PhD Student Position in Applied Chemistry: New Electrolytic Materials for Batteries and Fuel Cells, Sweden.

Application deadline 2011-01-07

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering conducts research in the fields of pure chemistry, biological engineering, applied chemistry and chemical engineering. The department is also the host for several large excellence centra such as SuMo, SUPRA, HTC, KCK, and the Chalmers part of WWSC.

The Applied Surface Chemistry group belongs to the Division of Applied Chemistry and has a leading research position in areas such as heterogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials, NMR diffusometry, surfactants and microemulsions. The research activities have the scope to develop new materials for a variety of applications, for instance in medical implants, marine paints, or fuel cells. The collaboration with industries is consequently very strong. The whole group consists of more than 50 employees, of which about 35 are PhD students. The international and interdisciplinary environment makes the Applied Surface Chemistry group a stimulating and dynamic place to work in.

Job description

The aim with this project is to contribute to the development of a cleaner and sustainable society by finding alternative ways to supply energy. Our goal is to improve the existing technologies for energy conversion devices, like Li-ion batteries or fuel cells, by developing alternative electrolytic materials to those conventionally used. The basic approach is to combine a solid matrix (for instance an oxide network) with a liquid phase (for instance an ionic liquid), and obtain a so-called gel. A key issue is to understand how structural modifications, on both the solid and the liquid phase, may affect the properties of the resulting material.

Different sol-gel synthesis routes will be investigated and the materials will mainly be characterized by NMR spectroscopy at the Swedish NMR center in Gothenburg. However, complementary techniques like rheology and infrared spectroscopy will also be employed. The project is experimental in its nature, even though the student should also be interested in modeling experimental data and achieving a physical understanding of the results.

The employment is for a period of 4 years and 3 months, whereof about ~ 5% is devoted to teaching or other duties at the Division. The remaining time is for research activities within the PhD project as well as for graduate courses. As a Chalmers employee the monthly salary will be set according to current salary agreements.

Required qualifications

The applicant to this position should have a Master degree in physical chemistry, applied chemistry, materials science or another relevant area. The student must be a highly motivated and self-driving person, should have a genuine interest in facing and solving scientific problems, and is supposed to have strong collaboration skills. Since the project is at the borderline between chemistry and physics, it is important that the student appreciates working in the lab as well as with theoretical tools. The knowledge of the Swedish language is desirable but not a must, whereas a good level of spoken and written English is required. The selected PhD student can start as soon as possible.

Application procedure

The application shall be written in English and include the following items:

1. An application of a maximum of one A4 page containing your specific qualifications for the position
2. Attested copies of education certificates, including grade reports and other documents
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Letters of recommendation and name of reference persons (optional)

The application shall be sent electronically as pdf or zipped documents.Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

If any material is not available electronically or cannot be transferred to pdf format, the material can be sent as a hard copy to Registrar. The applicants name and the reference number (2010/278) must be written on the first page of the application.

Address:
Registrar
Chalmers University of Technology
SE-412 96 Göteborg
Sweden

Further information

If you are interested in this position and need more information please contact Dr. Anna Martinelli (anna.martinelli@chalmers.se, 031-772 3002) or Professor Magnus Nydén (mnyden@chalmers.se).
For further information about the research activities at our department look at www.chalmers.se/chem. On the web you can also learn more about ionic liquids and fuel cells technologies.

For more information and application procedures :

http://www.chalmers.se/chem/EN/news/vacancies/positions/phd-student-position-in4030

International PhD Studies in Fundamental Problems of Quantum Gravity and Quantum Field Theory, Poland.

This is to announce the second recruitment within the International PhD Projects Programme (MPD) at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Warsaw. MPD is open internationally to all candidates satisfying conditions specified below. It is offering four years PhD program within quantum field theory for 5 students. The available research projects together with the list of the corresponding would-be-supervisors are shown here . For more details concerning MPD consult the web pages of the Foundation for Polish Science .

