PhD Vacancy in Development & Food Policy

LICOS, Faculty of Business & Economics, KULeuven (Belgium) LICOS - Centre for Institutions and Economic Performance at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, is seeking to appoint a PhD student/Research Assistant for 4 years as of Fall 2009, to support current research on Food Policy, Development and related fields.
Field work in any of the geographic regions of focus (Eastern Europe, China, India, Africa) is possible. The supervisor of the project is Prof. J. Swinnen, Director of LICOS. (for more info: http://www.econ. kuleuven. be/licos).

SELECTION CRITERIA:
- University degree in economics or applied economics, preferably at MPhil level
- Strong analytic and technical capabilities in modern economic methods
- Proficiency in statistical and econometric methods
- Interest in developing collaborative research within the research project
- A GRE test will be required for admission
- Fluency in spoken and written English (a TOEFL or IELTS test will be required for non-native speakers)

The research project will allow the student to simultaneously pursue a PhD in Economics. Usually, a PhD program takes 4 years, with the first year including important course work in advanced economics.
(for more info: http://www.econ.kuleuven.be/lsbe)

HOW TO APPLY: Candidates must send their curriculum vitae, together with a statement outlining expression of interest in the position, to conny.schuurmans@ econ.kuleuven. be. Applications must reach us no later than 15 April 2009.

This job ad can be read online at:
http://www.econ.kuleuven.be/licos/Staff/documents/LICOS_PhD_Vacancy_Developm ent_FoodPolicy.pdf

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University of Kent MA Scholarships Available for January 2009
University of Kent's Brussels School of International Studies

Deadline: 15 Oktober 2008

Applications are invited for two scholarships for politics students wishing to begin their studies at the University of Kent's Brussels School of International Studies in January 2009.

Successful candidates will be registered at the University of Kent as full-time students on one of the five politics programmes offered at UKB (listed below) and will receive payment to cover 50% of their tuition fees (¤6845 in 2008/9).

These scholarships are open to students of all nationalities and are valid for the following programmes:

MA in International Relations

MA in International Conflict Analysis

MA in International Political Economy

MA in European Public Policy

MA in Political Strategy and Communication

In order to be considered for the scholarship, candidates must both apply for admission to one of these masters programmes and submit a separate scholarship application, no later than the closing date of 15 October 2008.

To submit an application for admission to an eligible MA programme, please follow the instructions as detailed on the following webpage: http://www.kent. ac.uk/brussels/ admissions/ .

Applicants should normally have obtained, or be about to obtain, a relevant undergraduate degree, with an overall First or Upper Second Class Honours result, or equivalent. No application for admission is considered complete until all supporting documents have been received by the university.

Once you have submitted your application to study at the University of Kent's Brussels School of International Studies (with all the required documentation) , in order to apply for the scholarship, you should send a letter/email to ukbschols2@kent. ac.uk confirming your wish to
be considered for a scholarship and explaining why you believe you should be awarded one. To help you decide what to write, you should be aware that the Scholarships Board is looking for academic excellence as well as academic potential. If it helps, imagine that you are standing in front of the members of the Board and have one chance to tell them about yourself and why you want the scholarship.

For politics students starting in January 2009, your scholarship application must be received no later than 17h00 CET on the closing date of 15 October 2008.

Successful candidates will be informed of the results by Friday 21 November 2008.

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PHD Position The ORSTAT (Operations Research & Business Statistics) group of the Faculty of Business and Economics of the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, has announced a research position for the period of October 1, 2008 until September 30, 2009 (possibly until 2013). The research should lead to a Ph.D. degree on the "Efficient measurement of willingness- to-pay using conjoint experiments" which involves both experimental design aspects and estimation issues. You will find a dynamic and pleasant working environment, in a group which conducts research at the highest international level.For more information you can contact the promoter, professor Martina Vandebroek at martina.vandebroek@ econ.kuleuven. be.

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Within the Institute for Materials Research (IMO) of Hasselt University, the following position (m/f) is available:

PhD student organic and molecular electronics (2x2 years) (mandate WNI/2008/021)

Job description
The research will be performed within the research group ‘Organic and Nanostructured Electronic Materials’ in the framework of the IWT-SBO-project ’Nanostructured POLYmer photovoltaic devices for efficient solar SPECtrum harvesting’ (PolySpec). The subject of the research is situated in the field of organic and molecular electronics with focus on electro-optical and nano-morphological properties of nanostructured semi-conducting polymers for new generation organic solar cells. The IWT-SBO-project Polyspec is a joint project between IMO (coördinator), IMEC, KULeuven, UGent, UAntwerpen and Hasselt University.

Diploma
Master degree (or equivalent) in either physics, chemistry or engineering.

