[Spain- MSc/PhD] students in Wireless Communications and Multimedia Signalling

Call for MSc / PhD students in the area of wireless communications and multimedia signalling NeTS Research Group Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain

NeTS is looking for students coming from renowned universities from around the world, with a very good grade record, who have a very high interest in wireless communications, specially those based on the IEEE 802.11 principles, including sensor, adhoc, infrastructure WLANs and mesh networks. We are also looking for students passionate about multimedia communications in the Internet, and the protocols associated to it. We seek students with a strong background on communications networks, coming from electrical engineering, computer science or related fields. Paramount is a desire to learn and push the limits of current technology, as well as providing new insight into today’s and tomorrow’s networks and services.

The accepted candidates will participate in several projects in tight cooperation with other researchers from our group. Positions available are:

1 PhD / MSc position in “Reconfigurable, adaptive and selforganized sensor networks”. Sensor networks are formed by small, inexpensive and resource limited devices that can interact with the environment (sensing or actuating) and communicate wirelessly with other devices. The work will consist in the design and implementation of a complete new protocol stack based on collaborative and crosslayer techniques, including power control routing algorithms, reconfigurable PHY/MAC protocols and adaptive self organized multihop clustering algorithms.

1 PhD / MSc position in “Modeling adaptive traffic flows over capacity varying wireless mesh networks”. Current WLANs suffer from various impairments which reduce their ability to carry multimedia flows satisfactorily. One of them is the intrinsic variable capacity due to the multiple transmission rates used and caused by the distributed random access to the channel. The proposed thesis will consider the definition of a mathematical framework to analyze multichannel wireless mesh networks, based on the IEEE 802.11s/n prestandard, in order to optimize the QoS and signalling mechanisms (e.g. based on P2P paradigms) to adapt properly the multimedia traffic sources (such as VoIP, video streaming).

1 PhD / MSc position in “Next Generation Multimedia Signalling for the multitechnology, multiservice Internet”. The Internet is undergoing a dramatic evolution through new architectural paradigms, like the NGNs, P2Pbased signalling and applications, mobile and wireless access networks and the like. There is a necessity to design a new set of integrated signalling protocols, which permit to control the transmission of multimedia traffic over such heterogeneous networks. IMS is the current best practice in that area, but its many shortcomings and high complexity suggest to explore new approaches that go beyond IMS, like P2PSIP based systems. The goal of this PhD, thus, is to design, evaluate and standardize new signalling protocols for the Internet of the future. We offer a three year grant to PhD students with a MSc already finished. Moreover, for students without a MsC a four year grant is also possible with the requirement to follow our master program during the first year.

How to apply Please send your full CV, together with your student record (as appropriate) and a cover letter stating your interests and goals to:

Dr. Miquel Oliver: miquel.oliver[a-t]upf.edu Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Edifici Estació França, Passeig de la Circumval∙lació, 8. Postal code: 08003 Barcelona (Spain). Tel: 93 542 24 51 Fax: 93 542 25 17

Deadline: 1 May 2008

[Ireland]Nanoelectronics: Fabrication, characterisation and heterogeneous integration of 1-D nanostructures demonstrating electronic functionality

Electrically conducting 1-D nanostructures (100 – 200 nm in diameter, 10-20 microns in length), have high application potential in future electronic devices such as, e.g., transparent backplane field effect transistor (FET) devices and as sensor platforms. However, a critical challenge in the development of future devices based on 1-D nanostructures is the lack of suitable integration techniques for assembly and integration of nanostructures at pre-defined locations on technologically relevant substrates. New combined approaches to fabrication and heterogeneous integration of, e.g., nanowire components are required whereby components may be assembled into multifunctional mesoscopic arrays on active substrates that permit direct connection to each of the components for either selective component addressing or collective read-out of array status. To address this challenge, this project will explore novel methods for nanostructure fabrication, self-assembly and heterogeneous integration of metallic and metal oxide nanowire arrays at silicon substrates. The morphological characteristics of fabricated nanostructures will be probed using optical and electron microscopy, and scanning probe techniques, e.g., STM and AFM. Following self-assembly and integration of nanostructure-based devices, electronic, and optoelectronic characterisation will be undertaken to demonstrate device functionality. Applications are invited for a Ph.D. studentship in this field. The student’s work will focus on: - Fabrication and nano-visualisation of 1-D metallic- and metal oxide-based nanostructures. - Morphological characterisation of fabricated nanostructures. - Development of routes for controlled self-assembly and heterogeneous integration of nanostructures within electronic and optoelectronic devices. - Investigation of electronic and opto-electronic characteristics of the fully integrated nanodevices using low-noise electrical and optoelectronic characterisation techniques. The successful candidate for this position will have a good undergraduate degree in physics, chemistry, electronic engineering or materials science. Informal enquiries concerning this studentship can be made to Dr. Alan O’Riordan (email: alan.oriordan@tyndall.ie, group webpage: www.tyndall.ie/nanotech). Application Deadline - 30 April 2008

