Postdoctoral Fellow, Canterbury University , New Zealand

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW IN HEALTH GEOGRAPHY

GeoHealth Laboratory, Department of Geography
Closing Date: 2 September 2009

Christchurch

Reference Number: A191-09J

Review Date: 5 August 2009

Closing Date: 2 September 2009

The GeoHealth Laboratory, Department of Geography, University of Canterbury invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship (research). This is a full time, three-year fixed term position and available immediately. The fellowship is intended for a recent PhD whose training and research is in health and medical geography, public health, social epidemiology and/or related a discipline. Good quantitative skills are essential and GIS expertise would be an advantage. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a research program that is consistent with the research profile of the GeoHealth Laboratory. Potential research areas could include (but are not limited to):

• Neighbourhoods and health
• Environmental justice and health
• GISc and health
• Environment and health
• Impacts of urban environment on health
• Transport and health

The GeoHealth Laboratory is a joint venture between the University of Canterbury (UC) and the New Zealand Ministry of Health. The research facility is based in a well equipped and specifically designated facility on the UC campus in Christchurch. A number of academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, research fellows and postgraduate students who are based in or affiliated with the GeoHealth Laboratory help in providing a supportive research environment. The GeoHealth Laboratory staff are committed to undertaking policy-relevant health research and have a strong track record of publication in high quality peer reviewed journals, as well as regular contributions to various policy documents and media pieces.

For further information about the Geo Health Laboratory see: http://www.geohealth.canterbury.ac.nz/. And for further information about the role and to discuss possible research areas contact Associate Professor Simon Kingham, Co-Director of the GeoHealth Laboratory simon.kingham-at-canterbury.ac.nz; tel +64 3 364 2987 x 7936.

This is one of three current vacancies available in GeoHealth within the Department of Geography.

Applications for this position will be evaluated continuously from the review date and the University reserves the right to make an appointment prior to the closing date.

For detailed information and to apply on line, visit http://vacancies.canterbury.ac.nz.

Read More...

2 Funded PhD Positions in Bioengineering in New Zealand

2 Funded PhD Positions in Bioengineering in New Zealand

Description : Two fully-funded PhD student positions are currently available at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, New Zealand to investigate Modelling and Mapping Gastrointestinal System in Health and Disease. The scholarships will fund a tax free stipend of NZ$25,000, travel fund of NZ$3000 and compulsory fees each year. A completion a bonus is available if the PhD completed within 4 years. The students will join an established and multidisciplinary team of bioengineers, applied mathematicians, surgeons, gastroenterologists and physiologists in the Gastrointestinal Research Group. The research will be involved with the multi-scale modelling and experimental validation of the electro-mechanical activity in the normal and diseased GI tract. We also have an interesting program investigating the design of new medical and surgical devices. You will have the opportunity to attend and present at international conferences annually, and to visit our collaborators at the Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt University and other leading centres. We welcome applications from motivated and competent students with a bioengineering/applied mathematics/clinical or equivalent background. Some experience in computer programming (e.g., matlab, C, C++, Fortan, scripting languages) is preferred. Previous research experience is preferred. Please refer to our website for more details or contact Professor Andrew Pullan for more information with the subject “S-P PhD in GI Research” with cover letter, CV & potential references. Positions open until filled.

Homepage : http://www.bioeng.auckland.ac.nz/projects/digestive-system/

Category : PhD Scholarships

Contact address : Auckland Bioengineering Institute, The University of Aucklan

Read More...

Discovering genes that control flowering in onion

Discovering genes that control flowering in onion

Background: Onion is one of the world’s most valuable vegetables, second only

to tomato. It is a biennial crop which has stringent day-length and temperature

requirements for good bulb and seed formation. A better understanding of how

genetics and environment control onion bienniality and flowering would not only

benefit breeding and seed production but also provide valuable insights into

evolution and domestication of this under-researched crop.

Project: The aim of this project is to use high-throughput sequencing and

molecular-genetic approaches to identify and characterise genes involved in

controlling onion flowering.

Homepage: www.otago.ac.nz/genetics/staff/macknight.html

Link name :Richard Macknight

Contact address:

Department of Biochemistry

University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin
New Zealand
9054

Key words: Plant molecular biology, transcriptome, flowering time, genetics,

Email: richard.macknight-at-otago.ac.nz

Read More...

