Scholarships Source

Questions 1-9:
Europa is the smallest of planet Jupiter’s four largest moons and the second moon out from Jupiter. Until 1979, it was just another astronomy textbook statistic. Then came the close-up images obtained by the exploratory spacecraft Voyager 2, and within days, Europa was transformed-in our perception, at least-into one of the solar system’s
(5)most intriguing worlds. The biggest initial surprise was the almost total lack of detail,especially from far away. Even at close range, the only visible features are thin, kinked brown lines resembling cracks in an eggshell. And this analogy is not far off the mark. The surface of Europa is almost pure water ice, but a nearly complete absence of craters indicates that Europa’s surface ice resembles Earth’s Antarctic ice cap. The
(10) eggshell analogy may be quite accurate since the ice could be as little as a few kilometers thick –a true shell around what is likely a subsurface liquid ocean that , in turn, encases a rocky core. The interior of Europa has been kept warm over the eons by tidal forces generated by the varying gravitational tugs of the other big moons as they wheel around Jupiter. The tides on Europa pull and relax in an endless cycle. The resulting internal heat
(15) keeps what would otherwise be ice melted almost to the surface. The cracklike marks on Europa’s icy face appear to be fractures where water or slush oozes from below.
Soon after Voyager 2’s encounter with Jupiter in 1979, when the best images of
Europa were obtained, researchers advanced the startling idea that Europa’s subsurface ocean might harbor life. Life processes could have begun when Jupiter was releasing a
(20 )vast store of internal heat. Jupiter’s early heat was produced by the compression of the material forming the giant planet. Just as the Sun is far less radiant today than the primal Sun, so the internal heat generated by Jupiter is minor compared to its former intensity.
During this warm phase, some 4.6 billion years ago, Europa’s ocean may have been liquid right to the surface, making it a crucible for life.

1. What does the passage mainly discuss?

(A) The effect of the tides on Europa’s interior

(B) Temperature variations on Jupiter’s moons

(C) Discoveries leading to a theory about one of Jupiter’s moons

(D) Techniques used by Voyager 2 to obtain close-up images.

2. The word “intriguing” in line 5 is closest in meaning to

(A) changing

(B) perfect

(C) visible

(D) fascinating

3. In line 7, the another mentions “cracks in an eggshell” in order to help readers

(A) visualize Europa as scientists saw it in the Voyager 2 images

(B) appreciate the extensive and detailed information available by viewing Europa from far away

(C) understand the relationship of Europa to the solar system

(D) recognize the similarity of Europa to Jupiter’s other moons

4. It can be inferred from the passage that astronomy textbooks prior to 1979

(A) provided many contradictory statistics about Europa

(B) considered Europa the most important of Jupiter’s moons

(C) did not emphasize Europa because little information of interest was available

(D) did nor mention Europa because it had not yet been discovered

5. what does the author mean by stating in line 7 that “this analogy is not far off the mark”?

(A) The definition is not precise.

(B) The discussion lacks necessary information.

(C) The differences are probably significant.

(D) The comparison is quite appropriate.

6. IT can be inferred from the passage that Europa and Antarctica have in common which of the following?

(A) Both appear to have a surface with many craters.

(B) Both may have water beneath a thin, hard surface.

(C) Both have an ice can that is melting rapidly.

(D) Both have areas encased by a rocky exterior.

7. The word “endless” in line 14 is closest in meaning to

(A) new

(B) final

(C) temporary

(D) continuous

8. According to the passage, what is the effect of Jupiter’s other large moons on Europa?

(A) They prevent Europa’s subsurface waters from freezing.

(B) They prevent tides that could damage Europa’s surface.

(C) They produce the very hard layer of ice that characterizes Europa.

(D) They assure that the gravitational pull on Europa is maintained at a steady level.

9 According to the passage, what is believed to cause the thin lines seen on Europa’s surface?

(A) A long period of extremely high tides

(B) Water breaking through from beneath the surface ice

(C) The continuous pressure of slush on top of the ice

(D) Heat generated by the hot rocky core

16．Bacterial cultures are used commercially in the preparation of food products such that yogurt ,sour cream ,and vinegar.

17.Anyone with absolute ,or perfect,pitch are able to identify by ear any note at some standard pitch or to sing a specified note at will.

18.Sea horses usually live along the shore among seaweed and other plants to which they cling to by their tails.

19.Babies have soft spots between the bones of their skulls ,which allowing for further growth.

20.T.S.Elot,who a poet ,playwright, literary critic ,and editor ,was a leader of the Modemist movement in poetry.

21.The Pacific Ocean comprises almost the entire boundary western of North and South America.

22．Established in 1948 ,the State University of New York is the singly largest university system in the United States.

23.Photography disseminates information about humanity and nature ,records the visible world, and extension human knowledge into areas the eye cannot penetrate.

24.Because of their rapidly changing economically fortunes, many frontier towns of the American West underwent spectacular fluctuations in population in the nineteenth century.

25.Virtually no disease exists today for which there is no drug that can be given ,neither to cure the disease or to alleviate its symptoms.

26.Calcium is essential for blood clotting ,for the action of certain enzymes, and for the normal contraction and relax of muscles.

27.The large collection of the Williams College Museum of Art includes ancient and medieval art ,but much exhibits are modern or contemporary.

28.The technique of spectroscopy allows analyst of incoming light after it has been separated into its component wavelengths by passage through a prism.

29.Today ,fifty years after its construction ,the Alaska Highway conveys 40,000 vehicles in normal year.