Further information
* Content job responsibilities:
* Prof. dr. Jean Manca, tel. +32-11-26 88 79, jean.manca@uhasselt.be
* Prof. dr. Marc D’Olieslaeger (IMO), +32–11–26 88 15, marc.dolieslaeger@uhasselt.be
* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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 http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Wednesday, July 2nd 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

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website link: http://homes. esat.kuleuven. be/~optec/ jobs.php

The Optimization in Engineering Center OPTEC at K.U. Leuven (Belgium) invites highly motivated young interdisciplinary researchers with a solid background in numerical mathematics and computer science to apply for one of the following PhD or Post-doc positions:

* Optimal Control Methods for Application at a Central Receiver Thermal Power Plant (PhD or Post-doc Position)

Aim of the project is to develop and apply optimal control techniques suitable for the control tasks occuring in the central receiver thermal power plant built by the solar institute in Juelich.

Besides being a full member of the Optimization in Engineering Center OPTEC at K.U. Leuven, the Post-doc or PhD student will work in close collaboration with 4 partner groups in Germany that each have one three year position dedicated to the joint "virtual Institute on Central Receiver Power Plants, vICeRP" that was founded on January 29, 2008 (http://idw-online.de/pages/ de/news244682).

A first task is to work on system modelling and formulation of the optimal control problems arising in control of the heliostats, the airflow in the central receiver, as well as the steam cycle of the power block of the plant. A second task is to extend existing optimal control algorithms, or to develop new ones when necessary, to make them suitable for the application to the solar power plant problems.

A good mathematical background with solid knowledge of numerical optimal control, and programming skills in C are a prerequisite, as well as a strong interest in application driven interdisciplinary work, cooperation skills and knowledge of English. Knowledge of German and Dutch can be an advantage.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Moritz Diehl (E-mail: moritz.diehl@ esat.kuleuven. be)
* Nonlinear Moving Horizon Estimation for Fault Detection (PhD or Post-doc Position, 3 years)

Aim of the project is to develop and apply novel techniques for fault detection that are based on online optimization. Given a system model as well as the most current sensor data on a window in the past, the idea is to:
1. To find the most probable explanation for the observed data by online optimization of the
system and disturbance model.
2. To give alarm if this best achievable explanation is still too improbable.

Besides being a full member of the Optimization in Engineering Center OPTEC at K.U. Leuven, the Post-doc or PhD student will work in very close collaboration with the Austrian Center of Competence in Mechatronics (ACCM) and the Institute for Design and Control of Mechatronical Systems (Prof. Del Re), both in Linz. Most application problems will come from within this center and its industrial partners.

A good background in control engineering, mathematics, or physics and solid knowledge of numerical methods and programming skills are a prerequisite, as well as a strong interest in application driven interdisciplinary work, cooperation skills and knowledge of English. Knowledge of German and Dutch is an advantage.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Moritz Diehl (E-mail: moritz.diehl@ esat.kuleuven. be)
* Convex Dynamic Programming for Applications in Robust Model Predictive Control and State Estimation (PhD Position, 4 years)

The project shall explore a large but partly unexplored class of nonlinear optimal control systems that are connected by the fact that their dynamic programming (DP) cost-to-go is convex. Of this class the classical linear quadratic regulator (LQR), a linear control law, and the linear model predictive controller (MPC), a nonlinear control law, are the two best-known examples.

Full exploitation of convexity for more general control systems in this class shall lead to new and computational efficient convex dynamic programming methods. These can be used for exact and approximate computation of optimization based feedback controllers that are applicable in particular to uncertain systems, i.e., robust model predictive control. Here a dynamic min-max game with nature as the controllers adverse player needs to be solved, and which is computationally considerably more demanding than classical MPC.

The project shall investigate the two major questions: (a) What problem classes are covered by convex dynamic programming? and (b) How to represent and compute the convex cost-to-go efficiently? Finally, the concepts shall be transferred to the problem of state estimation, which in a Bayesian framework deals with probability densities instead of cost-to-go functions. The negative logarithm of these densities is in many cases convex, and can thus again be treated by convexity-based computational methods. The Kalman filter with its multidimensional Gaussian probability distribution is again only the simplest case of a considerably larger class of convex filters.

The outcome of the project shall be a sound theoretical framework for the understanding of control and estimation systems based on convex dynamic programming, along with new and efficient open-source algorithms ready for use in practical applications. The project can build on previous work in the group, http://www.iwr. uni-heidelberg. de/~Moritz. Diehl/RDP/

A solid background in mathematics and control engineering is a prerequisite, as well as a strong interest in theoretical convex optimization, set computations, and algorithm development. Knowledge of English is required, knowing Dutch is an advantage.

