TIFR PhD notification in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer & Systems Sciences

Research Opportunities for exceptionally talented and strongly motivated students.

The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research is India's premier institution for advanced research in fundamental sciences. The Institute runs a graduate programme leading to the award of Ph.D., Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. as well as M.Sc. degreee in certain subjects. With its distinguished faculty, world class facilities and stimulating research environment, it is an ideal place for aspiring scientists to initiate their career.



The Graduate Programme at TIFR is classified into the following Subjects - Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer & Systems Sciences (including Communications and Applied Probability) and Science Education. It is conducted at the Mumbai campus and various National Centres of TIFR. 

Subjects - Programs :

Mathematics (Ph.d. and Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. Programs)

• School of Mathematics, TIFR Mumbai - http://www.math.tifr.res.in - only Ph.d. program.
• Centre for Applicable Mathematics (CAM), Bengaluru - http://math.tifrbng.res.in - Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. programs in Applicable Mathematics.

Physics (Ph.d. and Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D. Programs)

• Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Department of Condensed Matter Physics & Materials Science
• Department of High Energy Physics
• Department of Nuclear & Atomic Physics
• Department of Theoretical Physics

All above at TIFR, Mumbai Campus - http://www.tifr.res.in/~sbp

• National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), Pune - http://ncra.tifr.res.in
• TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TCIS), Hyderabad - (http://www.tifrh.res.in) : Theoretical and experimental activities in physical, chemical, biological and engineering sciences within and across disciplines. 
• International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (http://www.icts.res.in): Activities in all theoretical sciences. 
• Students applying for Physics also have the option to be considered for India-based Nueutrino Observatory (INO).

For more details on INO please see http://www.ino.tifr.res.in

The option can be indicated at the time of registration of application.

Chemistry (Ph.D. Program)

♦Department of Chemical Sciences, TIFR, Mumbai - http://www.tifr.res.in/~dcs

♦TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TCIS), Hyderabad - http://www.tifrh.res.in

Biology (Ph.D., Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.D., M.Sc. and M.Sc. Wildlife Biology & Conservation Programs)

♦Department of Biological Sciences, TIFR, Mumbai - http://www.tifr.res.in/~dbs

♦National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru (http://www.ncbs.res.in) only Ph.D., Integrated M.Sc.-Ph.d. and M.Sc. Wildlife Biology & Conservation programs.

♦TIFR Centre for Interdisciplinary Sciences (TCIS), Hyderabad (http://www.tifrh.res.in)

FAQ for Ph.D. and Integrated Ph.D. Programs in Biology

Computer & Systems Sciences (including Communcations and Applied Probability) - Ph.D. program

♦School of Technology & Computer Science (STCS), TIFR, Mumbai - http://www.tcs.tifr.res.in

Science Education (Ph.D. Program)

♦Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai. For admission procedure, see http://www.hbcse.tifr.res.in

Eligibility:

Mathematics:

• For Ph.D. (Mumbai): M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech./M.Tech./M.A./ B.A./B.Sc.
• For Ph.D. (Bengaluru): M.A./M.Sc./M.Tech.
• For I-Ph.D. (Bengaluru): B.A./B.Sc./B.E./B.Tech. degree holders.
• Students who wish to apply for the Ph.D. programme at CAM, Bengaluru will have to select Ph.D. Mumbai in the application form. Further, in the application, they can indicate their preference for being considered for the Ph.D. programme at CAM, Bengaluru.
• Students applying for Ph.D. Mumbai and who are eligible for I-Ph.D. programme at Bangalore can indicate their preference in the application form for being considered for the I-Ph.D. program at CAM, Bengaluru.
• Similarly students applying for I-Ph.D. Bangalore and who wish to be considered for Ph.D. Mumbai can indicate their preference in the application form.

Physics:

• For Ph.D.: M.Sc.(Physics)/B.Tech. (Engineering Physics)
• For I-Ph.D.: B.Sc./B.E./M.E./M.Tech./B.Chem. or equivalent degreee in Science / Engingeering / Medicine, M.Sc. (not in Physics)/B.Tech. (not in Engineering Physics).

In addition,

• I-Ph.D. candidates with four or more years of university education who clear the written test may be considered by TCIS for their Ph.D. program.
• I-Ph.D. candidates with an engineering degree who clear the written test may be considered by NCRA for their Ph.D. program.