30.Since prehistoric times ,artists (have been) arranged colors on surfaces (in ways) (that express) their ideas (about people) ,the world ,and religion.

31.(Few substances) look less (alike than) coal and diamonds ,yet both (are fashioned) (from same) elemental carbon.

32.Meteorologists can program their computes to scan for a specific set of weather criteria, such as falling barometric pressure ,increase cloud cover ,and rising humidity.

33.Obsidian is formed when siliceous lava cools too rapidly to crystallized into rock-forming minerals.

34.European settlers in North America moved from the Atlantic coast across 3,000 miles forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountains until they reached the Pacific Ocean.

35.Philosophy tries to discover the nature of true and knowledge and to find what is of basic value and importance in life.

36.In this world of high technology ,it is easy to forget that the most important tools ever developed for learning is still the book.

37.The element potassium makes up less than one half percentage of the human body.

38.Twenty thousand years ago a sheet of ice a thousand meters thick covered the coastal region which the cities of Vancouver and Juneau now are located.

39.The Crow ,Blackfoot ,and Sioux tribes traditionally adorned they dwellings and costumes with colorful and highly valued beaded decorations.

40.In the late 1800’s ,United States painter Thomas Eakins develop a broad ,powerful Realist style that became almost expressionistic in his later years.

1.The musical comedy Oklahoma! did much to expand the potential of the musical stage, and it encouraged others to attempt......

(a)original themes

(b)to original themes

(c)that were original themes

(d)how original themes

2.Despite its fishlike form, the whale is......and will drown if submerged too long.

(a)an animal breathes air that

(b)an animal that breathes air

(c)an animal breathes air

(d)that an animal breathes air

3.The saguaro ,found in desert regions in the southwestern United States ,......cactus in the world.

(a)is the largest

(b)the largest

(c)that is the largest

(d)the largest that is a

4.It is said that United Stales literature......individuality and identity in the twentieth century, after long imitation of European models.

(a)was achieved

(b)achieved

(c)to achieve

(d)achieving

5.Lucy Stone ,......first feminists in the United States ,helped organize the American Woman Suffrage Association in 1869.

(a)the one

(b)who was the

(c)another

(d)one of the

6.......,including climate, mineral content, and the permanency of surface water, wetlands may be mossy ,grassy , scrubby, or wooded.

(a)Depending on many factors

(b)Many factors depending on

(c)Factors depending on many

(d)On many factors depending

(7)Duke Ellington's orchestra ,......his own often complex compositions, made many innovations in jazz.

(a)he played

(b)playing

(c)that it played

(d)was playing

(8)The term "ice age" refers to any of several periods of time when glaciers covered considerably more of Earth's surface......

(a)as is today

(b)than today is

(c)than they do today

(d)that today

(9)From colonial times ,United States property owners agreed to tax themselves on the theory......directly from services that the government could provide.

(a)property owners benefited so that

(b)why property owners benefited

(c)that if property owners benefited

(d)that property owners benefited

(10)Helium is not flammable and ,next to hydrogen ,is......

(a)known the lightest gas

(b)lightest the known gas

(c)the lightest gas known

(d)the known gas lightest

(11)Wild eagles that survive to adulthood are believed......from 20 to 30 years.

(a)live

(b)to live

(c)they live

(d)their living

(12)Portland,......,is located primarily on two hilly peninsulas overlooking Casco Bay and its many island.

(a)which Maine's largest city

(b)Maine's largest city where

(c)is Maine's largest city

(d)Maine's largest city

13.......widely used in the chemical industry, sodium carbonate is principally consumed by the glass industry.

(a)Despite

(b)Whether

(c)Though

(d)Except for

14.Cells,first identified by the early microscopists, began to be considered......in the nineteenth century.

(a)them as microcosm of living organisms

(b)the microcosm of living organisms

(c)the microcosm of living organisms to be

(d)as which ,the microcosm of living organisms

15.Like Jupiter, Saturn is a large ,gaseous planet composed......of hydrogen and helium.

(a)it is mostly

(b)mostly

(c)almost

(d)both are almost

Open PhD candidate position in the MADYNES team at INRIA

The MADYNES Research team at INRIA’s Nancy Grand Est location is looking for a talented and highly motivated Ph.D. candidate to join our international research team in the area of network and security management.

Short Ph.D. thesis description :

Proactive Risk Management for VoIP Networks and Services

Voice over IP (VoIP) has become a major paradigm for providing flexible phone services and reducing operational costs. The large-scale deployment of VoIP has been leveraged by the high-speed broadband access to the Internet and the standardization of dedicated protocols. However, VoIP faces multiple security issues including vulnerabilities inherited from the IP layer and security attacks specific to VoIP services. The objective of this PhD thesis is to design, implement and validate new models and architectures for performing proactive risk management in VoIP networks.
The research will be done in the context of the joint INRIA-Alcatel/Lucent Bellabs laboratory. The doctoral student will be located in the Nancy premises of INRIA. He/She will also have the opportunity to contribute to the EMANICS European Network of Excellence.

Requirements :

Applicants should have a strong background in networking and security. They would ideally combine a true interest for theoretical work (applied statistics, data analysis, risk modeling) with excellent engineering skills (networking and software programming in Java/C++). A first experience in the fields of VoIP and/or risk management would definitely be an asset.

Dates & numbers :

The start of the thesis is envisioned on october 1st, 2008 for a duration of 36 months.
The expected salary is around 2000 Euros gross per month.

