Classifiers in Medicine and Biology
 

EPSRC studentship
Classifiers in Medicine and Biology
Department of Computer Science
We are seeking to recruit a PhD student for CLIMB - Classifiers in Medicine and Biology, a research project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

This is a collaborative project between the University of Glasgow, University of Sheffield and the University of East Anglia, see the associated project website for details [url]http://www.dcs.gla.ac.uk/~girolami/EPSRC_SSL/CLIMB.htm[/url].

You will be based at the University of Sheffield and will be co-supervised by Dr Guido Sanguinetti and Dr Richard Clayton. Your research will lead you to devise and implement statistical machine learning algorithms for the automated diagnosis of heart disease. The main technical tools involved will include

Time-series analysis,
Label Bias and Covariate Shift,
Classification in the presence of label noise.
Further information and an application pack, please see our website at: [url]http://www.dcs.shef.ac.uk/~guido/diagnosis.html[/url].

Systems Engineering
 

Systems Engineering Research Degree opportunities at the University of Bath
The University of Bath is currently recruiting EngD research students to a number of exciting projects. The Doctor of Engineering (EngD) is a four-year postgraduate award intended for the UK's leading research engineers who aspire to a leading managerial career in industry. It is a radical alternative to the traditional PhD, providing a more vocationally oriented doctorate. The degree programme is based around the solution of real problems within an industrial context. Each EngD student is sponsored by an industrial partner. The industrial partner is involved in the selection of candidates, and in guiding the pattern of work for the project.

Research Engineers
An EngD student is known as a Research Engineer (RE) and will be registered for the EngD degree at the University of Bath, co-supervised by a member of academic staff and an industrial supervisor at a collaborating company. REs work on a project or series of projects that demonstrate innovation and are of direct industrial relevance. Research outcomes are expected to be at least to the same level as a PhD. REs spend three quarters of their time working directly with the industrial partner. The fourth quarter is spent undertaking Master's-level training in systems engineering skills and specialist technical subjects directly related to their research, as well as developing management capabilities. Details of the EngD programme are available at [url]www.SysEngDocCentre.net/[/url].

Entry Requirements
The EngD is open to highly motivated candidates who have a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline. A lower undergraduate qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA/MSc) and/or substantial industrial experience. Applicants must be able to demonstrate proficiency in English.

Fees and Stipends
Research Engineers are fully funded by EPSRC for four years and will receive an enhanced tax-free stipend of £17800 (2006/07), plus a training allowance to attend conferences and workshops. International students are welcome to apply, but are not eligible for the EPSRC funding. Non-UK EU students who can demonstrate that they have been resident in the UK for three years are eligible for full funding. Those who have not been resident in the UK for three years will be eligible for fees only.

Applying
If you are interested in this career enhancement opportunity, please contact Eamonn O'Neill at the University of Bath (eamonn@cs.bath.ac.uk). Information about studying for a postgraduate degree at Bath is available at [url]www.bath.ac.uk/grad-office/[/url]. An application form may be downloaded from [url]www.bath.ac.uk/prospectus/postgrad/apply/index.shtml/[/url]. Early applications are encouraged as the number of funded places is limited.

Scotch Whisky Research Institute
 

University of Nottingham
EPSRC CASE Studentship
Identification and process control of congeners responsible for the nutty/cereal flavour characteristics of malt whisky
School of Biosciences - Division of Food Sciences
Supervisor: Dr David Cook and Professor Andy Taylor (University of Nottingham) and Dr John Conner (Scotch Whisky Research Institute)

This EPSRC CASE studentship in partnership with the Scotch Whisky Research Institute (SWRI) aims to identify the origins of nutty and cereal flavour characters in malt whisky. With annual exports over £2.3 billion, Scotch Whisky is by far the largest export earner in the UK food and drink sector. Nutty and cereal flavours are examples of recognised characters present in whisky, which are of commercial significance. By characterising significant cereal or nutty aroma compounds and monitoring their generation throughout the manufacturing process the project ultimately aims to support the industry in delivering consistency and control over these key flavour characteristics.

The PhD student will ideally have an interest in, or experience of, analytical chemistry. Full training will be given in the use of a range of advanced mass spectrometry techniques used in flavour and sensory analysis (APCI-MS, GC-MS, GC-O etc.). The generation of key flavour congeners during the thermal treatment of malted barley will be followed using novel on-line mass spectrometry techniques.