Contacts: Prof. Dr. Moritz Diehl (E-mail: moritz.diehl@ esat.kuleuven. be),
Prof. Dr. Carlos Dorea, OPTEC guest from Feb 2008-Feb 2009 (E-mail:cetdorea@ufba. br)
* Optimization Methods for Distributed Model Predictive Control (PhD or Post-doc Position)

The position is part of a European project on hierarchical and distributed model predictive control with partners in Europe and the US (leaflet). The position at OPTEC has as its aim the development of decomposition methods, distributed state estimation and MPC. Work will be both on computational aspects - for example efficient distributed algorithms and implementations, online initialization for nonlinear optimization - as well as on convergence questions - for example: when does a distributed MPC protocol converge to the solution of the centralized MPC optimization problem?
A good background in control engineering, mathematics, or physics and solid knowledge of numerical methods in control and programming skills are a prerequisite, as well as a strong interest in application driven interdisciplinary work, cooperation skills and knowledge of English. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
Contacts: Prof. Dr. Moritz Diehl (E-mail: moritz.diehl@ esat.kuleuven. be), Dr. Ion Necoara * Optimization Based Control Design for Large-Scale Systems (PhD Position)

The aim of the project is to develop and implement optimization based methods for solving control design problems for large-scale systems. In the first stage of the project the emphasis is on developing polynomial type methods and algorithms and on solving fixed structure control design problems. As fixed structure design problems often lead to non convex problems, special attention will be paid to an appropriate problem formulation and to the use of convex relaxations (such as convex relaxations of non-convex sets, sum-of-squares relaxations of positive polynomials) . In a next stage the obtained results will be adapted and extended towards large-scale systems, with particular attention on developing decentralized control schemes for interconnected and networked systems. These control schemes should translate global objectives (on agreement, performance, robustness, etc.) into local control, adapt easily to changes in the network and the environment, and scale well with the system or network size.

Depending of the interest of the candidate his / her individual PhD project can be steered in the direction of the design of optimization algorithms, the development of polynomial type methods for systems and control, or on control strategies for large-scale systems.

A background in numerical mathematics, control engineering and programming skills are a prerequisite, as well as an interest in application driven interdisciplinary work, good cooperation skills and knowledge of English.

Contact: Dr. Wim Michiels (E-mail: wim.michiels@ cs.kuleuven. be)
* Optimal Motion Control for Machine Tools (PhD or Post-doc Position)

The goal of this research project is to develop efficient methods to optimize point-to-point motion trajectories for machine tools. Machine tools are mechatronic systems that can often be described by either a linear time-invariant (LTI) model or a linear parameter varying (LPV) model. The approach followed in this project is to combine existing classical cascade or robust linear time-invariant (LTI) controllers with optimized motion trajectories.
The motion trajectory design will be based on a framework that was recently developed within OPTEC, and that is a generalization of the work of Kwakernaak and Smit [1]. The basis is a polynomial spline of arbitrary order that is optimized with respect to some performance criteria, and subject to boundary constraints and bounds on the inputs, outputs, and state variables. A careful selection of performance criteria and constraints yields a convex program that can be solved efficiently, allowing us to calculate Pareto-optimal points for these typically multi-criteria optimization problems.
This framework will be further developed to account for system uncertainty (robust design) and large system dynamics changes that are typically described using linear parameter varying (LPV) models. Possibilities for extensions of the current convexity based optimization approaches in order to address fully nonlinear models shall also be investigated.

The emphasis of this project lies on the development of fast and reliable open-source algorithms to optimize these trajectories, the analysis of the trade-off between the different design parameters, e.g. level of continuity of the trajectories, time optimality, level of residual system vibrations, comparison with other existing motion trajectory parametrizations, and experimental validation on a linear motor based pick-and-place machine.

This research will be performed under the joint supervision of Professor Jan Swevers of the division PMA of the Mechanical Engineering Department (http://www.mech. kuleuven. be/pma/) and Professor Moritz Diehl of the division SCD of the Electrical Engineering Departement (http://www.esat. kuleuven. be/scd/). The work will profit from concerted programming efforts within the OPTEC team towards a suite of open-source optimal control software tools.

Candidates for this position (phd or post-doc) shall provide a detailed CV including names of at least two referees. A thorough background in control theory, dynamic optimization, and implementation of numerical algorithms is required. Please indicate your background with respect to these items clearly in your CV. Experience in the practical implementation of controllers is a benefit but not mandatory. However, interest for practical control implementation, programming, and team work is very important.
Contact: Prof. Dr. Moritz Diehl (E-mail: moritz.diehl@ esat.kuleuven. be)

Besides a competitive salary we offer a stimulating research environment within our young but growing "Center of Excellence on Optimization in Engineering" , or OPTEC. OPTEC is well connected internationally with several high ranking international visitors every month, and encompasses groups from four different departments of K.U. Leuven [Electrical Engineering (ESAT-SCD), Mechanical Engineering (MECH-PMA), Chemical Engineering (CHEM-BioTec) and Computer Science (CS-NATW)]. OPTEC combines altogether 20 professors, 12 postdocs, and more than 50 PhD students that jointly work on bringing state-of-the- art optimization methods together with real-world engineering applications.

