PhD scholarship : X-ray studies of dynamical effects in liquids and at interfaces

The Materials Research Division at Risø DTU has an open PhD position within X-ray studies of dynamical effects in liquids and at interfaces at the Centre for Molecular Movies.

The research of the Centre focuses on obtaining snapshots of the rearrangement of atoms while fundamental processes are taking place in molecules and in solid materials. Using X-rays, we aim to create new methods for filming the intermediate structures of nanophysical or chemical processes.

Project description
The research work will be within the area of molecular structural dynamics in liquids and interfaces. Initial targets of investigation will be the structure of excited state molecules in solution and the structural properties and dynamics of interfaces. Special focus within these areas will be on compounds with catalytic activity and electrode/electrolyte interface effects, in both cases with an eye towards energy technologies.

Experimental investigations will be based on state-of-the-art X-ray methods (Diffuse scattering, Reflectometry, Grazing-incidence Diffraction) with high resolution in time (micro-picoseconds) and space (nm to sub-Ångstroms), utilizing both in-house and synchrotron radiation facilities such as the ESRF (Fr) and APS (US). The project will be based at Risø DTU and will involve a close collaboration with project partners at the University of Copenhagen and the Department of Chemistry at DTU .

Qualifications
Candidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. The successful applicant will be highly motivated, curious and have demonstrated the ability to work independently with X-ray methods as well as with high-level data analysis or modeling. The project involves both wet-chemistry and sample preparation work, hence experience with laboratory work and knowledge of modern characterization methods are also a definitive advantage. The candidate will typically have a background within Chemistry, Solid State Physics, Nanotechnology, Technical Physics, or similar

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The place of work is Risø DTU in Roskilde.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Martin Meedom Nielsen, mmee@risoe.dtu.dk.
You can read more about the division and the department on www.risoe.dtu.dk.

Application
We must have your online application by 22 October 2010. Please open the link "apply for this job online", fill in the application form and attach the following documents;

a) A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
b) Curriculum vitae
c) Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
d) Conversion of grade averages to Danish grades

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowships Programme money for scholarships

With a view to promoting human resource capacities in the developing countries and to enhancing international understanding and friendship among nations and the people of Poland, the Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the Institute of Regional and Global Studies/ Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies under the auspice of UNESCO & University of Warsaw, are placing at the disposal of UNESCO two (2) fellowships of a six months duration in the year 2010 for the benefit of Member States listed in Annex I of the announcement letter. Beneficiaries of these fellowships will be given the opportunity to undertake an individual research programme in the field of Political Science.

Details regarding the fellowships offered and the criteria of selection are listed below. The Polish authorities will make the final decision.

A. FIELD OF RESEARCH

1. Political science / International relations
2. Political philosophy / Political thought

B. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

(i) Hold the M.A. degree;
(ii) Be proficient in reading and writing English;
(iii) Be not more than 45 years of age; and,
(iv) Be in good health, both physically and mentally.

C. FACILITIES OFFERED BY THE POLISH AUTHORITIES

(i) Free tuition;
(ii) Monthly allowance of 1350 PLN zlotys (approximatively US$ 450) corresponding to the salary of a local junior research fellow. Thus, all living expenses in Poland are to be borne by the fellows with this allowance; and;
(iii) An installation allowance of 1350 PLN zlotys to be paid upon arrival.

No provision to finance or lodge family members is made.

At the end of the research studies, the beneficiaries will receive a certificate attesting to their attendance at the host institution.

D. FACILITIES OFFERED BY UNESCO

(i) International travel expenses: (at the most economical rate) from the beneficiary’s country to Poland and return will be covered by UNESCO under its Regular Programme Budget.

(ii) Health insurance for fellowship beneficiaries who are declared medically fit: UNESCO fellowship holders may be covered by a special accident/ health insurance policy, taken out by the Organization for the duration of the fellowship. The costs of the health insurance is subscribed to and covered by UNESCO* on behalf of the fellows.

* ONLY THE TWO SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE REQUIRED TO SEND TO THE FELLOWHIPS DEPARTMENT PROGRAMME SECTION A COMPLETE MEDICAL DOSSIER, THE PRESCRIBED FORM OF WHICH WILL BE SENT ALONG WITH THE LETTER OF AWARD


E. VISA

Selected fellows from countries where there are Polish Embassies or Consulates will have to obtain their entry visa in the country prior to their departure. Fellows from countries where no such Embassy/ Consulate exists must secure their visa through the nearest Embassy of Poland.

UNESCO/POLAND provide no allowance to defray passport and visa expenses and the selected beneficiaries will have to secure themselves their own visa.

F. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION FILES

One candidature per invited Member State. Original applications in duplicate must be channelled through the National Commission for UNESCO of the candidate’s country and reach Mr. Ali Zaid, Chief, Participation Programme and Fellowships Section, by 15 June 2010 at the latest. An advance copy of the application may be sent by fax (33.1) 45.68.55.03 or Email: a.zaid@unesco.org. Applications should have imperatively the following attachments in DUPLICATE:

(i) UNESCO fellowships application forms, duly completed in English;
(ii) Two photographs attached to the applications (4×6 cm);
(iii) Certified copies (in English) of Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree obtained; and,
(iv) The UNESCO certificates of language knowledge, duly completed by a relevant authority, if the mother tongue of the candidate is not English.

Deadline 15 June 2010 at the latest

IMPORTANT

It is the National authority’s responsibility to ensure that all candidates are duly informed of the above conditions prior to the submission of applications.

Files which are incomplete or which are received after the deadline as well as candidatures that do not fulfil the requirements will not be taken into consideration.

Only the selected candidates will receive a letter through their respective National Commissions for UNESCO.

Project Document

UNESCO – Poland DEC 2010 Anouncement Letter+application forms.Scholarization pdf