The student will have access to laboratory facilities at SWRI and will spend appropriate periods of time there, making use, for example, of specialist distillation equipment or experienced whisky sensory panels. There will be considerable opportunities to interact with, and gain knowledge of, the Scotch Whisky Industry.

Students should have a BSc (Hons) 2i or above, or MSc in an appropriate scientific discipline (food science, food chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical science, biological sciences, biochemistry).

This studentship, funded by the EPSRC/Scotch Whisky Research Institute, is available immediately for a period of 3½ years. Due to funding restrictions by the EPSRC, this studentship is only available to UK/EU (in part) students.

Applications, with a letter of application and a detailed CV, together with the names and addresses of two referees, should be sent to Babs Perkins, Division of Food Sciences, School of Biosciences, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD. Email: [email]Babs.Perkins@Nottingham.ac.uk[/email]. Please quote ref. SCI/291X1. Closing date: 23 November 2007.

For all our vacancies and more about working at the University of Nottingham see: [url]http://jobs.nottingham.ac.uk/[/url].

Materials Science and Engineering
 

Overseas Research Studentships
Materials Science and Engineering
Applications are invited for ORSAS Scholarships. These enable overseas students to pursue research towards a PhD in the UK.

The Department of Metallurgy and Materials at The University of Birmingham has an international reputation for the quality of its research work and was awarded the highest grade possible (5*A) in the last Research Assessment Exercise. The Department constitutes one of the largest and best equipped centres for materials research in the UK.

Research areas for projects leading to the degree of PhD include: Aerospace Materials, Alloy Chemistry, Biomaterials, Castings, Composites, Corrosion, Electron Microscopy, Fatigue and Fracture, Ferrous Metallurgy, Functional and Structural Ceramics, High Tc Superconductors, Intermetallic Compounds, Magnetic Materials, Materials Chemistry, Metals Processing, Powder Metallurgy, Microstructural Modelling, Oxidation, Polymers, Fibre Optic Sensors, Chemical Process Monitoring, Damage Detection, Sports Materials, Hydrogen Energy, Surface Engineering and Sustainable Development.

The ORSAS award is partial only. The remainder of the fees and the stipend will be paid by the Department. The current stipend for ORS students is £8700 pa.

Enquiries should be sent as soon as possible to:

The Postgraduate Admissions Tutor, Prof. Ian Jones, Department of Metallurgy and Materials, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT. tel: (0121) 414 5187; FAX: (0121) 414 3238

Email: [email]met-postgrad@bham.ac.uk[/email] .
[url]http://www.bham.ac.uk/metallurgy[/url]
[url]http://irc.bham.ac.uk[/url]

Please include a copy of your full undergraduate transcript, your position in class and the size of the class

EPSRC DTA PhD Studentships
Department of Chemical Engineering
Any topic from our current research portfolio

The work will be carried out in the Chemical Engineering Department's world-class, purpose-designed new
building, with the state-of-the-art equipment, funded through £6.5M of investment from the University,
Government and industry, and located within the World Heritage site city of Bath.

Research topics may be selected from the project portfolio of one of our research groups:

Advanced Materials & Porous Solids
Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering
Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
Some possible specific projects:

Activation and transformation of methane over heterogeneous catalysts.
Highly selective transformation of ethane and propane into valuable aromatic compound.
Standard Materials and Methods for Hydrogen Uptake in Solids. The work will contribute to ongoing
studies on sustainable hydrogen energy systems.
Analysis of Excess Adsorption Isotherms. The work will contribute to ongoing studies on advanced gas
separation and storage technologies.
The application of Enhanced Fluid Dynamic Gauging as a fouling sensor for pressure driven membrane
separations in the food industry.
Development of inorganic hydrogen selective membranes for a novel hydrogen production technology.
Clean chemical catalysis (one-pot reactions, nanomaterials, microreactors).
Computation fluid dynamics of microreactors.
Applicants for these posts, possessing (or about to possess) at least a 2.1 degree (or equivalent) in
chemical engineering, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy (particularly pharmaceutics), materials science,
physics, mathematics, or a related subject, are advised to apply as soon as possible. Applicants are
advised to discuss potential research projects with the relevant member of academic staff prior to making a formal application - use this link to see staff research interests.

The studentship will cover the University tuition fees for three years for a student with British/EU citizenship
(only with a recent UK undergraduate course or recent residence in the UK over 3 years). The stipend will
be up to £16,000 (tax free) per year. The start date for the projects is 1st October 2007 or soon thereafter.

The application process will involve interview.

