PhD student: A systems analysis of rodent animal models of human disease

Function title PhD student Where Bioinformatics Laboratory, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Apply before July 15, 2009 Project Model organisms have been essential for improving our knowledge of human disease. Especially rodents, mainly mouse and rat, are often used for this purpose, as well as for pre-clinical trials of new drugs and toxicology screens. However, often animal models fail to mimic human disease adequately. As a consequence drugs successfully tested in animal models fail in costly clinical trials or are falsely discarded.
Goal of this project is to explore the suitability of rodents as a model organism for human disease, specifically metabolic syndrome. Since metabolic syndrome is a complex multifactorial group of metabolic conditions, a systems approach will be taken to uncover the molecular networks perturbed by disease.
Specifically, we aim to validate the similarity of a large number of rodent models for metabolic syndrome to their human counterparts. The project is tightly linked to ongoing projects in biological and clinical groups at the AMC. This project is part of the second round of the BioRange programme of the Netherlands Bioinformatics Centre (NBIC; ww.nbic.nl).
Tasks
The successful candidate will work towards a PhD degree in bioinformatics. We will build a compendium of rodent and human metabolic syndrome related gene expression datasets. We develop module-based joint analysis methods that search for conserved patterns consisting of sets of genes and sets of conditions in both rodent model and human under which they are co-expressed. These patterns are used to evaluate the molecular similarity of rodent models and their human counterpart. Conserved patterns will be further interpreted by constructing functional networks for metabolic syndrome in rodents and human. We expect methods developed and resulting conserved patterns and functional networks to be useful for elucidating the model mismatch and for increasing the predictive value of preclinical trials and toxicity screens.
Requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic communicative team player with
• a MSc in one of the following areas: bioinformatics, computer science, engineering, statistics, physics, plus a proven interest in biology
• strong background in computer science (machine learning, graph algorithms, relational databases)
• good programming knowledge (R, C/Java/C++, SQL)
Additional conditions of employment: The appointment will be on temporary basis for a maximum period of four years. Based on a full-time appointment (36 hours per week), compensation will be according to standard salary levels for PhD students starting with a salary of € 2046,- with a yearly growth to € 2622,- gross a month. The collective employment agreement of the AMC is applicable. Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained
from: Dr. ir. P.D. Moerland Bioinformatics Laboratory Telephone number: +31 (0) 20 566 4660 E-mail address: p.d.moerland@amc.uva.nl
Contact: Applications should include a detailed curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation, and be sent to:
AMC Medical Research BV.
Mevrouw M.J.Scholtemeijer
Personeel & Organisatie, J1A-229
Postbus 22660
1100 DD Amsterdam
The Netherlands

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PhD in cognitive neuroscience (Research Assistant)

Our profile:

HumTec is an interdisciplinary "project house" at RWTH Aachen University funded as part of the excellence initiative by the federal government and the state government of North-Rhine Westphalia. HumTec aims at fostering high level interdisciplinary research between the humanities/social sciences and the engineering/ natural sciences. Research at HumTec will focus on two research areas: "Values, Norms, Governance" and "Behaviour, Communication, Acceptance". The first area has a normative orientation comprising programs focusing on ethical, legal, and political aspects of technological innovations. The second area comprises programs with a strong empirical orientation focusing on cognitive, social, linguistic, and cultural aspects of new technologies.

The HumTec program “Brain, Concept, Writing” wants to study the genesis of complex literary concepts in an interdisciplinary team of researchers from the fields of literature, neuroscience and computer science.

Your profile:

Candidates for this position should have a degree in Neuroscience, Biophysics, Psychology, Medicine or another related degree.
Experience in cognitive neuroscience, functional imaging methods and statistics would be of advantage. The position is available immediately for initially 2 years and search will continue until a candidate has been selected.

Your duties and responsibilities:

The PhD position is dedicated to studying the neurofunctional production and comprehension processes of literary texts in the human brain in close cooperation with researchers of the Central Service Facility “Functional Imaging” (www.izkf.rwth- aachen.de) .

Our offer:

- The candidate will be employed as a regular employee.
- The position is to be filled as soon as possible and is for a fixed term of 2 years.
- This is a part-time vacancy (50 % of the standard weekly hours for full time employees).
- The option of undertaking a PhD is provided.
- The pay scale classification complies with the labor agreement TV-L.

In cases of equal qualification, aptitude and expertise of the applicants, female applicants will be given preferential treatment for those salary groups and careers in which females are underrepresented, unless there are preponderant reasons to give preference to another applicant.

Please refer to § 8 Article 6 of the North Rhine-Westphalian Equal Opportunities Act(Landesgleichstellu ngsgesetz NW).

RWTH Aachen University has been rewarded with the title “disability-friendly” (“Prädikat behindertenfreundli ch” ) for its efforts with respect to training and employment of severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled people with appropriate suitability are explicitly welcome. This also applies to people with equal opportunities in accordance with § 2 SGB IX (Social Code).

Your contact person

For further information, please contact
Dr. Ralph Schnitker
Tel.: +49 (0) 241 80 88890
Fax: +49 (0) 0241 80 82605
Email: rschnitker@izkf. rwth-aachen. de

You can also obtain further information from our websites: http://humtec@ rwth-aachen. de

Please send your application via mail to

Dr. Ralph Schnitker
mail: rschnitker@izkf. rwth-aachen. de

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6 Leiden University Fund Scholarship in Various Master`s Programmes

Each year the organisation of alumni, Leiden University Fund (LUF) awards 6 LUF scholarships to truly outstanding foreign students pursuing an English language Masters Degree at Leiden University . The LUF scholarship is open to highly talented students from all countries of the world except the Netherlands. Please see below for further requirements.

Master`s programmes in Leiden. Areas of interest:
1. Arts and Humanities
2. Business, Communication and IT
3. Education
4. Law/Criminology for Dutch Students (regular LL.M./Msc)
5. Law for International students and professionals (LL.M../LL.M.Advanced)
6. Science and Biomedical Science
7. Social and Behavioural Sciences

Application deadline: 1 April 2009.

See the list of eligible English language masters programmes on
www.mastersinleiden.nl
or:
http://www.postgraduate.leidenuniv.nl/index.jsp

Scholarship amount
The scholarship consists of € 10.800,- for one academic year and is available for master`s programmes starting per September 2009.

Applications
Applications can only be made by sending the completed online scholarship application form below to the Leiden University Fund (LUF).

http://www.luf.nl/default.asp?paginaID=411

Requirements for eligibility
1. The applicant has been admitted unconditionally to an English language Masters programme of Leiden University on the basis of prior education outside the Netherlands.
2. The applicant is not in his/her second year of the masters programme.
3. The applicant must have obtained excellent results in his/her previous studies and be for instance in the top 10% of students in his/her programme.
4. The applicant`s studies in the Netherlands must constitute a deepening and broadening of his/her previous studies in the home country.

Further information about the procedures
1. The International Office of Leiden University will forward the necessary documents to the selection committee of LUF. Please note: students applying for a LUF scholarship still have to submit an application for admission to a master`s programme in order to be admitted to the programme. This is a seperate procedure and can be done via on-line application for admission to a master`s study as described on the website: www.mastersinleiden.nl/admissions
2. Students have to pay the application fee and necessary deposits for MVV and or housing themselves.
3. Students will be informed by LUF about the decision by the end of May 2009.
4. Allowances will be paid by LUF in September 2009.