Electronic applications (by holders of at least a masters degree) including a CV, certificates with high school and university marks in mathematics, physics and computer science, a list of publications, names of two possible references, and a brief description of your research interests are most welcome.

Please send them until June 15, 2008 to jobs-at-optec@ esat.kuleuven. be.

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2 PhD positions in combined human and monkey fMRI
Applications are invited for two PhD positions in the Lab of Neurophysiology at the KU Leuven in Belgium to work with Jan Jastorff and Guy Orban on projects involving action perception and 3D structure from motion. Both projects are designed to start with human functional imaging to develop specific paradigms, which can be afterwards also applied for awake monkey fMRI.

Details about the research group can be found at: http://neuroserv. med.kuleuven. be/

Candidates should hold (or expect) a Diploma or Masters degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Psychology, Neuroscience, Physiology, Computer Science). Programming experience with Matlab and knowledge of statistics is a plus.

Please submit informal enquiries or an application letter, CV, and names of references to Dr. Jan Jastorff (jan.jastorff@ med.kuleuven. be)

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The Medical and Signal Processing research group (MEDISIP) of the faculty of engineering of the Ghent University offers a Phd position vacancy to work on a project involving EEG/fMRI and SPECT analysis of epilepsy phenomena of spikes and seizures.
MEDISIP has a background of PET, SPECT and MR imaging and reconstruction as well as advanced signal processing techniques for EEG source estimation, spike detection and EEG artifact removal.

Further information on MEDISIP's research tracks can be obtained at http://medisip. elis.ugent. be Candidates should show initiative and be able to work in a team.
Experience in programming in MATLAB, low level programming language (C, C++, java,...) is an asset. The candidates will be encouraged to go to international conferences and workshops in the early stages of their PhD.

The candidates should submit a CV and motivation letter by mail to
Steven.Staelens@ UGent.be or by ordinary mail: Steven Staelens, PhD Ghent University - IBBT Ghent University Hospital- IBITECH - MEDISIP De Pintelaan 185 B-9000 Ghent Belgium

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Within the Institute for Materials Research (IMO) of
Hasselt University, the following position (m/f) is available:


PhD student Inorganic & Physical Chemistry (2 x 2 years) (mandate SBG/2008/004)

Job description
The PhD student will conduct
research within the frame of a recently acquired interdisciplinary research
project �A New Initiative of the �Bijzonder onderzoeksfonds�). The candidate
will focus on the investigation of (preferentially environmentally friendly)
wet-chemical synthesis methods for (new) functional metal oxides (nanoparticles
& thin films) with a high potential for innovative applications, due to the
combination of their structural, electrical and/or magnetic properties. An
important part of the work consists of a study of the relation between the
chemical composition, the structure/morphology (controlled by the synthesis
parameters) and the electrical and/or magnetic properties of the material. For
this purpose, the researcher use an extended range of state-of-the-art
characterisation techniques and work in a stimulating, multidisciplinary
research environment. The research of this project will be carried out in
collaboration within the Institute of Materials Research (materials physics
& chemistry). The PhD projects should result in the optimisation of
synthesis and process conditions and new fundamental insights towards the
realisation of functional materials for innovative
applications.

Profile and diploma
Candidates are able to work
independently and to conduct their research in a multidisciplinary context. This
also requires, that the candidates have a good knowledge of scientific English
and are able to speak the English and/or Dutch language fluently. A strong
interest in inorganic and physical chemistry, materials science as well as in
the synthesis and characterisation of functional materials is encouraged. The
candidates should have an adequate basic-knowledge of chemistry and materials
science and should therefore have a diploma of Master in (applied) Chemistry or
(applied) Physics, Materials Science, Bio engineer, Master in Industrial
Sciences, Civil Engineer or equivalent
diploma.

Appointment
Full-time appointment, with a duration of
2x2 years and an intermediate assessment after 2 years.

Further
information
* Content job responsibilities:
Inorganic & Physical
Chemistry
* Prof. dr. M. Van Bael, +32-11-26.83.82, marlies.vanbael@uhasselt.be,
* Prof. dr. J. Mullens, +32-11-26.83.08, jules.mullens@uhasselt.be
Materials physics
* Prof. dr. Patrick Wagner, +32-11-26.89.00,
patrick.wagner@uhasselt.be
* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef
Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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: http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc
The completed application forms must reach the above
mentioned address no later than Friday, June 6th 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

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PhD Sensor technology (2 x 2 years)
(mandate WNI/2008/016)

Job description
The PhD student will conduct scientific research within the framework of development of sensor platforms for electronic characterisation of DNA mutations and related problems. More specifically, sensor arrays will be developed based on impedimetric and isocap-based sensor concepts. An important issue is the analysis of electric field and band structure effects at the interface between aqueous phases, molecular layers and semiconductor surfaces. Furhermore, attention will be focussed on the optimisation of the performance of the sensor arrays.