Application Procedure :

Candidates should send a PDF of their detailed CV, together with a list of 3 references and a PDF copy of their Masters Thesis.
The documents should be sent to : Olivier.Festor@inria.frThis email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

For further information, please contact :

Olivier Festor
Head of the MADYNES Research Team
Scientific Leader of the EMANICS Network of Excellence
Centre de Recherche INRIA Nancy - Grand Est
Olivier.Festor[at]inria.fr

Tel : +33 687.22.00.52
madynes.loria.fr

Open to: Australian and International applicants

Closing Date: 15 August 2008

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Benefits available at QUT include 17% employer superannuation contributions, a generous study assistance scheme, salary packaging, relocation assistance (if applicable), extensive development and training programs and access to a range of state-of-the-art facilities.

Position Purpose and Organisational Relationships
This position involves the design of efficient and robust surveillance strategies for the Post Harvest Grains Industry using a variety of existing information sources under uncertainty. The application of existing methodologies in novel ways or development new methods will be made to synthesise biological, spatial and sampling information, enabling the development of strategies that improve the capacity for the detection of grains pests, or demonstrate freedom from pest infestation. To fulfill the duties of this position, National and international travel to liaise with team members and other relevant partners is be required.

The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be appointed within the School of Natural Resource Sciences at QUT and will be located at the QUT Gardens Point Campus. The appointee will conduct research on behalf of the project team and report to the Project Leader, Dr. Grant Hamilton. This project is funded by the Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity.

Duties include:

• Planning and conducting research under the supervision of the project leaders. This includes collaboration with other researchers and stakeholders as required. Specific research tasks include:

• Assessing data sources and collating appropriate data as required
• Reviewing the current surveillance strategies used within the Post Harvest Grains Industry
• Developing novel methods for incorporating multiple information sources to increase the power of surveillance systems to detect insect pests

• Preparation and publication of research outcomes in relevant refereed journals and presentation of research outcomes at seminars and conferences as directed by the project leader

• Liaising with collaborating partners on the conduct of the research project and assisting with associated administrative matters

• Providing regular written and verbal reports as directed by the project leader and undertaking associated administrative functions

• Assisting in the supervision of research and honours students in project-related areas

• As necessary, assisting in gaining further project-related research funding

• Maintaining complete and accurate research records

• Maintaining research confidentiality and conforming to all requirements for the protection of intellectual property

• Undertaking other appropriate research-related duties as directed by the project team leaders

• Accountable for complying with health and safety policies, procedures, hazard reporting and safe work practices

• Actively participating in research collaborations with other relevant researchers and research partners, under the supervision of project leaders

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential:

1. Completion of a PhD in statistics with an appropriate biological application, or a PhD in another relevant discipline such as agricultural science or ecology with a strong record of quantitative research.
2. Capacity to analyse spatial data
3. Experience in liaising with stakeholders and effectively communicating complex scientific ideas.
4. Demonstrated well developed written communication skills with a proven track record of publication of scientific results in peer reviewed journals and other research publications.
5. Demonstrated well developed oral communication skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
7. Knowledge of workplace health and safety principles which will enable the appointee to implement these principles at an appropriate level.

Desirable:

1. Experience in Bayesian statistical analysis.
2. Experience in the design of surveillance systems.
3. Experience in insect invasion biology.
4. Experience in agricultural systems, particularly the grains industry

Information for applicants

Applicants are required to notify the University of any immigration restrictions that may preclude them from fulfilling the terms of any contract of employment offered at QUT.

HOW TO APPLY

Please provide:

• Application cover sheet
• Applicants are encouraged to systematically address the selection criteria
• Your current resume – including academic qualifications and the names and contact details of professional referees and the period of notice you would need to give your current employer if offered the position
• Applicants should include copies of teaching evaluations (if applicable) and list up to three of their best publications.

Forward your application to jobapplications@qut.edu.au quoting vacancy ref no. 28305 by 15 August 2008.

Prior to submitting your application please review information regarding immigration requirements, workplace health and safety, equal employment opportunity, non-smoking policy and relocation available at
http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/jobs/information.jsp.

After the closing date, you can check the status of the recruitment process. QUT is an equal opportunity employer and employer of choice for women.

Further Information

PhD position in systems biology, mathematical modeling of cellular signaling pathways

Structured PhD Programme in Bioinformatics and Computational Medicine
University College Dublin, Ireland

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship, starting in October 2008 or later within the Bioinformatics and Computational Medicine Structured PhD Programme (http://bioinformatics.ucd.ie/PhD) at University College Dublin, to work on a research project on spatial and temporal dynamics of cell signaling pathways.

The successful candidate will undertake a four-year research project on spatial and temporal dynamics of cell signaling under the supervision of B.N. Kholodenko, Z. Neufeld and E.A. Cox. The project is aimed at understanding how biochemical signaling networks can transmit precise spatial information in a dynamic and robust manner to control the execution of spatially resolved cellular processes. The models developed will be based on nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations representing GTPase and kinase/phosphatase signaling cascades which control pivotal cellular processes. Computational models will involve primarily ordinary and partial differential equations, although stochastic methods and probabilistic approaches may also be used. Applicants should have a genuine interest in modeling of biological processes and experience with nonlinear dynamics and numerical calculations. Although the work will mostly involve theoretical/computational modeling, there will be some participation in experimental work. (see http://bioinformatics.ucd.ie/PhD/projects.html#1 for further details of the project)

Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a degree in a numerate discipline, particularly with experience of mathematical and computational modeling (e.g. mathematics, computational science, computational biology, physics, chemical or bio-engineering or related areas).

