PhD researcher Pharmaceutical development

The predictive value of animal models in the development of pharmaceuticals. The scientific basis of the current paradigm on the predictability of animal studies for the effects of drugs in man is under discussion. There are no recent studies on their predictive value. In this ambitious project, Utrecht University will cooperate with the Medicines Evaluation Board, Nefarma, Life Sciences and Health and TI Pharma. The research team will make a complete inventory of available data concerning the capacity of research in test animals, and assess the scientific basis of the current practices and guidelines for the use of animal studies in pharmaceutical discovery and development. In addition, an assessment of alternative technologies will be performed. This study aims to supply interesting and important suggestions and implications for the regulatory guidelines in the development of new medicines.

Your tasks:

• Analysis of the predictive value of animal testing for efficacy and safety of animals in the files for approval of new drugs.
• Analysis of the use of animal tests in the release of pharmaceuticals to the market.
• Analysis of the use of animal tests in lead selection by pharmaceutical industries.
• Review literature concerning the predictive value of animal studies in pharmaceutical research.
• Assess the scientific basis of regulations regarding animal models in pharmaceutical research.
• Technology assessment of new in silico and in vitro methods to define activity and toxicity of drugs.
• Analysis of the translational problems in the process of setting up of possible alternatives to animal models.
• Survey of all legislation and regulations concerning animal studies in pharmaceutical discovery and development.
• Organization of expert groups for data evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• You have experience in a relevant field, preferably with a biomedical or pharmaceutical background.
• Having experience in statistical and analytical data analysis and assessments are a plus.
• You have excellent communication skills.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

The candidate is offered a full-time position for 4 years and should lead to a dissertation and PhD degree.

Gross salary starts with € 2,042.- per month in the first year and increases to € 2,612.- in the fourth year of employment.

The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. In addition we offer: a pension scheme, a partially paid parental leave, flexible employment conditions in which you may trade salary for vacation days or vice versa. Conditions are based on the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities. The research group will provide the candidate with necessary support on all aspects of the project.

DEADLINE

31-12-2009

FURTHER INFORMATION

http://applicaties.csc.uu.nl/uuvacature/mainframe.cfm?vacatures=all&taal=Engels

6 PhD or Early Stage Researcher positions Geological Time Scale

The scientific goal of the network is to establish the next generation standard Geological Time Scale with unprecedented accuracy, precision, resolution and stability for the last 100 Myr through integration and intercalibration of state-of-the-art numerical dating. We subdivided the research programme on scientific grounds around three ‘time slices’ tasks: Neogene, Paleogene and Cretaceous.

The Neogene time scale is astronomically dated but this dating needs to be fine-tuned. Radio-isotopic dating of Neogene ash layers is challenging. Comparison with astronomical ages offers excellent opportunities for gaining insight into isotope systematics, such as potential mineral residence times (in U/Pb dating) and the age of mineral dating standards (40Ar/39Ar dating). Evidently, the outcome of the Neogene projects is crucial for the work carried out in the older, Paleogene and late Cretaceous intervals and thus for GTSnext as a whole.

The following positions are still available:

• 40Ar/39Ar dates for geomagnetic reversal boundaries of the last 3 Myr: what is their real age? (Roskilde University, Denmark)
  
• Intercalibrating U-Pb zircon ages of Miocene volcanic ashes with their astronomical and 40Ar/39Ar ages (University of Geneva, Switzerland)
  
• New radio-isotopic age constraints to tie floating Paleogene astrochronologies: what is causing hypothermals? (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands)
  
• Isotopic ages for the Eocene-Oligocene boundary: insights into the greenhouse-icehouse transition (NERC Isotope Geoscience Laboratory and University of Leicester, United Kingdom)
  
• The late Cretaceous time scale: new 40Ar/39Ar age constraints for astronomical tuning (Université Paris Sud XI, France)
  
• U/Pb dating and the integrated Cretaceous time scale: what is causing Oceanic Anoxic Events? (Wilhelms Universität Münster, Germany)

QUALIFICATIONS

Successful applicants are not restricted to EU and associated countries, but must fulfil the Marie Curie ITN mobility rules (see http://www.earthtime-eu.eu/). They must also comply with the following selection criteria:

• MSc degree in Earth Sciences or equivalent giving access to post-graduate research study;
• Less than 4 years research experience after completion of Diploma/Master's degree;
• PhD has not previously been awarded.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Remuneration for each position will be in accordance with the regulations of the Marie Curie ITN scheme.

Salary: € 40.000 - € 53.000 gross per year including mobility allowance and depending on country.

DEADLINE

All positions stay open until filled, but should be filled no later than September 1st, 2009.

