UK : Barham Benevolent Foundation Research Studentship Harper Adams University College

The role of previous experience in the motivation of dairy cows for access to pasture.

Further information on Harper Adams University College and the above Studentship can be found at: http://www.harper-adams.ac.uk.

For informal enquiries applicants may contact the supervisory team: Dr S Mark Rutter (smrutter@harper-adams.ac.uk, telephone +44-(0)1952-815463) or Dr Liam Sinclair (lsinclair@harper-adams.ac.uk, telephone +44-(0)1952-815332).

The successful applicant will normally be expected to hold either a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree in an appropriate subject.

The research student will be expected to acquire generic research skills (eg communication, data analysis) by registering for the Harper Adams Postgraduate Certificate in Research Skills (tuition fee included in the studentship).

The studentship includes tuition fees, consumables and conference allowance and a maintenance grant of £13,000 in Year 1, rising to £13,500 in Year 2 and then £14,000 in Year 3, dependent on satisfactory progress.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons from EU and non-EU countries. A minimum level of competency in English is required. International applicants need to be classed as an overall Grade 6.5 using the International English Language Test System (IELTS) or equivalent Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or PTE score.

Applicants should send their completed Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form, together with a Curriculum Vitae with the names and contact details of two referees and covering letter to Mrs V Slann, Research Administrator, Harper Adams University College, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 8NB (vslann@harper-adams.ac.uk).

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 30 June 2010

UK : PhD Studentship Mechanical Strain of Keratinocyte Stem Cells and Regulation of Stem Cell Migration

Newcastle University - Institute of Cellular Medicine

Reference Code: CL030

Closing Date: 18th July 2010

Supervisors: Dr J Reichelt, Professor N Reynolds, Professor M Taggart

Institute: Institute of Cellular Medicine

Sponsor: Institute of Cellular Medicine/Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University

Duration of the award: 3 years

Keratinocyte stem cells regulate epidermal homoeostasis. Wounding stimulates them to exit their niche, proliferate and participate in wound closure. Recent data showed that keratinocyte stem cells are also activated in hyperproliferative psoriatic epidermis and psoriasis may be provoked by mechanical trauma to skin (Koebner phenomenon). The signalling mechanisms involved in activating keratinocyte stem cells to migrate out of their niche and proliferate are not well characterised.

Keratinocytes are able to sense mechanical strain and transform it into biochemical signals. Mechanical signal transduction implies an intact cytoskeleton as well as cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts. The literature on mechanical signalling in keratinocytes is based on results using differentiated keratinocytes whereas the response of keratinocyte stem cells has not yet been studied. Studies involving other types of stem cells support the hypothesis that mechanical load regulates self-renewal, lineage commitment and migration of stem cells. The aim of the project is to test the hypothesis that mechanical stress regulates KSC function in a 3D context, relevant to wound healing.

The interdisciplinary research project involves biomedical and biophysical sciences.

Value of the Award and Eligibility

The studentship covers UK/EU tuition fees and provides an annual stipend at the Research Council UK rates (was £13,290 per year in 09/10). International applicants may apply but will need to source additional funding to cover the difference between UK/EU tuition fees and international tuition fees.

Person Specification

You should have, or expect to achieve an MSc or MRes in a relevant biological sciences subject. This studentship is available to UK, EU or international students. If English is not your first language you must have an IELTS or equivalent of 7.0 or above.

How to Apply

You must complete the University's postgraduate application form. Select Doctor of Philosophy (Medical Sciences) - Cellular Medicine" as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) but you must attach a copy of your CV and a covering letter, quoting the title of the studentship and reference number CL030.

Closing date for applications 18th July 2010

Further Information

For further details, please contact Dr Julia Reichelt, julia.reichelt@ncl.ac.uk, +44 (0) 191 222 5074.

PhD Studentships University of Glasgow - Department of Economics

The Department of Economics, University of Glasgow invites applications for two fully funded PhD studentships (UK/EU/International fees and bursary) for doctoral research.

Applications are sought from exceptionally well-qualified individuals in the area of macroeconomics. Topics of particular interest are: the interaction of monetary and fiscal policy, the application of numerical techniques for solving quantitative problems in macroeconomic policy design and the impact of commitment and discretion in policy outcomes. Applicants will have a Masters degree in economics or have excellent technical qualifications in areas such as mathematics, statistics or related fields.