Application forms may be obtained from Ms Charlotte Wilkes, Department of Chemical Engineering,
University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY; Tel: 01225 386133, Fax: 385713; Email: [email]cescew@bath.ac.uk[/email].

DEL CAST studentship
 

Funded PhD Studentship in collaboration with the R&A Rules Ltd
Department for Employment and Learning (DEL)
Applications are invited for the following DEL CAST studentship (Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology):

An examination of golf swing mechanics for clubs of different physical properties and the associated effects of players' learning and confidence levels.

The project available is in the Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Institute (in collaboration with the R&A Rules Ltd) and is tenable in the Faculty of Life and Health Sciences at the Jordanstown Campus.

The research aims to:
• determine effects of variations in club properties on swing dynamics and shot outcomes;
• examine the biomechanics of long driving players and the influence of customised driver characteristics;
• determine the relationships between motor learning and confidence levels and performance.

Applicants should hold ordinary UK residence to be eligible for both fees and maintenance. Non UK residents who hold ordinary EU residence may also apply but if successful will receive fees only. All applicants should hold a first or upper second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in Sport and Exercise Sciences, Sports Engineering/ Technology or a closely related discipline, with knowledge and practical experience of biomechanics and knowledge of motor learning theory.

Successful candidates will enrol on a full-time research programme, of up to three years subject to satisfactory progress, leading to the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

The studentship will comprise tuition fees and a maintenance award (subject to UK residence status) of not less than £17,700 per annum, funded by DEL (the Department for Employment & Learning in NI) and the R&A Rules Ltd.

If you wish to discuss your proposal or receive advice on the research project please contact: Dr Eric Wallace, t: 028 9036 6535, e: [email]es.wallace@ulster.ac.uk[/email]

Apply online [url]www.ulster.ac.uk/applyonline[/url] or application materials are available from: Research Office, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine, BT52 1SA, T: 028 7032 4729, e: [email]hj.campbell@ulster.ac.uk[/email], Web [url]www.ulster.ac.uk/researchstudy[/url]

DPhil Studentships at the University of Oxford
 

DPhil Studentships at the University of Oxford
The Radiobiology Graduate Programme provides a fully integrated state-of-the-art research training environment. In addition to a theoretical course covering core and emerging areas of radiation oncology and biology, the Programme engages students in high-quality basic and clinically-applied research, with the aim of training future leaders in radiobiology and radiation oncology. Six funded D.Phil Studentships are available commencing October 2008.

Projects are being offered in the following areas:

o Markers for non-invasive tumour microenvironmental imaging - Dr. Eric Bernhard & Dr. Sean Smart
o Radiation, repair and cancer - Dr. Grigory Dianov
o The role of Chk 1 in the physiological response to hypoxia/reoxygenation - Dr. Ester Hammond
o Processing of Ionising Radiation-Induced Clustered DNA Damage by Mammalian Cells - Prof. Peter O'Neill & Dr. Martine Lomax
o Regulation of RASSF1A pathway signalling - Dr. Eric O'Neill
o Detection of "invisible" neuropathology with novel targeted MRI contrast agents - Dr. Nicola Sibson
o The tumour-stroma interplay in pancreatic carcinoma and its impact on therapeutic resistance - Dr. Thomas Brunner
o Role of LATS kinases in the DNA damage response - Dr. Eric O'Neill & Prof. Thomas Helleday

Further information on the available Studentships and application details are available on the Radiation Oncology & Biology website at [url]www.rob.ox.ac.uk/graduatestudies/studentships[/url]

New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA)
 

PhD Research Studentships
New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA)
Promoting Independence and Social Engagement among Older People in Disadvantaged Communities project

Arising from a successful grant application, an exciting opportunity exists to join a multidisciplinary team of researchers at Keele University. The project forms part of the New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA) programme - a five-year multidisciplinary research initiative with the ultimate aim of improving quality of life of older people. The programme is a unique collaboration between five UK Research Councils - ESRC, EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC and AHRC - and is the largest and most ambitious research programme on ageing ever mounted in the UK (further details at [url]http://newdynamics.group.shef.ac.uk/)[/url].

Project Summary
Three PhD studentships are available to support a research project, which aims to increase understanding of the social, health and psychological processes involved in promoting independence and social engagement among older people in disadvantaged urban communities. The participatory research design will examine four different forms of community initiative in deprived neighbourhoods of Manchester. It connects with the NDA programme themes of 'active ageing', 'autonomy and independence' and 'locality, place and participation'. The research will be interdisciplinary (informed by theoretical work in social and environmental gerontology, social/community psychology, health technology and community health) and collaborative (with partners from statutory and voluntary agencies). It aims to advance theoretical understanding of the social and community basis of active ageing and to develop policy guidelines for its promotion.

