Project 7: How do wood-feeding insects digest their diet?
Supervisors: Prof. Jonathan Gershenzon, Dr. Axel Schmidt, Dr. Martin Kaltenpoth, MPI-CE

Wood-feeding insects are sometimes known to use microbial symbionts present in their guts to help in digestion and nutrient mobilization. However, nothing is known about how such insects cope with wood and resin. The large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis, is a serious pest on the bark of young conifer trees in northern Europe that must deal with both wood fiber and terpene-containing resin as major parts of its diet. This project will explore the metabolic fate of resin terpenes in these insects and the role of gut bacteria in processing terpenes and wood at the molecular, protein and metabolite levels. The project combines entomological, microbiological, chemical and molecular biology methods to better understand the lifestyle of one fascinating, long-lived species of insect. Collaboration between Research Group on Insect Symbiosis (Dr. Martin Kaltenpoth) and Department of Biochemistry (Dr. Axel Schmidt).

The project will be part of the International Max Planck Research School (IMPRS) “The Exploration of Ecological Interactions with Molecular and Chemical Techniques” in Jena, Germany. Students holding a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in molecular biology, ecology, entomology, microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry and neuroethology, with a proven record of success in one of the disciplines and interest in examining ecological interactions, are eligible to conduct a doctoral project within the IMPRS.

The Research School is a joint initiative of the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, and the Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research. The main focus is on the interaction between plants and animals, and their environment, as well as the evolutionary and behavioral consequences of these interactions.

Application deadline is June 26, 2011. For detailed information about the IMPRS, PhD topics offered and application requirements, please visit our website http://imprs.ice.mpg.de/.

• [Germany] PhD positions in Molecular and Chemical Ecology, The International Max Planck Research School
• [Germany] PhD Scholarships within The IMPRS for Quantum Dynamics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• [Germany] International Summer Internships 2007 at The Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology
• [Germany] Doctoral Program in Economics, Law and Psychology at Max Planck Institute of Economics
• [Germany] PhD Positions in International PhD Program at International Max-Planck Research School

The successful candidate should have received a PhD within the last five years in geosciences or a related field. Fellowships are initially limited to a term of two years and will start in fall or winter 2008. After a successful evaluation a prolongation by one year is possible. Salary and benefits are linked to the German employee scale 13 TVL. International candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Applications should include a CV, a list of publications, a research proposal describing research interests, contact information for 3 referees and completed application form (available from www.marum.de/Jobs.html). MARUM Fellows are expected to develop their own research program within the scientific framework provided by MARUM; proposals targeting research between boundaries of individual research groups at MARUM are encouraged. MARUM Fellows will be integrated in a stimulating and supportive environment that provides ideal conditions for scientific growth.

As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply.

In case of equal personal aptitudes and qualification priority will be given to disabled persons.

Applications and inquiries should be directed to Achim Kopf electronically (akopf[a-t]uni-bremen.de) under the reference number A 66/08.Deadline for applications is June 10, 2008.

• [Germany] PhD Studentships at the Graduate School of Social Sciences (GSSS), University of Bremen
• [Germany] PhD Grants at International Graduate School for Dynamics in Logistics, Universität Bremen
• [Germany] PhD Studentships at The Graduate School of Social Sciences (GSSS), The University of Bremen
• [Canada] Post Doctoral Position in Ocean Data Assimilation
• [Germany] The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling

BIGSSS is part of an international network of strong graduate programs. It supports its Ph.D. and Post-doc Fellows in achieving early scientific independence, providing funds for conducting, presenting and publishing their research. The language of instruction is English.

Successful applicants for the Ph.D. and Post-doc Fellowships will pursue a topic in one of BIGSSS’ five Thematic Fields:

1. Global Integration
2. Integration and Diversity in the New Europe
3. Social Integration and the Welfare State
4. Attitude Formation, Value Change, and Intercultural Communication
5. Life-Course and Lifespan Dynamics.

21 Ph.D. Stipends/Fellowships
BIGSSS seeks candidates with strong academic abilities and a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in political science, sociology, psychology, law, economics, mass communication or other social science disciplines. We offer Ph.D. stipends of € 1250/month for 36 months, contingent on successful completion of each year.