• The successful PhD students can expect to be supervised by Professor Charles Nolan. The studentships will be available for study beginning in September 2010 for a threeyear period on a full-time basis.
• Professor Charles Nolan: was educated at the University of Strathclyde and Birkbeck College, University of London. He worked for eight years as an economist at the Bank of England. He has formerly taught at University of Reading, University of Durham, and University of St Andrews. He is a member of the European Monetary Forum. His research interests are quantitative general equilibrium macroeconomics and monetary theory, international finance and business cycle analysis. He has several publications in highly regarded journals, including Econometrica, Journal of Monetary Economics, Journal of Money, Credit, and Banking and Economic Journal.
• Postgraduate research: All postgraduate research students are provided with dedicated office space and a PC. Students have the opportunity to present their work at a PhD workshop series and to attend the Department's research seminars, which showcase invited speakers from the UK and Europe. Students benefit from research methods courses offered by the Faculty of Law, Business and Social Sciences and may, where appropriate, attend relevant MSc courses. RAE 2008 places the Department of Economics at Glasgow joint 11th in the UK and top in Scotland on the basis of GPA and research income and ranks all research as being of international quality: 75% is considered to be world-leading and internationally excellent.
• The award: The studentship holder will receive an annual bursary (£13,649 per annum) in addition to payment of full fees at the UK/EU/International rate for three years.
• Teaching fellowships: Successful applicants will become Teaching Fellows in the Department. As a part of their duties, they will be expected to teach up to 100 hours of tutorials per year in economics (normally undergraduate). Appropriate training will be provided for this purpose.
• Applicants: Potential applicants should have a minimum of a 2.1 undergraduate degree and have/expect to achieve a Masters degree with excellent grades in a
  relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another
  recognised university.
• Application procedure: Email Jane Brittin (J.Brittin@lbss.gla.ac.uk), Postgraduate Secretary in the Department of Economics, stating that you wish to be considered for the studentship. The closing date for applications is 10th August 2010.

UK : Fully funded International PhD Scholarships Faculty of Engineering University of Nottingham - University of Nottingham & Virginia Tech (USA)

Applications are invited for two fully-funded PhD scholarships (fees and living costs) to undertake research in the areas of Transportation Engineering or Power Electronics at the University of Nottingham (UK) with approximately one year of their research program studying at Virginia Tech (USA). Competition for these scholarships is expected to be very strong because each brings the opportunity for students to study with world-leading research groups in both countries.

Areas in which applications are invited:

TRANSPORTATION

• Sustainability assessment of the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure: This might include research questions concerning the application of environmental life cycle assessment or multicriteria decision making to infrastructure systems.
• Asset management of transport infrastructure: Data handling, deterioration modelling, integration of environmental criteria including carbon footprint.
• Condition monitoring of transport infrastructure: Challenges include repeatable location referencing, data quality, and use of private vehicle data.
• Road surface condition and safety: Understanding the combined role of road geometry and condition in crash studies and prevention, impact on driver behavior.
• Low-carbon, environmentally-friendly construction materials. Laboratory synthesis or manufacture and characterisation of materials derived from renewable, waste or recycled feedstocks.

POWER ELECTRONICS

• Electrical Systems in Aerospace (More Electric Aircraft): Power conversion technologies for high power density and high reliability converters - includes conversion topologies, thermal management, packaging and integration and reliability studies. Aircraft electrical network analysis and modelling - includes power quality and stability issues for AC, DC and hybrid systems.
• Smart Grids: High power converters for grid applications - including converter topologies and advanced grid interfacing strategies. Converters for DC grid systems and multi-terminal HVDC systems.
• Renewable Energy: Power conversion technologies for integration of renewable energy sources - includes converters for interfacing sources and energy storage and energy management control strategies.
• Power conversion: In addition to the applications above, opportunities exist to work on new generic power conversion concepts and topologies and their control.

Students are expected to have a Masters-level qualification at the highest level. They must have good English and be eligible to study in both countries or be able to obtain a visa for the country (ies) where they are not.

These studentships will be available for a start date between August and September 2010.