More information about the scholarship:
http://www.leidenuniv.nl/en/prospective/index.php3-c=13_luf2009-2010.htm

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PhD Position in Accounting
University of Amsterdam Faculty of Economics and Business / Amsterdam Business School
Amsterdam, 1018WB (Noord-Holland) , hours per week

Job description
The project is entitled: The Construction of Assurance Expertise on Sustainability

The past decade has seen the emergence of practice in assurance on sustainability reports (‘sustainability assurance') with high profile professional accountancy bodies such as the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, placing the development of a sustainability assurance standard near the top of its strategic agenda. This in-depth longitudinal field study aims to enhance our theoretical and empirical understanding of the processes surrounding the emergence of sustainability assurance. Empirically, the study will examine the role and focus of key actors in the emergence of assurance concentrating on: how competing claims to professional expertise in sustainability assurance have been constructed and legitimised; the dominant and shifting assurance discourses; and how target audiences have reacted to these discourses. Theoretically, the study will draw on frameworks derived from Actor Network Theory and neo-institutional theory. The study calls for a broad range of research methods competencies, particularly in qualitative methods, an excellent ability think conceptually, competence in research liaison with organizations and high level individuals, and excellent external presentation skills.

Requirements

Required education/skills: University Graduate

* Master's (MSc) in the area of accounting (or equivalent) with excellent examination results in both course work and the MSc thesis component;
* Interest and experience in field research (for example, in the MSc thesis);
* Demonstrated Mastery of both written and spoken English;
* Conviction to complete the requirements toward a PhD degree within four years.

Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s) :
- Teaching & Research(Scientific discipline: Economics)

Organization
University of Amsterdam
Faculty of Economics and Business / Amsterdam Business School
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is a university with an internationally acclaimed profile, located at the heart of the Dutch capital. As well as a world center for business and research, Amsterdam is a hub of cultural and media activities. The University of Amsterdam is a member of the League of European Research Universities.

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) at the Universiteit van Amsterdam (UvA) provides academic courses in accounting, finance, management, marketing, economics, and econometrics. It also conducts international research in these areas. The Amsterdam Business School and the Amsterdam School of Economics form part of the FEB.

Conditions of employment
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: see below
Additional conditions of employment:
The appointment will initially be for 18 months, to be extended to a total of 4 years upon excellent performance (an evaluation will be held after 14 months). The salary will be in accordance with the University regulations for academic personnel, and will range from € 2,000 (first year) up to a maximum of € 2,558 (final year) gross per month. The collective employment agreement of the Dutch universities will be applicable. The PhD thesis should be finalised within four years. In this period, the candidate will also be expected to do some teaching (20% of the time).

Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Professor Brendan O'Dwyer
Telephone number: 31 20 525 4260
E-mail address: b.g.d.odwyer@ uva.nl

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:

* About the organization (http://www.uva. nl/start. cfm/la=en/ th=main)
* About the department (http://www.abs. uva.nl/)
* About the function (http://www.uva. nl/vacatures/ vacatures. cfm/6FFD1F92- 1321-B0BE- 6890350BCDF7D43B)

Application
You can apply for this job before 21-11-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:

University of Amsterdam Business School, Personnel Department
Bernadette Clemens
Roetersstraat 11
1018 WB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: applications- feb@uva.nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber AT 08-5037.

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PhD Computational Analysis of Regenerative Strategies in the Intervertebral Disc
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven Department of Biomedical Engineering
Eindhoven, (Noord-Brabant) , 40 hours per week

Job description

This project is a part of the consortium on New Early Therapies for Intervertebral Disc Diseases: Drug Delivery and Augmentation through Smart Polymeric Biomaterials in the Biomedical Materials Program. Our previously developed osmoviscoelastic model of the disc and mechanoregulation of tissue regeneration will be combined to develop an adaptive biological model of regeneration strategies combining biomaterials, local slow releasing molecular therapies and injectable cell therapies. Model parameters will be determined from in vitro experiments, and the model will be validated against in vivo experiments, mostly conducted by partners in the consortium. Finally the model will be used to select strategies for further development and optimization for use in the clinic.

Requirements

Required education/skills: University Graduate

We are seeking a candidate facile with computational analysis and knowledgeable of biological processes. The candidate should be recently graduated from a MSc. program in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, (bio)physics or a related field, with,

*
Knowledge and experience in biomedical science and technology,
*
Strong affinity for multidisciplinary research and engineering science,
*
Experience with finite element modeling,
*
Capacity to write and communicate fluently in English.

Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s) :
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers

Organization
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
Department of Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is a joint-venture of the Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Maastricht. Education and research focus on the most complex and fascinating quot;system quot; known to date: the human body. Biomedical Engineering plays a key role as a new discipline, interfacing and integrating engineering and biomedical sciences. Education and research have been organized around 3 profiles: Biomechanics amp; Tissue Engineering, Molecular Bioengineering amp; Molecular Imaging and Biomedical ImagingImaging amp; Modeling.
Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2000 - 2500
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 4 years
Maximum hours per week: 40

Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Prof.dr. K. Ito
Telephone number: 31(0)402473851

Or Y. Bloemers-Kluijtmans
Telephone number: 31(0)402472030
E-mail address: pzbmt@tue.nl

Or additional information can be obtained through the following link:

* About the organization (http://www.tue. nl)

Application
You can apply for this job before 01-11-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:

Technische Universiteit Eindhoven
W-hoog 1.108
Mr. J.M.R. Debeij
Postbus 513
5600 MB Eindhoven
Nederland
E-mail: pzbmt@tue.nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber V50.096.

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PhD researcher Environmental toxicology and chemistry (1,0 fte)
Utrecht University
(Utrecht), 38 hours per week

Job description
The objective of the PhD project is to get a better understanding of the sorption and bioavailability of cationic surfactants in sediments. This knowledge is essential for improving the environmental risk assessment of this class of contaminants. The project is funded by the European Chemical Industry Council and will be performed in collaboration with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig.

One of the tasks is to improve the analytical procedure for measuring the freely dissolved concentration of cationic surfactants in environmental samples, including sediment suspension. Sorption studies will be performed to elucidate the contribution of sorption to clay minerals to the overall sorption capacity in natural sediments. Measuring freely dissolved concentrations in the pore water phase of a sediment toxicity test will clarify whether adverse effects to biota are solely controlled by the freely dissolved concentration in the pore water.

Requirements
Required education/skills: University Graduate
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate carrying a master's or equivalent degree in biology, chemistry or geochemistry with a background in environmental toxicology or chemistry and an affinity for analytical methodologies.
Job type: Research / Advising
Workfield(s) :
- Research trainees, non-tenured lecturers, researchers( Scientific discipline: Health)

Organization
Utrecht University
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
The Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) is an interfacultary research institute from the faculties Veterinary Medicine and Medicine, and the departments Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Science faculty at the Utrecht University. The mission of IRAS is to provide research and education on human health risks of exposure to potentially harmful agents in the environment, at the workplace and through the food chain. IRAS has three research divisions. The Environmental Epidemiology division performs epidemiological research on respiratory, cardiovascular and carcinogenic health risks in relation to biological and chemical exposures. Within the Veterinary Public Health division research is conducted to identify and study possible adverse health effects from microbial and non-microbial agents occurring in food derived from the animal production process. Research within the Toxicology division covers the part of the risk assessment in which the availability and dose – adverse health effect relationships of toxic substances are studied. The aim of IRAS is to perform quality research with a high relevance for society.
PhD researcher Environmental toxicology and chemistry

Conditions of employment
Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000
Salary: scale 10.
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 1,5 year
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
The IRAS can offer you a temporary full-time appointment of one and a half year with the perspective of prolongation with another 2½ years. The gross salary starts with € 2,000.- per month in the first year and increases to € 2,558.- per month in the fourth year of employment (salary scale “P” Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities) .

