Friday, 2 October 2009

Netherlands : Virtual Knowledge Studio Postdoctoral Fellowship for Spring 2010

General Information
VKS is eager to cooperate with individual scholars and research groups interested in studying the interactions between information and communication technologies and knowledge practices. We moreover wish to offer research opportunities for students, both PhD and Masters.

If you are interested in exploring this area, you may consider the following possibilities:

  • Write your Masters thesis with one of us as your first or second supervisor. We have experience in supervising students from several universities, both in the Netherlands and from abroad. In each case we set up an agreement of cooperation with your university.
  • Develop your PhD project in one of the themes of our research programme. We can offer you expert supervision in collaboration with your professor.
  • Visit us for an extended period of research. We provide an exciting intellectual environment, which offers possibilities for focused research. This may vary from a weeklong visit to an extended sabbatical leave. Usually these visits result in common projects or co-authored articles.
  • Write a project with us over the Web or participate in one of our current projects. (We think that also in the social sciences and humanities, cooperation often results in better and more interesting research results.)
  • After collaboration has proved mutually beneficial and you would like to work with us in a more intensive form, we can offer you a position as Associate Fellow with VKS.

Virtual Knowledge Studio, 3-month Postdoctoral Fellowship, KNAW, Amsterdam

Applications are invited for three-month fellowships within the Virtual Knowledge Studio for the Humanities and Social Sciences (VKS), a programme funded by the KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy for Arts and Sciences). The VKS aims to support researchers in the humanities and social sciences in the creation of new scholarly practices, termed here e-research, as well as in their reflection on e-research in relation to the development of their fields.
A core feature of the VKS is the integration of design and analysis in a close co-operation between social scientists, humanities researchers, information technology experts, and information scientists. This integrated approach aims to provide insight into the ways in which e-research can contribute to new research questions and methods in the humanities and social sciences.

The Virtual Knowledge Studio has the following goals:

  • to contribute to the design and conceptualisation of novel scholarly practices in the humanities and social sciences;
  • to support scholars in their experimental play with new ways of doing research and emerging forms of collaboration and communication;
  • to facilitate the travel of new methods, practices, resources and techniques across different disciplines;
  • to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of knowledge creation.

The fellowship is designed for junior scholars who have recently received their PhDs in order to provide the following: experience of working within an interdisciplinary research group, an opportunity to prepare material for publication and to develop new research ideas. During the three months of the fellowship, a senior member of the VKS staff will act as mentor.

Expectations:

  • Deliver research seminar within internal VKS research meetings during first month.
  • Prepare at least one publication (in which VKS should be acknowledged upon publication). A draft of the publication should be circulated no later than 2 weeks before the end of the fellowship in order to enable feedback to be given before the end of the fellowship.
  • Prepare outline proposal for new research project.
  • Attend all research meetings (held every week) during period of fellowship and be present at the VKS on a regular basis

Qualifications:

  • PhD in relevant field, from a university in the Netherlands or abroad.
  • In most cases, the PhD should have been awarded no more than 12 months prior to the application deadline. The PhD should be completed by the time of application, thought applicants who have not yet had their ‘graduation ceremony’(promotie)also eligible if all other requirements for the degree have been met.

Compensation:

  • You will receive a total of 10,000 euro to cover your accommodation and other costs.
  • You will be expected to cover most travel as well as insurance and other costs yourself.
  • You will be reimbursed for the costs of one return trip (economy/2nd class) between your main place of residence and Amsterdam.
  • You will be provided with shared office space and a PC.

There is no formal application form. Applications are welcome in any area of the work of the VKS. Applications are welcome from both Dutch and non-Dutch candidates. To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, a 2-page statement outlining what you will work on while at the VKS and why you want to be based at the VKS, a copy of a publication or dissertation chapter, and the names and addresses of two referees.

