February, 2011 | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans - Part 148

PhD Studentship at Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Köln

The PhD student will contribute to the cooperative research project “Identification of molecular markers for barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resistance in maize” between the MPIPZ, the Julius Kühn Institute, and plant breeding companies. The overall objective of this research project is to set the stage for marker assisted breeding of BYDV resistant maize. In order to achieve this, the pheno- and genotypic variation for BYDV resistance in segregating populations of maize as well as in an association mapping population will be assessed.

The main tasks of the successful candidate are:
· Plan, perform, and analyze field and green house trials
· Genotype molecular markers in candidate genome regions
· Identify genome-regions contributing to phenotypic variation
· Analyse data and prepare scientific publications

Requirements
Applicants should have a M.Sc. in agronomy or biology, or equivalent qualification. Basic knowledge of quantitative genetics and interest in population/quantitative genetic analyses is required. Practical experience with organizing, conducting, and analyzing field- and greenhouse experiments is highly advantageous.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 28 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

12 PhD Fellowships at GMPF 2011, Italy

Talented and motivated candidates who have, or are expecting to obtain a Master or equivalent degree in a field relevant to the research undertaken within the GMPF programme, are invited to submit their application on-line.
Fellowships include a salary of 20.000 Euro per year (before taxes), which is provided for 3 years with the possibility to extend it for 1 more year, pending the approval of the Tutor Committee. Students will also benefit of bench fees and reimbursement for travelling to the other partner institutions.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 20 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

University of Cambridge,Leverhulme Royal Society Africa Awards 2011 in UK: Agriculture (including animal health),Water and sanitation

Research Capacity and Infrastructure Schemes

The Leverhulme – Royal Society Africa Award is aimed at encouraging collaborative research projects between scientists based at research institutions in Ghana and Tanzania with researchers in the UK.  In particular, new collaborations are encouraged and are looked upon favourably.  As part of a discrete collaborative research project with the UK, the scheme is also intended to assist in strengthening the research and training capacity in research institutions in Ghana and Tanzania through specific skills transfer to the African institutions.

Subjects covered: The scheme will cover all areas of basic natural science covered by the Royal Society’s remit, but applications are particularly encouraged from the five identified national research priorities in Ghana and Tanzania:

  • Agriculture (including animal health)
  • Water and sanitation
  • Basic human health research (including medicinal chemistry)
  • Biodiversity (including medicinal plants and green chemistry)
  • Energy (including biofuels)

Please note that the scheme does not cover the humanities, social sciences or clinical medical research.

Duration of funding: Three year

Countries covered: The scheme will support bilateral research collaborations between UK-based scientists and researchers in either Ghana or Tanzania.

Value: The maximum support is £50,000 per annum, covering research expenses, costs for mobility and equipment, including maintenance of existing equipment (equipment costs are capped at £10,000 per year). The maximum total amount of award is £150,000. The Royal Society will pay the UK partner institution, which will be responsible for transferring finances to Ghana or Tanzania as required.

Number offered: 6 awards

Application Deadline: 9 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application