The peptide under initial investigation is hemokinin (HK1), a decapeptide member of the tachykinin family of peptides identified in the mouse with the sequence SRTRQFYGLM-NH2. The equivalent human peptides are termed “endokinins” and differ in a number of subtle ways from hemokinin. The biology of the peptides is not well understood, although it is believed they play an important part in the regulation of the circulatory system. The approach will be twofold involving both organic synthesis and molecular biology. (i) Synthesis of hemokinin analogues will be carried out in proof of concept studies using a novel general ligation strategy developed in the Harwood group that does away with the need for a cysteine residue at the N-terminus, and permits Fmoc protection for generating the C–terminus thioester. (ii) Binding to mouse tachykinin receptors will be studind using radiolabelled HK1 analogues to establish structure activity profiles and identify agonists/antagonists. The analogues will also be studied for their role in platelet function – specifically secretion, integrin affinity modulation and aggregation, and through studying the cell signalling generated by these and the cell lines, develop an understanding of which specific receptors are of importance for the responses observed. These studies mesh with current expertise and interests with the Bicknell and Gibbins groups and might be further extended to endokinin analogues. Applications forms are available from Mrs. Judy Butler, Postgraduate Secretary, Chemistry Department, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berks, RG6 6AD, Telephone Number: 01183786591 or by email j.m.butler@reading.ac.uk. Application Deadline October2010 Read more: http://scholarship-positions.com/phd-studentshipsynthetic-and-structure-activity-studies-on-hemokinin-and-analoguesuniversity-of-reading-uk/2010/08/10/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ScholarshipPositions+%28International+Scholarships+and+Financial+Aid+Positions%29&utm_content=Yahoo%21+Mail#ixzz0x8foh5VQ
PhD Studentship, Synthetic and Structure-Activity Studies on Hemokinin and Analogues, University of Reading, UK
PhD Position: Knowledge and Capacity Development in the Water Sector, Netherlands
The Department of Hydroinformatics and Knowledge Management (HIKM) has a Core that is engaged in the study and application of Knowledge and Capacity Development (KCD). Current research concerns the modes of knowledge sharing in water resources, the capacity in government and the civil service system, and the access to the global knowledge pool through formal and informal learning processes and networks.
The vacancy is part of a new initiative to study how the effectiveness of KCD can be increased, and to help mainstream research outcomes in policy on international development. This effort is financed by the Netherlands government. For the Department we are looking for a Junior Researcher, Knowledge and Capacity Development in the Water Sector (m/f).
Responsibilities
As part of the KCD team, the (full time) researcher will conduct an academically rigorous study over about 4 years on the relationship between the capacity of the water sector and the sector’s performance in service delivery and water resource management, in about 6 countries, in a transversal analysis. The methodology will be based on the experiences and tools developed by the team and by other research groups. The approach in the study will include the selection of representative case studies, of which the development and performance will be the KCD activities and programs, the collection of quantitative data and information as well as narratives, and the comparative analysis of the KCD development dynamics in relation to KCD initiatives and programs. The study will establish a method to analyze the modes in which KCD affects the capacity and performance of the main organizations of the sub-sector, and how it helps to achieve benchmarks that are to be determined by the study.
The outputs of the study include (i) a set of peer-reviewed publications that are to be of adequate quality to allow the researcher to obtain his/her Doctor degree under Dutch law, and (ii) elaborate guidelines, and building blocks for KCD action plans and policy inputs that are relevant for international development. The researcher will, beside his/her research, prepare policy documents and reports to disseminate the results and recommendations, and will participate in relevant workshops and forums. In addition, he/she will prepare and give classes at post-graduate level for international course participants, and over time take leadership in the development of new educational programs. He/she will be staff member of the Core on KCD and work under the supervision of the Professor/Chair of KCD.
Requirements and Competencies
The candidate will:
* Have an education at MSc level or equivalent in water or water resources sciences or engineering, or in relevant social or economic sciences. Combination of degrees would create a special advantage. He/she should qualify for acceptance into a PhD programme under Dutch academic regulations.
* Have professional experience of at least three years in a related field in a utility, in a consultancy, government agency, or similar organization, and/or in a research environment. Experience with developing countries will be considered especially valuable.
* Be proficient in English, also for writing scientific papers, and, preferable, policy reports.
* Be able to work in a team and contribute to the teamwork.
* Bring a constructive attitude, and enthusiasm for the goal of knowledge management and international development.
Preference exists for candidates from developing countries.
Conditions of employment
This position is for four years, however, after about half a year a satisfactory detailed work proposal needs to be submitted, after which the appointment will be confirmed. The position is based in Delft, The Netherlands. The PhD research fellowship includes a monthly allowance of about €1190, air travel, health insurance, ancillary expenses and tuition. Candidates must be prepared to carry out long- and short-term missions abroad.
Information and application
Additional information can be obtained from Mr. Jan Luijendijk, Head of Department (T: +31(0)15- 21 51 810 / E: j.luijendijk@unesco-ihe.org).
Applications with curriculum vitae can be sent until August 31, 2010 to UNESCO-IHE, attn. Mr. Jan Luijendijk, Head of Department stating the vacancy description.
Postdoctoral Position in Heritage and Archaeology, Stanford University, USA
The main focus of the fellowship will be on published output. The candidate is also expected to teach one course per year in heritage, organize one academic conference at Stanford during the fellowship, and engage with faculty and graduate students at the Center. The faculty sponsor of this postdoc will be Prof. Lynn Meskell.
The appointment carries a twelve-month salary commensurate with the University Provost established minimum pay levels based on research experience. The appointment may be eligible for renewal for up to three years based on satisfactory performance and the existence of funding. Postdoctoral scholars are required to be in residence in the Stanford area during the term of the appointment. Applicants must have received their Ph.D. no earlier than September 1, 2005, and have completed all degree requirements by January 1, 2011. U.S. citizenship is not required.
The application receipt deadline is September 1, 2010. Interviews will be held in October 2010 and the position will begin in early January, 2011.
Submit your print materials via U.S. mail to:
Heritage Postdoctoral Fellowship Search Committee
Stanford Archaeology Center
Stanford University
P. O. Box 20446
Stanford, CA 94309
All applications must include the following:
– A current curriculum vitae
– A statement of proposed research
– A dissertation abstract or summary
– An undergraduate/graduate course proposal, inclusive of syllabus
– A conference proposal
– A writing sample (dissertation chapter or other paper)
– Three sealed letters of recommendation should be sent directly by the recommender to the address above.
Please direct inquiries to archaeology@stanford.edu.