[New Zealand-PhD] International Doctoral Research Scholarships

New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarships (NZIDRS) are open to all international students who meet the eligibility criteria. NZIDRS scholarships include: - full tuition fees for three years of full-time doctoral study - NZ$20,500 per annum living allowance (NZ$1708.33 per month). - up to NZ$600 annual health insurance allowance - NZ$2000 (across 3 year tenure) travel allowance. This is intended to be used for conference attendance and field research - NZ$800 (across 3 year tenure) book and thesis allowance - NZ$500 one-off establishment allowance. Only to be paid to those students who are travelling to NZ specifically to take up the NZIDRS. No student already located in NZ is eligible to receive this amount. Additional funds are not available to support accompanying dependants. Evidence of available supervision: You need to show evidence that academic supervision is available when you apply for this scholarship. Applicants should contact the relevant university departments to confirm the availability of appropriate supervision before submitting their applications. Please see the terms and conditions for more information. NZIDRS application close date: The NZIDRS closes to applications on the 15th of July each year. Applications will be accepted from early April until 5pm (NZ time) on Tuesday the 15th of July. Please note that NZIDRS applications received after the closing date and/or incomplete applications will not be considered by the selection panel under any circumstances. Read More Detail: http://www.newzeala ndeducated. com/int/en/ institutions_ courses/scholars hips/incoming/ international_ doctoral_ research_ scholarships

[Germany-PhD] 12 PhD Studentships / 3 Postdoctoral Fellowships in Berlin

The Research Training Group (Graduiertenkolleg) 1458 “Notational Iconicity. On the Materiality, Perceptibilty and Operativity of Writing” at Freie Universitaet Berlin, funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), is offering from 1st October 2008 12 Ph.D studentships (full-time) and 3 postdoctoral fellowships

for a duration of 2 years (the Ph.D studentships are extendable for another year). Closing date for applications: 26th April 2008.

The research training group is dedicated to investigating script/writing as a key subject in the humanities. Its aim is to contribute to a change of perspective from a phonographic, language-centred concept of writing to an iconographic, language-neutral concept of writing. The founding hypothesis is that both alphabetic and non-alphabetic scripts are hybrid forms that combine discursive and iconic components and that writing is therefore more than simply a medium used to record spoken language. The research training group investigates systematically and/or historically the creative and explorative functions of notation in everyday, scientific and artistic contexts. Academic disciplines from throughout the humanities are involved as well as psychology and computer studies.

More detailed information on the research and study programme and on conditions for application can be found at: www.fu-berlin.de/schriftbildlichkeit

Applications are to be sent by 26th April 2008 to:

Prof. Dr. Sybille Krämer Freie Universität Berlin Institut für Philosophie Habelschwerdter Allee 30 D - 14195 Berlin Deutschland

[Spain-PhD] Studentship in Computer Vision, the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

The Colour and Texture Group of the Computer Vision Centre (CVC) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB, Spain) is offering a 3 years PhD studentship. The work will be within the general framework of Computational Colour Vision and will involve perceptual experiments with human subjects. The Colour and Texture Group offers a well funded, amicable and very creative environment not far from Barcelona city in Spain. Its main work is related to computational colour and texture representations. We focus on the basis of colour and texture perception in order to automatise the task of labelling the colours and the textures within an image (e.g. automatic image annotation, colour assessment of textured surfaces, illuminant estimation, etc).

The CVC is located inside the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona campus in Bellaterra (beautiful land), some 15 Km (and a 30 min train ride) away from Barcelona city centre. The campus provides a diverse and stimulating scientific environment while the city provides an infinite cultural offer (Barcelona City with its beach and nearly perfect whether is usually voted by travel journalists as one of the most exciting cities in the world and lives up to its reputation).

Salary is around €16,000 gross per year during the first year and around €22,000 gross per year during the last two years. This research grant is funded by the European Union through its CONSOLIDER-INGENIO 2010. The starting date for this position is September 2008.