6 – 8 Post-doc Stipends/Fellowships
We seek candidates pursuing English-language publication projects either from their dissertation (by making findings available to an international audience through a book or journal article) or from a new project. Post-doc stipends of € 1500/month may run from 3 to 12 months. The competition is open to candidates who have received a doctorate in political science, sociology, psychology, law, economics, mass communication or other social science disciplines within the last 5 years, or who can be expected to finish prior to commencing their post-doc stay.

More information as well as lists of required application materials can be found at www.bigsss-bremen.de. Non-German students are strongly encouraged to apply. BIGSSS strives to increase the share of women in the university and hence also strongly encourages women to apply. Applicants with disabilities who are equally qualified will be favored. Applications may be sent until 1 March 2008 to the following address:

Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences,
Prof. Dr. Steffen Mau, Founding Dean
Universität Bremen
PF/PO Box 330440
28334 Bremen
Germany

Visit the official website for further information.

• [Germany] PhD Studentships at the Graduate School of Social Sciences (GSSS), University of Bremen
• [Germany] PhD Studentships at The Graduate School of Social Sciences (GSSS), The University of Bremen
• [Germany] PhD Grants at International Graduate School for Dynamics in Logistics, Universität Bremen
• [Germany] Masters Program in International Political Economy at Jacobs University Bremen
• [Germany] MSc/PhD Studentships in The Life Sciences at The International University Bremen

We are currently seeking a scientist for meso/microscale simulations. The work is part of the DFG priority programme ‘Quantitative precipitation forecast’ (http://www.meteo.uni-bonn.de/projekte/SPPMeteo). The main goal of the project is to examine the influence of the orography and surface conditions associated with mesoscale mountains for convection. The simulations will be performed using our FOOT3DK model, which is run in a LINUX environment.

We offer a 50% position TV-L EG13 (formely BAT-IIa) for one year with a possible prolongation for three years.
We expect:

• experience of computer programming in Fortran and LINUX
• some familiarity with numerical modelling of the atmosphere
• analytical skills and team spirit

Of advantage is also knowledge in mesoscale meteorology, cloud physics and flow dynamics. The place of employment is Trier, your office can be located at Trier or Köln.

Deadline for applications is 11 August 2007.

Please send your application to:

University of Trier
Fac. of Geography / Geosciences
Dept. of Environmental Meteorology
54286 Trier, Germany

Or per email to menkhaus.klima@uni-trier.de

For further information please contact the project leaders:

Prof. Dr. Günther Heinemann
University of Trier
Fac. of Geography / Geosciences
Dept. of Environmental Meteorology
54286 Trier, Germany

Email: heinemann@uni-trier.de
Tel.: +49 (0)651/201-4623
Fax: +49 (0)651/201-3817

Prof. Dr. Michael Kerschgens
Institut für Geophysik und Meteorologie
Universität zu Köln
Kerpener Str. 13
50923 Köln

Email: mk@meteo.uni-koeln.de
Tel.: +49 221 470-3683, -3682 (secretary)
Fax: +49 221 470-5161

• [Switzerland] PhD student position in air quality modeling
• [Germany] Postdoctoral Position in Computational Climate and Weather Prediction
• [Germany] PhD Positions at the Department of Agricultural Economics
• [Germany] The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling
• [Germany] International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling

Postdoctoral Research Position on Airborne Measurements of Atmospheric Nitric Dioxide by Laser-Induced Fluorescence

For the assessment of the photochemical processing that occurs in an air mass, high-sensitivity measurements of reactive nitrogen species are a necessity. Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is already being used in our group to detect OH and HO2 radicals from aircraft, and it has been demonstrated to detect also NO2 directly and with high selectivity. This, however, required the use of large and expensive laser systems. Recently, diode lasers have become available which make it possible to build a much more compact and still highly sensitive LIF instrument to detect NO2.

The successful candidate will be involved in the design and build-up of such a new LIF-instrument, thorough testing in the lab, subsequently deployment during airborne measurement campaigns, data interpretation and publication.

