Sciences | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans - Part 42

Postdoctoral Fellowship-Systemic Analysis of Irrigation Systems, Syria

If you possess a PhD in water sciences or geography, or an equivalent discipline, and have at least 3 years’ experience in systemic analysis of irrigated agriculture using approaches that combine technical understanding of water management and farming systems, and have the ability to coordinate and carry out research activities on irrigation scheme development and management in northeastern Syria and contribute to studies on irrigation, water management, agricultural performance, poverty reduction and investment strategies, then this could be the job for you. This position reports to François Molle, Senior Researcher, at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) office in Aleppo, Syria.
You will:
• examine irrigation development policies and strategies in Syria, compile and synthesize existing scientific information on
irrigation and water management in the Euphrates Basin, with emphasis on the Syrian part;
• contribute to designing and carrying out research activities on water and agricultural management in the irrigated systems supplied by
waters from the Euphrates;
• contribute to advising Master’s students involved in specific field research; and
• contribute ideas and assist in bibliographical searches regarding research activities to be carried out in other parts of Syria
(e.g., Orontes or Quweq river basins).
You must possess:
• PhD in water sciences or geography, or an equivalent discipline;
• ability to carry out a systemic analysis of irrigated agriculture using approaches that combine technical understanding of water
management and farming systems, together with consideration of institutional dimensions, as demonstrated in successfully completed
reports, a dissertation or journal articles;
• sensitivity to, and interest in, social and institutional dimensions of water resources management;
• computer literacy, with skills in handling and quality controlling hydrological and water management data;
• ability to articulate quantitative and qualitative analyses;
• good communication and writing skills, with an excellent command of both oral and written English;
• ability to effectively establish priorities, plan, organize and monitor own work in an interdisciplinary and multiple task environment;
• strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural, multiethnic environment with
sensitivity and respect for diversity; and
• ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, with local and international partners.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 25 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Doctorate Programme at University of Lund in Heat Transfer, PEMFC 2011 in Sweden: Energy Sciences

The position concerns numerical investigation on transport phenomena and water-phase change(including electrochemical reactions) at various length scales for low temperature fuel cells (PEMFCs). The research tasks are focusing on application and further development of macroscopic calculation methods (CFD) including submodels for nano-/microscopic surface reactions in the catalyst layers.To be qualified for research education (PhD education) in Heat Transfer the candidate needs to have a Master of Science in Mechanical, Chemical or Applied Physics Engineering. In addition knowledge corresponding to the courses MMV012 Thermodynamics and Fluid Dynamics, MMV021 Fluid Mechanics, MMV031 Heat Transfer is required.
The assessment considers the following aspects in particular:
1. Documented knowledge and skills relevant to the research project and study results in particularly relevant courses.
2. Ability to work independently and to formulate and solve scientific problems. Such abilities can be demonstrated, for example, in a Master Thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview.
3. Skills in written and oral communication.
4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 2011-02-10

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Two Full-Time PhD in Earth & Planetary Sciences, Australia: Earth & Planetary Sciences

Two full-time PhD Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarships (MQRES) are available in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences associated with successful ARC project DP110103284. Only one of these scholarships is available to a suitably qualified international student.
Recently, new work has discovered compelling evidence that amphibole plays a major role in magma processing at arcs, and therefore in the origin of the continental crust. It now appears that amphibole plays a major role in the differentiation of arc magmas and is therefore an important component of geochemical reservoirs in the mid-deep arc crust. This implication has very important consequences, such as determining the geochemical nature of the continental crust.
The students working on this project will carry out research at Macquarie University, but will have opportunities to interact with earth scientists involved in the project from the UK. The project uses a combined experimental, geochemical and petrological approach, but applicants are also invited to discuss their own research agendas. Funds will also be available for conferences and sample collection.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 28 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application