Academic requirements that the candidate must hold:

• a good first degree in computer science,EEE , physics, experimental psychology, applied mathematics or related area.
• a M.Sc (to be able to complete the official UAB doctorate in three years instead of the usual four) in a related area.

Skills:

• strong programming skills (Matlab, Delphi, C, etc.)
• good communications skills and fluency, both written and oral in English is also a plus.
• strong motivation to conduct research.

Contact: C. Alejandro Parraga, phone: +34 93 581 3050 fax: +34 93 581 1670 email: alejandro.parraga[ at ]cvc.uab.es

[Norway- PhD] Fellowship in Nanopositioning, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

At Department of Engineering Cybernetics, Norwegian university of Science and Technology we have available a PhD research fellowship position within the field of nanopositioning. Funding is for 3 years and startup is autumn 2008. Several applications of nanopositioning have emerged during the last decade. An application where positioning is of great importance is scanning probe microscopes (SPM). These kinds of devices are used both for imaging at the nanoscale and manufacturing of advanced materials. The atomic force microscope (AMF) is one of the foremost tools for imaging, measuring and manipulation at the nanoscale. T he focus of the research will be analysis and control design for piezoelectric actuators in AFMs.

The ultimate goal of this work will be to increase the scan speed of the instrument in order to make possible imaging in close to real time. In turn, this will open up for applications like real time imaging of biological objects. A prerequisite for this is the ability to position the probe of the microscope with sub-nanometer accuracy and very high bandwidth. The research will encompass modeling, theoretical design and analysis, simulations and experimental work.

The research is to be carried out at The Department of Engineering Cybernetics in cooperation with NTNU NanoLab.

Benefits PhD fellows are placed in salary code 1017, which currently corresponds to a yearly gross income of NOK 325 600 up to 431 500 (pay scale level 43 - 59). From this 2 % will be deducted for mandatory membership in the National Pension Fund.

Requirements We seek highly motivated applicants with a strong background in control engineering. Successful applicants will have a Master’s degree in control engineering or control systems design. A specialization in motion control will be beneficial, but other specializations will also be c onsidered. Experience in the broad field of nanotechnology will be an asset, but is not necessary. The applicant must fulfill the requirements for PhD at NTNU (see http://www.ime.ntnu.no/english/research/phd)

Further Information & Application Interested candidates should contact Professor Jan Tommy Gravdahl (Tommy.Gravdahl[ at ]itk.ntnu.no) or Professor Kristin Pettersen (Kristin.Pettersen[ at ]itk.ntnu.no).

The appointment will be made in accordance with current regulations with supplementary rules for research fellowship appointments in universities and polytechnics. Applicants must agree to participate in organized doctoral study programs within the period of the appointment. The successful applicant must agree to the conditions laid down for publ ic employees.

Candidates will be required to enroll in a PhD program within the period of employment, and must sign a contract regulating the starting date and duration of employment as well as the mandatory work.

According to Norwegian policies, the government workforce should, as closely as possible, reflect the diversity of the population at large. It is therefore a goal of NTNU, as a government institution, to have a workforce which is balanced with respect to age and gender, and to recruit persons of immigrant background. NTNU also wishes to increase the number of women on its workforce, and women are specifically encouraged to apply. The application must include information about exams and earlier experience. Certified copies of certificates and diplomas must be enclosed. Relevant scientific works should be submitted in triplicate. Joint works will be taken into account. In cases where it is difficult to determine the applicant’s contri bution, a short note of explanation should be supplied.

Applications should be sent to:

Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) Faculty of Information Technology, Mathematics and Electrical Engg. NO-7491 Trondheim, NORWAY

Deadline: June 15, 2008.

Applications should be marked: IME 025-2008.

[UK] Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award in Mechanical Engineering - University of Leeds

Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Award School of Mechanical Engineering

Value of Award: Maintenance Stipend for a maximum period of 3 years (£12,940 for Session 2008/09), full overseas rate fees and a Research Training Support Grant

Number Available: One

Minimum Academic Requirements: A very good first degree (equivalent to a UK first class honours degree) from a prestigious institution (a lower rated BSc with a Masters will not normally be accepted as the equivalent of a UK first class honours degree). Candidates must also meet the University’s English language requirements.

The Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards are a national initiative to bring outstanding students from India, Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Russia, South Africa and the developing world to the UK to study for PhD degrees in top-rated research environments. The eligible countries are those listed in Part 1 on the OECD website.

