5 Scholarships for a PhD in Berlin in the field of Catalysis : Berlin , Germany

The “Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering” (BIG-NSE) is offering five scholarships for a PhD in Berlin in the field of Catalysis. The next deadline for applications is January 15 2011.

The entry requirements for the BIG-NSE are:
- A Master‘s degree or German Diploma in chemistry, biology, physics or engineering.
- A Certificate of English Proficiency (TOEFL with a minimum of 550 – paper-based version -, or equivalent) for applicants whose native language is neither English nor German.
- Two letters of recommendation.

The BIG-NSE offers a structured curricu¬lum for obtaining the degree of “Doctor” within 3 years.
The main characteristic of the BIG-NSE is a comprehensive integration and mentoring programme for its students, espe¬cially foreign students. It includes:

- An “Initial Phase”, with intensive support, especially for administrative and integration aspects.
- Preparation of a schedule by the students themselves during the first semester.
- Continuous supervision by two professors/senior scientists and one mentor.
- Regular evaluation of the students’ work/study achievements.
- Continuous support for all professional and social aspects.
- Regular lectures presented by renowned guest scientists from all over the world.
- Language and soft skill courses.
- Financial support for scientific and teaching materials.

The School is part of the Cluster of Excellence “Unified Concepts in Catalysis” (UniCat – see http://www.unicat.tu-berlin.de/) founded in November 2007 by the TUB and five further Institutions in the Berlin area within the framework of the German government‘s “Excellence Initiative”.

The main research interest of the UniCat and BIG-NSE Faculty is “Catalysis”, in a broad sense. The research fields involved cover a broad range of topics, from natural sciences to engineering. The faculty consists of internationally renowned professors and junior researchers from up to 60 research groups at 6 participating institutions and active in 13 research fields, who will be intensively involved in the supervision and mentoring of the BIG-NSE students.

A link to further information on the Graduate School can be found at (www.big-nse.tu-berlin.de).
Applications will only be accepted via the online application system, a link to which can be found on the same webpage. Applications should be submitted before January 15 2011.

Candidates should specify on which project area they wish to work. Informal enquiries on specific projects should be directed to the relevant supervisor. Successful candidates should be available to start around October 2011.

PhD -Neuro-immune interaction in the gut, Leuven, Belgium

Neuro-immune interaction in the gut:

Approximately 10 % of patients who suffered from a bacterial gastroenteritis develop persistent mucosal microscopic inflammation associated with prolonged symptoms of abdominal pain and altered defecation. Accumulating evidence shows that low grade inflammation has a major effect on the phenotype and function of afferent nerve fibers, especially nociceptive nerve fibers, leading to abnormal pain perception. In parallel with clinical studies, we have developed animal models of abnormal visceral pain perception (visceral hypersensitivity) to study the interaction between nerves and the immune system, including a mouse model of post-infectious inflammation. The present project focuses on the immune cells involved and on the potential contribution of commensal bacteria as trigger to maintain the state of immune activation.

Techniques:
In vivo studies: mouse handling and manipulation, adoptive transfer
In vitro studies: FACS analysis, (micro-)RNA extraction, real-time PCR, cell cultures and co-cultures and immunohistochemistry

Requirements:
We seek motivated graduates (Biology/ Biomedical Sciences/ Medicine) with an interest in neuro-immunology.

Employment basis: temporary for specified period
Duration of the project: 4 year contract
Maximum hours per week: 36

Salary: Phd students start with a salary of €1700 (nett) with a yearly growth of €2300 gross per month

Please contact Dr. Mira Wouters (+32(0)16 33 02 38, mira.wouters@med.kuleuven.be) for more details

International PhD Program in Paris School of Neuroscience, Paris,France

The Paris School of Neuroscience « ENP » is a network of outstanding neuroscience laboratories in Paris area, within major universities and research institutes. ENP aims at facilitating graduate training of selected students in the Paris area. It covers all areas of Neuroscience and associated methodologies, from fundamental to clinical and from molecular to cognitive.

Pre-PhD and PhD programs are open to highly talented and motivated students, who received their undergraduate training outside of France, irrespective of their original disciplines.

Pre-PhD: Up to a year of rotations in participating laboratories. This can include a Masters degree.
PhD: Three year program (with possible one year extension).

Training and Courses: Courses in neuroscience and relate topics – International Conferences and seminars – French and/or English language courses – Individual supervision by a tutor and a thesis committee – Annual retreat with faculty members and guest scientists.

WORKING LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH.
Support and Stipends: Assistance for settling in Paris (visa, housing, Social security, medical and/or other insurance) – Stipends from the ENP and other sources (pre-PhD 1 200 €/month, PhD 1 800 €/month) – Support for periods of training in other laboratories.

Applications: There are two application deadlines per year: 30 September and 30 March.
(The program is also open to students TRAINED IN FRANCE in Maths or Physics:
- trainees from Grandes Ecoles (biology excluded)
- undergraduate / master in Maths, Physics, or Informatics
- 1-2 positions per call).

Participating Intitutions: CEA – CNRS – Inserm – Université Pierre et Marie Curie (UPMC) – Université Paris Sud (Paris 11) – Collège de France – Ecole normale supérieure – Institut Pasteur – Etc.

For further information and application details,
e-mail: enp@paris-neuroscience.com