SystemsX.ch, the Swiss initiative in systems biology, has initiated a new project entitled “Neurochoice: Neural Correlates of Collective Decision Making”, with principal investigators located at the Universi-ties of Zurich, Bern, and Geneva, and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. One part of the project, focusing on fMRI studies of the role of risk during human decision-making, will be completed under the direction of Prof. Ernst Fehr and Kerstin Preuschoff at the Institute for Empirical Research in Economics in Zurich. We are presently seeking applicants for the positions of post-doctoral researcher and PhD student.

These positions require a background in neurobiology, economics, psychology or computer science, and an interest in neuroeconomics and/or mathematical modeling of behavioral and neuroimaging data. Previous experience in neuroimaging techniques and fMRI data analysis is a major advantage. Candidates should have an interest in designing and conducting experiments in neuroeconomics and social neuroscience. Finally, candidates should have programming experience, e.g. in MATLAB or similar languages.

Employment can begin immediately but is negotiable. The Institute for Empirical Research in Economics offers an exciting and interdisciplinary work environment and excellent research facilities, including a 3T MRI scanner dedicated to research and a large and well-equipped laboratory for conducting behavioral experiments.

Application may be made electronically or by post. Please submit your CV, copies of all relevant diplomas, a statement of interest, and the names and email addresses of two referees to the following address by December 14, 2008: Sally Gschwend, Institute for Empirical Research in Economics, Blümlisalpstr. 10, 8006 Zürich , Switzerland, s.gschwend[ at ]iew.uzh.ch

The University of Zurich is an equal opportunity employer, and as such welcomes applications from women and minority candidates.

• [Switzerland] Doctoral Assistantship in Applied Microeconomics and Econometrics at ETH Zurich
• [Switzerland] Doctoral Students and Researchers in Economics, KOF Swiss Economic Institute
• [Switzerland] Postdoctoral Position in Ribosome Biochemistry, University of Zurich
• [Switzerland] International PhD Programs in Life Sciences – University of Zurich
• [Switzerland] PhD Studentship: Center for Comparative and International Studies (CIS) Zurich

The position is suitable for a researcher with a strong background in biochemistry and some technical knowledge of molecular biology and microbiology. Previous work experience with ribosomes or RNA is an advantage; expertise in structural biology is a plus. We offer a highly productive and stimulating work environment in a small but effective, cooperative, well-equipped, interdisciplinary research team at the University of Downtown Switzerland.

Application
To apply, please email your CV, contact information of 3 references, and a brief statement on your specific scientific interest in the available position to shobbie@immv.unizh.ch

Requirements:
PhD qualification in Biochemistry or relevant field.

Contact:
Sven N. Hobbie
Institute of Medical Microbiology
Gloriastrasse 32
Zurich, Switzerland 8006

Phone: +41 44 634 2700

• [Switzerland] Postdoctoral and PhD Student Positions in Neurochoice, the University of Zurich
• [Switzerland] Doctoral Students and Researchers in Economics, KOF Swiss Economic Institute
• [Switzerland] International PhD Programs in Life Sciences – University of Zurich
• [Switzerland] Doctoral Assistantship in Applied Microeconomics and Econometrics at ETH Zurich
• [Switzerland] PhD Studentship: Center for Comparative and International Studies (CIS) Zurich

The position is part of an ongoing project funded by the Swiss Federal Office of Environment. The aim is to investigate the interactive effects of increasing atmospheric nitrogen deposition and rising ozone concentrations on species-rich alpine grasslands. The long-term field experiment, situated on a large plateau at timberline in the Swiss Alps, was initiated in 2004 and is planned to continue until 2010. 180 monoliths containing the complete undisturbed topsoil with the native vegetation are under free air ozone exposures with different nitrogen treatments at the original site.

For further details on the experiment please refer to this page. Results from this research are expected to contribute to the refinement of national and international (UNECE) air pollution abatement policies.

The successful candidate will join a group of plant ecologists, plant physiologists and soil scientists. His/her work will focus on the belowground compartment to investigate rhizosphere processes under the applied treatments. This will complement our investigations of vegetation changes and ecosystem gas exchange. The candidate is also expected to help in the maintenance of the experiment and in the botanical surveys, and to publish research findings in the peer reviewed literature.

The successful candidate should have a PhD in ecology, soil science or related fields with a strong background in plant-soil-interactions.

The position is available immediately, but starting data is negotiable. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Salary will be fixed according to Swiss National Science Foundation guidelines.

Applicants should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae with a list of publications, a brief statement of research interests, and contact information for at least three references by email to Dr. Matthias Volk (matthias.volk@art.admin.ch)

• [Ireland] MSc/PhD Research Studentships in Soil Biology Research, University College Dublin
• [Ireland] PhD Studentships at Centre for Hydrology, Micrometeorology and Climate Change, University College Cork
• [Switzerland] Postdoctoral Position in Ribosome Biochemistry, University of Zurich
• [France] Postdoctoral Position in Computational Sciences at Grenoble
• [UK] Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biology/Post-genome Technologies at University of Liverpool