Applications, consisting of a full CV/bio, a transcript of your academic progress to date and a one page Masters' project summary (the summary should describe a research-style project performed by you, showing your role and the lessons you learned, this will be used to assess your appreciation of, and suitability for, research) and the names of three referees who can give an assessment of your suitability, should be sent (via Email) to, for Power Electronics, Laura Sun, Email: laura.sun@nottingham.ac.uk, or for Transportation, Andrew Dawson, Email: andrew.dawson@nottingham.ac.uk. Short-listed applications will be shared between colleagues at both universities. Final acceptance onto the program will require students to submit a formal application to the University.

Please quote ref: ENG/416.

Closing date: 18 July 2010 (for an August-October 2010 start although late applications will be considered for 2011 entry).

For all our vacancies and more about working at the University of Nottingham see: http://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/.

UK : International Fee Waiver Studentship Molecules Get Wired: Towards Spin-Polarized Transport Through A Single Molecule

University of Hull - Department of Physics (in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry)

An international fee waiver studentship is available at the Department of Physics (in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry) at the University of Hull in the area of molecular spintronics. This cross-disciplinary research is expected to focus on the incorporation and electrical measurement of organic molecules within nanosized/atomic scale magnetic junctions. The research will have a broad remit and involve aspects of nanotechnology, organic electronics, micro-fluidics, polymer physics/synthesis, self-assembly and electrochemistry. Candidates will preferably have excellent experimental skills and/or a strong willingness to learn device fabrication and low temperature measurement techniques and will be a highly motivated, well-organized and creative individual, capable of working with minimal supervision when required. The work will involve cross-departmental, national and international collaborations.

The studentship is open to non-EU residents only and will cover fees at the overseas student rate but no maintenance so students will need to raise their own maintenance costs. Applicants will be expected to hold the equivalent of a UK upper second class honours degree or higher in Physics, Chemistry or a related subject.

The studentship will start in September 2010 (or earlier if required).

For further details, please contact Dr Neil Kemp (N.Kemp@hull.ac.uk) or visit http://www2.hull.ac.uk/pg/phd/science/moleculesgetwired.aspx where an application form can also be downloaded. More details of our research interests can be found at http://www.hull.ac.uk/physics/ntk/Webpage.htm

UK : PhD Studentship Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Legume-based Systems Scottish Agricultural College

Scottish Agricultural College and University of Edinburgh

It is well established that legume crops could play a key role in sustainable cropping systems. They contribute more to the farming system than simply the harvested part: they fix atmospheric nitrogen into forms available for plant metabolism, they break the cycles of diseases that attack the major cereal crops, and they can replace other food, feed, fibre and fuel crop products that are imported from other continents. Nevertheless, they are under-represented in European agriculture, and this research aims to remedy this situation. The consequences of growing a range of legume crops will be systematically quantified agronomically, ecologically and economically in order that an optimum usage of legumes can be defined for each of the major European agricultural zones. The basis of the PhD will be to understand and extrapolate to an EU scale using dynamic and deterministic modelling techniques that measure greenhouse gas emissions from legume rotations.

This postgraduate position is for three years, with a proposed start date of September 2010, ending September 2013.

The successful candidate must have or expect to obtain a minimum of an upper second class degree in a scientific discipline from a UK University or equivalent. They should ideally have demonstrated ability in using biological models, statistical techniques, an understanding of soil processes, and be familiar with computer software and data handling packages. Oral and writing skills in English are required to a high standard. A clean and valid European driving license is desirable.

The studentship offers a stipend of £13290 per annum. The full award (stipend and fees) is available to EU Citizens only, however, non-EU students will be considered. The student will be based at the SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG.

Application packs are available from Frances Stratford (frances.stratford@sac.ac.uk) quoting reference SAC/52740019/Topp .

For further particulars or to have an informal discussion about this studentship, contact Dr Kairsty Topp, kairsty.topp@sac.ac.uk (0131 535 4026) or Dr Bob Rees Bob.rees@sac.ac.uk

(0131 535 4365) SAC, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG.

Closing date for the return of applications is 12 noon on 27 July 2010.

UK : PhD Studentship Alcohol use in middle aged adults

University of Worcester - Institute of Health and Society

Applications are invited for a fully-funded full-time studentship on alcohol use in middle aged and older adults.

