any missing documents or papers to be subsequently submitted. A full and complete funding application comprises the following elements:

1. Application form (download here ) ; including budget and list of participants
2. Reasons for and contentual description of the programme for one subject area, including a precise list of the visit and tour preferences, both in terms of subject-related (academic) content and of German area studies content. Vague or generally-worded descriptions (e.g. visits to museums, universities) are not acceptable.
3. Schedule (in tabular form)
4. Description of the contentual preparation for the group trip (e.g. preparatory seminars).
5. Proof of contacts on the German side (in the case of Study Trips), especially in higher education (e.g. by sending invitations or letters of confirmation).
Proof of contacts on the foreign side (in the case of Study Seminars and Practicals) who state their opinion on the importance of the Study Seminar and Practical specified in the application and on how this seminar or practical is integrated into the academic progress of the foreign participants.
(General agreements, cooperation agreements and so on are not, on their own, sufficient proof and can only be submitted as support for the proof of contacts)

V. Application and Decision Process
Applications must be submitted in such good time as to ensure that they reach the DAAD by the following deadlines (Date of Receipt at the DAAD in Bonn).

01 February for trips to begin at the 01.06 (DAAD decision made at the mid of April)
01 May for trips to begin at the 01.09 (DAAD decision made at the mid of July)
01 November for trips begin at the 01.03 (DAAD decision made at the mid of January)
Applicants are recommended in all cases to use the most recent version of this information Sheet and the corresponding Application Form when submitting their application. These forms can be found on the DAAD website (www.daad.de) under “information for Foreigners – Sources of the Financial Support – Scholarship Database”.

The decision will be made by a selection committee at the DAAD. Due to the limited financial resources, experience has shown that only some of the applications can be approved that meet the programme’s three funding objectives. These are particularly well organised visits of cultural and educational policy interest with a clear focus on encouraging meeting and encounter.

V.1 Study Trips
Applications may be placed by university teachers from foreign universities. Applications must be written in German or English and submitted to DAAD Jakarta Office one month prior to the deadline specified above. DAAD Jakarta will forward the applications to the DAAD in Bonn together with a statement of opinion.
Before placing the application, please inquire the DAAD Jakarta Office as to the latest date by which the application must have been submitted (recieved) there in order to ensure that the application reaches the DAAD in Bonn by 01 February, 01 May respectively 01 November.

V.2. Study Seminars and Practicals
Applications may be placed by university teachers from German universities. Applications must be submitted to the DAAD via the International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) of the German university.

VI. Addresses
DAAD Jakarta Office
Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Kav. 61-62
Summitmas I, 19th Floor,
Jakarta 12190
Tel.: (021) 520 08 70, 525 28 07
Fax: (021) 525 28 22
Email: info@daadjkt.org
Consultation hours:
Monday – Thursday (13:30 – 16:00)

DAAD
Referat 224
Kennedyallee 50
D – 53175 Bonn
Germany
Responsible desk officer:
Ms. Katharina Klein
Phone:+ 49 228 882 370
Fax: + 49 228 882 447
Email: k.klein@daad.de

Ms. Julia Loellgen
Phone:+ 49 228 882 328
Fax: + 49 228 882 447
Email: loellgen@daad.de

PhD student “Emergence of Structures in Speech Signals”

PhD student “Emergence of Structures in Speech Signals” [1.5+2 y; Master AI, Cognitive Psychology, Pattern Recognition, Comp Sc; English; € 2K per month; conduct computer simulations to investigate emergence & development of neural representations of speech signals] / Radboud University Nijmegen / deadline September 14

PhD student “Emergence of Structures in Speech Signals” (1.0 fte)
Faculty of Arts

Closing date: 14-09-2008

Job description
The NWO project A Computational Model of Language Acquisition aims to develop a computational model of language acquisition. The project team will comprise a postdoc and two PhD students. The PhD student will conduct computer simulations to investigate the emergence and development of neural representations of speech signals. In the first year the focus will be on representations of rhythm and intonation that a foetus is already able to form. The following years will be devoted to research addressing the segmentation of continuous speech signals into word-like units and the emergence of sub-word representations. In addition to designing and conducting the computer simulations, the PhD student is expected to have completed a PhD thesis on the topic by the end of the contract.

Requirements:
The successful candidate has a Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Psychology, Pattern Recognition, or Computer Science. She/he has excellent writing skills and is fluent in English.

Organization
The Faculty of Arts consists of eleven departments in the area 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. The project will be carried out at the research institute Centre for Language Studies as part of the Linguistic Information Processing and Grammar and Cognition research programmes.

Conditions of employment
The total duration of the contract is 3.5 years. The PhD student will receive an initial contract for the duration of 1.5 year with the possibility of prolongation for another 2 years.