Secondary benefits, based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities are excellent in general and include e.g. a pension scheme, flexible employment conditions and salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 6.4% per year.

As a partner in the Postgraduate Education in Toxicology (PET) programme, IRAS offers the opportunity to follow courses in this programme with the aim of obtaining the possibility to register as a toxicologist with the Dutch Society of Toxicology as well as with EUROTOX.

Additional Information
Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Dr Joop Hermens
Telephone number: 31 30 2535337
E-mail address: j.hermens@uu. nl

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:

* About the organization (http://www.vet. uu.nl/viavet/ viavet_english)
* About the function (http://www.iras. uu.nl/)

Application
You can apply for this job before 09-10-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
J.C.M. Schoonenberg
Yalelaan 1
3584 CL Utrecht

E-mail: vacatures1@vet. uu.nl

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber 12875.

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Ph.D. Research Assistantship to Explore the Potential of DSP for Digital Terrain Elevation Data at the Netherlands Defense Academy and Delft University of Technology

With today's digital signal processing capabilities, it becomes possible to optimize the performance parameters of a navigation system for a particular set of intended applications. The Netherlands Defense Academy and the Delft University of Technology are providing an opportunity of a Ph.D. research assistantship to explore opportunities in the field of Terrain Reference Navigation (TRN) by using digital signal processing techniques that were originally developed for the acquisition and tracking of GPS signals.

The goal of the research is to contribute to the creation of a design framework which can be used to match technology and processing concepts to a particular set of navigation system performance requirements. The focus lies on exploring the potential of various digital signal processing concepts for matching a set of distance measurements with a stored database of the environment.

The candidate should hold a Master's degree in electrical engineering, computer science,
applied mathematics or any other relevant study with substantial knowledge on data
processing. Research will be conducted both at the Netherlands Defense Academy and at
Delft University of Technology. Leaders of the project are established researchers in the
field of applied mathematics, geomatics and electronics. Contact Prof. P.J. Oonincx, Netherlands Defense Academy, at [pj.oonincx AT nlda.nl]. More information about the Netherlands Defense Academy can be found here http://www.nlda. nl

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The Eindhoven University of Technology (the Netherlands) has the following vacancy

PhD student on the project "Surfing the information waves: Finding, revealing, and evaluating information online" at the School of Innovation Sciences.

Job description
The Ph.D. student is expected to do research leading to a Ph.D. thesis in the project "Surfing the information waves: Finding, revealing, and evaluating information online". At the core of this project lies the question how people deal with the reliability of information on the Internet, to what extent the formal and informal mechanisms that facilitate reliable exchange of information offline have online equivalents, and to what extent new online mechanisms and tools are and
can be developed to facilitate reliable information exchange.

Typical questions of interest are: How do people discern useful and reliable information from useless and unreliable information in online settings? How can users be motivated to provide reliable information and how can the provision of unreliable information be minimized? To what
extent do the answers to these questions depend on the kind of online setting? For the project we anticipate doing research in several areas of application, such as medical information sites and groups, social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Plaxo, Xing, etc), and general economic and consumer sites, such as eBay, Amazon.

Requirements
The candidate should have a Masters degree (or equivalent) in the social sciences (sociology, psychology, political or communication science), excellent knowledge and skills in quantitative methods of data analysis, and familiarity with new forms of online communication. Most of all, we
are looking for someone with a natural curiosity with respect to online interaction of any kind. Knowledge about theories pertaining to the topicin (social) psychology or sociology would be an additional asset. The candidate should be proficient in English (speaking and writing).

Conditions of employment
We offer a (full-time) Ph.D. position for 4 years. Gross salaries are in the range of €28K gross per annum in the first year and €35K during the fourth year and include attractive benefits (e.g. technical infrastructure, child care, sports facilities). A small teaching load can be part of the job.

More information can be found at: http://www.tue-tm.org/snijders/PhD/

Application
Send your application or requests for further information by email to Prof. dr. C. Snijders (c.c.p.snijders 'at' tue.nl). The application should consist of a motivation for your application, and extended curriculum vitae, a description of your obtained scientific degree, and a list of courses and the grades you obtained for those courses.

Uwe Matzat
Sociology Section
Department of Technology Management
Eindhoven University of Technology
P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven
The Netherlands
phone: +31 40 247-8392
email: u.matzat@tm.tue.nl
http://www.tue-tm-soc.nl/~matzat/

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Unpad & Universiteit Twente Belanda Membuka Program Double Degree08 September 2008

Program Magister Ilmu Lingkungan Program Pascasarjana Unpad bekerja sama dengan Universiteit. Twente, Belanda menyelenggarakan program Double Degree Ilmu Lingkungan melalui Beasiswa Unggulan Depdiknas tahun 2008. Program ini terbuka bagi lulusan tahun 2003 sampai sekarang, dengan jumlah beasiswa yang disediakan pada tahun 2008 untuk 20 orang.
Syarat bagi para pelamar yang tertarik untuk menempuh studi melalui program ini adalah sebagai berikut:

* Lulusan S-1 dari berbagai disiplin ilmu, baik PTN, BHPMN, atau PTS yang terakreditasi;
* Lulusan tahun 2003 atau setelahnya;
* Tidak terdaftar sebagai dosen tetap PTN ataupun PTS;
* IPK minimal 3,20 bagi lulusan PTN dan BHPMN; minimal 3,52 bagi lulusan PTS;
* Skor TOEFL minimal 450;
* dan bersedia untuk mengikuti seluruh kegiatan akademik di Unpad dan Universiteit Twente
(apabila berhasil lulus tes seleksi).

Keterangan:
* Pendaftaran paling lambat adalah hari Rabu, 10 September 2008; (kemaren baru ke kampus,
ternyata mereka masih buka pendaftaran. jadi tanggal 10 bukan paling lambat)
* Kuliah 12 bulan di Unpad dan 12 bulan di Universiteit Twente Belanda;
* Bagi yang lulus seleksi untuk kuliah dan lulus sidang di Belanda, akan mendapatkan 2 gelar,
yaitu M.Si. (dari Unpad) dan M.Sc. (dari Universiteit Twente);
* Bagi yang tidak lulus seleksi ke Belanda, akan melanjutkan studinya di Unpad dan mendapat
gelar M.Si. apabila lulus sidang (dengan total waktu studi selama 18 bulan);
* Beasiswa yang disediakan oleh Depdiknas adalah biaya kuliah di Unpad dan living cost selama
kuliah di Universiteit Twente Belanda.

Informasi selengkapnya dapat menghubungi
Sekretariat Program Studi Magister Ilmu Lingkungan Program Pascasarjana Unpad,
Jl. Sekeloa Selatan No. 1 Bandung 40132,
telepon 022-2508871,
e-mail: psmil@unpad. ac.id,
melalui contact person Ibu Tuten.

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Statistician TBD Location of PhD fellow Julius Center of the University Medical Center Utrecht Qualifications

The candidate should have an MD, PharmD or degree in biomedical sciences or related field. Experience in research and training in epidemiology are appreciated. Motivated to work in cutting edge drug development research is a prerequisite

Application
Candidates can apply by sending their CV and application letter to Mirjam Knol (m.j.knol@umcutrecht .nl).
Please indicate in your application letter how you heard of this vacancy.

Employment terms
The candidate will have an appointment at the Julius Center of the University Medical Center Utrecht (www.juliuscenter. nl) and will closely collaborate with people from other institutions. We offer a temporary full time appointment as a PhD student for one year with the perspective of prolongation with another three years.