For further enquiries please contact: B.N. Kholodenko (Boris.Kholodenko@jefferson.edu) or Z. Neufeld (zoltan.neufeld@ucd.ie).

Applicants should send a CV and names and addresses of two referees to bioinfo@ucd.ie before the closing date of 8 August 2008.

The Institute for Heat and Fuel Technology at the TU Braunschweig seeks a

in the area of nonlinear systems and network optimization under uncertainty.

The position is vacant in the Integrated Systems Group (M. Mönnigmann). Our research deals with the development and application of numerical methods for the modeling, simulation, and optimization of nonlinear dynamical systems in the areas of process, chemical, and energy systems engineering.
The position is vacant in a long-term project funded by and carried out in cooperation with E.ON, one of the major European utility companies. The goal of the project is the development of numerical methods for the economic optimization of large scale energy generation and storage networks. Particular emphasis is on the uncertainties that arise due to intermittent sources such as wind and solar energy.

Ideal candidates have

• completed a master’s or equivalent degree in mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering, scientific computing, applied math, or physics with a very good academic record,
• experience in numerical methods and programming, in particular experience in numerical optimization methods such as linear, nonlinear, or integer programming are welcome,
• interest in conducting Ph.D. research in an interdisciplinary area at the interface of engineering and scientific computing,
• interest in teaching and advising,
• interest in cooperation with industrial partners,
• very good proficiency in English.

Knowledge of German is very welcome. The salary follows the German law for public institutions and is according to the standard rate TV-L E 13.

The TU Braunschweig particularly welcomes applications of women and persons with disabilities.

Applications should comprise a letter of motivation, a CV, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and any other information that prove a high academic aptitude. If available please include contact information of references and test scores (such as GRE, TOEFL).
Please send your application to one of the following addresses. Electronic applications are preferred.

TU Braunschweig
Prof. Dr.-Ing. M. Mönnigmann
Postfach 3329
38023 Braunschweig
Germany

jobs-wbt@tu-bs.de

The University of Antwerp is a knowledge centre with 3.400 employees involved in ground-breaking and innovative research of international standing. The university takes special care to ensure optimum support and supervision of students, and pays constant attention to educational innovation. The University is an autonomous pluralistic institution that is committed to the enhancement of an open, democratic and multicultural society, and it pursues an equal opportunities policy.

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science is seeking to fill in the following full time vacancy (m/f):

PhD position in Applied Mathematics.

Assignment:

• you prepare a PhD thesis in the domain of Numerical Analysis
• you take up a limited teaching duty.

Research:

• the research lies within the FWO group project "Design of new models and techniques for high performance financial applications". This project is concerned with new models and techniques for robustly and efficiently pricing modern financial products, in particular exotic options. To this purpose we investigate numerical methods for partial differential equations that form multi-dimensional extensions of the celebrated Black-Scholes equation. The nature of the research is both theoretical (analysis and design of methods) and practical (implementation and performance analysis of the methods).

Profile:

• you have a master's degree in mathematics
• last year students can apply
• you can show excellent study results
• you have knowledge of and experience with numerical methods for (time-dependent, partial) differential equations and share an interest in mathematical price models for modern financial products such as options.

We offer:

• a scholarship for a period of four years
• starting date is in 2008
• position is open also to non-EU citizens.

Interested?

• please send your CV, including study results, with an accompanying motivational letter to prof. Karel in 't Hout, email karel.inthout@ua.ac.be, phone +32 (0)3 265 3897.

Personal Statement and Statement of Motivation
Almost all graduate programmes ask applicants to submit a personal statement, and a statement of motivation, as part of the application process.

Some general tips:

• Stick to the word/ space limit given.
• Address any obvious gaps or weak points in your application either in a separate cover note or in the application essay, but always keep the explanation positive. For example, state what you learned from a difficult experience and how it has made you a better student.
• Get someone you trust to proof-read each statement for grammatical and spelling errors. Make sure statements are clear, interesting, and logically organized. The personal statement is an important demonstration of your written communication skills.

The personal statement

The personal statement gives the universities a chance to get a glimpse of you as an individual, an insight that is not possible in the grades and numbers that make up the rest of your application. Extracurricular activities give the admissions committee an idea as to the type of person that you are. The personal statement is not meant to be an autobiography in chronological order; or a CV. Instead, use your imagination to come up with an interesting format and content that will maintain the reader's interest. Admissions officers read many essays. Since the programme is extremely competitive, try to have an interesting first sentence that grabs the reader's attention and makes the essay more memorable. Make sure that your statement is a true representation of yourself and your abilities — it is important that the essay be genuine and honest. Remain truthful not just because it is ethical, but because it is powerful.

Motivation

The statement of motivation is an important part of the application, and it is essential that you write the best statement possible. It is important that your dedication to your field resonates in your application. The goal is to write a clear, concise, and persuasive statement that sincerely reflects your views and aspirations. The admissions committee that reviews applications wants to see if there is a good match between you and the department or school and whether the Master programme can meet your needs. Think about what you want to achieve in the Europe, and a well thought out answer is critical. It is an opportunity for you to distinguish yourself from other applicants.

