PostDoc in TU Delft for Optical Nanoscopy

 Job Description

Optical nanoscopy is a microscopy technique used to study subcellular structures and their function through targeted fluorescent labels in molecular biology. Among various techniques, localisation microscopy has a much better resolution (~10-50 nm) than conventional diffraction-limited microscopy (~250 nm). The current project aims to improve the resolution of optical light microscopes even further, aiming for 1 nm.

The researcher will join a team of experimentalists and theorists with the common goal of achieving nanometer-scale imaging. They will focus on simulation and theory of image formation and parameter estimation. The image formation is based on the 4pi microscope, where self-interference of fluorescent emission helps estimate the axial position of a single emitter with nanometer precision. The emission light is split into four channels, and the respective intensities indicate the axial position. If the emitter is free to rotate during a camera frame, a rotationally symmetric point spread function (PSF) is recorded. However, if the emitter is fixed, the PSF reflects the dipole character of the emission and depends on the emitter's 3D orientation. In addition, field-dependent aberrations influence the PSF's shape, requiring the estimation model to reflect the imaging process and include all relevant parameters. The team will use their expertise in (maximum likelihood) estimation theory and Cramer-Rao lower bound analysis to find the best way to optimize localization precision. The results will set requirements on the tolerances for objective alignment and beam path to achieve the optimal localization precision.

Requirements

The candidate must hold a Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics and must have a strong background in optics, image formation modeling or simulation. Excellent analytical skills are essential. Good programming capabilities are expected. Experience in the fields of light microscopy, aberration theory or polarization imaging are beneficial but not required.

Conditions of Employment

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

The position has a fixed-term contract of 2 years with range salary of € 2.960,00 - € 4.670,00

Application Procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply via the application button and upload the following information in English (pdf format only):

• Letter of motivation (generic letters will be disregarded),
• Detailed CV with publication list,
• Three names of potential references
• This job posting will remain open until filled.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure. Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.

For more information related to the scholarships, it is strongly advised to visit this Scholarship Link.

PostDoc in TU Delft for Optical Diffraction Tomography for Tumor Histology

Job Description

The goal of this project is to produce detailed 3D images of biopsied clinical tissue samples using optical diffraction tomography (ODT), which can aid in clinical diagnosis. The project will entail studying the biochemistry of optical tissue clearing, imaging relevant tissues with an existing setup, conducting proof-of-concept experiments on large tissue samples, comparing results with conventional histology, and translating the findings to a clinical setting. The research will be conducted at both the Department of Imaging Physics at Delft University of Technology and the Pathology department of Erasmus Medical Center, with Dr. Jeroen Kalkman supervising the tomographic and microscopic imaging aspect and Dr. Martin van Royen supervising the clinical-oriented tissue processing aspect. This project is part of a larger initiative to encourage medical technology innovation and collaboration between clinicians and technologists, and is part of the Cancer Diagnostics 3.0 program.

Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong ‘engineering spirit’ in combination with experience in (molecular) biology laboratories. She/he has a demonstrable interest in optical imaging, tissue engineering, image processing, and clinical research. Excellent analytical skills and a mindset towards cooperation with clinicians and clinical application of the technology are highly recommended. The candidate should hold a PhD in a relevant field.

Conditions of Employment

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

The position has a fixed-term contract of 2 years with range salary of € 2.960,00 - € 4.670,00

Application Procedure

For more information about this position, please contact dr. Jeroen Kalkman, e-mail: j.kalkman@tudelft.nl or dr. Martin van Royen, e-mail: m.vanroyen@erasmusmc.nl.

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply via the application button and upload the following information in English (pdf format only):

• Letter of motivation (generic letters will be disregarded),
• Detailed CV with publication list,
• Three potential references
• This job posting remains open until filled.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure. Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information. You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

For more information related to the scholarships, it is strongly advised to visit this Scholarship Link.

Postdoctoral Fellow on the Topic Smart District Heating and Building Energy Supply

About the job

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow on the topic of smart district heating and building energy supply at the Norwegian of science and technology. Different external projects and internal resources provided funding for this position. the ambition is that a relevant candidate we'll develop the topic, publish high-quality journal papers, and initiate new national and international projects.