A recent Ph.D. in physics, meteorology or chemistry is required. Scientists with experience in analytical techniques in atmospheric chemistry are encouraged to apply. The Max Planck Society wishes to increase the number of female co-workers in areas in which they are underrepresented, and applications from women are therefore particularly encouraged. The Max Planck Society endeavours to increase the amount of handicapped persons and therefore encourages them to send their applications.
Please send your applications including a CV, a statement of research interests and future goals, copies of academic certificates and the names and contact information of three references to the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, personnel administration, P. O. Box 30 60, 55020 Mainz

For further information contact
Monica Martinez-Harder,
E-mail: *martinez@mpch-mainz.mpg.de*,
Phone: +49 (0)6131 305 467

• [Germany] International Summer Internships 2007 at The Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology
• [Germany] Doctoral Program in Economics, Law and Psychology at Max Planck Institute of Economics
• [Germany] PhD Positions in International PhD Program at International Max-Planck Research School
• [Germany] PhD Scholarships within The IMPRS for Quantum Dynamics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology
• [Germany] PhD Position in Nervous System at at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics/Institute for Medical Genetics

The Chair of Microelectronics at IMTEK, University of Freiburg offers positions of PhD Candidates and Postdocs in Microelectronics or Microsystems Technology

The positions are limited in time for 3-5 years with the possibility of an extension.

Our research focus lies in the design and development of low power, analog and digital CMOS circuits for applications in medical engineering, sensor- and communication tech-niques. Energy autonomous systems, A/D-converters, sensor readout and implantable interface electronics for biomedical applications are the main research areas. Current PhD topics are exemplarily found in but not limited to: high speed Sigma-Delta A/D converters, energy scavenging systems, neural stimulators, closed loop gyro readout, and more. Post-docs may be responsible for one of our research areas.

The chair is equipped with a variety of high-end, commercial IC development tools, a modern computer-infrastructure and a laboratory with measurement equipment for the analog and digital circuit design. We offer an interesting, independent and varied working assignment in a young, motivated team and you will have the chance to realise new ideas and to work in cooperation with leading european and american project partners.

We expect motivation in scientific work and willingness to cope with demanding challenges. Participation in teaching and in industrial projects may be part of your work. Good knowledge and interest in microelectronics and circuit design and being fluent in spoken and written english are desired.

The University of Freiburg aspires to increase the quota of women and so we call for quali-fied women to apply.

Visit Website

• [Germany] PhD Positions in International PhD Program at International Max-Planck Research School
• [Germany] PhD School with Elinor & Vincent Ostrom, Freiburg
• [Germany] International Summer Internships 2007 at The Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology
• MSc European Forestry Scholarships Erasmus Mundus
• [Norway] Postdoc Position Centre for Quantifiable Quality of Service in Communication Systems, NTNU

The successful candidate will join a motivated research team to work on innovative Terahertz (THz) Technologies. The primary research interest is the development of novel circuits and materials for highly integrated terahertz detectors. The research will provide the fundamental understanding to enable THz video chips with real-time capabilities in the future.

Artificial engineered materials (Metamaterials) as well as existing semiconductor technologies like Silicon-Germanium will be leveraged to the extend possible to create miniaturized antennas and detector arrays.

Teaching and the participation in administrative tasks is expected with at least 4 hours per week. The opportunity for the development of an independent scientific career will be supported by extensive publications and international conference presentations

Desired Skills
Major Field of Study: PhD in electronic engineering or physics. The ideal candidate should have in-depth knowledge of microwave (50-200GHz) circuit design and packaging. Circuit design experience in at least one of the following building blocks is required: PAs, mixers (active, passive), VCO/PLL, LNAs. The candidate should understand the Cadence software design flow for Silicon ICs and have high-frequency test and measurement experience. Strong written and verbal communication skills are beneficial.

The University of Siegen is committed to creating a diverse environment and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and disability. The University of Siegen aims at increasing the female participation in research and education. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to submit their application.

For more information please contact
Dr. Ullrich Pfeiffer,
phone: 0271/740-4035 or x2157,
email: ullrich.pfeiffer@uni-siegen.de.
Homepage: http://www.hqe.fb12.uni-siegen.de.

The application deadline is the 31st of March 2007.
Resumes may be submitted to Dr. Ullrich Pfeiffer,
Fachbereich 12 – Elektrotechnik und Informatik -,
Universität Siegen, D-57068 Siegen, Germany.

• [UK] PhD Studentship in Mathematical Modelling of Terahertz Scattering, University of Reading
• [UK] MPhil/PhD Research Studentship in Photonics, University College London
• [Ireland] Masters and PhD Scholarships in Electronics and Reconfigurable Radio
• [Germany] PhD Candidates and Postdocs in Microelectronics, The University of Freiburg
• [Sweden] PhD Student Position with the VLSI Research Group at Chalmers University of Technology