Four important questions should be answered in the statement of motivation:

• Why do you wish to pursue a graduate degree, and why now? How do your career goals relate to your past experiences and your decision to apply for graduate study.
• What are your academic, professional or research interests? The admissions committee will be looking for a good match between you and the department to ensure that they can satisfy your interests. They are also looking for a demonstration of intellectual maturity and understanding of your field.
• Why are you applying to this particular institution and degree programme? Tailor the statement of motivation to the programme including, if possible, references to professors you wish to work with, courses you wish to take, and unique facilities available at the institution. Admissions officers want to see that you have done careful research about their program and that you are a serious candidate.
• What can you contribute to the department or programme in terms of your background, abilities, or other special qualities and interests? Discuss any relevant past experiences and achievements, as well as any special qualities you feel you can bring to the programme, such as your international perspective. Be sure and explain any academic difficulties you might have experienced and what you did to correct them.

The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System Modelling (IMPRS-ESM), in Hamburg, Germany, is a PhD program jointly offered by the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology and the University of Hamburg. The School comprises institutions and scientists from the broad field of Earth sciences, as well as from the economics and social sciences. The IMPRS-ESM contributes to the development, application and evaluation of a spectrum of Earth system models at different complexity and spatial and temporal scales.

The IMPRS-ESM offers several doctoral positions to outstanding students interested in interdisciplinary studies in the comprehensive field of Earth system research. Detailed information is available on our internet site www.earthsystemschool.de .

The PhD program is open to applicants holding the equivalent of a German Diplom or a Master’s degree (with written thesis) in physics, geophysical sciences (incl. meteorology and oceanography), chemistry, ecology, mathematics, computer science, economics, or political science. Applicants need to register online ( www.earthsystemschool.de/application.html ) and e-mail to us the requested application documents. Application deadline is September 15, 2008 (online registration closes September 8). The selection procedure includes an interview of shortlisted applicants. Successful candidates will be offered financial support of about 1,000 Euro monthly to cover living expenses. There are no tuition fees.

Positions will be available starting March 2009 (duration up to 3 years).

The Max Planck Institute for Meteorology seeks to increase the number of female scientists and encourages them to apply. Disabled persons with comparable qualifications receive preferential status.

For questions, please contact: coordinator@earthsystemschool.de

Sample Academic Cover Letters

502 W. Main Street #221
Urbana, IL 61801
October 20, 2003
Music History Search Committee
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
422 South 11th Street
Indiana, PA 15705

Dear Members of the Search Committee:

I am writing in response to your advertisement for the Assistant Professor of Music History position at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, as advertised in the Chronicle of Higher Education. I am currently a Ph.D. student in Musicology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and will complete my degree
in May 2004. I respectfully submit this letter of application, for I believe my experiences and commitment to teaching make me well qualified to meet the needs of IUP’s dynamic program.
As a teaching assistant at the University of Illinois, I have gained valuable experience leading undergraduate discussion sections for both music majors and non-majors. In addition to classroom instruction, I have advised students on appropriate research topics and edited and evaluated their work. Based on student evaluations, I have earned the Graduate Teaching Award for every semester that I have taught and have been listed four times among the top ten percent of teachers rated at the University of Illinois. I also co-created a public Music Appreciation course entitled Music for All, which attracted the interest of concertgoers of all ages and backgrounds. I am firmly dedicated to the education of music students as well as general audiences
and eagerly welcome an opportunity to develop similar programs at IUP.
My course work has covered a wide range of topics in the various musical eras. My research, comparing Beethoven’s symphonies with the more modern compositions of late-twentieth century American composers, has provided me with the opportunity to draw connections between the different periods and to communicate
difficult concepts clearly to students of all levels. I am committed to an interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and teaching, and all of my courses are structured with this in mind. Rather than simply lecturing to a class, I strive to cultivate an interactive environment in which students can express themselves freely while learning to engage with the past in meaningful ways. I emphasize critical thinking and the need to consider music within its larger social, historical, and intellectual contexts. IUP takes great pride in its training of young scholars, and I feel that it is my responsibility to uphold these standards and to encourage and challenge students to work up to their potential, in hopes that their experiences in my classes will teach them far more than the history of music.
In addition to the standard period surveys, I am fully prepared to develop courses on opera history, Lieder, music and rhetoric (with special emphasis on the Baroque period), Twentieth century music, Romanticism, and music and the visual arts.
I welcome an opportunity to discuss my teaching and future research projects with you. I have enclosed my CV, and you will be receiving my letters of recommendation under separate cover. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Mary Blake

taken from: www.grad.uiuc.edu/careerservices

The Swiss Banking Institute, University of Zurich, offers two PhD positions in the general field of applied behavioral finance. The positions are sponsored by LGT (Liechtenstein Global Trust).

The positions combine interdisciplinary research, as it is done on a high level at the University of Zurich, with direct practical applications. Our institute has many national and international collaborations and also connections to practitioners that can be utilized by PhD students.

Prerequisites are a master, lic. or diploma degree in economics, finance, applied mathematics, computer science or a similar field. Our institute provides the conditions for the PhD students to perform applied research on a top level. Independent work, also in collaboration with other researchers at our institute, is particularly encouraged.

For the first position good knowledge of financial economics and basic decision theory is required. Experience with statistical analysis or econometrics is desirable.
For the second position experience in statistical analysis, econometrics or data mining is required. Basic knowledge of the main principles in economics and finance or the willingness to swiftly obtain this knowledge is also required.

Computer programming skills (e.g. in C++ or Matlab) are a valuable asset for both positions, as is knowledge of statistical software (e.g. SPSS, R).

Besides the research a small amount of administrative services might be required.

Both positions start as soon as possible.

For further information please contact Martine Baumgartner, mbaumg@isb.uzh.ch and Dr. Marc Oliver Rieger rieger@isb.uzh.ch.