Chemistry:

• For Ph.D.: M.Sc./B.E./B.Tech./M.Tech./B.Pharm./M.Pharm. B.Sc. candidates with advanced knowledge of the discipline are also eligible to apply.
• For Ph.D. Program in TCIS: M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

Biology:

• For Ph.D.: Masters in Basic Science or Bachelors in Applied Science. These include, M.Sc.(Ag.), B.Tech., B.E., B.V.Sc., B.Pharma. (4 years course), MBBS, BDS, M.Pharma. Candidates will be short-listed for interview based on written test marks, CV and Scientific Writeup.
• For I-Ph.D./M.Sc.: Bachelors in any Basic Science.
• For M.Sc. Wildlife Biology & Conservation: Indian nationals who have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline (with a minimum of 50% in core subjects), less than 35 years of age as on July 1, 2014 and a strong interest in wildlife research and conservation. Graduate nationals of South and Southeast Asian countries, with similar qualifications, are also eligible to apply.
• For Ph.D. Program in TCIS: M.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry or Biology.

Computer & System Sciences (including Communications and Applied Probability):

• For Ph.D. : B.E./B.Tech./M.E./M.Tech./M.C.A./M.Sc. degree holders in Computer Science / Information Technology / Electronics & Communications Engineering / Electrical Engineering. Exceptionally well qualified students with B.E./B.Tech./ M.E./M.Tech./M.Sc. or equivalent degrees in other disciplines may also be considered.

Candidates not holding a Master's degree and admitted to a Ph.D./Int. Ph.D. program can receive an M.Sc. degree in some subjects by fulfilling prescribed requirements (see http://www.tifr.res.in/~gsoffice for details).

COURSE DURATION:

Ph.D. Program : 5 Years

Integrated Ph.D. Program : 6 Years

M.Sc. Program : 3 Years

Important Dates :

Publication of Notification :

University News Journal : September 2, 2013

Current Science Journal : September 10, 2013

Employment News : September 14, 2013

Nationwide Entrance Examination :Sunday, December 8, 2013

Last date for application : October 20, 2013

Online payment link will be active upto October 27, 2013

DDs sent by post/courier will be accepted upto October 31, 2013

GATE Scored based applications to Systems Science (including Communications and Applied Probability) :

Opens on : February 1, 2014

Closes on : Two weeks after the GATE 2014 results are displayed on their website.

Results of the Nationwide Entrance Examination : January 15, 2014

EPSRC fully funded Studentship in Engineering/ Physics/ Mathematics

The Civil and Computational Engineering Centre

Swansea University

Project : 

Development of Coupled Electro-Mechanical Simulation Techniques for MRI Scanners

Key Information :

Applications are invited to the Civil and Computational Research Centre, Swansea University, for a PhD in the field of Computational Multiphysics. This project is in collaboration with Siemens Magnet Technology (SMT) and will be funded by an EPSRC case award with an enhanced stipend.

The aim of this PhD is to develop efficient computational analysis tools for the prediction of heat-loads and mechanical vibrations arising from the electromechanical coupling that results during the operation of MRI scanners. The problem is challenging since it involves the coupling of different physics and yet rewarding since its successful completion will lead to the embedding of the developed methodology into the routine magnet design process at Siemens Magnet Technology (SMT).

Analytical approaches struggle to go beyond axi-symmetric models, and these fail to capture adequately the complexity of real-world geometries. A numerical approach is necessary and, while "off-the-shelf" packages are capable of treating the electromagnetic and mechanical fields separately, an efficient coupled analysis procedure suitable for this application has yet to be developed. This is the final goal of this project: to develop the analysis methodologies that will enable the efficient computation of heat loads and mechanical vibrations within an MRI scanner environment and thus, in this respect, inform the design of future generations of MRI scanners.

The Civil and Computational Engineering Centre has an international reputation for excellence in the development and use of Computational Mechanics and Scientific Computing, which cover a broad and ever-increasing spectrum of applications. The successful candidate will work in the research group of Dr. Paul D. Ledger and Dr. Antonio J. Gil.

Eligibility :

Applicants should hold an undergraduate honours degree and hold or be completing a master degree. Both qualifications should be equivalent to a 1st (70% and above) or a 2.1 (60% -70%).