Additional information
The starting gross salary is € 2.000 per month based upon a full-time employment.

For further information such as a copy of the project proposal, please contact prof. dr. Lou Boves (l.boves@let.ru.nl).

Application letters, including extensive CV and MA thesis or other publications, (with vacancy number: 23.31.08, preferably by e-mail) can be sent to:

Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Arts,
Department of Human Resources, attn. of Ms. A. Graat
P.O. Box 9103, 6500 HD Nijmegen, the Netherlands
E-mail: vacatures@let.ru.nl

PhD student “Development of Phonetic Contrasts”

PhD student “Development of Phonetic Contrasts” (1.0 fte)
Faculty of Arts
Vacancy number: 23.32.08
Closing date: 14-09-2008

Job description
The NWO project A Computational Model of Language Acquisition aims to develop a computational model of language acquisition. The project team will comprise a postdoc and two PhD students. The PhD student will conduct experimental research and computer simulations to shed light on a number of related issues in the early (pre-lingual) language acquisition phase. For example, it needs to be explained why 8-month old infants can reliably distinguish between /d/ and /b/ in non-words, but can no longer do so at 14-months, except if they know the words. Another research topic is the asymmetry in the role of phonological features: alveolars cannot substitute bilabials, whereas the opposite is quite possible, i.e. bilabials can substitute alveolars. Also, differences between the roles of consonants and vowels in early language acquisition need to be investigated.

In addition to designing and conducting suitable experiments, the PhD student is expected to have completed a PhD thesis on the topic by the end of the contract.

Requirements:
The successful candidate has a Master’s Degree in Language Acquisition, Phonetics or Experimental Psychology. She/he has an affinity with interdisciplinary experimental research, has excellent writing skills and is fluent in English. Because the experiments will focus on the acquisition of Dutch, command of the Dutch language is a definite advantage.

Organization
The Faculty of Arts consists of eleven departments in the area 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. The project will be carried out at the research institute Centre for Language Studies as part of the Linguistic Information Processing and Grammar and Cognition research programmes.

Conditions of employment
The total duration of the contract is 3.5 years. The PhD student will receive an initial contract for the duration of 1.5 year with the possibility of prolongation for another 2 years.

Additional information
The starting gross salary is € 2.000 per month based upon a full-time employment.

For further information such as a copy of the project proposal, please contact prof. dr. Paula Fikkert (p.fikkert@let.ru.nl).

Application letters, including extensive CV and MA thesis or other publications, (with vacancy number: 23.32.08, preferably by e-mail) can be sent to:

Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Arts,
Department of Human Resources, attn. of Ms. A. Graat
P.O. Box 9103, 6500 HD Nijmegen, the Netherlands
E-mail: vacatures@let.ru.nl

PhD Scholarship University of Wollongong 2009/2010

The Faculty of Engineering is seeking toconduct research in the area of assessment and control of hydrogen damage in structural steels within the BlueScope Steel Metallurgy Centre. Applicants should have adegree in Materials Engineering, Materials Science or related discipline and sound knowledge of physical metallurgy of steels. Expertise in electron microscopy, modelling or neutron/synchrotron diffraction is required. The level and duration of appointment will depend on applicants’ experience.

Your responsibilities will include: under ARC Linkage scheme conduct collaborative research with BlueScope Steel Ltd into the effects of gaseous hydrogen on the microstructure, properties and integrity of pipeline steels, weld and heat affected zone regions using electron microscopy, mechanical testing, neutron scattering and modelling.

Your key challenges will include: effective communication of results to industrial partners, local and international scientific community, co-ordination of activities of technical staff and where appropriate graduate and undergraduate students.

A full Position Description outlining the Selection Criteria is available on our website. Please address the criteria specified in the relevant position description. For further information about this role please contact Professor Elena Pereloma on (+61 2) 4221 5507 or by email elenap[ at ]uow.edu.au

PhD Scholarship isavailable on this project. Stipend A$30,627 pa* basic (Tax free/HECS exempt) indexed for three years.

To be eligible applicants must either be Citizens of Australia or New Zealand or have Permanent Residency status in Australia.

Applications Close 14 September 2008

Quote Ref No: 23122

How to apply: Please go to our website http://employment.uow.edu.au/ to submit your application online & for more information about the position and UOW.

Research fellowships Internet Studies in Australia 2009/2010

Research fellowships (Digital Ecosystems, Cultural Enterprise)

Curtin University is now calling for applications for 2009’s postdoctoral and senior research fellowships. These are highly competitive and prestigious awards with 4-year terms. 13 in total are available across the whole university. Because of Curtin’s current desire to concentrate research into a small number of key areas, preference (strong preference I am told) will be given to applications in designated areas.