PhD Opportunity in New Zealand

PhD Opportunity in New Zealand: Applications deadline 31 July 2009.

Genetics of Nematode Resistance in White Clover AgResearch Grasslands & Massey University Palmerston North, New Zealand Ref: AGR950 This fully funded PhD studentship offers you the opportunity to launch your career in plant genetics and pathology at an internationally recognised centre for applied plant and pastoral science research. Parasitic nematodes, including the widespread genus Meloidogyne, provide a dynamic plant-pathogen interaction for fundamental and applied research of substantial relevance for food security and agricultural economies. Meloidogyne trifoliophila constrains the legume component of pasture in New Zealand, decreasing productivity and sustainability by lowering feed quality and the capacity to fix atmospheric nitrogen. The project builds on a strong research base including a well-characterised plant-pathogen interaction, and established gene mapping resources. AgResearch is an independent Crown-owned research and development company with campuses across New Zealand. This role will be primarily based at our Grasslands campus in Palmerston North with easy access to a gym, swimming pool, in a beautiful rural setting – even a staff vegetable garden – it’s just a taste of what you’ll enjoy here. The campus is within three hour’s drive of forests, beaches, ski fields, vineyards and the capital city of Wellington. Adjacent to AgResearch is Massey University, one of New Zealand’s largest with almost 35,000 students. Massey has a core competency in pastoral agriculture. Their Institute of Molecular BioSciences, part of the College of Sciences has a strong publishing record from their plant biologists. New Zealand leads the world in many social and economic standards and is an acknowledged innovator in sustainable pastoral agriculture. Your work will be in the wider context of the legume genomics and plant breeding teams at AgResearch, a world-leading site for pastoral research and development. You’ll investigate white clover with quantitative resistance to nematodes using association and linkage-based genetics to define the genetic bases of the resistance mechanism. The primary focus will be complemented by studies of pathotype diversity and characterisation of the effect of genetic background on resistance expression. You’ll demonstrate enthusiasm and motivation to join our team. We offer a supportive, stimulating environment where the focus is on success in plant breeding, underpinned by basic science excellence. The successful applicant will receive a three year PhD stipend of NZ$25,000 per annum plus tuition fees and research expenses. Enquires are welcomed from students whose academic performance qualifies them for admission into PhD study. To be eligible you must qualify for a New Zealand Work Visa. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. While there’s so much here to benefit your career, you’ll also discover that at our Grasslands campus, there’s even more for you to look forward to. Beautiful rural setting – even a staff vegetable garden – it’s just a taste of what you’ll enjoy here.

For more information please call Marti Robinson on +64 6 351 8055 or to apply visit our career site www.agresearch.co.nz/careers Applications close 31 July 2009.

Project Contacts: Chris Mercer // nematology chris.mercer@agresearch.co.nz Brent Barrett // white clover breeding and genetics brent.barrett@agresearch.co.nz Vaughan Symonds // plant quantitative genetics v.v.symonds@massey.ac.nz

Homepage : Careers at AgResearch

Contact address : http://www.agresearch.co.nz/careers

Read More...

PhD Scholarship: Building Safety Design-Fire Tool for use in a Risk-Informed Regulatory Environment

Building Safety Design-Fire Tool for use in a Risk-Informed Regulatory Environment

Applications are being sought for a PhD scholarship to support research into developing a tool to support risk based fire engineering in New Zealand. Candidates must have an interest in risk-based fire engineering and having modelling and/or programming skills would be an advantage.

The scholarship covers fees and living expenses for 3 years. The PhD student will be part of a new research programme which has been awarded to the University and BRANZ by the Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST), Building Research and the Department of Building and Housing. Applications must include a CV that details achievements, publications, background and two references. Please contact michael.spearpoint@canterbury.ac.nz for further information Deadline for applications is the end of 10 Aug 2009.

The fire engineering group at the University is one of the leading organisations carrying out research into fire engineering and science in Australasia. We have two fully equipped laboratories and access to specialised high performance computational facilities. We also have close links with other research organisations, industry and the New Zealand Fire Service.

Homepage: http://www.civil.canterbury.ac.nz/fire/firehome.shtml

Contact address:

Dr Michael Spearpoint

Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering

University of Canterbury

Christchurch

New Zealand

michael.spearpoint@canterbury.ac.nz

Tel: +64 (0)3 364 2237

Fax: +64 (0)3 364 2758

Keywords: Fire safety protection risk engineering

Read More...