The appointment has a duration of three years.

The field of work will further develop models for smart district heating including heat prosumers and thermal storage. flexibility assessment for thermal storing and different pricing models should also be considered the candidate will contribute to industry-related projects on thermal storing. Finally, the candidate will be involved in the EU Horizon Project Climate Positive Circular Communities – ARV and will contribute on deliverables.

The position is linked to the Department of Energy and process engineering and the sustainable energy systems group. The group has a well-established Expertise in energy supply systems, building energy services, and renewables. Research activities within the group range from building energy use, building energy supply, indoor environment, energy efficiency, building services, control and automation, energy planning, Building performance modeling and simulation, to energy storage. The group is strongly involved in the Norwegian FME Research Center on zero emission neighborhoods in smart cities As well as in various national and international projects such as IEA tasks or EBC annexes. The group is responsible for the HVAC laboratory and the department.

The postdoctoral fellow will be supervised by Professor Natassa Nordt at NTNU.

Duties of The Position

• Simulation of district heating system considering heat prosumers and thermal storages
• Building energy simulation in IDA-ICE considering different loads and control strategies and their contribution to the component sizes
• Develop methods for flexibility assessment for thermal storing and different pricing models
• Be strongly engaged into the EU ARV project and coordinate and help on the ARV deliverables
• Contribute to teaching activities such as laboratories and project-based assignments
• Supervise project and master students
• Write at least six high-quality journal papers
• Develop research proposal for the national and international projects

Required Selection Criteria

• You must have completed a Norwegian doctoral degree or corresponding foreign doctoral degree recognized as equivalent to a Norwegian PhD
• Excellent knowledge about thermodynamic and modelling of thermal systems
• Good mathematical knowledge and analytical skills. A good understanding of energy use in buildings, building monitoring systems, and district heating system
• High-level knowledge and skills to use relevant tools for the building performance modelling and simulation (e.g. Modelica, IDA-ICE or EnergyPlus)
• Experience with and good knowledge of measurements, optimization and control, control platforms, and energy management
• Experience with generic computational tools, such as, MATLAB, MATLAB/Simulink, Python. Experience with statistical methods would be an advantage
• High motivation to write research proposals and work strategically to increase his/her research network
• The ability to guide Master and PhD students in relevant topics
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English. Fluent Scandinavian written and spoken language is an advantage

The appointment is to be made in accordance with Regulations on terms of employment for positions such as postdoctoral fellow, PhD Candidate, research assistant and specialist candidate

Salary and Conditions

As a Postdoctoral Fellow (code 1352) you are normally paid from gross NOK 584,700 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.

The successful applicant would be offered with:

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits

About the Application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above.

The relevant applicants must include the following documents:

1. Motivation letter describing the motivation for this position
2. CV
3. Grade transcripts for the education relevant to take the PhD degree translated to English
4. A project description with a career plan on maximum 10 pages
5. Publications and other relevant academic works
6. A brief description of his/her contribution to the attached publications, and
7. Other enclosures such as recommendation letters. Only candidates with the complete application documentation will be considered for evaluation

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Professor Natassa Nord, email: natasa.nord@ntnu.no. If you have any questions about the requirement process, please contact Emmy Hoiseth, e-mail: emmy.a.hoiseth@ntnu.no.

If you think this looks interesting and in line with your qualifications, please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates attached. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Please be notified that the application deadline is 01 March 2023. For further information, kindly visit this Scholarship Link.

5 Tips in Writing Personal Statement for Korean Scholarships

Global Korea Scholarships

Image credited from pixabay

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), used to Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), is a scholarship provided by the Korean Government via National Institute for International Education (NIEED), which is part of the Korean Ministry of Education. This scholarship has been provided awards for international students who are interested to continue their studies both in undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Within the scholarship application, the GKS demands their applicants to write personal statement with in different topics and it has to be written in a single page. Sometimes, this is challenging situation for applicants, and how to write it efficiently. In this article, it is provided the strategy and tips for writing the personal statement which focuses on the GKS Scholarship and could be used in other scholarship.