Application Requirements

The candidates wishing to apply should select a research project and a supervisor from the list and obligatory provide the following documents:

1. Request for admission from Internet Candidate Registration System at the University of Warsaw. The registration will be opened in September 2011. The candidates have to register on-line via website http://www.irk.uw.edu.pl. In case of any difficulties contact the UW Admissions Office; e-mail: admission@uw.edu.pl, telephone: +48225524043, +48225524048.
2. Personal data sheet (download Polish or English version)
3. Photo
4. Opinion from the place of employment (in case of candidates who graduated in the past and started professional work).
5. CV
6. Candidates must be graduate of the post-graduate (2.-degree) studies in domains: physics, technical physics, mathematics. Copy of their graduation diploma must be submitted. His/her M.Sc. diploma must be with the grade: very good (or equivalent) and must be presented together with a detailed list of all courses taken and assessed (with grades obtained for each course) during the study period (the so-called diploma supplement in case of Polish students). Conditionally we also invite candidates who are going to receive their MSc diploma by September 14th, 2011.
7. Letter-of-intent, i.e. a short (not more than two pages A4) description of his/her qualifications for particular research project the candidate would like to carry within MPD. He/she should point out how the former education (courses completed, skills acquired) make him/her most eligible for the given project. Letter-of-intent should be prepared in English.
8. Two evaluations of his/her diploma thesis, prepared by:
   • the thesis tutor (it should include an estimate of candidate scientific activity performed so far)
   • thesis referee
9. An address data (name, position, affiliation, office address, e-mail, telephone numbers) of at least one referee who might be contacted by the Admission Committee and asked to provide the recommendation letter for the applicant.
10. A certificate proving fluency in English as a working language.

Additional documents

1. Applicants whose scientific results have been already published should prepare a list his/her publications. In case of several-author articles, the candidate should try to evaluate approximately and state his/her contribution to the paper.
2. Applicants who during the study period completed extra courses that may have connection with the target-project should present the adequate certificates and brief characterization of the courses.
3. Applicants who successfully passed an entry examination to a PhD program (physics, mathematics and related domains) during last two years and completed no more than one year of the studies may also apply to the MPD program. For these candidates the requirements 1, 2, 3 and 4 do not apply. The candidates should present a reference letter of their tutors within the framework of the actual PhD program containing a detailed evaluation of candidate's abilities together with the approval of the present tutor of candidate's application to the MPD.

Recruitment procedure

The recruitment procedure consists of two stages: the first based on documents provided by a candidate, and the second based on an interview. Only candidates who pass the first stage will be invited for the interview. Documents submitted by the applicants will be considered by the Admission Committee composed of 4 to 6 persons, including the would-be-tutors in the MPD project, co-chaired by the persons in charge of the PhD Programme at the Faculty Physics of the University of Warsaw and invited experts. A person representing the Foundation for Polish Science will be invited to the Committee. Only candidates with the highest admission scores will be invited for the interview. In special cases candidates can be interviewed on-line or by the telephone. The Admissions Committee will decide on the form of the interview for each candidate. A supervisor selected by a candidate can participate in the interview but the final judgment is made solely by the Admission Committee. The admission decision is based on the total number of points obtained and with the positive opinion from the prospective supervisor. The total score achieved is not available to the applicant. Candidates have 14 days from the announcement of the decision to appeal the admission decision. The deadline for submitting applications is June 1st 2011. The second stage of the recruitment is scheduled for September 2011. All documents (in PDF format) should be submitted to the email address: mpd2.rekrutacja@fuw.edu.pl. Any question should be submitted to the same email address.

For more information and application procedures :

http://www.fuw.edu.pl/~mpd2/

Loughborough University Graduate School Development Trust Africa Scholarships, United Kingdom.

Information for 2011/2012

Loughborough University is delighted to announce full-fee scholarships for international full-time taught postgraduate students who are currently domiciled (permanently living) in Africa.

These will be known as the Loughborough University Graduate School Development Trust Africa Scholarships. The scholarships will cover 100% of the course fees for your chosen postgraduate taught course for one year (replacing any Departmental or Loughborough University scholarships or bursaries you may already have been awarded).

The scholarships are being funded through a combination of generous external funding and University funds. The University will award a limited number of scholarships and the standards required are very high.

Students will be expected to fund their travel and maintenance costs through other sources.

Application Process and Eligibility Criteria

For 2011 entry the scholarship application procedure is an open competition. Students may only apply for the scholarship after an offer for a place has been made. Students who are in possession of an offer (conditional or unconditional) of a place on a postgraduate taught course can apply for the scholarship using the application form which can be downloaded below.

The deadline for applications is 30th April 2011.