Profile and diploma
Master degree (or equivalent) in either physics, applied sciences, electronics, physical chemistry, nano- and microtechnology or materials science.

Appointment
The appointment has a duration of 2x2 years (assessment after 2 years).


Further information
* Content job responsibilities:
* Prof. dr. Ward De Ceuninck, tel. +32-11-26 88 72, ward.deceuninck@uhasselt.be
* Prof. dr. Patrick Wagner, tel. +32–11-26 88 95, patrick.wagner.@uhasselt.be
* Prof. dr. Marc D’Olieslaeger, +32-11-26 88 99, marc.dolieslaeger@uhasselt.be
* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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 http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Friday, June 6th 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

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Within the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University, the following positions (m/f) are available:

2 PhD students students in biomedical sciences
¡Autoimmunity¢: Biomarker research in Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (2x2 years)

(mandate MBW/2008/020-021)

Background
The Biomedical Research Institute (www.biomed.uhasselt.be) is a multidisciplinary research institute of the Hasselt University. 70 researchers and technical personnel perform molecular and cellular biomedical research. The research is focused on two main research domains: neuroinflammation and development of biosensors (in cooperation with the Institute for Material Research (IMO)).

Job description
The successful applicants will be involved in a research project entitled ¡New diagnostic and prognostic antibody biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)¢ of the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) at Hasselt University. This project is aimed at identifying a panel of new molecular target antigens combined with existing target antigens selected on MS with diagnostic and prognostic potency by using technological platforms that allow for profiling the antibody reactivity to tissue antigens in these diseases. The first goal is aimed at identifying new serum markers for MS and RA by a systematic profiling of the humoral immune response using the powerful molecular SAS technology. A second goal is aimed at studying the functional relevance of the existing selected MS markers and new MS and RA serum markers in relation to disease by studying their expression in diseased tissue and by studying T cell reactivity
to these antigens. A third goal is aimed at developing a high throughput and label free screening platform using phages expressing autoantigens or derived peptide fragments to efficiently validate candidate markers in a large number of patients.

Profile and diploma
The applicant should hold a master degree in biomedical sciences, bioengineering, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, or equal). Students in their last master year can also apply.

Further information
* Content job responsibilities:
* prof. dr. Piet Stinissen, +32-11-26 92 04, piet.stinissen@uhasselt.be
* prof. dr. Veerle Somers, +32-11-26 92 02, veerle.somers@uhasselt.be
* prof. dr. Luc Michiels, +32-11-26 92 31, luc.michiels@uhasselt.be
* fax +32 11 26 92 09, website: www.biomed.uhasselt.be
* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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 http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Thursday, June 5th 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

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PhD student Wide Band Gap Materials (2 x 2 years)
(mandate WNI/2008/015)

Job description
The PhD student will conduct scientific research within the group Wide Band Gap Materials on the investigation of polycrystalline doped CVD diamond films. In a first stage, the candidate will have to get acquainted with CVD deposition techniques and material optimisation based on the recent results obtained in the deposition of microcrystalline P-doped films, where the incorporation of the P-atom is determined by the orientation of the diamond grains. The possibility to grown P-doped nanocrystalline films will be studied. Then, by combining P and B doped material, polycrystalline diamond pn-junctions will be formed, opening up the possibility to form large area high temperature electronics and UV photodetectors. The final stage of the project will focus on the formation of heterojunctions based upon doped diamond layers with other novel materials such as BN or polymers.

Profile and diploma
Master degree (or equivalent) in either physics, chemistry, or materials science. Experience with deposition and (opto-)electronic characterisation techniques is an asset. Because of the foreseen international collaborations within this project, a good knowledge of scientific English is recommended.

Appointment
The appointment has a duration of 2x2 years (assessment after 2 years).


Further information
* Content job responsibilities:
* dr. Ken Haenen, (IMO), +32-11- 26 88 75, ken.haenen@uhasselt.be
* Prof. dr. Marc D�Olieslaeger (IMO), +32�11�26 88 15, marc.dolieslaeger@uhasselt.be

* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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: http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Friday, June 6th 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

Setia Pramana
Bioinformatics Research Group
Center for Statistics
Hasselt University
Agoralaan - building D
3590 Diepenbeek
Belgium
Office: D56
Phone: +32-11-268288
Fax: +32-11-268299

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Within the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) of Hasselt University, the following positions (m/f) are available:

2 PhD students students in biomedical sciences
¡Autoimmunity¢: Biomarker research in Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis (2x2 years)

(mandate MBW/2008/020-021)

Background
The Biomedical Research Institute (www.biomed.uhasselt.be) is a multidisciplinary research institute of the Hasselt University. 70 researchers and technical personnel perform molecular and cellular biomedical research. The research is focused on two main research domains: neuroinflammation and development of biosensors (in cooperation with the Institute for Material Research (IMO)).