Personal Statement

The first thing that we must define is "what is a personal statement?". From the words, a personal statement is a statement that you write to define about yourself regarding your purpose to study in certain universities/ colleges or applying scholarships. However, it must be noted that, this personal statement acts as a supplement material which helps the reviewer board to understand your characteristics. In summary, a personal statement consists of:

• yourself
• purpose for studying
• reasons behind the decision on the university or scholarship
• characteristic of the applicants
• supplement material

From the above bullets, we could understand that there are five strategies that must be done when writing the personal statement. Now, let's start from the strategy number one, which is also part of the GKS scholarship application.

Describing Yourself

In the beginning of writing the description about yourself, let's answer this single question firstly:

1. What degrees do you want to take? Bachelor? Master or Doctorate?

Now, if your answer is a bachelor degree, note that, the admission committee wants to know you whether you are a potential person or not. Thus, in personal statement letter, you should have demonstrated your potential in a very effective and efficient words.

• leadership
• trust
• attitude
• inspiration
• motivational
• communication

Potential (adj) having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future

Potential (noun) latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to the future success or usefulness

In building paragraph could be started by the things, activities or hobbies that you have been doing until now. By showing the daily life situation, try to make the readers (admission committee) to be able to conclude your potential. Have a look an example of "potential words"; however, this is based on the medical article.

Anemia is a common disease for people in which the sufferer experiences dizziness and fatigue. Sometimes, they also show pale skin with cold on both hands and feet, which also signs of shortness of breath. These symptoms are the sign of insufficient composition of the bloods in supporting the human metabolism.

When we want to develop the paragraph that shows our potential, there are certain indicators that are required. In the paragraph above, it is written the indicators as the "symptoms", so we could draw a conclusion about the lack of blood composition in supporting the metabolism. Thus, if you have started yourself in joining local community to teach local children, then your symptoms are?

• preparing teaching material
• preparing outdoor equipment
• designing flashcards
• setting up games for groups

Now, how about for Master or PhD Degree?

Unlike the bachelor candidates, master and doctorate applicants are chosen not based on their potential anymore. The reviewers want to know that whether the candidates are suitable to be awarded or not. Thus, the suitable factors are based on:

• How prepared you are to take your master or doctorate degree?
• The reasons why you are interested in this program or field in particular
• The reasons why this scholarship is suitable for you

It seems that these three factors equal to motivation. Yes, indeed. However, generally, the preparation of personal statement is merely based on the purpose of studying, which leads to; for instance, going to the most popular universities.

Purpose of Studying and University

Regarding purpose of studying, several aspects are essential to understand. When we talk about a purpose, it is not about the reasons of the studying. It is about what is the relationship between your previous for instance your undergraduate degree to your master programme.

It is very important to focus about the field, the programmes, or for PhD is the research. Are there any particular reasons why did you choose the programmes, and try to find the relationship in between the previous undergraduate degree. Therefore, when you explain the purpose of the studying, don't mention individual professor or individual research centre. The reasons behind this are the professor or the person that you mention may not be there anymore, and the same goes to the centres. Subsequently, it is better to precisely described what you wan to study.

There are several words that you can use for purpose of studying such as:

• Advanced knowledge
• Judging yourself
• Understand the potential of yourself

So, you can use these words, which can be useful in order to overcome the problems you have encountered. For instance

Studying in material science would help me to encounter the problem that I have had during undergraduate studies, such as the basic understanding of radio synchrotron. Thus, studying in this program would improve my theoretical and practical skills which may be important in the future for university in the laboratory staff

Note that, the above paragraph implies the weakness; however, it is mentioned with different expression. This also answer the reasons why did you choose the university.

Characteristic of Applicants

Selling yourself is also an important part within the personal statement. To do so, several things must be implemented, such as:

• Show you as an individual
• Providing strong characteristics
• Ensure no to put the CV documents

What I am trying to say is, most of these statements include any information which can be found in the CV or any supporting materials, such as:

I am graduated from..., My study was about..., I received my IELTS

So, instead of explaining who you are, the statement tends to tell about the CV documents. Therefore, shaping yourself in the statements are important.