Contact People for information on project/application

M.J. Knol, University Medical Center Utrecht,
+31 (0)88 755 9380,
m.j.knol@umcutrecht .nl

P.A. van Meurs, Project leader Escher programme
+31 (0)88 755 5196 or mobile +31 (0)621 512631, p.a.vanmeurs@ umcutrecht. nl

Introduction of the Research topic/ background (300 words)
In the past decades the RCT has been viewed as the paradigm study design to determine the intended effects of drug interventions. In addition RCTs are important to assess type (i.e. more common, predictable) unintended effects of drugs. Typically these RCTs are executed in three phases during a period of 10 years prior to drug registration.
Currently, trials are not designed, conducted and analysed in the most efficient and expeditious manner and several improvements in the design, conduct and analysis phase could lead to increased efficiency.
For example, prevention of losses to follow-up and incomplete data, and sophisticated methods to impute missing values if they occur can increase the effective sample size. Sophisticated methods to indicate when there is enough information to stop the trial can shorten the duration of the trial and decrease the number of patients to be included. By using information of earlier trials when analysing a new trial, evidence of efficacy of a drug might be available earlier and less trials have to be performed.

Research Questions (200 words)
How can the design, conduct and analysis of randomized controlled trials on drug effects be improved?
Improvements of design phase:
selection of patient populations
sample size estimation
randomization and blinding
primary, secondary and composite outcomes
Improvements in conduct phase:
recruitment and compliance of study participants
follow-up of study population
stopping trials early
Improvements in analysis phase:
imputation methods for 'lost-to-follow- up' and incomplete data
pooling of studies

Methods (300 words)
Improvements in design phase:
Review of the literature summarizing different strategies to select
patient populations, to perform sample size estimations and to conduct
randomisation and blinding, and analysing which of these different
strategies are most effective. This review can then be used to
formulate a recommendation on designing RCTs.
Comparison of existing and development of new statistical methods to
analyze composite endpoints using empirical data.
Improvements in conduct phase:
Review of the literature on different strategies to recruit and
follow-up study participants and summarizing different strategies to
improve and monitor compliance. This information is used to analyse
which strategies are most effective and to formulate a recommendation
on improving conduct of RCTs.
Comparison of different methods and strategies, for example
conventional and Bayesian analyses, to stop trials early, using
empirical data of already performed trials.
Improvements in analysis phase:
Comparison of different imputation methods of increasing complexity
for random and non-random missing values due to 'lost-to-follow- up'
and incomplete collection of data. Empirical data of trials will be
used to compare these different methods.
Comparison and application of different meta-analytical (Bayesian)
techniques to analyse data of a trial using data from previously
performed trials. Comparison and application of different
meta-analytical (Bayesian) techniques to pool phase III and IV
studies.

Deliverables
(300 words)
Recommendation to improve design phase of RCTs in terms of selection
of patient populations, sample size estimation, randomisation and
blinding, and composite outcomes.
Recommendation to improve conduct phase of RCTs in terms of
recruitment, compliance and follow-up of study participants, and
stopping trials early.
Recommendation to improve analysis phase of RCTs in terms of missing
data and pooling of studies.
5 Papers in international scientific journals
PhD Thesis
Presentations at (inter) national scientific meetings

Timelines and Milestones
(per 6 month episodes)
(200 words)
0-12 months: Reading relevant literature and research training in Epidemiology
12-18 months: Review and analysis of different strategies in design
phase and recommendation of improvements
18-24 months: Review and analysis of different strategies in conduct
phase and recommendation of improvements
24-30 months: Comparison of methods of stopping trials early
30-36 months: Comparison of imputation methods for missing data
36-42 months: Comparison of meta-analytical techniques to pool studies
42-48 months: Finalization of publications and PhD thesis. Most of the
aforementioned periods will be finalized by a manuscript

--
Best Regards,

Grace Wangge

--
Best Regards,

Grace Wangge

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http://www.unesco- ihe.org/about/ news/phd_ positions_ available_ at_unesco_ ihe

PhD positions available at UNESCO-IHE in collaboration with Makerere University and the Kampala City Council in Uganda

An interdisciplinary research program entitled "*Integrated approaches and strategies to address the Sanitation Crisis in Unsewered Slum Areas in African mega-cities (SCUSA)*", funded by the UNESCO-IHE Partnership Research Fund (UPaRF), will be carried out by UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education (Delft, The Netherlands) , Makerere University, and the Kampala City Council, both in Uganda.

The SCUSA research program addresses one of the most relevant developmental issues worldwide: a reduction of under-5 child mortality rates due to water-borne diseases, and malnutrition in low-income unplanned urban settlements. As such, the project will contribute to the realization of Millenium Development Goal 7, Target 10 (i.e. to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water). The SCUSA research program has identified three projects, centered around a slum area of Kampala. To carry out these research projects, three strongly interdisciplinary PhD positions are vacant.

Project description
The development and expansion of informal settlements in the peri-urban areas of African cities is widespread, while these cities harbour the majority of the urban population. Peri-urban areas, or slums, are characterized by, among other things, poorly constructed houses, poor water supply and sanitary conditions, and lack or inadequate support services.

Besides the spreading of diseases related to surface water (e.g. malaria), one of the main problems associated with sanitation and water in peri-urban areas is related to the pollutant load entering and leaving the peri-urban catchment, either as surface water or groundwater. This water is polluting drinking water (with increased incidence of cholera and diarrhoea) or eutrophying surface water, due to extremely high nutrient fluxes discharged from the surrounding catchments. As a result, the main research question of the SCUSA research program is: *How to improve sanitation in peri-urban urban slum areas?*
Ph.D. project
1: Wastewater and solid waste treatment and reusePh.D. project
2: The socio-economic aspects of improving sanitation Ph.D. project
3: Hydrology and contaminant transport

*The following applies to all 3 Ph.D. positions:*

- All topics will be carried out in a so-called sandwich construction with different phases at UNESCO-IHE in the Netherlands and field research in Uganda (with regular contacts with Ugandan and Dutch supervisors) .
- PhD positions are funded with a fellowship for which NUFFIC regulations apply.
- Starting date: January 1, 2009, for 4 years.
- Qualifications: MSc degree (average mark: 80% or above) in a discipline relevant to the topic, e.g. environmental engineering, sanitation, socio-economics of the water sector, water resource economics, hydrology and water resources.
- The applicant must demonstrate a strong interest and experience in conducting interdisciplinary research.
- The applicant must be willing to do research in a team, share his results with the SCUSA research team and advise fellow Ph.D. researchers when necessary.
- The applicant should be willing to co-supervise MSc research projects.
- The applicant must be fluent in English (e.g. TOEFL paper based score of at least 550).
- Excellent reporting skills and shown ability to publish in the scientific literature.
- Knowledge of the African sanitation field is desirable.
- Age: 40 years and below.

For questions, please mail Prof. Dr. Frank Kansiime ( fkansiime@muienr. mak.ac.ug) or Dr. Jan Willem Foppen of UNESCO-IHE ( j.foppen@unesco- ihe.org).

Applications, including curriculum vitae, a motivation letter and 2 letters of recommendation, as well as the names and contact details of three contactable referees, all in one pdf file, should be sent by email to t.morgenstond@ unesco-ihe. org before *September 1st 2008*.

Please mention in the subject heading "PhD application SCUSA project *x*", where *x* refers to the Ph.D. projects mentioned above. Short-listed candidates will be contacted before October 1st 2008 to set a date of an interview, possibly via video-conferencing.