Applications will be initially shortlisted and the final decision on the awards will be made by a selection panel of senior staff of the University. The selection panel will use the following eligibility criteria when assessing applications:

• Currently domiciled (permanently living) in Africa
• Evidence of exceptional academic achievement (normally a 1st Class Honours Degree)
• Commitment to return to their home country on completion of postgraduate programme
• Evidence of the ability and commitment to making a significant contribution to their home country on their return
• Full understanding of the costs involved in coming to study and live in the UK
• Evidence of strong motivation and initiative to secure funds to cover the remainder of the costs involved

Applicants are advised to spend considerable effort ensuring that this application reaches the selectors in a form that is clear, well presented and which reflects your abilities and motivation.

The application form can be downloaded below, and should be returned (by post, fax or email) to:

International Office
Academic Registry
Loughborough University
Leicestershire LE11 3TU
UK
Fax: +44 (0)1509 223971
Email: international-office@lboro.ac.uk

NOTE THAT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED UNLESS THE APPLICANT IS HOLDING AN OFFER OR A PLACE AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION (THIS OFFER MAY BE CONDITIONAL OR UNCONDITIONAL).

PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR OFFER LETTER.

• LU Graduate School Development Trust Scholarship Application Form 2011/12

The final closing date for applications is 30th April 2011, and applicants must not apply late. All those applying will be notified of the outcome of their application by email by the end of May at the latest.

Any award made to an applicant holding a conditional offer will be subject to those conditions being met in full. Applicants will also be expected to provide evidence of funds to cover their travel, living and maintenance costs and may be asked to pay a deposit towards their living costs as part of the conditions of the scholarship offer.

Further Information

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/funding/pg/international/ludta/index.htm

Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships (OCISS), United Kingdom.

These scholarships have been established by the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies to allow graduates to pursue study of benefit to the Muslim world.

The Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is a Recognized Independent Centre of the University of Oxford. It was established in 1985 to encourage the scholarly study of Islam and the Islamic world. The Centre provides a meeting point for the Western and Islamic worlds of learning. At Oxford it contributes to the multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary study of the Islamic world. Beyond Oxford, its role is strengthened by an international network of academic contacts. For more information, please go to www.oxcis.ac.uk

Am I eligible?

Candidates should be applying to start a new graduate course at Oxford.

Please ensure you meet the requirements for entry to your course, including English language requirements. See the Course Guide for more information.

Open to British Muslim students and students from the following developing countries in Asia and Africa: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Djibouti, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Yemen Arab Republic.

You must be able to show how your intended course of study is of relevance to the Muslim world. UK students must also be Muslims.

What does it cover?

100% of university and college fees, and a grant for living costs (the rate in 2010-11 was £11,700).

Awards are made for the full duration of a student's fee liability for the agreed course. If your scholarship is offered for a course lasting more than one year, the continuation of your scholarship each year is subject to an annual renewal process based on satisfactory academic progress. Scholars will be expected to write an annual report about their academic and social activities and achievements at the university.

How do I apply?

Apply at the same time as you apply to Oxford by selecting Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Scholarships (OCISS) in the Funding Section of the University's Graduate Application Form.  Candidates should apply by Application Deadline 2 (7 January 2011 for Medical Sciences and Philosophy; 14 January 2011 for Said Business School applicants; 21 January 2011 for all other subjects).

You must also complete a Scholarship Supporting Statement and upload it together with your Graduate Application Form by the application deadline in order for your application to be complete.

If you do not apply in full by the deadline, you will not be considered for the scholarship, even if you have selected Oxford Centre for Islamic Studeis Scholarships (OCISS) on the Graduate Application Form.

How will I know if I have been successful?

Successful candidates will be notified by email by summer 2011 . This webpage will be updated to show when all decisions have been made. If you have not heard from us by the time this notice is posted, then your application to this scheme has been unsuccessful. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to contact unsuccessful applicants individually or provide feedback on applications.

http://www.ox.ac.uk/feesandfunding/prospectivegrad/scholarships/university/ocis/

The International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture, Germany.

Giessen University's International Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC), funded by the German federal government’s Excellence Initiative, offers a three-year structured PhD-programme in the study of culture. With its excellent research environment, a doctoral programme which is tailored to the needs of PhD students and the intensive personal support it provides, the Graduate Centre offers postgraduate students optimum conditions for their PhD-projects and a custom-made preparation for the time thereafter, both with regard to academic and non-academic careers.

From 01st October 2011, the GCSC offers

up to 9 PhD scholarships and

1 postdoctoral scholarship.