Degrees in all areas of Engineering, Physics, Mathematics and other related subjects will be considered

Candidates Profile :

• Should have an enthusiastic attitude to conducting research.
• Should have a strong interest in engineering, physics and maths with particular emphasis in computational mechanics.
• Demonstrate knowledge of some programming languages such as Matlab and/or Fortran.
• Attend international conferences and present the research undertaken.
• Contribute to the writing of articles in international journals.

UK students :

UK students are eligible for a full award (stipend and fees).

EU students :

EU students who have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK for 3 years prior to the start of the grant are eligible for a full award (stipend and fees). This means they must have been normally residing in the UK (apart from temporary or occasional absences).

EU students who are ordinarily resident in a member state of the EU are generally eligible for a fees-only award.

Further information about eligibility requirements can be found on the EPSRC website: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/Pages/eligibility.aspx

Funding informationValue:

The full studentship covers tuition fees and a stipend of up to £18,000 p.a.Funding applies to:EU applicants (including UK)

Contacts and how to applyAdministrative contact and how to apply :

Candidates should send a summary of their academic background and CV to the supervisors : 

Dr P.D. Ledger p.d.ledger@swansea.ac.uk and 

Dr A..J. Gil a.j.gil@swansea.ac.uk.

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible.

Three year full time PhD Studentship in Designing for Digital Neighbourhoods Last Date 16th September 2013

Plymouth University – School of Architecture, Design and Environment

Designing for Digital Neighbourhoods 

This project explores the links between ICT infrastructures and social communities at the scale of the neighbourhood. The project studies how such ICT infrastructures, and in particular broadband internet access, become localized within a community; and the broader impacts this may have on social inclusion and sense of place within a neighbourhood setting. The overall aim is to explore how to achieve socially sustainable digital neighbourhoods. 

Studentship Description :

The aim of the project is to develop and implement a design proposal for a neighbourhood to connect online spaces and physical spaces. This will explore how such an intervention can contribute to integrating local places with online networks. The project will work as part of the broader research that aims to develop a model for public spaces that engage people through their digital social networks that will impact on planning and policy for regional ICT access and neighbourhood settings. 

The student will take an action research approach and will spend time working in neighbourhoods in Cornwall. The student will also benefit from interactions with researchers from a range of disciplines and with project partners such as Superfast Cornwall/ERDF, BT, Citizen’s Online and local community organisations. The project is part of a larger research project funded by the EU Marie Curie programme and the European Regional Development Fund.

Person Specification :

Applicants should have a Masters qualification in Architecture, Urban Design, Interaction Design, HCI, Anthropology or another related discipline. Applicants would be expected to have a clear interest in the impacts of technologies on the use of public space and on social networks, and an ability to undertake cross-disciplinary research with a strong spatial component. Strong analytical skills are desirable, as is experience of conducting fieldwork and an ability to work independently. Candidates should have excellent written and oral communication skills. We will actively support students in disseminating the results of their work and the development of their academic career. The PhD will be under the supervision of Dr. Katharine Willis and Professor Alessandro Aurigi. Further information about the project can be found here: http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=40113

The studentship pays for fees (at the Home/EU student rate) and provides a £13,726 per year stipend for the student for three years. To be automatically eligible for full fees and stipend, candidates must be a UK/EU national who has been ordinarily resident in the EU for the previous 3 years. Overseas applicants are eligible, but must fund the £9,690 difference in fees between the Overseas rate (currently £13,640 per annum) and Home/EU student rate. This cannot come from the stipend and evidence of this funding must be submitted at the application stage. 

How to apply for this position :

Formal applications should be submitted using the application form available at http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=32190 marking the application DIGITAL NEIGHBOURHOODS. Include a covering letter outlining motivation, interest, and suitability for this project, please e-mail to timothy.batchelor@plymouth.ac.uk. Please note this is a specified project and we do not expect a project proposal but an indication as to how you would approach the project. Do not send the form to Central Admissions, as indicated on the application form. Informal enquiries may be made before the submission date to katharine.willis@plymouth.ac.uk. This is a re-advertisement and previous applicants need not apply.

Application deadline: 12 noon 16th September 2013

Interviews: 23rd September 2013. 

Start date: 1st October 2013 or 1st January 2014.