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http://www.uu.nl/uupublish/homeuu/homeenglish/working/vacancies/25678main.html

4 PhD-researchers 'Institutional, historical and spatial dimensions of economics' (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Law, Economics & Governance
Salary € 2,000.- gross per month in the first year to € 2,441.-/€ 2,558.- in the third resp. fourth year.
Respond before 15-08-2008

PhD-researcher 'European study of cohorts for air pollution effects’ (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Salary starts with € 2,000.- gross per month in the first year and
increases to € 2,558.- gross per month in the fourth year of employment
(salary scale “P” Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch
Universities).
Respond before 06-07-2008

Assistant Professor of Psychology (0.45 fte)
Roosevelt Academy
Salary min. € 2,330.- (scale 10) to max. € 4,868.- (scale 12)
Respond before 01-07-2008

PhD-researcher “Finite-amplitude behaviour of nearshore crescentic sandbars” (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Geosciences
Salary starts at € 2,000.- gross per month and is expected to increase to € 2,558.- gross per month in the fourth year.
Respond before 14-07-2008

PhD-researcher Structural study of supported Mo(Co)S2 catalysts (1,0 fte for 4 years, 0,8 fte for 5 years possible)
Faculty of Science
Salary starts with € 2,000.- in the first year and amounts to € 2,558.-
gross per month in the fourth year of employment (for a 1,0 fte
position).
Respond before 12-07-2008

PhD-researcher 'Natural variation analysis identifies a fructose specific signalling pathway in Arabidopsis' (1.0 fte)
Faculty of Science
Salary will be € 2,000.- gross per month in the first year and € 2,558.- gross per month in the fourth year
Respond before 01-07-2008

PhD-researcher on the project Successful implementation of innovations in organizations (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
Salary € 2,000,- per month in the first year and € 2,558.- gross per month in the fourth year of employment
Respond before 26-06-2008

2 PhD-researchers in Lithospere Dynamics (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Geosciences
Salary starts at € 2,000.- and increases to € 2,558,- gross per month in the fourth year of appointment.
Respond before 01-09-2008

PhD-researcher on a project entitled “Molecular dissection of a lipid pump involved in membrane vesiculation” (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Science
Salary starts with € 2,000.- per month in the first year and amount to € 2,558.- in the fourth year of employment
Respond before 15-07-2008

Postdoc Psychophysics of 'Wilful' perceptual control using the combination of modeling and experiment (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Science
Salary is in the range between € 2,330.- and € 3,678.- per month
full-time appointment (scale 10 of the Collective Labor Agreement of
the Dutch Universities).
Respond before 30-08-2008

PhD-researcher ALICE Experiment (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Science
Salary between € 2,000.- and maximum € 2,558.- per month for a full time appointment
Respond before 01-07-2008

Professor of Computer Science - Multimedia (Leerstoel Multimedia) (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Science
Salary between € 4,803.- and € 6.995.- per month for a full time appointment
Respond before 30-06-2008

Assistant Professor in the Biochemistry of Host-Pathogen (Mycobacterium) Interactions (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
Salary between € 2,802 and € 4,868 per month (full-time appointment in
scale 10/12, of the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch
Universities)
Respond before 30-06-2008

PhD researcher Molecular Biophysics & Microbiology (1.0 fte)
Faculty of Science
Salary will be € 2,000.- gross per month in the first year and € 2,558.- gross per month in the fourth year
Respond before 30-06-2008

PhD-researcher in Shock Metamorphism and Impact Geology (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Geosciences
Salary starts at € 2,000.,- and increases to € 2,558,- gross per month in the fourth year of appointment.
Respond before 01-07-2008

PhD-researcher in Marine Geochemistry (1,0 fte)
Faculty of Geosciences
Salary starting at € 1,956.- in the first year to € 2,502.- in the last year of appointment.
Respond before 31-12-2008

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PhD-researcher on the project Successful implementation of innovations in organizations (1,0 fte) (Utrecht), 38 hours per week Utrecht University, Faculty of Social Sciences

Job description

PhD-researcher on the project Successful implementation of innovations (1,0 fte)
In the context of the High-Potential programme the Faculty of Social Sciences has one PhD position available for the project ‘Successful implementation of innovations in organizations’. The High Potentials project is financed by Utrecht University to
support interdisciplinary work of talented scientists. The PhD will work in an interdisciplinary group of sociologists and work and organizational psychologists.
As a member of the local Linschoten Institute for psychological research, the PhD for the project will be related to the National Research Institute of Psychology and Health.

Job description:

How do employees adapt to innovations

The central question of this project is: When can we expect that employees function optimal (perform well) and remain healthy within changing organizations and working environments. The project studies the process of adaptation of innovations by employees. It is driven by the view that employees are not the passive recipients of innovations, rather they purposefully and creatively craft the innovations (e.g. by
complaining about innovations or learning). The critical question is what are the individual characteristics (both with respect to relatively stable-traits and dynamic–behaviours) that facilitate adaptation of innovation within a given work context? Using transferable insights from social psychology and occupational health
psychology, the project will focus on the interplay between job demands and resources as well as individual demands and resources that influence employees’ responses to innovations. The individual ability to adopt particular innovations in certain circumstances will depend on the extent to which (a) changes in the work environment prompted by the innovation fit with
(b) individual characteristics as well as
(c) the individual ability to self-regulate emotions and actions (towards goal achievement) .

Requirements

University Graduate
A Master’s Degree or ‘Doctoraal examen’ in (Social and Organizational) Psychology
(preferably Occupational Health Psychology), or any other relevant social science. Knowledge of and experience with survey and/or experimental studies. Expertise with respect to complex methods of statistical analysis and good organizational skills. A good command of Dutch and English, both spoken and written is required. The candidate
should have a keen interest in occupational health psychology and a willingness to work with others in an interdisciplinary group.

Additional information about the job:
The PhD student will further refine the theoretical and practical design of
the study, and perform a series of studies including field and experimental studies, analyze data, and write articles to be published in international scientific journals. These articles will form the basis for the PhD-thesis. The PhD student will participate in the training program of the national research institute Psychology &
Health (see for more information pandh.fss.uu. nl. The project is carried out at the Department of Social and Organizational Psychology of Utrecht University, more in particular the Work and Organizational Psychology Research Unit. The project is supervised by Dr. Evangelia Demerouti.

Organization

Utrecht University, Faculty of Social Sciences The Faculty of Social Sciences and Behavioural of Utrecht University has over 5500 students enrolled in six degree
programmes: General Social Sciences, Cultural Anthropology, Educational Sciences, Pedagogical Sciences, and Psychology and Sociology. In addition, the Faculty contributes to programmes in Economics, Cognitive Artificial Intelligence, and Management and Organisational Sciences.
The Faculty participates in eight research schools. This wide array of programmes and research centres provides opportunities to benefit from each other’s teaching and research knowledge and expertise. They also support the Faculty’s efforts to make a high-quality contribution to the resolution of scientific and societal issues.

PhD-researcher on the project Successful implementation of innovations in organizations Conditions of employment

Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000 Salaryscale 07.
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2558
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period Duration of the contract: 1 year
Maximum hours per week: 38

Additional conditions of employment:
We can offer the successful candidates four years’ temporary employment.
The initial contract has a duration of 1 year, which, when satisfactorily completed, will result in an extension for an additional 3 years. The appointee is expected to fulfil all the requirements for the PhD degree within this period.
The expected start date is September 1, 2008. The salary for a fulltime appointment is € 2,000.- gross per month in the first year and is expected to increase to € 2,558.- in the fourth year, subject to satisfactory performance.
We offer a stimulating research climate and an enjoyable working environment. For further details please consult the University’s website at www.uu.nl.

