university of cambridge | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans - Part 7

Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, UK

A three year PhD project (funded by an EPSRC research grant) is available, to be held in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) of the University of Cambridge. The successful candidate will play an integral role in a wider project considering the prediction of noise generation by large aeroengines for passenger aircraft. The wider project involves researchers at the Cambridge University Whittle Laboratory and Cranfield University. The successful candidate will be supervised by Professor Nigel Peake in DAMTP.

The PhD project will involve the application of a wide range of analytical, asymptotic and numerical techniques to study the generation of sound inside the aeroengine and its propagation to the environment. Particular aspects of the project will focus on turbomachinery noise and its scattering downstream by the jet. Peake leads an active research group in DAMTP working in this area, and together with colleagues in Cambridge has strong industrial links with Rolls Royce plc.

Applicants should have (by the start of the project) a 4-year honours degree (at least II.I or equivalent) or Masters in Mathematics, or in a cognate discipline with high mathematical content. Although a background in fluid mechanics and wave theory would undoubtedly be helpful, it is more important for the student to have an enthusiasm for using sophisticated mathematical techniques to understand real-world problems. The studentship offers tuition fees, (at the home/EU level) a stipend for three years equivalent to the standard EPSRC funding level, and support for travel. The studentship is not available to citizens of non-EU countries. However, the stipend is payable to any EU candidate, even those not eligible for conventional departmental studentship maintenance awards from the EPSRC.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 14 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information andĀ Application

Trek Excellence Scholarship, Canada

Trek Excellence Scholarships are offered to students in the top 5% of each year in each undergraduate faculty or school. Domestic students receive an award of $1,500 and international students receive an award of $4,000. There are also awards of $1,000 given to international students in the top 5% to 10% of their year in their faculty or school.

Scholarship Application Deadline: There is no application required for Trek Excellence Scholarships. Students will be automatically considered based on grades for the prior session. Notification starts in mid-July and continues into September.

Further Scholarship Information and Application

University of Cambridge, Phd Studentship in Pathogen Cell Biology 2011 in UK

Bacterial pathogen subversion of the mammalian actin cytoskeleton

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship, supervised by Prof. Vassilis Koronakis, to research mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogen subversion of the mammalian cytoskeleton. Actin polymerisation is mediated by a complex signalling network requiring small G-protein activation that target N-WASP and the SCAR/WAVE complex to initiate Arp2/3-dependent actin nucleation. The detailed processes by which cellular signal transduction cascades lead to the formation of discrete actin structures remain unresolved. These signalling pathways are hijacked by pathogens like Salmonella and E.coli to promote colonisation, survival and dissemination, deploying virulence (effector) proteins to manipulate host actin dynamics.

The student will dissect key eukaryotic signalling networks targeted by these bacterial pathogens using a multidisciplinary approach involving the culture and infection of mammalian cells, cell biology, fluorescence microscopy, protein biochemistry and molecular genetics. Detailed characterisation of the mechanisms underlying actin polymerisation will not only reveal the molecular basis of disease, but also illuminate fundamental processes in cell biology.

Experience and/or Masters degree is desirable.

How to apply:

Applicants should hold or be about to achieve a First or Upper-Second (2.i) class degree in a relevant subject. Experience and/or Masters degree is desirable.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to formally apply through completion of a Graduate and Scholarship Application Form (GRADSAF) before attending interview.

Applications from ineligible candidates will not be considered.

Application Deadline: 28 February 2011.

Further Scholarship Information and Application