PhD Studentship with funding and stipend opportunity at Newcastle University

Title : PhD Studentship

Topic : 

Intervention study to assess the effect of consumption of carrot & parsnip on human biomarkers of chronic disease risk

Reference Code : AG014

Name of the supervisors :

Dr K Brandt, School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, Newcastle University

Dr S Haldar, University of East Anglia

Sponsor :

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)

Duration of the award : Three years

Project description :

The main part of the PhD project is a human intervention trial to measure the effect of consumption of carrot and parsnip on biomarkers for cancer and inflammatory diseases. The student will plan and conduct the trial, analyse samples (of both vegetables and human blood) and assess and publish the results. Laboratory studies have shown that polyacetylenes, phytochemicals found mainly in carrots and parsnips, have beneficial effects on cell culture models of inflammation and cancer, and observational studies have found a negative correlation between consumption of carrots and the risk of cancer. For cancer risk a well-known biomarker is measurement of damage to DNA in lymphocytes from blood samples (the comet assay), while other health aspects such as inflammation can be assessed by other biomarkers.

The student will join the Human Nutrition Research Centre and give regular presentations at relevant events, including the International Carrot Conference.

Value of the award and eligibility :

The award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,726 (2013/14).

Person specification :

A good BSc or MSc or corresponding qualification is required, in human nutrition, medicine or a related subject.

How to apply :

To apply, you must complete the University's online postgraduate application form on selecting ‘PhD School of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development - Food & Nutrition' as the programme of study. Once you have selected the programme, please insert the studentship/partnership reference number AG014. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement or research proposal is required) but you must attach a covering letter, a copy of your CV, and (if English is not your first language) a copy of your English language qualifications. The covering letter (short application) must quote the title of the studentship and reference number AG014 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project.

You should also send your covering letter and CV to Dr K Brandt at kirsten.brandt@ncl.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications : 

Prompt application is advised as this studentship is only available until a suitable candidate is identified.

Further information :

For further details, including arrangements regarding the interview, please contact:

Dr K Brandt

E-mail: kirsten.brandt@ncl.ac.uk

Telephone: 44 (0) 191 222 5852

Plymouth University offers PhD studentship Last Date 10th September 2013

  DESCRIPTION :

1. Plymouth University offers PhD studentship for UK/EU and international students in the UK. 
2. The successful candidate will study the impacts of a wave farm on coastal processes within this PhD project. 
3. Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably (but not necessarily) a relevant MSc or MRes qualification. 
4. The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,726 per annum. 
5. Application should be submitted till 10th September 2013.

Study Subject:

Within this PhD project student will study the impacts of a wave farm on coastal processes.

Course Level:

Studentship is available for pursuing a PhD degree programm at Plymouth University in UK.

Eligibility: 

1. Applicants should have a first or upper second class honours degree in an appropriate subject and preferably (but not necessarily) a relevant MSc or MRes qualification.
2. Scholarship Open for International Students: UK/EU and international students can apply for this scholarship.

Scholarship Description: 

1. Wave energy is one of the renewable energy sources with the greatest potential for development; however, understanding its environmental impacts is fundamental to its wide-scale adoption on a commercial basis.  
2. Combining the expertise of Plymouth University and Pelamis Wave Power, one of the major industry players in the sector, this PhD project will study the impacts of a wave farm on coastal processes.  
3. A suite of numerical models – including wave, hydrodynamics and sediment transport models – will be applied, complemented by field data as appropriate.  
4. The successful candidate will be supervised by a team of experienced academics from the Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport (COAST) Research Group of Plymouth University and based at the offices of Pelamis Wave Power (in Edinburgh) to benefit from daily interaction with their staff and being able to match the project to the real-world regulatory requirements of environmental impact assessment.  
5. Studentship is offered for three-years. 
6. The studentship is supported for 3 years and includes full Home/EU tuition fees plus a stipend of £13,726 per annum. The studentship will only fully fund those applicants who are eligible for Home/EU fees with relevant qualifications. Applicants normally required to cover overseas fees will have to cover the difference between the Home/EU and the overseas tuition fee rates (approximately £9,790 per annum).

Notification: 

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview on 16 September. 
• Applicants who have not received an offer of a place by 24 September 2013 should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

How to Apply: 

Applicants should send a completed application form along with a covering letter detailing their suitability for the studentship, CV, and 2 references by post or email.