Two fellowships will be awarded each year. The next fellowship will be in Spring 2010 (deadline for applications: 15 November 2009). Exact dates of the fellowship will be negotiated with the sucessful candidate.

Application materials should be sent to: Jeannette Haagsma, VKS, Cruquiusweg 31, 1019 AT Amsterdam, The Netherlands, tel: +31 (0)20 850 0270, email: jeannette.haagsma@vks.knaw.nl

You can consult the website to see the range of VKS acivities (www.virtualknowledgestudio.nl).If you require further information, contact Paul Wouters (paul.wouters@vks.knaw.nl).

For further details go to:
http://www.virtualknowledgestudio.nl/opportunities.php

Belgium : PhD Positions on Soil Organic Matter Dynamics and GHG Fluxes at Université Catholique de Louvain

3 PhD positions are available within the project « Soil organic matter dynamics and GHG fluxes in relation to landscape scale processes: linking process understanding to regional scale carbon mass-balances ». This is a collaborative project (2009-2014) between the Department of Geography (B. van Wesemael and K. Van Oost) and the Department of environmental sciences and land use planning (S. Lambot, M. Vanclooster and P. Bogaert) at the Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium. The positions involve a 4 year PhD program and are available from September 2009. They will remain open until suitable candidates are found. Applications should include the names and addresses of three referees.

For further information on the research groups go to our websites (www.uclouvain.be/geo and http://www.uclouvain.be/mila.html)

PhD1: Characterization and modeling of emergent spatial variability in soil organic matter storage and key soil properties at the regional scale.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic PhD-researcher to develop and integrate remote sensing, geomorphological and soil analysis techniques to monitor and model the spatial and temporal variability of soil carbon pools at large spatial scales. A key area of interest will be the linkages between lateral fluxes of C in relation with sediment transport and the spatial variation in carbon storage at multiple spatial scales. The measurements include radioisotopes for erosion rates and airborne imaging spectroscopy for high resolution/full coverage sampling at larger spatial scales. The Phd will be responsible for helping to coordinate the field campaign in Belgium and will lead the data analysis, modelling and preparation of publications. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic physical geographer, earth scientist or engineer. A commitment to field-based research is essential. For information and application contact Kristof Van Oost (kristof.vanoost@uclouvain.be) or Bas van Wesemael (Bas.vanwesemael@uclouvain.be) or go to our website

PhD2: Characterizing and modeling soil carbon dynamics from the laboratory to the hillslope scale using advanced hydrogeophysical methods.

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic PhD-researcher to characterize and model soil carbon response at the local and hillslope scales in terms of soil physical attributes (soil moisture, temperature). The characterization at the local scale will be based on detailed and controlled column experiments in the laboratory, which will be subject to different hydro-thermal regimes. Laboratory and hillslope scale characterization will be based on advanced hydrogeophysical techniques such as GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar), EMI (Electromagnetic induction), ERT (Electrical Resistivity Tomography), FDR (Frequency Domain Reflectometry)and near surface thermometry. Collected data will be processed with advanced geophysical inversion and data mining tools. Data will allow to calibrate/validate a hillslope scale physically based model of C pool response. The Phd will be responsible for the execution of the experimental and modeling program and publish the obtained results jointly with members of the project team. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic earth scientist or engineer (geophysisist, agricultural and environmental engineer, civil engineer, etc.). A commitment to experimental and modeling work is essential. For information and application contact Marnik Vanclooster(marnik.vanclooster@uclouvain.be) or Sebastien Lambot (sebastien.lambot@uclouvain.be)

Ph.D. 3 : Coupling the lateral fluxes of sediments, carbon and water along the hillslope : towards a characterization of the spatial pattern of CO2

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Ph.D. researcher to model the distribution of sediment, water, carbon and energy fluxes along the hillslope since the hillslope is often an elementary unit in large scale terrestrial ecosystem models. As these masses and energy fluxes are closely coupled, they induce structured spatial and temporal patterns with non negligible attached uncertainties. A key area of interest will be the characterization of these linkages and uncertainties in order to obtain a reliable model at the hillslope level, with possible extensions at the regional level. The Ph.D. will lead the statistical/physical data analysis and modeling ; he/she will also be responsible for the preparation of publications. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic physicist, civil/environmental engineer, bioengineer or equivalent diploma. Sound knowledge in physical and statistical modeling for environmental sciences is a clear benefit. For information and application contact Patrick Bogaert (patrick.bogaert@uclouvain.be).