Job description
The successful applicants will be involved in a research project entitled ¡New diagnostic and prognostic antibody biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)¢ of the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) at Hasselt University. This project is aimed at identifying a panel of new molecular target antigens combined with existing target antigens selected on MS with diagnostic and prognostic potency by using technological platforms that allow for profiling the antibody reactivity to tissue antigens in these diseases. The first goal is aimed at identifying new serum markers for MS and RA by a systematic profiling of the humoral immune response using the powerful molecular SAS technology. A second goal is aimed at studying the functional relevance of the existing selected MS markers and new MS and RA serum markers in relation to disease by studying their expression in diseased tissue and by studying T cell reactivity
to these antigens. A third goal is aimed at developing a high throughput and label free screening platform using phages expressing autoantigens or derived peptide fragments to efficiently validate candidate markers in a large number of patients.

Profile and diploma
The applicant should hold a master degree in biomedical sciences, bioengineering, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, or equal). Students in their last master year can also apply.

Further information
* Content job responsibilities:
* prof. dr. Piet Stinissen, +32-11-26 92 04, piet.stinissen@uhasselt.be
* prof. dr. Veerle Somers, +32-11-26 92 02, veerle.somers@uhasselt.be
* prof. dr. Luc Michiels, +32-11-26 92 31, luc.michiels@uhasselt.be
* fax +32 11 26 92 09, website: www.biomed.uhasselt.be
* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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 : http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Thursday, June 5th 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

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Within the Institute for Materials Research (IMO) of Hasselt University, the following position (m/f) is available:

PhD student Experimental Physics (2 x 2 years)
(mandate WNI/2008/014)

Job description
The PhD student will conduct research within the BOF-project “Fabrication of nanocrystalline diamond-based acoustic devices for (bio-)sensing purposes”. Two main pathways will be followed, covering both “piezoelectric-on-diamond” as well as “diamond-on-piezoelectric”, combining thin nanocrystalline CVD diamond films with piezoelectric materials such as AlN, langasite, etc. Research will focus on devices based on surface and bulk acoustic waves, such as piezoelectric bimorph micro-cantilevers, flexural plate wave (FPW) devices, and thickness shear mode resonators. In a first stage, the candidate will have to get acquainted with deposition techniques and material optimisation followed by fabrication and characterisation of several device structures in order to obtain superior sensitivity levels than those currently available

Profile and diploma
Master degree (or equivalent) in either physics, chemistry, biomedical sciences, engineering or materials science. A background in material science and/or sensor technology is a plus.

Further information
* Content job responsibilities:
* dr. Ken Haenen, (IMO), +32-11- 26 88 75, ken.haenen@uhasselt.be
* Prof. dr. Marc D’Olieslaeger (IMO), +32–11–26 88 15, marc.dolieslaeger@uhasselt.be

* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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 http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Friday, June 6th 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

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Within the Research Group ¡Inorganic and Physical Chemistry¢ of Hasselt University, the following position (m/f) available:

PhD Studentship Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (2 x 2 years)
(mandate SBG/2008/001)

Job description
This PhD research is situated in the frame of a collaboration between the Institute of Materials research and the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC). Within the group of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry and in a highly interdisciplinary context (chemistry / materials physics / electronics), research will be performed towards the development and the introduction of new metal oxide materials for micro/nano-electronic devices of future technology generations, aiming to meet the ever increasing demand of miniaturisation. The PhD project will focus on the study and optimisation of wet-chemical synthesis routes for innovative high-K dielectric metal oxides and the characterisation of their ultrathin layers in view of finding suitable next generation dielectrics for logic and DRAM devices. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with IMEC and with other disciplines within the institute for Materials Research.

Profile and diploma
Candidates are able to work independently and to conduct their research in an interdisciplinary context. A strong interest in inorganic and physical chemistry, materials science and thermodynamics as well as in the synthesis and characterisation of materials with applications in electronics is encouraged. The candidates should have an adequate basic-knowledge of chemistry and materials science and should therefore have a diploma of: Master in (applied) Chemistry or (applied) Physics, Bio engineer, Master in Industrial Sciences, Civil Engineer or equivalent diploma.

Further information
* Content job responsibilities:
* Prof. dr. M. Van Bael, +32-(0)11-26 83 82, marlies.vanbael@uhasselt.be
* Prof. dr. J. Mullens, +32-(0)11-26 83 08, jules.mullens@uhasselt.be

* Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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 pdf-file / Word format.
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Friday, June 6th 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address: jobs@uhasselt.be.