Additional Information

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:

Dr. Evangelia Demerouti
Telephone number: +31 (0)30 253 4812
E-mail address: e.demerouti@ uu.nl

Dr. René Torenvlied
Telephone number: +31 (0)30 253 2880
E-mail address: r.torenvlied@ uu.nl

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.

Application
You can apply for this job before 26-06-2008 by sending your application to:
Faculty of Social Sciences
Afd. Personeel & Organisatie
W.. Steinbusch
Postbus 80140
3508 TC Utrecht
the Netherlands
E-mail address: PenO-FEZ-FSW@ fss.uu.nl

Applications (by regular mail or by e-mail) should include:
Vacancy number 69824;
A Letter of Application and a written memorandum (maximum 1000
words) specifying your motivation to apply for one of the projects of
your preference;
A Curriculum Vitae;
Grade Sheet;
Research Experience;
Extra Curricular Activities, e.g., courses, workshops, conferences etc. in an international context;
List of Publications, do not send the publications themselves - if
you are selected for an interview you will be requested to send them
later;
The names of two referees (please provide address, phone, and e-mail address) who might be consulted after an interview.

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number 69824.

The short URL code for this job opening is: 00351-1575.
You can use this as a direct link to the job by adding the code to the URL www.academictransfer.org/
Source: http://www.academic transfer. org/vacaturebank /zoeken/index. cfm?fuseaction= detail&vacature_ id=3YHZVT99

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Two PhD-Researchers

VU University Amsterdam Faculty of Arts

Two PhD-researchers on heritage formation in colonial and postcolonial Indonesia and the Netherlands Amsterdam, 1081 (Noord-Holland) , hours per week

Job description
Function title: Two PhD-researchers
Faculty of Arts, Department of History
Political history, cultural history and global history are three main foci of the Department of History’s contemporary research programme. The section of Political History focuses on issues of nationbuilding, citizenship and political culture in its relationship to processes of signification, inclusion and exclusion. Histories of colonialism and decolonisation are important in this respect.

Research project
Within the broader context of the NWO-programme on Cultural Dynamics two PhD-posts have been formulated for the research programme Sites, Bodies and Stories. The Dynamics of Heritage Formation in Colonial and Postcolonial Indonesia and the Netherlands. These are:

1 –Physical Anthropology, Colonial Practice and Cultural Policies;
2 –Performing identity, Shaping Heritage – Wayang puppet theatre and the dynamics of heritage formation in contemporary Indonesia.

Both PhD researchers are supposed to develop the research questions formulated in the Sites, Bodies and Stories outline, and push these further. These are leading questions, which have been drafted for a collaborative project with many stakeholders involved. Interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing of research results will be at stake in each phase of the progamme. Research will take place within the context of the new VU research institute on Heritage, Urban Landscapes and Cultural Environments CLUE.

Requirements
Required education/skills: University Graduate

Qualifcations
* Research MA or double MA in history and/or other relevant academic disciplines;
* solid working knowledge on Indonesian history, culture and contemporary society;
* experience with sources and academic practices in Dutch colonialism;
* conceptual approach to tangible and intangible heritage and experience with the representation of culture in museums or academic institutions like laboratories;
* experience with research outside the Netherlands, preferably in Indonesia. Basic knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage;
* experience with collection databases and international communication through digital platforms.

Job type: Research / Advising

Workfield(s) :
- Post-doctorates( Scientific discipline: Behaviour and Society)

Organization
VU University Amsterdam
Faculty of Arts
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has been a renowned cultural, scientific and commercial centre for many centuries. It was here, in 1880, that the VU University Amsterdam first opened its doors to students. VU stands for 'Vrije Universiteit' , which means 'Free University'. Here, 'free' refers to freedom of state and church interference. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was established in 1880 by orthodox protestants. Nowadays it aims to be inspiring, innovative and involved.

Throughout the past century, the university has continued to expand. It now comprises twelve faculties and has teaching facilities for 18,000 students.

Click here for an overview of faculties and institutes: http://www.english. vu.nl/About_the_VU/

The university campus and university hospital are situated in the south-western part of Amsterdam, one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands. The international airport of Schiphol-Amsterdam is 10 kilometres away, just 8 minutes by train. With more than fifty undergraduate (or bachelor’s) programmes and almost a hundred postgraduate (or master’s) programmes, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a wide choice of study options. The programmes are of a high quality, the atmosphere is very conducive to study, and the teaching staff is easily accessible.

The new Department of Language and Communication brings linguists from various language backgrounds together in one department and is responsible for a range of BA and MA degrees in the Faculty of Arts. The English language section is one of the main groups in the department, with a permanent staff of seven. It contributes English linguistics and high-level English language skills courses to BA degrees in English, Communication & Information Sciences, and Language & Communication Studies, as well as to MA degrees in English, Linguistics, Communication & Information Sciences, and ICT & Translation.

Conditions of employment
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: temporary
Additional conditions of employment:
The PhD-researchers will spend part of their research time in Indonesia, and will also collaborate within the Netherlands with Indonesian researchers and MA students. Throughout the research programme, improvement of communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia will be required.
We want to mention that for both PhD posts qualified candidates are known to the programme leaders. However, others who apply will be offered a fair chance. The PhD researchers are supposed to spend a one year minimum 0,1 fte to the education programme in the BA phase of History, related to their research. A contract of employment is offered, initially for a period of 12 months, extendable to 45 months upon a positive evaluation. More information about our fringe benefits you can find on: www.vu.nl/vacatures .

Salary
The salary is based on the salary scales for academic staff. The salary in the first year amounts to € 2.000,- gross per month, increasing to € 2.558,- gross per month in the fourth year.

Additional Information
Additional information can be obtained through one of the following links:

* About the organization <http://www.vu. nl> (http://www.vu. nl)
* About the department <http://www.let. vu.nl/english/> (http://www.let. vu.nl/english/)
* About the function <http://www.vu. nl/vacatures> (http://www.vu. nl/vacatures)

Application
You can apply for this job before 19-05-2008 (dd-mm-yyyy) by sending your application to:

VU University Amsterdam
Faculty of Arts
Dr.G.J. Nijsten
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: vacature@let. vu.nl vacature@let. vu.nl?subject=Applicatio n%20TwoPhD-researchers>

When applying for this job always mention the vacancynumber 1.2008.00129.

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Two PhD-researchers on heritage formation in colonial and postcolonial Indonesia and the Netherlands
Amsterdam, 1081, (Noord-Holland) , VU University Amsterdam

Job description

Two PhD-researchers
Faculty of Arts, Department of History Political history, cultural history and global history are three main foci of the Department of History’s contemporary research programme. The section of Political History focuses on issues of nationbuilding, citizenship and political culture in its relationship to processes of signification, inclusion and exclusion. Histories of colonialism and decolonisation are important in this respect.

Research project
Within the broader context of the NWO-programme on Cultural Dynamics two PhD-posts have been formulated for the research programme Sites, Bodies and Stories. The Dynamics of Heritage Formation in Colonial and Postcolonial Indonesia and the Netherlands. These are:

1 –Physical Anthropology, Colonial Practice and Cultural Policies;
2 –Performing identity, Shaping Heritage – Wayang puppet theatre and the dynamics of heritage formation in contemporary Indonesia.

Both PhD researchers are supposed to develop the research questions formulated in the Sites, Bodies and Stories outline, and push these further. These are leading questions, which have been drafted for a collaborative project with many stakeholders involved.