Erasmus Mundus Master Scholarship 2010 at The European master programme in System Dynamics

The European master programme in System Dynamics is the first international master programme in System Dynamics in Europe. It builds on the strengths of four leading universities: the University of Bergen (Norway), Lund University (Sweden), the University of Palermo (Italy) and Radboud University Nijmegen (the Netherlands). The programme is specifically designed for students who are interested in learning how to initiate strategic change in organisations throughthe use of computer simulation models.

Admission

If you wish to enrol in the European Master programme in System Dynamics, you should meet the following requirements:

  • you should hold a BSc. degree in social sciences, management sciences, natural sciences or engineering sciences. Students from other disciplines but with a strong interest in System Dynamics are also invited to apply.
  • your average grades must be between A and B.
  • you must be able to hand over proof of proficiency in English

The language requirements for admission to the programme are: TOEFL > 575 (paper based), > 233 (computer based), IELTS > 6.5 or previous degree in English, for example CAE/CPE (copy of degree required). If your first language is English, you will not be required to provide an English language test score. You are considered to be a native speaker of English if you are from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, USA or South Africa, and if English was the language in which you gained all your qualifications.

Application Procedure

*** Deadline for applications postponed until: 1 February 2010 ***

If you think you meet the conditions for following the European Master in System Dynamics, you can send us the application form together with:

  • your CV, including a short summary of your thesis
  • legally certified copies of your diplomas and transcripts
  • legally certified translations of your diplomas and transcripts by an officially recognized translator
  • a copy of your passport
  • a letter of motivation, describing why you think you should be admitted to the programme
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • a copy of IELTS, TOEFL or CAE certificate

If you want to apply for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship you can indicate this on the application form.

Questions about the application procedure can be sent to:

info@europeansystemdynamics.eu

Send your application form to:

ERASMUS MUNDUS EUROPEAN MASTER IN SYSTEM DYNAMICS

c/o Radboud University Nijmegen
Student Affairs Office
Postbus 9102
6500 HC Nijmegen
The Netherlands

Students from China need a NESO certificate before their application will be processed.

Deadline for applications is 1 February 2010. It is important to allow enough time for both the visa application process and the grant / scholarship application process. For this reason we ask you to send us your application form before 1 February 2010. We will need up to six weeks to process your application.

The admission decision

The preliminary admission decision will be based on the information provided in the application form. If the information is incomplete, we reserve the right to reject an application.

After receipt of your application form and the necessary documents, one of the student counsellors will check to see that the application is complete and will evaluate your preliminary education.

The student counsellor will submit your application to the Examining Board of the programme recommend that you either be admitted, conditionally admitted or denied admission. The Board of the programme will assess your application and will make a recommendation to the University Board. Within six weeks after 1 February 2010 you will receive the admission decision. In case you are selected for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, the admission decision is accompanied by a separate letter on behalf of the consortium.

Scholarships

The Erasmus Mundus programme supports high-quality European Masters Courses, by providing attractive grants for students having excellent academic results from around the world and who have been accepted to the to engage in the European Master in System Dynamics. For more information about Erasmus Mundus, see the EMA website. If you want to apply for a scholarship, you can indicate this on the application form (see “Application procedure”).