Please send your application as pdf-file to Martine Baumgartner, mbaumg@isb.uzh.ch. The application should include cover letter, a curriculum vitae and (if applicable) a copy of your master/lic./diploma thesis or an abstract describing your topic. Please point out in your application whether you think you would fit better to the profile of the first or second position and mention particular strengths that might be useful in this context.

Deadline for the applications is July 31, 2008. Later applications will be considered until both positions are filled.

Opening at the Department of Educational Sciences of KU Leuven:

1 quantitative PhD position (2 x 2 years)

within the framework of a GOA project on Formal Models for the Structure and Variability of Emotions. The candidate will contribute to formal modeling of sequential processes underlying emotions.

Starting date: October 1, 2008 (or to be negotiated)

Requisites: Master in the Behavioral Sciences with sound knowledge of statistics and data analysis, Master of Sciences, or Master of Statistics

Applications (vita + motivation letter) are due no later than August 15 and are to be sent to Eva Ceulemans, Department of Educational Sciences, Andreas Vesaliusstraat 2 - box 3762, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

For further information, please e-mail Eva.Ceulemans@ped.kuleuven.be

PhD Position in Probability and Mathematical Statistics
Tilburg, June 30, 2008
Applications are invited for a PhD position in probabilistic and
statistical aspects of extreme value theory and its applications in
insurance and finance. The position may be taken up as early as 1
September 2008.
The PhD candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Dr.
J.H.J. Einmahl and Dr. R.J.A. Laeven.
Positions are for three years and are open to candidates with a twoyear
research master’s (MPhil) or equivalent. Candidates with a
one-year master’s degree may be requested to complete a tailormade
one-year MPhil program before entering into the PhD
program.
Applicants should have a strong background in mathematics with an
emphasis on probability theory and mathematical statistics.
The PhD candidate will be affiliated with the CentER Graduate School,
which forms part of the Faculty of Economics and Business
Administration. The PhD program provides students with opportunities
to participate in research seminars and to interact with the leading
scholars from all over the world.
According to the December 2003 ranking by the Journal of the
European Economic Association (JEEA), Tilburg University's CentER is
the best research institution in Europe. For more information on
CentER, please visit www.center.nl. For further information on the
Graduate School please visit www.center.nl/gs.
The salary for a full-time appointment increases from 1867 Euros per
month in the first year to 2394 Euros per month in the final year.
Applicants should send a full CV including the names of TWO
references to Dr. Roger J.A. Laeven (R.J.A.Laeven@uvt.nl). Applicants
must ask their referees to write directly to Roger Laeven by the closing
date of 15 August 2008.

University of Heidelberg
2 PhD scholarships

The Cluster of Excellence "Asia and Europe in a Global Context: Shifting Asymmetries in Cultural Flows" at the University of Heidelberg is offering
2 PhD scholarships within the Junior Research Group "Asymmetries in Cultural Information Flows: Europe and South Asia in the Global Information Network since the Nineteenth Century".

The PhD students will be expected to develop a PhD project with the Junior Research Group's research focus. The research group primarily examines how the emergence of a global telecommunication network in the late nineteenth century altered information flow patterns between South Asia and Europe and transformed action and event horizons on both sides of the communication process.

The PhD students will work within the framework of these subprojects:

* "‘Telegram Style': Shifts in Transcultural Knowledge and Colonial Decision-Taking" (British colonial history, South Asian history and/or communication studies)
* "Shifting Horizons: The Local Impact of Telegraphy in Nineteenth-Century South Asia" (History, South Asian Literature/) . Mastery of a local language will be necessary.

General information on the Cluster of Excellence can be found at http://www.vjc. uni-hd.de. It is highly recommended to contact the JRG leader, Roland Wenzlhuemer, to obtain further details about the research design of the Junior Research Group and the subprojects.

Applicants will have an excellent academic standing and be interested in completing a doctoral degree at the University of Heidelberg. Applicants are required to hold a Masters degree or equivalent by 1 October 2008. The positions available are open to both EU and overseas students.
The scholarships will start on 1 October 2008 or as soon as possible thereafter. They are awarded for two years with a possible renewal for another year after successful evaluation. The scholarship includes a stipend of EUR 1.000 per month and access to travel funds. Applications from women, ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities are encouraged. For further information please contact roland.wenzlhuemer@ staff.hu- berlin.de.

Please send a CV, copies of university degrees, two letters of recommendation and a short PhD project outline of no more than 1.000 words to the address below. Electronic applications are welcome. Interviews will begin on 18 August 2008 and continue until the positions are filled.

Contact details for enquiries and submission of application:
Dr. Roland Wenzlhuemer
Centre for British Studies
Mohrenstrasse 60
10117 Berlin, Germany
Tel. +49 (0) 30 2093 5330
Email: roland.wenzlhuemer@ staff.hu- berlin.de

PhD positions available at UNESCO-IHE in collaboration with Makerere
University and the Kampala City Council in Uganda

An interdisciplinary research program entitled "*Integrated approaches and
strategies to address the Sanitation Crisis in Unsewered Slum Areas in
African mega-cities (SCUSA)*", funded by the UNESCO-IHE Partnership Research
Fund (UPaRF), will be carried out by UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water
Education (Delft, The Netherlands) , Makerere University, and the Kampala
City Council, both in Uganda.