FURTHER DETAILS

http://applicaties.csc.uu.nl/uuvacature/detail.cfm?export=0&id=2746&taal=Engels

API Fellowships

Public Intellectuals are those—academics, researchers, media professionals, artists, creative writers, NGO activists, social workers, public servants and others with moral authority—who are committed to working for the betterment of society by applying their professional knowledge, wisdom and experience.

The Nippon Foundation Fellowships for Asian Public Intellectuals (API Fellowships Program) is designed to stimulate the creation of a pool of such intellectuals in the region. They aim to promote mutual learning among Asian public intellectuals and to contribute to the growth of public spaces in which effective responses to regional needs can be generated.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS?

• To create and nurture a community of public intellectuals in the Asian region;
• To promote mutual learning among Asian public intellectuals; and
• To contribute to the growth of public spaces in which effective responses to regional needs can be generated.

In selecting Fellows, API Fellowships Program will favor projects that address critical issues for the region, which use creative and multidisciplinary approaches, and which have some element of advocacy.

WHAT CAN I DO AS A PROJECT?

The project may take several forms: research paper; film; series of journalistic articles; data gathering; building networks; work of art, etc., but must fulfill three conditions: it must NOT be part of your regular employment; it must contribute to the goals of the API Fellowships Program, and fit with the API themes; and it must have tangible output (research paper, film, photo essay, etc.).

The project must be carried out in one or more of the API Participating Countries, but NOT in your native country or country of residence. The current Participating Countries are: Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

You will need to find a Host Insitution in the country where you carry out the project.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Anyone involved in the production and exchange of knowledge or ideas in line with the goals of API Fellowships Program. This includes academics, researchers, media professionals, artists, writers, NGO workers, social workers, public servants and others who work for the betterment of society.

General eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must hold the nationality or proper resident status in one of the five (5) Participating Countries and reside in the country at the time of application;
  
• Applicants must attend an interview at a designated date and place;
  
• The proposed project by the applicant must take place and should be completed within the period of July 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011 (Note: The fellowship period must be continuous.);
  
• Applicants must have a basic knowledge of English or a laungage(s) spoken in the country(ies) where the proposed research and/or activities are conducted; and
  
• Applicants must be based in the region/country and will continue to be so in the future.

WHAT ARE COMMITMENTS INVOLVED?

After the project year, you must attend the annual API Regional Workshop, which usually takes place in November (for applicants for Fellows Year 2010-2011, it will be in November 2011), and present your results by submitting the papers and other materials. You are strongly encouraged to disseminate the results of your project to a wider audience wherever possible.

By fulfilling your commitments, you will become a member of the API Community. You will be expected to participate in the activities of the Community, and will have the chance to apply for post fellowship programs.

WHAT DOES THE API FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAM PROVIDE?

• A stipend and housing allowance for the time spent overseas on the project, the amount varies by country;
  
• International transportation costs, for one round trip only;
  
• Domestic transportation allowance;
  
• Research allowance to cover computer costs, field expences, books, tranlation fees, etc.; and
  
• Travel insurance during the fellowship period.

DEADLINE

• The deadline for application submission is August 31, 2009.
  
• Interviews will take place in September/October/November 2009.
  
• The results will be announced in February 2010.
  
• The project must be carried out between July 1, 2010 and July 31, 2011.

FURTHER DETAILS

http://www.api-fellowships.org/body/api_fellowships.php

IMechE Postgraduate Research Scholarship

For exceptional graduate students from an accredited mechanical engineering degree programme who wish to undertake further research in this discipline, the Institution is offering a number of postgraduate Research Scholarships in support of a scheme of work leading to the award of a doctorate such as a PhD, EngD or DPhil.

WHAT ARE THE RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS WORTH?

• Full-time £6,500 per year
• Part-time Pro rata basis

The normal tenure will be three years full-time. If other periods are approved the total award will be sub-divided appropriately.

Annual renewal after the first year is conditional on satisfactory progress being made.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

The scholarships are open to students who:

• Are normally resident in the United Kingdom, who will commence their postgraduate degree in the next academic session.
• have chosen a research programme at a university.
• should be expecting or have already gained a first class or upper second class (2:1) honours degree accredited by the Institution.
• are supported in their applications by three referees:
  • One who can vouch for your academic abilities (normally your Undergraduate Personal Tutor or Head of Department).
  • One who can confirm your suitability to embark on the postgraduate programme you have chosen, and the likelihood of your success (typically the Supervisor of the Research or the Head of Department where the research will be undertaken).
  • One who can vouch for your character.
  • Referees should preferably be members of the Institution.

Read the full conditions of the scholarship.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Applications must be submitted by 1st August each year using the online application form.

FURTHER INFORMATION

http://www.imeche.org/