Third country (i.e. non-European) students

For each Third-Country student, the scholarship amounts to € 24.000 per year, for a maximum of two years. This includes a contribution to travel, installation and any other type of costs to a maximum of € 8.000; a contribution to participation costs (including insurance coverage) to a maximum of € 4.000/semester and a monthly allowance of € 1.000/month.

Third-country nationals, eligible for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship, are Citizens from all other countries than: the 27 EU Member States (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Nederlands, Portugal, the UK,Sweden,Cyprus, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain) and the EEA-EFTA states (Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland ) who are not residents of any of the above countries, and who have not carried out their main activities (studies, work, etc.) for more than a total of 12 months over the last five years in any of the above countries.

European students

For each European student, the Erasmus Mundus scholarship amounts to € 10.000 a year, for a maximum of two years. This includes a contribution to the participation costs (including insurance coverage) to a maximum of € 4.000/semester and a monthly allowance of € 500/month.

European nationals, eligible for an Erasmus Mundus scholarship are citizens from the 27 EU Member States (Austria,Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland,Italy, Luxembourg, the Nederlands, Portugal, the UK,Sweden,Cyprus,Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Czech Republic,Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain) and the EEA-EFTA states (Norway, Lichtenstein, Iceland).

Please note that the number of applications must be limited to three Erasmus Mundus Masters Courses maximum per student. In the case you apply to more than three Courses you will automatically be excluded from the selection for an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.

Students with special needs may receive an increased monthly allowance.

Thursday, 1 October 2009

UK :MSc Conservation and Biodiversity University of Exeter

Programme code: C717C

Duration: 12 months full-time

Start date: October

Location: Cornwall Campus

Programme Director: Dr Brendan Godley

Phone: +44 (0)1326 371801

Email: b.j.godley@ex.ac.uk

Programme information

Visit the Conservation and Biodiversity MSc webpages at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/biosciences/conservationmsc/ and http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/conservation/

2009/10 Fees UK/EU £7,500 (full-time); International £12,250 (full-time); pro-rata credit-based for part-time. The fee includes costs of all field trips including 2-week residential course to Africa.

This is a 1-year full-time degree with a significant research component. This has proven to be a very popular choice and class size is limited to 25 graduates. Within modules there is considerable scope for students to choose topics they wish to pursue. All material is specifically designed for Masters level and will be based at the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus in new buildings with state-of-the-art facilities. Integral to the whole programme will be extensive liaison with conservationists from a wide range of collaborating governmental and non-governmental organizations, these include: Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Eden, Marine Conservation Society, National Marine Aquarium, National Seal Sanctuary, Natural England, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, World Parrot Trust. Key individuals from some of these organizations will contribute to classes and field visits and it is expected that a number of our project students will be placed with such organizations.

Entry requirements: At least a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject.

Modules

  1. Professional Skills Development
  2. Field Course based in Africa: includes visits to some of Africa's largest and most important game reserves, as well as introducing day-to-day problems facing conservation biologists in developing nations.
  3. Biodiversity: covers a range of biodiversity issues including the loss of biodiversity and its generation.
  4. Conservation: deals with issues that range from policy to specific conservation problems at a local level.
  5. A substantial research project is undertaken under supervision to include a literature review of an area of interest, plus a long-term research project to be chosen by the student.

Assessment: Half the total assessment will be based on the long-term research project and associated items (literature review, oral presentation). The remaining credit points will come from combined continuous assessment of material in course modules.

Funding: A limited number of partial scholarships will be available for excellent students from the UK or overseas on our Masters programmes. The costs of all field courses are included in the course fee.

For more information please contact:

Claire Guy

Phone: +44 (0)1326 254334

Email: bs-mscadmissions@exeter.ac.uk

Further Details

Click here for Employer Profile

UK : MSc Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology University of Exeter

Programme code: C793C

Duration: 12 months full-time

Start date: October

Location: Cornwall Campus

Programme Director:

Dr Nina Wedell

Phone: +44 (0)1326 371863

Fax: +44 (0)1326 370721

Email: n.wedell@exeter.ac.uk

Programme information

Visit the Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology MSc webpages at http://www.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/biosciences/evolutionmsc/ and http://biosciences.exeter.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/evolutionary/

2009/10 Fees UK/EU £6,500 (full-time); International £12,250 (full-time).