The SCUSA research program addresses one of the most relevant developmental
issues worldwide: a reduction of under-5 child mortality rates due to
water-borne diseases, and malnutrition in low-income unplanned urban
settlements. As such, the project will contribute to the realization of
Millenium Development Goal 7, Target 10 (i.e. to halve, by 2015, the
proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water). The
SCUSA research program has identified three projects, centered around a slum
area of Kampala. To carry out these research projects, three strongly
interdisciplinary PhD positions are vacant.
Project description

The development and expansion of informal settlements in the peri-urban
areas of African cities is widespread, while these cities harbour the
majority of the urban population. Peri-urban areas, or slums, are
characterized by, among other things, poorly constructed houses, poor water
supply and sanitary conditions, and lack or inadequate support services.

Besides the spreading of diseases related to surface water (e.g. malaria),
one of the main problems associated with sanitation and water in peri-urban
areas is related to the pollutant load entering and leaving the peri-urban
catchment, either as surface water or groundwater. This water is polluting
drinking water (with increased incidence of cholera and diarrhoea) or
eutrophying surface water, due to extremely high nutrient fluxes discharged
from the surrounding catchments. As a result, the main research question of
the SCUSA research program is: *How to improve sanitation in peri-urban
urban slum areas?*
Ph.D. project 1: Wastewater and solid waste treatment and reusePh.D. project
2: The socio-economic aspects of improving sanitation Ph.D. project 3:
Hydrology and contaminant transport*The following applies to all 3 Ph.D.
positions:*

- All topics will be carried out in a so-called sandwich construction
with different phases at UNESCO-IHE in the Netherlands and field research in
Uganda (with regular contacts with Ugandan and Dutch supervisors) .
- PhD positions are funded with a fellowship for which NUFFIC regulations
apply.
- Starting date: January 1, 2009, for 4 years.
- Qualifications: MSc degree (average mark: 80% or above) in a discipline
relevant to the topic, e.g. environmental engineering, sanitation,
socio-economics of the water sector, water resource economics, hydrology and
water resources.
- The applicant must demonstrate a strong interest and experience in
conducting interdisciplinary research.
- The applicant must be willing to do research in a team, share his
results with the SCUSA research team and advise fellow Ph.D. researchers
when necessary.
- The applicant should be willing to co-supervise MSc research projects.
- The applicant must be fluent in English (e.g. TOEFL paper based score
of at least 550).
- Excellent reporting skills and shown ability to publish in the
scientific literature.
- Knowledge of the African sanitation field is desirable.
- Age: 40 years and below.

For questions, please mail Prof. Dr. Frank Kansiime (
fkansiime@muienr. mak.ac.ug) or Dr. Jan Willem Foppen of UNESCO-IHE (
j.foppen@unesco- ihe.org).

Applications, including curriculum vitae, a motivation letter and 2 letters
of recommendation, as well as the names and contact details of three
contactable referees, all in one pdf file, should be sent by email to
t.morgenstond@ unesco-ihe. org before *September 1st 2008*.

Please mention in the subject heading "PhD application SCUSA project *x*",
where *x* refers to the Ph.D. projects mentioned above. Short-listed
candidates will be contacted before October 1st 2008 to set a date of an
interview, possibly via video-conferencing.

Graduate Scholarships for International Students

I. Basic Information on the Scholarships

The scholarships are provided by the Chinese Government and Zhejiang
University jointly for prospective international students to study
for Ph.D. Degrees at Zhejiang University.

1. 60 scholarship students will be accepted for the fall semester of
2008 and spring semester of 2009;

2. Details:

Awardees will be exempt from tuition and fees for registration,
laboratory experiments, internship, basic learning materials, and
intramural accommodation;

- Living allowance: CNY 1,400 per month for doctoral students;

- Fee for outpatient medical services and Comprehensive Medical
Insurance and Benefit Plan for International Students in China: CNY
600 per person per annum;

- A one-off settlement subsidy for new students after registration:
CNY 600 per person.

3. Duration:

The duration of the scholarship for all programs with English as the
media of instruction is the same as the normal length of the specific
programs.

II. An Overview of Zhejiang University:

Zhejiang University is located in the coastal city of Hangzhou,
capital of Zhejiang Province, which lies 180 km away from Shanghai, a
metropolitan city in China. As one of the China's Seven ancient
capitals, Hangzhou is a world-famous tourist resort praised as "a
paradise on earth", boasting very favorable natural conditions, with
a mild climate, convenient transportation systems, picturesque
scenery and rich cultural heritage.

The university is one of the few top-ranking research institutions of
higher learning in China. It has a full coverage of disciplines in 11
major branches of Learning, Namely Philosophy, Literature, History,
Education, Sciences, Economics, Law, Management, Engineering,
Agriculture and Medicine. With a history of more than 80 years of
graduate education, the university now offers 331 academic and
professional Master's Degree programs and 283 Doctoral programs.
Under its administration there are 14 Nation Key Laboratories, 2
National Engineering Research Centers and 3 National Engineering
Technology Centers and 43 post-doctor stations. At present, the
university has a full-time student body of over 39,000, with 22,900
undergraduates, over 15,700 Master's Degree students and over 6,600
Ph.D. candidates, and the university also has about 1,700
international students coming from over 100 countries.

A truly comprehensive institute with developing into a world-class
institution as its goal, Zhejiang University aims to provide an
outstanding education that will enable its students to build a future
of professional, intellectual and personal success, capable of
leadership in different areas. Equally important, however, is the
role the university has been playing in research. With a faculty
capable of top-level and large-scale research and a high proportion
of graduate students, the university has been undertaking projects,
both basic and applied, to address pressing issues of today and the
future.