Interdisciplinary collaboration and sharing of research results will be at stake in each phase of the progamme. Research will take place within the context of the new VU research institute on Heritage, Urban Landscapes and Cultural Environments CLUE.

Requirements

University Graduate
Qualifcations
•Research MA or double MA in history and/or other relevant academic disciplines;
•solid working knowledge on Indonesian history, culture and contemporary society;
•experience with sources and academic practices in Dutch colonialism;
•conceptual approach to tangible and intangible heritage and experience with the representation of culture in museums or academic institutions like laboratories;
•experience with research outside the Netherlands, preferably in Indonesia. Basic knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia is an advantage;
•experience with collection databases and international communication through digital platforms.

Organization

VU University Amsterdam Faculty of Arts
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, has been a renowned cultural, scientific and commercial centre for many centuries. It was here, in 1880, that the VU University Amsterdam first opened its doors to students. VU stands for 'Vrije Universiteit' , which means 'Free University'. Here, 'free' refers to freedom of state and church interference. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam was established in 1880 by orthodox protestants. Nowadays it aims to be inspiring, innovative and involved.

Throughout the past century, the university has continued to expand. It now comprises twelve faculties and has teaching facilities for 18,000 students.

Click here for an overview of faculties and institutes: http://www.english. vu.nl/About_ the_VU/

The university campus and university hospital are situated in the south-western part of Amsterdam, one of the most dynamic and fast-growing business districts in the Netherlands. The international airport of Schiphol-Amsterdam is 10 kilometres away, just 8 minutes by train. With more than fifty undergraduate (or bachelor’s) programmes and almost a hundred postgraduate (or master’s) programmes, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a wide choice of study options. The programmes are of a high quality, the atmosphere is very conducive to study, and the teaching staff is easily accessible.

The new Department of Language and
Communication brings linguists from various language backgrounds together in one department and is responsible for a range of BA and MA degrees in the Faculty of Arts. The English language section is one of the main groups in the department, with a permanent staff of seven. It contributes English linguistics and high-level English language skills courses to BA degrees in English, Communication & Information
Sciences, and Language & Communication Studies, as well as to MA degrees in English, Linguistics, Communication & Information Sciences, and ICT & Translation.

Conditions of employment

Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: temporary

Additional conditions of employment:
The PhD-researchers will spend part of their research time in Indonesia, and will also collaborate within the Netherlands with Indonesian researchers and MA students. Throughout the research programme, improvement of communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia will be required.

We want to mention that for both PhD posts qualified candidates are known to the programme leaders. However, others who apply will be offered a fair chance. The PhD researchers are supposed to spend a one year minimum 0,1 fte to the education programme in the BA phase of History, related to their research. A contract of employment is offered, initially for a period of 12 months, extendable to 45 months
upon a positive evaluation. More information about our fringe benefits you can find on: www.vu.nl/vacatures .

Salary
The salary is based on the salary scales for academic staff. The salary in the first year amounts to € 2.000,- gross per month, increasing to € 2.558,- gross per month in the fourth year.

Additional Information

Or additional information can be obtained through one of the following links.
* About the organization
* About the department
* About the function

Application

You can apply for this job before 19-05-2008 by sending your application to:

VU University Amsterdam
Faculty of Arts
Dr. G.J. Nijsten
De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail address: vacature@let. vu.nl

Information
For more information please contact Prof Dr. S.Legêne, by phone +31 (20) 59 82938,
email: s.legene@let. vu.nl.

Application
Send your application (with the vacancy number on the top left side of the letter and the envelope or in the e-mail header) before May 19th 2008 to the VU University Amsterdam, Faculty of Arts, attn. Dr. GJ.M. Nijsten, Managing Director De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands, or by e-mail to: vacature@let. vu.nl.

When applying for this job always mention the vacancy number 1.2008.00129.

The short URL code for this job opening is: 00353-606. You can use this as a direct link to the job by adding the code to the URL www.academictransfe r.org/

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PhD Studentship Tribology of Fiber Reinforced Elastomers and Thermoplastics

- Sustainable Elastomers & Thermoplastics by Short-Cut Fiber Reinforcement
- The University of Twente is an entrepreneurial research university. It was founded in 1961 and offers education and research in areas ranging from public policy studies and applied physics to biomedical technology. The University has approximately 2700 employees and 8000 MSc and BSc students and is the Netherlands' only campus university.

The chair of Surface Technology and Tribology within the department of Engineering Technology has a job opening for a PhD-student on the project "Sustainable Elastomers and Thermoplastics by Short-Cut Fiber Reinforcement" .

Relatively new short-cut aramid-fiber/ elastomer composites show considerably improved tribological properties, in particular cut, ship and chunk resistance in truck tire treads. In addition, the hysteretic properties of aramid-fiber reinforced rubber are greatly reduced, which can immediately be translated in lower rolling resistance of tires and energy or fuel savings of cars equipped with short-cut fiber reinforced tires. Short-cut fiber reinforced tires are therefore very interesting as valuable contributions to a sustainable world.

Important prerequisites for the improvement in properties of the polymers with the aramid fibers are a strong adhesion between fiber and polymeric substrate, respectively a favorable fiber orientation must be established during processing, in order to prevent anisotropy in friction and wear properties. Unfortunately, there are no general controls and experiences available how short-cut fiber reinforced polymers of all sorts need to be designed with respect to their tribological properties for specific applications.

Aim of the project is to develop scientific understanding and generic models for further development of improved short-cut fiber reinforced polymers, thermoplastic and elastomeric. Reliable tribology test methods, against different materials (e.g. metals and asphalt) will be used in combination with state-of-the- art analytical characterization techniques like SEM, TEM and surface analysis. Experimental investigations will be carried out in parallel with the development of models to describe tribological properties, such as friction and wear, on a micro scale, again in relation to the fiber-matrix adhesion and mean fiber orientation.

This PhD opportunity will suit a person with a degree in physical sciences (physics, engineering, materials science, etc.).

You will be based at the Laboratory for Surface Technology and Tribology of the University of Twente and be joining an innovative and diverse group working on Tribology, Surface Technology and Materials. For more information on the research group visit www.tr.ctw.utwente. nl

More information on this PhD studentship can be obtained from Prof. D.J. Schipper: d.j.schipper@ utwente.nl

Please send your application, with Curriculum Vitae, by email to d.j.schipper@ utwente.nl.

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PhD studentship Mechanical and thermal activated self healing surfaces made of composite
ceramics for mechanical components

SELFSURF

The University of Twente is an entrepreneurial research university. It was founded in 1961 and offers education and research in areas ranging from public policy studies and applied physics to biomedical technology. The University has approximately 2700 employees and 8000 MSc and BSc students and is the Netherlands' only campus university.

The chair of Surface Technology and Tribology within the department of Engineering Technology has a job opening for a PhD-student on the project "Mechanical and thermal activated self healing surfaces made of composite ceramics for mechanical components".

Project
The project is part of a national program on self healing materials financed by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Self healing materials are recognized as a new class of engineering materials with the capacity to more or less autonomously repair internal damage.

Oxide ceramics have large potential to be applied in technological applications for their high temperature stability and erosion / corrosion resistance. An important limitation for application is a high coefficient of friction when in contact with a countersurface. Besides that a high coefficient of friction does result in energy losses, it also increases the risk of crack growth, originating from the surface. When oxide ceramics, like Al2O3 and ZrO2 and their composites (ZTA and ADZ), are doped with CuO, it is very interesting to observe that a very thin CuO layer is present on the surface after sintering and machining. Previous research has shown that this thin layer is self - healing when a countersurface is sliding over the surface. The project is focusing on further experimental investigation and modelling of this mechanism, a first application of the developed materials in valve seats of engines as well as optimizing the microstructure for specific applications.