This new programme, which started from 2006/07, is taught by leading international researchers in the field of evolutionary and behavioural ecology, and has a significant research component combined with taught modules that provide the theoretical background, methodological techniques and practical skills to prepare you for professional research. Within modules there is considerable scope for students to choose topics they wish to pursue. All material is specifically designed for Masters level and will form an ideal grounding for future research careers. The programme will be based at our Cornwall Campus in new buildings with state-of-the-art facilities.

Entry requirements At least a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject.

Modules

  1. Core modules in Professional Skills Development
  2. Field Course based in Africa; includes visits to some of Africa's largest and most important game reserves, as well as introducing day-to-day problems facing conservation biologists in developing nations.
  3. Biodiversity and Evolution: studies biodiversity at the gene, individual, population and ecosystem levels and covers a range of biodiversity issues including the loss of biodiversity and its generation.
  4. Behavioural Ecology: covers specific skills that relate to evolutionary and behavioural ecology including life history and mating system evolution, sexual selection and sexual conflict, population, quantitative and conservation genetics, communication and information processing, and population ecology.
  5. A substantial research project is undertaken under supervision to include a literature review of an area of interest, plus a long-term research project to be chosen by the student.

Assessment Half the total assessment will be based on the long-term research project and associated items (literature review, oral presentation). The remaining credit points will come from combined continuous assessment of material in modules.

Funding: A limited number of partial scholarships will be available for excellent students from the UK or overseas on our Masters programmes.

For more information please contact:

Claire Guy

Phone: +44 (0)1326 254334

Email: bs-mscadmissions@exeter.ac.uk

Further Details

Click here for Employer Profile

Spain : The CNIO-Caja Navarra International Postdoctoral Programme 2010

CNIO-CAJA NAVARRA INTERNATIONAL POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAMME 2010 CALL
The CNIO-Caja Navarra International Postdoctoral Programme 2010 is calling for highly motivated individuals interested in carrying out their postdoctoral training within the CNIO’s research programmes on Molecular Oncology, BBVA Foundation – CNIO Cancer Cell Biology, Structural Biology and Biocomputing, Molecular Pathology or Human Cancer Genetics.

The CNIO-Caja Navarra International Postdoctoral Program is possible thanks to the generous support of the ‘You choose: you decide’ initiative of Caja Navarra.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Applicants must hold a PhD or MD degree before the start of the fellowship but not necessarily when applying. Candidates may also apply if they will obtain their degree before May 2010.
  • The date when the degree was awarded must be no more than 3 years prior to the deadline of this call.
  • Applicants must have a proven record of research accomplishments and at least one original first author publication (including joint authorship), either published or accepted, in an international peer-reviewed journal with a high impact factor at the time of application.
  • The upper age limit for eligibility is 35 years.
  • This call is open to applicants from all nationalities. We particularly encourage applicants who have obtained their PhD or MD degrees outside Spain to apply.
  • Candidates must have a solid working knowledge of English.
  • Researchers who have carried out their doctoral thesis (or any part of it) at the CNIO or who are already working at the CNIO as postdocs are not eligible for the programme.