Although the level of alcohol abuse in the middle/old aged population has been estimated there is little evidence on the attitudes of such a group towards alcohol, drinking and the potential public health messages. In response to this increased prevalence, interventions aimed at changing drinking behaviour have been developed although these have been rather parsimonious in their approach and reach.

The purpose of this cross sectional study is to examine alcohol consumption in middle and late adulthood. Specifically to establish: a) level of consumption of alcohol in the target populations; b) to explore views and attitudes towards drinking in both middle aged and older adults; c) to explore any potential differences between rural and urban areas for both levels of consumption and views and attitudes regarding drinking alcohol and d) develop, deliver and evaluate potential public health interventions for such a population.

This PhD studentship is being supported by both the University of Worcester and the Worcester Public Health Directorate.

The student will carry out a research project that will, on successful completion, lead to the award of a higher research degree (PhD). The student will be expected to carry out their individual research study under the direction of Dr Penney Upton, Director of Studies along with colleagues from the University and the local Public Health Directorate.

Applicants should preferably have a good first degree in Health, Psychology or related discipline although applicants from other subject disciplines may be considered. Excellent oral and written English are a must, as are a commitment and enthusiastic approach to completing a higher research degree. The successful applicant will receive a tax free bursary of £12,300 per annum from the University of Worcester plus a limited budget to support their research. Fees will be paid in full at the UK/EU rate for home and EU citizens. Overseas students are welcome to apply but will need to fund the balance of fees for Overseas Research Students.

For further details visit: http://www.worc.ac.uk/research/studentships
Application forms can be found here: http://www.worc.ac.uk/research/studentships
For an informal discussion about the studentship please feel free to contact on +44 1905 855517 or by email to d.upton@worc.ac.uk.

For questions regarding the application process contact Mrs Helen Tabinor, Graduate Research School Manager (tel: 01905 855012, email: h.tabinor@worc.ac.uk).

Closing date for applications is 5th July 2010.

Candidates will be invited for interview on 19th July 2010.

UK : Master of Engineering (MEng)

In Mechanical Engineering

University of Limerick

University of Limerick

OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH

IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

The University of Limerick is located on the banks of the River Shannon in Ireland at the heart of the 640 acre National Technological Park, approximately 5 km from the centre of Limerick city. The University accommodates some 12,500 students.

The Masters course (MEng) in Mechanical Engineering is based in the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. This course will provide training in advanced topics in Mechanical Engineering and was developed in response to the decision of Engineers Ireland that a Master's degree in an engineering discipline will be the minimum educational standard for Chartered Engineer status for students graduating in 2013.

The main aim of the programme is to equip graduates with a detailed knowledge of advanced methods in mechanical engineering, including theoretical foundations, computational and experimental methods and engineering applications.

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

The programme spans a single academic year (three semesters) and requires full time attendance on campus. For the first two semesters students will study a mandatory set of core subjects and a suite of optional advanced subjects (electives). Students will engage in a research project over all three semesters with submission of a research project (thesis) at the end of semester 3. Research in the Department covers a wide range of topics-the Department has strong links with two leading research institutes: the Materials and Surface Science Institute and the Stokes Institute. The Department also houses research centres in Automation, Biomedical Engineering Wave Energy, Biofuels, Composite Materials and Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics and. Further details of research fields in the department are available at the department web page, www.ul.ie/mae.

SEMESTER 1

Fundamentals of Continuum Mechanics

Research Project

Advanced Technical Communication for Engineers

Three specialist electives to be chosen from:

Non-linear Finite Element Analysis

Scientific Computation

Advanced Computer Aided Design

Composite Materials

Computational Fluid Dynamics

Advanced Mechanics of Solids

Fuels and Energy Conversion

Project Planning and Control

SEMESTER 2

Research Project

Two specialist electives to be chosen from:

Renewable Energy Technologies

Fracture Mechanics

Advanced Computational Fluid

Engineering Mechanics of Plastics and Composites

Boundary Layer Theory

SEMESTER 3

Research Project (30 credits)

To graduate from the programme a student must accumulate 90 credits, comprising 45 credits of taught modules and 45 credits of research work, as outlined in the Table. Credit may be given for prior learning, with the agreement of the Course Director.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirement to the programme is a 2.2 Honours Bachelor's undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related field. For international students, the entry equivalent will be accepted as determined by the Course Director in consultation with UL Graduate School Admissions. Where applicants are non-native English language speakers, certified achievement in TOEFL or IELTS Standard English Language Competency Test will be required. An interview may be part of the admission process.