A characteristic means something special about you, and the attribution that you have. Previously, one of the examples are attitude. Thus, you need to demonstrate these characteristics via certain events or experiences that you have. It doesn't have to be the position you had, such as president or chief of something, but, it is more like the demonstration of yourself in managing or deciding something. Have a look an example below

During my internship years, I was instructed to carry a class that is composed of local tribes. The problem that I had was about communication; thus, I designed a flashcards for the children in the next meeting which is very fun for them to study.

This is one of the example that you can use to explain your decision making and analysing skills, which are also demonstrated in the situation of your internship time.

Conclusion

Statement of purpose is a letter that is written by the applicants to express their personal characteristics. This letter is used to sell yourself, to ensure the admission board about you are potential candidates or the most suitable candidates. As a letter of showing individuality, expressing your purpose of studying which are based on your previous experiences would shape yourself in the eyes of the readers.

Postdoctoral Fellowships of The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich)

About the Scholarship/ and University
The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science is a unique postdoctoral program. It awards young researchers around the world with a generous personal grant, giving them the freedom to work on whatever topic they choose anywhere in the world, for up to five years.

This research fellowship is designed to support postdoctoral researchers after their PhD and before their first faculty appointment. The fellowship program was initiated and financed by the Swiss entrepreneur Dr. Branco Weiss, who passed away in October 2010. The program is based at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH).

Requirements
The ideal applicant has the competencies to design a surprisingly novel and scientifically rigorous research project which blazes new trails, profiting from the freedom uniquely offered by the fellowship. You are eligible for the 2020 campaign if:

• You officially hold a PhD on January 15, 2020
• You have obtained your PhD a maximum or five years prior to January 15, 2020
• You do not hold or have held a faculty-equivalent position (e.g. assistant professor or lecturer)
• Your project departs from the mainstream of research in your discipline
• You have a record of outstanding scientific achievement
• You demonstrate in the proposal a willingness to engage in a dialogue on relevant social, cultural, political or economic issues across the frontiers of your particular discipline

If you have applied before and were not selected, you are welcome to apply again. The following reasons for delays after attaining your PhD are acceptable due to the parental leave (max. one year per child) and inability to work due to illness or accident.

Applicants must explain their reasons for applying for an extension and provide relevant documents. The number of weeks that the research work was interrupted is accepted as an extension.

Awards/ Grants
Apply with a groundbreaking research idea to secure financial support for up to five years working at an academic institution of your choice anywhere in the world. The fellowship will support international applicants for CHF100,000 per year. It also covers all legitimate costs of research including salary and/ or equipment, travel expenses, consumables, and personnels.

Application Process
To be eligible as the applicants for this opportunity, international applicants need to enrol at any university in any subject or course you wish to study. Afterwards, the applicants are eligible to submit required material and documents for your online application starting October 2020. In applying the fellowships, applicants must submit required documents, which are:

1. Letter of motivation including a statement explaining why your research differs from the mainstream (max. 1 page)
2. Your proposed research project (max. 4 pages, including references)
3. Curriculum Vitae (max. 4 pages)
4. Copies of your three best publications
5. Application form (including a reasoning of why you believe that you are a perfect candidate for a Branco Weiss Fellowship (max. 1000 characters).

For further information, it is strongly advised to visit this Scholarship Link.

Postdoctoral Fellowships and Bursaries in The University of Edinburgh Intake 2020-21

About the Scholarship/ and University
The University of Edinburgh, established in 1582, is the sixth oldest university inf the English-speaking world and one of Scotland’s ancient universities. The university has five main campuses in the city of Edinburgh, with many of the buildings in the historic Old Town belonging to the university. The university played an important role in leading Edinburgh to its reputation as a chief intellectual centre during the Age of Enlightenment.

Applicants are invited for postdoctoral bursaries from candidates in any area of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The bursaries are offered by the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities (IASH) University of Edinburgh. The Institute welcomes visiting researchers from across the world, and it has been supporting global researchers since 1970. From upwards of 65 countries, IASH Fellows form a global alumni community, and many career-long connections begin at the Institute.