The research seeks to clarify the issues older people identify as important and the particular processes involved in promoting active ageing through different community initiatives. A longer project summary and further details of potential PhD projects can be accessed at: [url]http://www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/fundingkeele.htm[/url]. However, the precise themes to be addressed in the projects are a matter for negotiation between supervisory teams and successful applicants.

Applications are invited from highly motivated graduates who have, or expect to gain, at least an MA/MSc or upper second class degree, who have a background in Healthcare, Sociology, Social Policy, Psychology or in another related subject. Candidates with a relevant Masters degree from an ESRC-recognised programme are strongly encouraged to apply.

The studentships will commence in January 2008, for three years leading to the award of a PhD. You will be joining a thriving community of around 40 postgraduate research students within the Research Institute for Life Course Studies, which aims to support and stimulate high quality research and enterprise by bringing together a multidisciplinary group of researchers working on a range of health and social concerns across the life course, from childhood through to old age. It draws on existing strengths at Keele in the fields of ageing (with one of the largest groups of researchers working in the field of gerontology in the UK), health, rehabilitation and well-being, children and families, and psychology.

The studentships cover a bursary (£12,600) and tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for 3 years. Informal enquiries and additional information may be directed by email to Professor Michael Murray: [email]m.murray@keele.ac.uk[/email]

Please send a completed Application for a Research Studentship (found here: [url]http://www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/documents/research%20studentship%20application%20form.doc)[/url], and a completed application form (found here: [url]http://www.keele.ac.uk/gradschool/prospectus/appform.htm[/url]) with a detailed CV and the names and addresses of two academic referees to:
The Graduate School, Keele University, Staffordshire ST5 5AZ

software development (MDD) PhD Fellowships
 

EPSRC PhD Studentship
Department of Computing
SCHOLARSHIP COVERS ONLY:- Stipend £12,600 + Student Fees

FURTHER DETAILS
Applications are invited for an EPSRC PhD studentship in the Department of Computing ([url]http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk)[/url], Lancaster University, starting as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Jon Whittle in the area of model-driven software development, although other areas of software engineering will be considered.

Software continues to grow in complexity, both in terms of the number of lines of code in a typical application and in terms of the number of interacting technologies required for implementation. One way of managing this complexity is to raise the abstraction level of software development. This is the approach followed in model-driven software development (MDD), wherein models, or abstractions, of software are the primary artifacts of development. A studentship is available in any aspect of MDD, including, but not limited to: bringing the benefits of MDD to early phases of the software development lifecycle, verification and validation of model transformations, model management and model composition, executable models, domain-specific modeling.

In accordance with EPSRC regulations, this studentship is available to candidates who can demonstrate a relevant connection with the UK, usually (but not exclusively) through being ordinarily resident for a period of 3 years immediately prior to the date of application for an award ([url]http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/student)[/url]. The studentship is fully-funded: i.e. it offers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate, as well as a tax-free maintenance stipend of £12,600 p.a. for 2007/8; £12,900 p.a. for 2008/9; £13,200 p.a. for 2009/10.

Prospective applicants, who should have an excellent first degree in a relevant discipline, are encouraged to initiate contact with Prof. Whittle by sending a statement of research interests to [email]whittle@comp.lancs.ac.uk[/email]. All applicants will also have to apply formally through the Postgraduate Admissions Office ([url]https://www.pgapps.lancs.ac.uk)[/url].

For further information online, please visit [url]http://www.comp.lancs.ac.uk/~whittljn[/url]

Carbon Reduction in Buildings
 

Doctoral Training Account Studentship
Carbon Reduction in Buildings
Bartlett School of Graduate Studies
Applications are invited for PhD studentships funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, tenable for three years at the Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, University College London. The studentships are associated with the 'Carbon Reduction in Buildings' (CaRB) project, a major research programme on energy use in the built stock. Suitable subject areas for the studentships include building energy modelling, stock energy modelling, user impact on energy use, relationship of national energy use to construction, life styles, employment and other subjects pertinent to the CaRB project. For details of the Bartlett's activities, see [url]www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk[/url] . For further information on the CaRB project see [url]www.carb.org.uk[/url] .A briefing paper describing the studentships, and further information about making an application may be obtained from the Bartlett at [url]www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/graduate/scholarships[/url].