If you have any doubts about your eligibility for the programme, please contact the Training Office (postdoc@cnio.es) prior to submitting your application.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

  • Selected candidates will be employed by the CNIO in accordance to Spanish laws and regulations.
  • Accepted applicants must start working at the CNIO within six months after they have been offered the position.
  • The position will be awarded for a period of up to 2 years, depending on a positive evaluation by the supervisor at the end of the first year.
  • During the duration of the contract, postdoctoral scientists must work full time at the CNIO and may not be the beneficiary of any other fellowship, grant, stipend or other regular income.
  • Employees will be included in the Spanish Social Security system, which entitles them to a pension, unemployment benefits, sick pay, maternity pay and free healthcare.
  • At the end of the two year contract, the postdoctoral scientist may continue working at the CNIO provided additional funding from other sources can be secured.
  • This contract does not imply any obligation on the part of the CNIO regarding further employment.
  • This programme will fund only one postdoctoral researcher per group per year.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Postdoctoral scientists hired under the CNIO-Caja Navarra International Postdoctoral Programme will receive a gross annual salary of 32,000 to 36,000 Euros (depending on marital status, children, etc., this salary corresponds to a net income of approximately 2,000 – 2,250 Euros per month). The starting salary will depend on the applicant’s experience at the time of the application. The salary will be adjusted to the next level at the end of the first year.

CNIO-Caja Navarra postdoctoral scientists will be entitled to all benefits available to CNIO employees, including subsidized meals, childcare etc.

Postdoctoral scientists will also be offered free, in-house Spanish classes.

EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTERVIEW

Applicants invited for an interview will be sent an APEX fare air ticket. The CNIO will also arrange overnight accommodation as well as cover most local meals. In addition, each invited applicant may request an allowance of 100 Euros for any additional expenses they may incur.

HOW TO APPLY

Application is only possible online. A link to the online application form can be found at http://www.cnio.es/postdoc

At the end of this document you will find a copy of the application form. We suggest you prepare all texts (statement of purpose, list of publications, …) in a text processor and paste them into the application form.

  • Application form must be completed in English.
  • In the application form you will be asked to select, in order of preference, a maximum of three research groups from the list of CNIO groups that are accepting applications in the 2010 call. These groups belong to five of the research programmes at the CNIO: Molecular Oncology, Structural Biology and Biocomputing, BBVA Foundation – CNIO Cancer Cell Biology, Molecular Pathology and Human Cancer Genetics. Summaries of their research interests and lists of publications can be found in the CNIO’s 2008 Scientific Report.
  • Use the “Publications” text box to list all of your publications. Publications should include the complete title and author list (as published) in standard PubMed format. If there are more than six authors, an abbreviated author list is acceptable but your position in the list of authors must be clearly identified.
  • Use the “Statement of purpose” text box to outline your current research interests and address your skills, knowledge, and other relevant abilities. Also, briefly state the reasons that have led you to choose the CNIO for your postdoctoral training.
  • In the application form you will have to give the names and email addresses of three referees. Your three referees must submit scanned signed letters of recommendation directly to postdoc@cnio.es, stating the applicant’s name in the subject line. Alternatively letters may be also faxed to +34 912246980, attention Dr. Mar Perez. It is your responsibility to ensure that all reference letters are sent to the CNIO before the application deadline.
  • Use the “Comments” text box to include any information you consider relevant for your application and which you have not provided elsewhere. Also, use this space to make any comments you may have. You can also leave it blank.
  • At the end of the application process you will be asked to upload a file containing your CV in doc, pdf or rtf format (maximum size 1MB).

After having entered all required information you can submit your application by pressing the “Submit” button. Immediately after submission of the electronic application form you will receive an automatic e-mail acknowledging receipt of the application. However, remember that your application will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed until all reference letters have been received.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only one application per candidate will be accepted.

For more information or if you have any question about the application process, please email postdoc@cnio.es

DEADLINE

Applications are considered at regular monthly or bi-monthly intervals. Yet, no application will be considered after December 31st, 2009, the closing date of this call.

For information on this new programme and on the different groups at CNIO, please follow the links below:

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AND SELECTION

Applications will initially be screened by CNIO’s Training Office to ensure they are complete and eligible.
All eligible applications will be reviewed by an ad hoc selection committee, formed by CNIO faculty members, which will evaluate candidates based on the following criteria:

  • The candidates’ research track record during their graduate work and their potential for successful research while at the CNIO
  • The letters of recommendation.
  • The information given by the candidate regarding his/her motivation and goals.