PhD scholarships include a monthly stipend of approximately €1.100 and are offered for one year with the possibility of two extensions, each of a year. The postdoctoral scholarship, with a monthly stipend of about €1.500, is limited to two years. All scholarships start on 01st October, 2011. Acceptance of a scholarship requires participation in the study programme and the wide-ranging events offered by the GCSC, as well as active involvement in at least one GCSC graduate research group. PhD scholarship holders must register as PhD students at Justus Liebig University. There are no tuition fees for doctoral students at JLU, except for an enrolment fee of approximately €200 per semester. All scholarship holders are expected to take up residency in or near Giessen.

Eligibility

We invite applications contributing to the study of culture in various historical contexts as well as those analyzing contemporary phenomena The GCSC encourages applications from graduate students who have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours M.A.-degree (or equivalent) in one of the GCSC’s academic subjects or in the arts/humanities, cultural studies, or social sciences. Candidates applying for a post-doctoral scholarship should hold a PhD in the arts/humanities, cultural studies, or social sciences, have an excellent academic record, and pursue a research project relevant to the GCSC’s research areas. Fluency in either English or German is required.

Application Procedure and Deadline

The main selection criteria are the candidates’ academic qualification, the academic quality of the research proposal and the suitability of the project for the GCSC’s research programme. Short-listed candidates will be invited to a 30-minute interview; telephone interviews can be arranged for candidates from overseas.
The application deadline is March 1st, 2011 (date of receipt). All applications (including an application form and further documents as stated on the GCSC-website) have to be submitted online. Please find all information on the two-stage application procedure on our website.

If you have any questions concerning your application, please contact us at  gcsc-application@uni-giessen.de. On 24th January 2011, the GCSC will host an Information Day at the Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Alter Steinbacher Weg 38, 35394 Giessen. The Information Day gives potential applicants the opportunity to meet the staff and students involved in the doctoral programme. You will also have the chance to obtain more information on the research areas and academic objectives of the GCSC, the wide range of interdisciplinary courses, colloquia, and conferences, the research support on offer, our international networks and partner institutions, as well as on publishing and funding opportunities available to GCSC-members.

Please continue with our notes on the two-stage application procedure.

http://gcsc.uni-giessen.de/wps/pgn/home/GCSC_eng/Scholarship_2011_eng/

Master and PhD Scholarships Graduate Institute, Geneva, Switzerland.

The Graduate Institute awards several scholarships to Master and PhD students. Awards are based on academic merit and financial need.

There are three categories of scholarship:

• Full scholarships: with a few exceptions, these are worth CHF 18,000. Recipients are exempt from Graduate Institute tuition fees; however they are still required to pay University of Geneva tuition fees. Some full grants are awarded subject to special conditions (duration of study and/or geographical origin of students).
   
• Partial scholarships: the value of these grants varies according to the individual needs of the recipient student. These grants do not cover tuition fees which recipients of partial grants are required to pay.
   
• Tuition scholarships: these grants cover tuition fees for one academic year. They are awarded to exceptional students.

Scholarships are awarded for one year, with the possibility of renewal.

The different scholarships awarded by the Institute include:

• Scholarships from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, intended for nationals from countries of the South or countries in transition;
   
• Scholarships financed by a Geneva-based foundation and granted to students from developing countries on the proviso that they undertake to return to their country at the end of their studies so that their fellow countrymen may benefit from their training;
   
• Elemér Hantos scholarships awarded by the Fondation pour l’Europe centrale and intended for students from the region;
   
• Fondation Ousseimi scholarships intended for students from Mediterranean countries;
   
• One or two Tokyo Foundation scholarships usually awarded to PhD students;
   
• Shelby and Kathryn Davis scholarships intended for PhD students from American universities or from Muslim countries;
   
• Pierre du Bois scholarships intended for Latin-American students of the Institute’s International History and Politics PhD programme;
   
• Gallatin scholarships intended to finance 10-months’ study by a PhD student in an American university of their choice;
   
• The Washington DC Alumni Chapter Scholarship awarded to a first year PhD student from an American university;
   
• Scholarships from an anonymous donor recommended by the Geneva-based CARIGEST SA and intended for Master’s students for the 2009-2010 academic year, scholarship requests must be submitted directly to the Institute;
   
• A grant from the Bank SYZ & CO SA awarded to a Master’s student in economics for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Candidates who wish to apply for financial assistance must return the duly completed scholarship request form together with their application form by 15 January 2011.

Current students are also eligible to apply for scholarships to assist them with their studies. The deadline for applications is 30 May 2011.

http://www.graduateinstitute.ch/corporate/teaching/admissions/fees-scholarships_en.html