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Vacature 32/079-2e Within the Center for Statistics of Hasselt University, the following positions (m/f) are available:

2 PhD researchers (2x2 years) Statistical Methods in Vaccine and
Infectious Disease Research
(mandates WNI/2008/008- 009)

Job description
Predoctoral research in statistical methods applied to vaccine and infectious disease research. The research activities are part of an interuniversity collaboration between the Institute VAXINFECTIO of the University of Antwerp, and the Center for Statistics, Hasselt University. The main interdisciplinary research themes are i) to improve and/or increase the understanding of the immune system, and ii) strategies to contain antibiotic resistance.

Profile
. You have a strong quantitative background;
. you are intrinsically motivated, think analytically and creatively, and work in an organised and focused manner;
. you enjoy working in an multidisciplinary environment (statistics, medical sciences, life sciences);
. experience in the use of statistical/ mathematical software such as SAS, R, Matlab etc., is a plus.

Diploma
Licentiate, Master, or equivalent degree in (bio)statistics, mathematics, physics, bioengineering or related field.

Appointment
The appointment takes effect from the half of June 2008 for a period of 2 years, extendable to a total period of 4 years.

Further information
Content job responsibilities:

Prof. dr. Geert Molenberghs, +32 11-26 82 38,
geert.molenbergsh@ uhasselt. be
Prof. dr. Marc Aerts, +32 11-268247, marc.aerts@uhasselt .be
Content terms of employment and selection procedure:
Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@ 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 : http://www.uhasselt .be/download/ APengelsUH. doc
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Wednesday, May 7th , 2007.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address:
jobs@uhasselt. be.

Setia Pramana
Bioinformatics Research Group
Center for Statistics
Hasselt University
Agoralaan - building D
3590 Diepenbeek
Belgium
Office: D56
Phone: +32-11-268288
Fax: +32-11-268299

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Vacature 32/081-2e The Physics Department at Hasselt University announces the following position (m/f) in the framework of the FWO-Odysseus-project “Exploring new pathways towards molecular electronics” :

Postdoctoral researcher molecular biophysics (2 years, possibly extendable with 2 years)
(mandate WNI/2008/012)

Job description
The research activities will be situated within the Institute for
Materials Research (IMO), which has a strong focus on novel material systems for micro- and organic electronics, molecular electronics, optoelectronics, and biosensors. The postdoctoral researcher will strengthen the cross-disciplinary approach of IMO and support actively the ongoing activities at the boundary between the domains of life sciences and nanostructure physics. More specifically, the candidate will initiate and pursuit advanced experimental studies in the field of single-molecule biophysics with a special emphasis on the electronic and nanomechanical aspects of antibody-antigen interactions and nucleic acids. The candidate can expect a fully-equipped laboratory and close scientific cooperation in a stimulating environment.
The postdoctoral researcher will also be involved in the supervision and training of Ph.D. students in physics and Master students in the ‘Bioelectronics & Nanotechnology’ programme (www.uhasselt.be/bioelectronics-master).

Profile
Research experience in molecular biophysics and the related experimental techniques (e.g. nanostructural engineering, scanning-probe microscopy, force spectroscopy) is a benefit.

Diploma
PhD in sciences (physics, chemistry), engineering, biomedical sciences, bio-engineering or related research areas.

Further information
Content job responsibilities:

Prof. dr. Hans-Gerd Boyen, +32-11-268891,
HansGerd.Boyen@uhasselt.be
Prof. dr. Patrick Wagner, +32-11-288895,
Patrick.Wagner@uhasselt.be
Prof. dr. Marc D’Olieslaeger, +32-11-268815,
marc.dolieslaeger@uhasselt.be
Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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 http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc

The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned
address no later than Friday, June 13th 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address:
jobs@uhasselt.be.

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Vacature 32/079-12e Within the BIOMED Research Centre of Hasselt University, the following position (m/f) is available:

PhD student in biomedical sciences Developmental neurobiology
(2x2 years)(mandate MBW/2006/001- HO-2)

Job description
The successful applicant will be involved in a joint research project between the Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED) at the University of Hasselt and the Center for Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (CNCM) at the University of Liège. The project is aimed at deciphering the involvement of neurotransmitters as communication signals promoting cortical development (mainly migration and differentiation processes), with focus on neurotransmitters interacting with ionotropic receptors. The main techniques used in this project include: ex vivo brain slices, immunohistochemistr y, molecular biology (siRNA technology), microfluorimetry and electrophysiology (patch-clamping) .

Profile and diploma
The applicant should hold a master degree in life sciences (e.g. medical sciences, biomedical sciences, bioengineering, biochemistry, biology, biotechnology) . Students in their last master year can also apply.
This project will be executed on two different sites (Hasselt and Liège) and will give the candidate a double diploma. Hence, we are seeking a candidate who is ready to work in both institutions. Knowledge of English is a prerequisite.