Currently, a Postdoc is working on the project for about half a year. His main task is modelling of mass transport responsible for the layer formation. In the beginning of the PhD project a close cooperation and transfer of knowledge with the Postdoc will take place.

The PhD research comprises experimental preparation and characterisation of the samples as well as further modelling of the contact and self healing behaviour of the surface layer. The focus of the PhD student is on coatings on machine elements and optimalisation of the coating for a specific application.

The performance of the self healing composite oxide ceramic will be quantified in a demonstrator valve / valve seat that has to perform under heavy tribological conditions. The demonstrator applications are engines on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and enhanced diesel engines for heavy duty applications. This demonstrator will be developed by TNO Science and Industry.

Profile

You have completed a Masters in mechanical engineering, materials science or equivalent with interest in ceramics and/or tribology. You are proficient in spoken and written English and you have well developed social skills to co-operatively work in a research group.

You will be based at the Laboratory for Surface Technology and Tribology of the University of Twente and be joining an innovative and diverse group working on Tribology, Surface Technology and Materials. For more information on the research group visit <http://www.tr. ctw.utwente. nl/> www.tr.ctw.utwente. nl

More information on this PhD studentship can be obtained from Dr. M.B. de Rooij: m.b.derooij@ ctw.utwente. nl> m.b.derooij@ ctw.utwente. nl.
Prof.dr.ir. D.J. Schipper: d.j.schipper@ utwente.nl
Please send your application, with Curriculum Vitae, by email to
m.b.derooij@ ctw.utwente. nl> m.b.derooij@ ctw.utwente. nl.

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PhD Research Program
Modelling of Biomarkers and Disease Progression in COPD (full time)
Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

Job description

TOP Institute Pharma (TI Pharma) has granted our proposalto set up a mechanism-based PKPD modelling platform. This platform focuses onthe transfer of knowledge from academia to the pharmaceutical industry and is acollaborative effort of four excellent academic institutes and six leadingglobal pharmaceutical industries. Unique to this platform is the availabilityof shared databases on disease and drug related parameters.

The aim ofthe platform is to provide a scientific basis for rational drug discovery anddevelopment with a strong focus on priority medicines. Among the various workinggroups, a research program has been started to evaluate biomarkers and diseaseprogression in COPD using longitudinal models. The primary scope of thisinvestigation is to establish which markers of disease have predictive valuefor the outcome of efficacy trials for stable and unstable COPD conditions.Subsequently, modelling will be used to optimise clinical trial design andcharacterise the relevance of different clinical trial factors and procedureson study power, bias and treatment effect size. Translational aspects will alsobe explored to allow better extrapolation from preclinical to clinical findings.The approach is based on hierarchical models and relies on the use of advanced statisticalsoftware tools such as NONMEM, WINBUGS and R.

We arelooking for a highly motivated PhD Student or post-doctoral scientist toinvestigate the research questions indicated above. This appointment will befor 4 years.

Requirements

The post-doctoralfellow should have the following background and competencies:

· Astrong background in statistical modelling & simulation and/or Bayesianstatistics
· Adegree in Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Medicine, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Physiology
orequivalent scientific training
· Birdeyes¢ view
· Conceptualthinker
· Problem-solvingand coaching skills are essential
· Ambitious
· Creative
· Interested to perform research in a unique multidisciplinary setting

Organisation

The Leiden Division ofPharmacology at the Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research (LACDR) has along-standing expertise in the development of Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic(PKPD) models to predict efficacy and safety of drugs. Given the nature of thisproject, the main task of the principal post-doctoral fellow will be to coachthe PhD students and postdocs within the platform, to support model buildingand simulation and to identify underlying general principles shared amongindividual projects.

Conditions of employment

Theemployment for this position will be full time for 4 years.

Additional conditions of employment:
You will workas a team member of a TI Pharma project. The project team comprises academicand industrial partners. In this case, the partners are: University of Leiden,University of Groningen,the University Medical Center of Utrecht, the ErasmusMedical Center,Rotterdam and thecompanies Eli Lilly, Johnson &
Johnson, GSK, Nycomed, Organon/Schering Plough and Pfizer. You willattend a unique drug discovery education and training program offered by TI Pharma.
Additional Information

Additional information can be obtained through one of
the following links:
http://www.lacdr.nl
Application

Youcan apply by sending your application to:
Contactperson
Dr. O. Della Pasqua
Division of Pharmacology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center forDrug Research
Leiden,The Netherlands
Odp72514@gsk.com
+44 7876031907

Read More..

Principal Post-Doctoral Fellow
PKPD modelling platform (full time)
Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

Job description

TOP Institute Pharma (TI Pharma) has granted ourproposal to set up a mechanism-based PK-PD modelling platform. This platformfocuses on the transfer of knowledge from academia to the pharmaceuticalindustry and is a collaborative effort of four excellent academic institutes andsix leading global pharmaceutical industries. Unique to this platform is theavailability of shared databases on disease and drug related parameters.

The aim ofthe platform is to provide a scientific basis for rational drug discovery anddevelopment with a strong focus on priority medicines. In total 11 PhD students and 7 post-doctoralfellows are employed by the platform. Three working groups have been establishedwhich will address the following challenges 1) to develop mechanism-based PK-PDmodels to characterise disease progression, 2) to predict the effects of ageingon clinical response and 3) to create a translational research framework thatallows extrapolation of preclinical to clinical and epidemiological findings.The approach is based on hierarchical models and relies on the use of advanced statisticalsoftware tools such as NONMEM, WINBUGS and R.

To ensure the development of a conceptual researchframework beyond the specific scientific questions being addressed by theworking groups and enable cross-fertilisation of skills, a position has beencreated for a principal post doctoralfellow. This appointment also offersthe possibility for a tenure track into an academic career.

Requirements

The post-doctoralfellow should have the following background and competencies:

· Astrong background in PK-PD modelling & simulation and/or Bayesianstatistics
· Adegree in Biostatistics, Medicine, Bioengineering, Biopharmaceutical Sciences,Physiology or
equivalent scientific training
· Birdeyes¢ view
· Conceptualthinker
· Problem-solvingand coaching skills are essential
· Ambitious
· Creative
· Interested to perform research in a unique multidisciplinary setting

Organisation

The Leiden Division ofPharmacology at the Leiden/Amsterdam Center for Drug Research (LACDR) has along-standing expertise in the development of Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic(PK-PD) models to predict efficacy and safety of drugs. Given the nature ofthis project, the main task of the principal post-doctoral fellow will be to coachthe PhD students and postdocs within the platform, to support model buildingand simulation and to identify underlying general principles shared amongindividual projects.

Conditions of employment

Theemployment for this position will be full time for 4 years.

Additional conditions of employment:
You will workas a team member of a TI Pharma project. The project team comprises academicand industrial partners. In this case, the partners are: University of Leiden,University of Groningen,the University Medical Center of Utrecht, the ErasmusMedical Center,Rotterdam and thecompanies Eli Lilly, Johnson &
Johnson, GSK, Nycomed, Organon/Schering Plough and Pfizer. You willattend a unique drug discovery education and training program offered by TIPharma.
Additional Information

Additional information can be obtained through one of
the following links:
http://www.lacdr.nl

Application

Youcan apply by sending your application to:
Contactperson
Dr. O. Della Pasqua
Division of Pharmacology, Leiden/Amsterdam Center forDrug Research
Leiden,The Netherlands
Odp72514@gsk.com
+44 7876031907

Read More..