This award is provided by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (www.epsrc.ac.uk ) and Shell Global Solutions and is available in for a research project in the area of ‘factors affecting combustion of sustainable engine fuels’.

Further information on the background to the Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards Scheme can be found at http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/hodgkin/

Application Forms: Contact Details: Application forms and guidance notes are available from http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rds/schol/dhpa-forms.htm and should be returned to the Scholarships Office, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT

Please contact Professor Chris Sheppard for enquiries about the project area. Email: c.g.w.sheppard[at]leeds.ac.uk Tel: + 44 (0)113 343 2140 Fax: +44 (0)113 343 2150

Closing Date: 30 April 2008

Application forms for research degree study are available to download here or online at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply_research.htm

[Belgium- PhD] Student in The Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University

The Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University has a position available for a PhD Student for the project “Development and Characterisation of Fluorescent Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Nanotechnology and Applications in Advanced Electronic Devices, Chemo- and Bio-sensors”. This project runs in close collaboration with the Institute for Materials Research (IMO).

The duration of the position is 2×2 years, with an assessment after 2 years.

The PhD student will conduct research in the field of molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) which will be used as building blocks for chemo and biosensors. Conjugated polymers exhibit specific fluorescence characteristics. The project focuses on the changes in fluorescence induced by the target molecule upon binding with the MIP embedded in a matrix of conjugated polymers. The project comprises the study of the underlying mechanism of the observed changes and the design of a specific sensor.

Diploma and profile Master degree (or equivalent) in either physics, chemistry, biomedical sciences, bio-engineer, engineer in physics, engineer in chemistry or civil engineer. Students in their final year can also apply. The candidate must master either the Dutch or the English language.

Further information Content job responsibilities: Prof. dr. Marcel Ameloot (BIOMED), +32 (0)11 26 85 46, marcel.ameloot[a-t]uhasselt.be Prof. dr. Dirk Vanderzande (IMO), +32-11-26 83 21, dirk.vanderzande[a-t]uhasselt.be Prof. dr. Thomas Cleij (IMO), + 32 (0)11 26 83 10, thomas.cleij[a-t]uhasselt.be

Content term of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011 26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden[a-t]uhasselt.be

Application Applicants must use the official application forms which are available at the Rectoraat of Hasselt University, Campus Diepenbeek, Agoralaan - building D, B-3590 Diepenbeek (Belgium), phone +32 - 11 - 26 80 03 or which can be downloaded here.

The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Wednesday, May 7th 2008.

Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs[a-t]uhasselt.be.

[UK- PhD] in Sensory Motor Neuroscience - University of Birmingham

Applications are invited for a PhD position in the field of Sensory Motor Neuroscience. The successful applicant will join a thriving research environment to study human perception, action production and cognitive neuroscience. The appointed researcher will work as part of a training network that brings together leading researchers in industry and academia from across Europe (France, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, UK). This offers exciting opportunities for advanced training, collaboration with international centres of excellence, travel, interdisciplinary exchange and industrial secondments. More information about the network can be found here: www.optimaldecisions.org

The successful candidate will be based in the School of Psychology at the University of Birmingham that has a state-of-the-art Imaging Centre (3T MRI scanner), EEG systems, TMS systems, access to screened neuropsychological patients, virtual reality systems for haptic research and movement recording systems.

Candidates should hold (or expect) a good undergraduate degree (equivalent of at least a 2.1 in UK system) or Masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Psychology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Bioengineering, Computer Science, Mathematics or Physics). Candidates should be numerate and comfortable learning computer programming and the use of advanced software for behavioural and brain imaging data analysis. Above all, candidates should be enthusiastic to learn new techniques and to contribute to new experiments.

Salaries will be paid at rates set by the European Commission. Applications are welcome from overseas students as well as EU nationals. Positions start on 1st October 2008.

Informal enquiries and requests for further details should be addressed to Dr Andrew Welchman: eyesee[a-t]contacts[dot]bham[dot]ac[dot]uk

To apply you will need to send the following by 30 April 2008: (1) A copy of your CV (2) A sample of some recent written work (1000 words or so) (3) A couple of paragraphs outlining: - Your research interests - What you are looking for in a PhD position - Why you would like to study in Birmingham and be part of the CODDE network - Your longer term career goals (4) A completed equal opportunities questionnaire

All applicants will be accorded equal opportunities irrespective of ethnicity or gender.