Two PhD Scholarships in Freshwater Ecology at the University of Canterbury

Two PhD Scholarships in Freshwater Ecology at the University of Canterbury

(a) Flow variation and threatened galaxiid fishes, and
(b) influence of urbanisation on stream invertebrate populations.

Two fully funded PhD studentships are available within the Freshwater Ecology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury for freshwater ecology research. This is a chance for high calibre students to join a successful research team investigating a wide variety of issues in freshwater ecosystems.

We are looking for students who can undertake innovative research that will both improve understanding of fundamental issues and enhance current management. There is an opportunity for students to develop their own research ideas as long as they fit within the overall focus of the research group. However, we would especially like to hear from students who wish to work on either (a) the effects of flow variation on the ecology of threatened galaxiid fishes or (b) the influence of urbanisation on stream invertebrate populations.

Applicants need to have the potential to carry out innovative and insightful research, as well as the initiative and personality to communicate the results to a wide variety of groups. They must be able to work within a team and can expect high quality mentoring and support from the group. Successful applicants will have a strong academic record, appropriate practical and technical experience, and will have demonstrated a high level of ability in written and oral communication.

The scholarships are for study at the University of Canterbury within the Freshwater Ecology Research Group within the Freshwater Ecology Research Group of the School of Biological Sciences in association with Associate Professor Angus McIntosh and Dr Jon Harding, and are available now for start by October 2009. The scholarships consist of a NZ $22,000 p.a. student stipend and funding to cover course fees and research expenses for three years.

Applications should be sent via e-mail to Katie McHugh (Katie.mchugh-at-canterbury.ac.nz), administrative assistant in the School of Biological Sciences, by 19 June 2009, and should include:
(i) a full curriculum vitae (including phone contact details),
(ii) a copy of your academic record,
(iii) a one page statement of your research interests and aspirations,
(iv) the names and contact details of three referees who are willing to provide confidential comments on your capacity to undertake a PhD, and
(v) an indication of your desired start date.

Successful applicants may be required to submit copies of official documents before being admitted to the PhD program at the University of Canterbury.
Questions of an academic nature can be addressed to either:
Associate Professor Angus McIntosh (angus.mcintosh@canterbury.ac.nz) or Dr Jon Harding (jon.harding@canterbury.ac.nz).

For information on PhD study at the University of Canterbury, including entry requirements, see: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/postgrad/qualifications/phd.shtml
For information on the School of Biological Sciences see: http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/
For information on the Freshwater Ecology Research Group see: http://www.biol.canterbury.ac.nz/ferg/index.shtml

Read More...

Masters Research Scholarship for Women in NewZealand

Masters Research Scholarship for Women in NewZealand

This Scholarship is designed to assist a woman Masters student to complete a research thesis on ‘Tertiary qualified women migrant and refugee employment: Women’s experiences and employers’ perspectives’. The research will be designed to describe and understand the job-seeking experiences of Wellington-based tertiary qualified women migrants and refugees, identify the barriers to their employment in positions commensurate with their qualifications in the Greater Wellington Region, and explore ways to overcome the barriers.

Funding of up to $7,500 is available to a woman Masters student to undertake a full-year full-time thesis under academic supervision in the 2010 academic year (completion by 28 February 2011) that explores the above topic. Applications are open to women students of Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University or any other tertiary institution capable of supporting this research in the Greater Wellington Region. Funding is available for thesis enrolment fees, research expenses and other expenses such as travel and childcare.

The Scholarship is funded by the New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women Wellington Branch in support of the Branch’s Action Project ‘Women Into Work: Leveraging Refugee and Migrant Potential’. The successful candidate will be expected to keep the Branch informed on their progress via the Branch contact person and to make a presentation to the Branch on the completion of their study. Applicants must complete the enclosed Application Form (Points 1 - 11, enclosing Attachments A - E) and send the completed form to Masters Research Scholarship, Scholarships Convenor, NZFGW Wellington Branch, PO Box 2006, Wellington. Applications must be received by 5pm, Thursday 1 October 2009.

All applications will be acknowledged. Short-listed applicants will be notified by Friday 9 October 2009. Interviews will be held with short-listed candidates between Monday 12 October 2009 and Friday 16 October 2009. The successful candidate will be notified by Friday 23 October 2009.

Any further enquiries should be directed to Dr Janet Davies by email

Read More...