Engineering | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans - Part 45

2011 Scholarship in Biorobotics, University of Bielefeld, Germany

The positions are remunerated 50% of E13 (according to TV-L West, German public service). The salary scale typically ranges between 19200 and 22400 Eur p.a., depending on work experience.The positions on offer are embedded into an excellent interdisciplinary environment with intensive contacts to various facilities and workgroups of Bielefeld University. In particular, this includes the Center of Excellence in Cognitive Interaction Technology, CITEC. The EU-project (www.emicab.eu) as a whole is formed by the Biomechatronics lab and the Neuroethology lab of Bielefeld University (coordinator), a Systems Engineering lab at the University of Catania, Italy, a Sensor Technology lab at the University of Southern Denmark in Sønderborg, and a Neurogenetics lab at the University of Mainz, Germany.
The position is in the area of Neuroethology/Biomechanics. The successful candidate should hold a master or diploma degree, preferably in biology or neuroscience. Advanced experimental and theoretical skills in Neurobiology (sensorimotor systems) and/or Biomechanics (whole-body kinematics, force measurements) are advantageous as well as sound experience in the analysis of multi-dimensional data. Candidates with a background in a related area within the computer sciences (e.g. bio-inspired robotics) are also encouraged to apply. Participation in administrative and organizational tasks of the EU-project is also expected. The position is suited to conduct a PhD-project.

Bielefeld University is an equal opportunity employer and therefore especially encourages women to apply. In the case of comparable competences and qualification, women will preferably be considered if there are no dominating reasons arising from the person of another applicant. Bielefeld University also encourages disabled people to apply. Part-time employment is possible.

Scholarship Application Deadline:
15, March 2011.

Further Scholarship Information and Application

PhD in Quantitative Mass Spectrometry by LC-ESI-IT-MS, IGSM, Germany

Signal strength in mass spectrometry strongly depends on the chemistry and size of analytes and can therefore not simply be used for quantification. In the field of polysaccharide derivatives, e.g. cellulose ethers, the molar composition of complex oligomeric mixtures obtained by partial depolymerization of the polymer, need to be analyzed. Accuracy of quantitative data is of high importance for pattern evaluation of these chemically modified biopolymers.

In Electrospray Ionization (ESI), surface activity and electrophoretic mobility of analytes, solvent and solvation energy, play an important role for relative ion yields of the components of a mixture. In addition, instrumental parameters as skimmer voltages and target mass influence the ion current. Coupling of the MS to Liquid chromatrography (LC) can mitigate effects of competition of analytes, and allow to optimize individual measurement conditions. Aim of the project is to study and quantify the factors of influence. Therefore, defined oligosaccharide derivatives shall be synthesized as model compounds and their behavior be studied.

The Braunschweig IGSM aims at increasing the number of women in scientific positions. Female candidates are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.
You are required to hold an excellent university degree (master’s or equivalent degree) in physics, chemistry, electrical or mechanical engineering, mathematics, information technology or related fields. Please note that the entire program is run in English, so fluency in both written and spoken English is required. Skills in German are welcome.
You may be a member of the IGSM for up to 3 years. In your first semester, you will be accepted on a probationary basis.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 March 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

PhD Studentship in Immunobiology of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Skeletal Tissue Engineering, Newcastle University, UK

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant healthcare burden and preventing or slowing its onset would alleviate considerable patient disability and suffering.  The use of cell therapies offers an exciting opportunity to treat early stage osteochondral lesions that otherwise would go on to initiate osteoarthritic changes.  One strategy is to use the patients own cells alone or in conjunction with a biomaterial scaffold to rebuild the diseased tissue.  As part of the Arthritis Research UK Tissue Engineering Centre our research is focused on understanding the immunophenotype of adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and chondrocytes or osteoblasts derived from this source. Approaches to the isolation of MSCs will be investigated and processes implemented to current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) ensuring their translation to clinical use.  The immunobiology of MSCs and chondrocytes or osteoblasts differentiated in culture will be investigated by a number of approaches including flow cytometry.
Eligibility:The award covers University fees at the UK/EU rate and a stipend matched to the minimum Research Council recommended stipend, £13,590 (2010/11).  Candidates from outside UK/EU may apply but tuition fees will only be paid at the UK/EU rate.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 25 March 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application