The ad hoc selection committee will select a number of candidates for interviews at the CNIO. Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place on February 22-23, 2010. Selected candidates will be asked to give a presentation on their current research topic and to discuss their research interests.

Spain : La Caixa – International PhD Programme 2010 Call

During 2010, the Fundación “la Caixa” will provide support for ten highly qualified graduate students to carry out their experimental work towards obtaining a PhD degree at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) within an International PhD Programme.

In the context of this “la Caixa”/CNIO International PhD Programme, we are seeking exceptional and highly motivated PhD students interested in receiving ample cross-disciplinary training in state-of-the-art basic and applied cancer research.

WHO CAN APPLY?

  • This call is open to applicants from all nationalities.
  • Students holding a university degree (BSc, MSc, Diploma, DEA, Licenciatura, Laurea or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, or who expect to be awarded with such qualification during the first half of 2010, are eligible to apply to the Programme. This university degree should qualify for the start of a PhD thesis in the student’s home country. Non-European university degrees should be equivalent to a European diploma or degree.
  • Studies should have been completed no more than two years ago.
  • Applicants must have an excellent academic record and previous research experience during their undergraduate period.
  • Candidates must have a solid working knowledge of English.
  • Co-authorship of publications in MedLine-listed journals will be positively considered.
  • Participation in the CNIO Summer training programme will be positively evaluated.
  • Individuals may not have worked at the CNIO, at any time, for more than three months before being hired as part of the “La Caixa”/CNIO International PhD Programme. The earliest date of incorporation into the Programme is September 1st of each year.
  • The upper age limit for eligibility is 30 years.

Applicants having doubts about their eligibility should contact the Training Office (PhD@cnio.es) prior to submitting their application.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

  • Students who gain a place in our PhD programme will obtain full financial support, including tuition, regardless of nationality. During the first two years, students will receive a total annual gross stipend of 18,069 Euros plus an annual allowance of 1,500 Euros to cover miscellaneous expenses, such as university fees, expenses derived from international congress attendance and/or stays in international research centres. During the third and fourth year, the graduate students will receive an employment contract with a gross annual salary of 26,700 Euros (depending on marital status, children, etc., this salary corresponds to a net income of approximately 1,700 Euros/month) plus a one time annual allowance of 1,700 Euros. This employment contract will be prepared in accordance to Spanish laws and regulations, and employees will be included in the general Spanish Social Security System.
  • Monthly rates of the fellowship will be paid at the end of each month through a bank transfer to a Spanish bank account.
  • The fellowships will be awarded on a competitive basis and will be renewable annually for up to four years, depending on a positive evaluation by the supervisor.
  • All students will receive full health and occupational insurance coverage.
  • Graduate students will also be entitled to social benefits such as holidays, subsidized meals and aids for studying Spanish or English.
  • Doctoral students at CNIO usually have their doctoral degree awarded by a Madrid university. However, international PhD students may also choose to have their doctoral degree awarded by a university of their home country.
  • During the duration of the fellowship the students must devote themselves entirely to research at CNIO and may not be beneficiaries of any other fellowship, grant, stipend or regular income.
  • This fellowship does not imply any obligation of CNIO regarding further incorporation of the employee.
  • Expenses associated with the interview: Applicants invited to CNIO for interview will be able to claim for travel expenses (including air fares) together with overnight accommodation.
  • This programme will fund only one PhD student per group per year.

DEADLINES

The deadline for the receipt of complete applications (including reference letters) will be March 15th, 2010.

All candidates must be selected by the end of July 2010.

Fellowships must be started in September-October 2010. The PhD thesis has to be completed within 4 years, without exceptions.