Further information
Content job responsibilities:

prof. dr. Jean-Michel Rigo, Universiteit Hasselt, tel. +32-11-26.85. 36, telefax +32 11 26 85 99, email: jeanmichel.rigo@ uhasselt. be, website: www.biomed.uhasselt .be
dr. Laurent Nguyen, Université de Liège, tel: + 32-4-366.59. 87, telefax: +32-4-366.59. 12, email: lnguyen@ulg. ac.be, website: www.cncm.ulg. ac.be
Content terms of employment and selection procedure:
Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@ 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 http://www.uhasselt .be/download/ APengelsUH. doc.
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Wednesday, May 7th , 2007.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address:
jobs@uhasselt. be.

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Vacature 32/080-18e 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):

PhD Student (2x2 years)
(mandate MBW/2006/004-HO-5)

The duration of the position is 2x2 years, with an assessment after 2 years.

Job description
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@uhasselt.be
Prof. dr. Dirk Vanderzande (IMO), +32-11-26 83 21, dirk.vanderzande@uhasselt.be
Prof. dr. Thomas Cleij (IMO), + 32 (0)11 26 83 10, thomas.cleij@uhasselt.be


content term of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011 26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@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 http://www.uhasselt.be/download/APengelsUH.doc
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@uhasselt.be.

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Vacature 32/079-3e Within the Center for Statistics of Hasselt University, the following position (m/f) is available:

Postdoctoral Researcher (2 years, possibly extendable)
Statistical Methods in Vaccine and Infectious Disease Research
(mandate WNI/2008/010)

Job description
The research activities are part of an interuniversity collaboration between the Institute VAXINFECTIO of the University of Antwerp, and the Center for Statistics, Hasselt University. The main interdisciplinary research themes are i) to improve and/or increase the understanding of the immune system, and ii) to develop strategies for the containment of antibiotic resistance.
The candidate will strengthen and extend the current research potential of the Center of Statistics in the field of vaccine and infectious disease research. S/he will support the coordination of scientific research in the framework of an interuniversity collaboration with VAXINFECTIO, a research center of the University of Antwerp. In this respect, multi disciplinary collaboration will be of great importance.

Profile
The candidate has got a proven (methodological and applied) research output in biostatistics. Experience in international research and collaboration, with a knowledge of several application areas (like oncology, infectious diseases, immune-system diseases), is preferable. The candidate also has got a strong record in scientific collaboration.

Diploma
The candidate holds a doctoral or PhD degree in Biostatistics, or related field.

Appointment
The appointment takes effect from the half of June 2008 for a period of 2 years, possibly extendable.

Further information
Content job responsibilities:

Prof. dr. Geert Molenberghs, +32 11-26 82 38,
geert.molenbergsh@ uhasselt. be
Prof. dr. Marc Aerts, +32 11-268247, marc.aerts@uhasselt .be
Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@ 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 http://www.uhasselt .be/download/ APengelsUH. doc
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@uhasselt. be.

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PhD Studentship (2 x 2 years) Inorganic and Physical Chemistry (mandate SBG/2008/001)

Job description
This PhD research is situated in the frame of a collaboration between the Institute of Materials research and the Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (IMEC). Within the group of Inorganic and Physical Chemistry and in a highly interdisciplinary context (chemistry / materials physics / electronics) , research will be performed towards the development and the introduction of new metal oxide materials for micro/nano-electron ic devices of future technology generations, aiming to meet the ever increasing demand of miniaturisation. The PhD project will focus on the study and optimisation of wet-chemical synthesis routes for innovative high-K dielectric metal oxides and the characterisation of their ultrathin layers in view of finding suitable next generation dielectrics for logic and DRAM devices. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with IMEC and with other disciplines within the institute for MaterialsResearch.

Profile and diploma
Candidates are able to work independently and to conduct their research in an interdisciplinary context. A strong interest in inorganic and physical chemistry, materials science and thermodynamics as well as in the synthesis and characterisation of materials with applications in electronics is encouraged. The candidates should have an adequate basic-knowledge of chemistry and materials science and should therefore have a diploma of: Master in (applied) Chemistry or (applied) Physics, Bio engineer, Master in Industrial Sciences, Civil Engineer or equivalent diploma.

Further information Content job responsibilities:

Prof. dr. M. Van Bael, +32-(0)11-26 83 82,
marlies.vanbael@ uhasselt. be
Prof. dr. J. Mullens, +32-(0)11-26 83 08,
jules.mullens@ uhasselt. be
Content terms of employment and selection procedure: Jef Vanvoorden, 011-26 80 80, jef.vanvoorden@ 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 : http://www.uhasselt .be/download/ APengelsUH. doc
The completed application forms must reach the above mentioned address no later than Friday, May 2nd 2008.
Application by e-mail will only be taken into consideration when sent to the following address:
jobs@uhasselt. be

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