 Scholarship Application Deadline: The application deadline is 10th September 2013.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS AND APPLICATION

Joint PhD Programme by Imperial College London and Hong Kong University

What is the Imperial-HKU Joint PhD Programme?

• This is a 3/4 year joint PhD programme
• The student is required to spend 50% of their time at each institution
• Students apply to Imperial if they wish to have Imperial as their ‘home’ institution
• Supervisors are expected to collaborate and engage with each other throughout the PhD
• The student will receive a joint PhD at the end of the programme conferred by both institutions
• This is a university-wide programme offered in all faculties and departments.

This programme may be of interest to prospective students with:

• Research that would benefit from the expertise of two academic research groups, – one at Imperial, one at HKU - including access to research facilities
• An interest in existing collaborative projects involving Imperial and HKU
• Research that would benefit from being undertaken in two different locations, in an international context
• Projects with a strong interdisciplinary element
• A strong interest in an international research career

Programme Requirements :

• It is important that any application to a joint PhD explains why/how the project will benefit or be enhanced by the student splitting their time between Imperial and HKU. Reasons might include complementary resources, facilities, or expertise.
• Students will be supervised by a minimum of two supervisors, with at least one from each institution.
• Students must spend the last six months before submission of thesis at their home institution.
• Students can start their candidature at the beginning of any semester during the academic year, although beginning at the start of an academic year is generally recommended (not essential) to enable students to participate in Orientation Week activities.
• On completion of the programme, students will be issued with a joint Diploma: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The field of study or thesis title will be recorded on the transcript. Students will have their degree jointly conferred but can choose whether to have it presented to them in London or Hong Kong.

How to Apply :

Interested students can apply for the HKU-Imperial Joint PhD to either institution. Below are the guidelines for applying to Imperial.

1. Students are expected to contact an Imperial supervisor who has sufficient links with HKU. At this stage students will discuss their research with the academic. Once the student has developed a research proposal with both potential supervisors they can proceed with their application to Imperial.
2. The student applies to Imperial via the standard application process. Imperial has an online application system, which contains full details on how to apply as well as guidance notes. Students should cite in their application that they are applying for the Imperial-HKU Joint PhD Programme.
3. As this is a joint degree award students will also need to be approved by HKU. The following documents will need to be submitted to the International Office at Imperial.
• a research proposal;
• a statement on the applicant’s aspiration/vision for studying the joint PhD programme; this should include demonstrable enthusiasm for overseas study.
• a CV detailing the applicant’s academic qualifications, working experience, publications, professional qualifications, prizes and awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and community services;
• a letter of support from the non-Imperial (partner institution) supervisor stating their plans for jointly contributing to the supervision of the candidate and which parts of the proposed PhD project will be conducted at the partner institution;
• a letter of support from the Imperial supervisor stating their plans for jointly contributing to the supervision of the candidate and which parts of the proposed PhD project will be conducted at Imperial;
• a research plan detailing the study period and dates to be spent at each institution and research training arrangements;
• scanned certificates/transcripts of the applicant’s Bachelor’s (and Master’s if applicable) degree qualifications; and
• Reference letters from two referees who are able to comment on the applicant’s academic and research capabilities. This will normally be academic staff involved in the applicants undergraduate or Taught Postgraduate courses.

Information for Supervisors :

• International collaborations give supervisors the opportunity to both co-supervise a PhD student and also develop international research links.
• Supervisors who already have collaborative links with an academic at HKU and are interested in supervising a joint PhD student should contact the International Office. Supervisors interested in beginning a new collaboration can contact the International Office for help in aiding the process.
• The joint PhD will allow students to study at both HKU and Imperial. The student must spend 50% of their time at each institution and would normally spend the last 6 months of their PhD at their home institution. For the remainder of the time, students and supervisors can decide how the student’s time should be split, according to the needs of the research.
• Although students formally apply to Imperial as mentioned on the How to apply page, students will also need to be accepted by the Joint Degree Programmes committee based at Imperial which consists of senior International Office and Graduate Schools staff. The International Office will be able to facilitate this process and should be informed of the student’s intention to apply before the student completes their online application. All documents as highlighted on the How to apply page should be sent directly to the International Office.

Contact :

For supervisors and students interested in the joint PhD programme please contact :

Christine Doran - internationalphds@imperial.ac.uk