For further information on this programme and on the different research programmes and groups at the CNIO, please follow the links below:

HOW TO APPLY

Application must be submitted exclusively through the web site. A link to the online application form can be found at http://www.cnio.es/PhD. The application form must be completed in English.

In the online application process you will be asked to enter your personal data, information regarding your education, your scientific interests and names/contact details of two referees. Moreover, you will be asked to upload all required documents, including your CV and academic certificates. We advise you to prepare all texts (motivation letter, list of publications, etc.) in a text processor and paste them into the application form.

  • In the application form you will be asked to select, in order of preference, a maximum of three research groups from the list of CNIO groups that are accepting applications in the call. These groups belong to five of the Research Programmes at the CNIO: Molecular Oncology, Structural Biology and Biocomputing, BBVA Foundation – CNIO Cancer Cell Biology, Molecular Pathology and Human Cancer Genetics. Summaries of their research interests and lists of publications can be found in the CNIO’s 2008 Scientific Report.
  • Use the “publications” text box to include all of your publications (if any). Publications should include the complete title and list of authors (as published) in PubMed format.
  • Use the “motivation letter” text box to outline your research interests as well as your skills and knowledge. Also state the reasons why you would like to do your PhD at the CNIO.
  • Use the “additional information and comments” text box to include any additional information you consider relevant and you have not provided elsewhere. Also, use this space to make any comment you may have.
  • In the application form you will have to give the names and email addresses of two scientists who will write letter of reference on your behalf. You will have to download the “reference letter” form from the web site and send it to two people who have agreed to act as referees on your behalf. Your two referees must submit their scanned signed letters of recommendation directly to PhD@cnio.es Alternatively, letters may be also faxed to +34-912246980, attention Mar Perez. It is your responsibility to ensure that all reference letters are sent to CNIO before the deadline.
  • After you have filled out all the required fields on the online application form you will be asked to upload a file containing your CV in doc, pdf or rtf format (maximum size 1MB). You will also be asked to upload an official transcript of records, i.e. your academic certificates (in doc, pdf or rtf format and with maximum size of1MB).

After having entered all required information you can submit your application by pressing the “Submit” button. After submission you will receive an automatic e-mail confirmation acknowledging receipt. However, remember that your application will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed until all reference letters have been received.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only one application per candidate will be accepted.

For more information, or if you have any question about this application, please e-mail PhD@cnio.es

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS AND SELECTION

Admission to the programme is on a competitive basis. All applications are evaluated solely on the basis of academic qualifications and scientific potential.

Applications will be screened initially by the CNIO’s Training Office to ensure that they are complete and eligible. All eligible applications will be reviewed by an ad hoc Selection Committee, formed by CNIO faculty members, which will evaluate candidates based on the following criteria:

  • The candidate’s academic merit and potential for successful research while at the CNIO, as evidenced by their qualifications and grades, and previous research experience.
  • The information given by the candidate on the application form, and in particular the motivation letter.
  • Recommendation letters.

The Selection Committee will consider all the applications and select a number of candidates to visit the CNIO in Madrid where they will be interviewed by potential supervisors and discuss their research interests. Interviews are tentatively scheduled to take place on May 17-19, 2010. Original documents, such as academic certificates or certified translations will have to be presented at this time.

Shortlisted candidates will be selected by the Selection Committee on the basis of this personal interview. Candidates may be allocated to a research group different from that selected by the applicant at the discretion of the Selection Committee. The final selection of candidates requires approval by the Direction of the CNIO.

Applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee’s final decision by e-mail and the list of successful candidates will be published on the CNIO’s web site.

Successful candidates are requested to inform CNIO whether they accept or decline the offer within 2 weeks after being notified. The offer is considered declined if the applicant does not respond during this time.

RESIDENCE PERMIT/STUDENT VISA

To stay in Spain, foreign students from non-EU countries need a residence permit or a student visa. The Training Office will provide administrative support in visa formalities to such students.

Popular Posts