III. Application

l Eligibility

1. Applicants must be non-Chinese nationals and in good health.

2. Applicants must have a Master's Degree.

3. Applicants must be under the age of 40.

4. Applicants should have a competitive academic record.

5. Applicants should have strong scientific research ability.

6. Applicants must NOT be beneficiaries of any other kinds of
sponsorships.

l Language Used in Teaching

- English is used as instructional language for programs in Science,
Engineering, Agriculture, Economics, Business, and Medicines.

l Application Materials

All applicants must fill in and provide the following materials truly
and correctly.

1. The Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship (Download)
in Chinese or in English.

2. Highest diploma (notarized photocopy). If applicants are
university students or already employed, they should also provide
documents of being university students or on-post employees.
Documents in languages other than Chinese or English must be attached
with translations in Chinese or English.

3. Applicants for doctoral studies need to provide notarized copies
of their undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Transcripts in
languages other than Chinese or English must be attached with
translations in Chinese or English.

4. A photocopy of the passport and a recent photo (white background,
35mm × 45mm in size).

5. A study or research proposal in Chinese or in English (no less
than 800 words).

6. Two letters of recommendation from full professors or associate
professors (in Chinese or English).

7. Published academic papers or other academic achievements (if
applicable).

8. Photocopy of Foreigner Physical Examination Form (printed by
Chinese quarantine authority. Applicants are expected to keep the
original copies) filled in English. The medical examinations must
cover all the items listed in the Foreigner Physical Examination
Form. Incomplete records or those without the signature of the
attending physician, the official stamp of the hospital or a sealed
photograph of the applicants are invalid. The medical examination
results will be valid for 6 months. All applicants are kindly
requested to take this factor into consideration as they plan to take
the medical examination.

Applicants should submit the above materials to the International
College of Zhejiang University before May 30, 2008 for the programs
starting in fall 2008 and before Sept. 20 2008 for those starting in
spring 2009. Application materials will NOT be returned regardless of
the result of application.

l Choices of Programs

Please check the Major Doctoral Programs. Applicants are encouraged
to contact their prospective supervisors at Zhejiang University prior
to application and are expected to enclose in their application
package the relevant recommendation letters written by those
supervisors.

l Approval and Notification

Zhejiang University will review all the application materials.
Decisions for admission and for granting the scholarships will be
made on the basis of the applicants' competitiveness, academic and
otherwise. The name list of the scholarship awardees for programs
starting from the fall semester of 2008 will be publicized before
July 31, 2008 after it is reviewed by China Scholarship Council.
Admission Notices and other relevant documents will be sent to the
awardees afterwards.

Contact Information

International College of Zhejiang University:

Mr. YI Honghui Tel: +86 571 87953101 Email: zjuyhh@zju.edu. cn
Fax: +86 571 87951755
Office of Degree Student Affairs, International College
Room 229, No. 31 Dorm, Yuquan Campus, Zhejiang University

Postal Address:
P.O. Box W-99, International College, Yuquan Campus, Zhejiang
University, Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China 310027

Note:

1. Awardees must go through the Annual Review of the Chinese
Government Scholarship Status.

2. The duration of the "Scholarship for Graduate Studies in Zhejiang
University for International Students" is not to be extended if the
awardees fail to finish the studies due to personal reasons.

3. Scholarship students who have to suspend their studies because of
illness should return to their home country for further treatment and
rest. Expenses for the international travel to and from the
university will be borne by the students themselves, and their
scholarship status will be reserved for one year at most, with the
monthly living allowance stopped during the suspension. Scholarships
of the students who suspend their studies for reasons other than
illness will not be reserved.

Application Form for Chinese Government Scholarship. rar
http://iczu. zju.edu.cn/ uploadfile/ 200804/200804291 34234856. rar

PhD Research Studentships
Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering

www.lboro.ac. uk/departments/ tt/

Applications are invited for PhD research studentships within Loughborough University's Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering for the 2008-2009 academic year. Studentships will be paid a tax-free stipend of at least £12,000 p.a. for 3 years, plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate. For well-qualified overseas graduates studentships will cover the overseas fees. Applicants should be highly motivated and have (or expect to obtain by October 2008) a minimum of an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in the appropriate engineering discipline.

Loughborough University's research has a strong industrial and commercial dimension that is at the forefront of many technological advances. Research studentships in the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering are available in a number of key areas:

* Acoustics and Vibration link to http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research/ acoustics- vibration- background. html
* Applied Aerodynamics link to http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research/ aerodynamics- background. html
* Combustion and Energy Conversion link to http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research/ combustion. html
* Dynamics and Control link to http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research/ dynamics. html
* Structures and Materials link to http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research/ material- structures- background. html
* Risk and Reliability link to http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research/ risk-reliability .html

Further details of research areas for each group can be found in our Research Guide which can be downloaded from the department's website: http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/research. html

Eligibility:
Candidates should hold, or expect to receive, a first or upper second degree in a relevant engineering or science subject. In addition applicants whose first language is not English English will require a language qualification, full details can be found at:

http://lboro. ac.uk/admin/ ar/international /prospective/ englishlang/ pgr/index. htm

Additional Information:
Applicants should complete the standard PhD application form available from:-
http://www.lboro. ac.uk/prospectus /pg/apply/ index.html. Further information about the studentship can be obtained by contacting:- Jackie Green, Research Administrator, Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering, Loughborough University, E-mail: J.A.Green@lboro. ac.uk

For informal enquiries contact the relevant academic, details are available on the website: http://www.lboro. ac.uk/department s/tt/dept_ research. html

Closing Date for Applications: Friday, 15 August 2008
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