FEES

Information on fees and semester dates is available from the university webpage www.ul.ie/finance.

CONTACT

For further information please visit the department web-page, www.ul.ie/mae or contact the Course Director:

Prof. Noel O'Dowd

Email: noel.odowd@ul.ie

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply online at www.url.ie/4hwk.

Postgraduate Admissions Contact:

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Graduate School

University of Limerick

Limerick, Ireland

Telephone: +353 (0)61 234 377

Fax: +353 (0)61 233 287

Email: postgradadmissions@ul.ie

Web: www.graduateschool.ul.ie

UK : MSc in Water and Environmental Management (WEM) 2010/2011

University of Bristol - Department of Civil Engineering

This MSc programme provides academic and practical training for Engineers and Scientists with a special interest in management of water and the environment. The course is delivered by academics from Bristol's renowned Department of Civil Engineering, and leading practitioners from industry.

The main aim of the WEM programme is to provide graduates with a sound knowledge and fundamental understanding of integrated water and environmental management. This includes considering the relationships between human activity and the environment, and quantifying the impacts of human activities, and the technical and socio-economic approaches for preventing and controlling adverse environmental impacts.

The course is particularly suitable for graduates who wish to pursue a career in the Water Industry, Environmental Management, or International Development. Past graduates have found employment in consultancies, companies in the pharmaceutical and engineering sectors, environmental regulators, local authorities and other public sector bodies.

The MSc course consists of four core modules, four optional modules for students to select from a broad range of subject areas, and four months' individual research towards a thesis. Modules are taught through lectures, group tutorials, and private study, with field visits, and are assessed through a combination of exams and assignments.

All modules are allocated two weeks of study time: one week for timetabled activity and the other for private study and preparation of assignments. Timetabled activities are available to be taken as short-courses to meet CPD requirements.

Entrance requirements

A minimum of a second-class Honours degree, or an international equivalent, in an engineering or science subject. Other qualifications or relevant professional experience will also be considered. Applicants whose first language is not English normally require IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 92, or equivalent.

Core Modules

• Environmental Quality
• Environmental Systems
• Environmental Management
• Environmental Policy and Regulation

Optional Modules

• Water Supply and Sanitation in Developing Countries
• River Engineering
• Environmental Systems
• Waste and Contaminated Land Management
• Potable Water Treatment
• Environmental Management
• Operational Management and Customer Service
• Waste Water Treatment Processes
• Environmental Policy and Regulation
• Industrial Environmental Management
• Water Resources
• Water Pollution Prevention and Control
• Air Quality
• Coastal Engineering and Shoreline Management
• Ecology and Ecosystems

For further information please contact philippa.salsbury@bristol.ac.uk.

USA: PhD Research Positions in Computational Nanomechanics at the University of Pittsburgh

Several PhD research positions are currently open in the Computational Nanomechanics Group at the University of Pittsburgh for the following research projects:

1. Thermomechanical behavior of carbon-based nanomaterials
2. Atomistic-to-continuum themomechanical theory in solids
3. Mechanics of nanoporous and nanocrystalline metals

Successful applicants will carry out challenging research projects in a highly intellectual and dynamic environment under the guidance of Professor Albert C. To. The computational tools the group employs include molecular dynamics simulations, first-principles methods, Monte Carlo simulations, and finite element/meshfree methods. The computational resources the group has access include a brand new 800-core cluster (shared with other research groups at Pitt) and a 24-core cluster. In addition, the group has access to the state-of-the-art computing facilities at the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center (www.psc.edu).

Highly self-motivated individuals interested in computational nanomechanics and multiscale modeling and simulations are encouraged to apply. Applicants should possess good programming and computer skills in general. Interested applicants should email Professor Albert C. To (albertto[ at ]pitt.edu) their resume, which project(s) they are interested in, and their past research works (if any), and future career goals. Questions regarding these positions are welcome and should be directed to Professor To.