Two designated specialisations apply particularly to Internet research and would enable a successful applicant to join the Department of Internet Studies. These specialisations are digital ecosystems and cultural enterprise. They are vague enough, I suspect, to enable many different research projects to be successfully proposed, but do require a degree of concentration of networked information technologies, and on the production/understanding of cultural forms and businesses.

All the information is at:
http://research.curtin.edu.au/grants/fellowships.cfm
The closing date is 31 October.

IF you want to join the Internet Studies Department, then your key reference is the Head of School, Media, Culture and Creative Arts (within which net studies fits) A/Prof Steve Mickler. However, please cc me into any correspondence to him so I can keep abreast of potential applications. I would be delighted to provide advice as well, prior to any formal contact. (Note – I am not contactable between 5 and 24 September).

Matt

Dr Matthew Allen
Associate Professor and Head of Department, Internet Studies
School of Media, Culture and Creative Arts
Curtin University of Technology, CRICOS 00301J Australia
m.allen@curtin.edu.au
http://netstudies.curtin.edu.au
+61 8 92663511 (v) +61 8 9266 3166 (f)
Immediate Past President, Association of Internet Researchers http://www.aoir.org

Beasiswa – PETRONAS SCHOLARSHIP

The Government of Indonesia thought its Oil and Gas Department or MIGAS and the National Education Department or Depdiknas in collaboration with Petronas is offering full time scholarship for studies in Malaysia towards the following degrees:

Civil Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (HONOURS)
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
Business Information System (BIS)
BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONOURS)
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering

General Selection criteria are as follows:
-Language Proficiency
Good command of English (Spoken and Written)
-Age
Not exceeding 23 years old on date of application
-Marital Status
Single
-Academic Qualification
Must have passes High School Level Examination (GCE O’level/SMA equivalent), and/or Tes Potensi Akademik from major Universities in Indonesia
-Course of Study
To follow any one of the above courses offered by Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)

The scholarship are offered to students to further their education and upon completion to serve either with Petronas or any Government of Indonesia in any of the designated departments, subsidiaries, companies, organizations or institutions for a period to be agreed upon.

Kindly download and complete the UTP Application Form which can be obtained from the Website at www.utp.edu.my, completed application form need to be submitted with your latest (non returnable) passport size photograph together with your contact number, address, CV and relevant copies of full academic report to:

Petronas Representative Office Indonesia
Lavel 27, Citibank Tower
Bapindo Plaza
Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav.54-55
Jakarta 12190

USA – Yale Child Study Center Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Electrophysiology

The Developmental Electrophysiology Laboratory at the Yale Child Study Center is hiring a full-time /post-graduate researcher. This position is for a minimum of two-years (with a possibility of additional years based on funding availability). They will join an active lifespan electrophysiology research laboratory that tests clinical and typically-developing populations ranging from infants to the elderly using 128 to 256-electrode event-related potential technology to study cognitive and socio-emotional development.

The person in this position will receive extensive training in high-density array ERP/EEG recording procedures and analysis techniques, a range of infant, child, and adult neuropsychological and cognitive tests, as well as a variety of statistical techniques already in use in the lab. The primary focus of this position is complex data analysis approaches to electrophysiological data. Thus, preferred skills for the applicant include a familiarity with MatLab as well as basic imaging processing approaches including BESA and Brain Voyager. Skills mastered through this position will be useful to those interested in pursuing advanced graduate studies.

Application
Contact Dr. Linda Mayes at Linda.Mayes[ at ]yale.edu for more information. Please include a resume and contact information for three references.

Yale Child Study Center
New Haven
CT
USA
Tel: 203-785-7211
Fax: 203-785-7926

Deadline: 15 October 2008

Beasiswa Amerika Program Doctor

A postdoctoral position in single molecule biophysics is available in the Messersmith group at Northwestern University. The overall goals of the research are to elucidate the molecular details of mussel adhesive protein adhesion (for example, see PNAS 2006, 103, 12999). We seek self-motivated individuals interested in a stimulating and interdisciplinary research environment where fundamental biophysics experiments inform the development of biologically inspired materials. For more information on the group please visit our website http://biomaterials.bme.northwestern.edu/index.asp.

Experience in designing, conducting and interpreting single molecule pulling experiments is required. Candidates with experience in AFM single molecule pulling experiments, cantilever tip modification, and peptide or polymer chemistry are especially encouraged to apply. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

One of the top-ranked universities in the country, Northwestern University, combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in a highly collaborative environment that transcends traditional academic boundaries. Northwestern provides students, faculty and staff with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and professional growth.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. Members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please send a CV, statement of research accomplishments and future interests, and the names of three referees to:

Phillip B. Messersmith, PhD
Professor
Biomedical Engineering Department
Northwestern University
2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208
Phone +1-847-467-5273
Fax +1-847-491-4928
email: philm[ at ]northwestern.edu