Requirements
The IASH is welcomed applications from both within and beyond the University of Edinburgh. Applicants must have been awarded a doctorate at the time of application, and normally within the last three years (you must be able to produce a transcript, testamur, or a letter of completion/ eligibility to graduate as part of your application; you do not need to have actually graduated at the time you apply). You should not have held a permanent position at a university, or a previous Fellowship at the Institute for Advanced Studies in the Humanities. Those who have held temporary and/ or short-term appointments are eligible to apply. If you have taken parental leave or other time away from academia, this will not count towards the three-year limit, but we ask that you provide brief details of why and for how long you were not working.

Awards/ Grants
IASH hosts a lively scholarly community of visiting fellows. It is a supportive environment for postdoctoral researchers, while also offering networking opportunities with successful mid-career and eminent senior scholars. The Institute occupies a historic building with private courtyard and leafy views – perfect for uninterrupted thinking, reading and writing. Yet there is also plenty of opportunity to socialise and share ideas. In short, a 2020-2021 IASH Postdoctoral Fellowships provides:

• Research visit at the University of Edinburgh for three to ten months
• Bursary of up to a maximum £13,000
• Dedicated office space, University e-mail and library access
• An allocated University mentor from an area relevant to the Fellow’s research interests
• Weekly Fellow’s Lunch to build community
• Collegial work-in-progress seminar series for testing new ideas
• Calendar of engaging events at the Institute and Colelge
• Opportunities to participate in and design funded workshops, colloquia, etc at the Institute

Application Process
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 30 April 2020. Applications received after that date will not be considered. Decisions will be communicated in July 2020. Please ensure that you supply a valid email address, so that you can be contacted quickly after decisions are made.

The application is done throughout online application form. Any additional supporting documents connected with an application should be emailed to iash@ed.ac.uk. In addition to the application form, a minimum of two and a maximum of three confidential references are required. For further information, please kindly visit this Fellowship Link.

Young Scientists Summer Program of International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis

About the Scholarship/ and University
The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is a scientific research institute located in Laxenburg, near Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1972, the IIASA conducts policy-oriented research into problems of a global nature that are too large or too complex to be solved by a single country or academic discipline. The IIASA is sponsored by its National Member Organizations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Its research is independent and completely unconstrained by political or national self-interest. There are currently nine IIASA research programs carrying out research into the dynamics of global change. These programs use holistic approach and effective, interdisciplinary collaborations to identify the multiple solutions needed to bring about a global transformation to true sustainability.

The IIASA is offering opportunities for researchers from the world to participate in this program in form of research program. Throughout the Young Scientists Sumer Program (YSSP), talented young researchers whose interests correspond with the Institute’s ongoing research on issues of global environmental, economic, and social change are invited.

Requirements
The program is designed for PhD students (ideally about 2 years prior to receiving their PhD) working on a topic compatible with ongoing research at IIASA and a wish to explore the policy implications of their work. Participants will be working under the direct supervision of an experienced IIASA scientist in a unique interdisciplinary and international research environment. They will produce a paper (serving as first step towards a publishable journal article) and will get the opportunity to build up contacts for future collaboration with IIASA’s worldwide network. In short, applicants should:

1. Have research experience corresponding to a level typical of a researcher about two years prior to receiving a PhD or equivalent degree
2. Have summer research proposal that clearly fits the interdisciplinary research agenda of a selected IIASA program; before starting your application we recommend to get in touch with representatives of the program(s) of their choice
3. Have ability to work independently as well as to interact with other scientists
4. Have fluency in English and the ability to communicate in a scientific environment
5. Must commit to staying for the entire program. Up to five days of leave may be approved by supervisors for participation in conferences and/ or for personal reasons.

Candidates already holding a PhD degree by the application deadline are asked to consider applying to IIASA’s post-doctoral program. Meanwhile, the research topics that are covered by IIASA are:

• Air Quality and Greenhouse Gases
• Advanced Systems Analysis
• Ecosystem Services and Management
• Energy
• Evolution and Ecology
• Risk and Resilience
• Transitions to New Technologies
• Water
• World Population

Awards/ Grants
Most of IIASA’s National Member Organizations (NMOs) provide special grants to enable young scientists (either their own nationals or foreign students studying in their country) to participate in the YSSP. The stipend varies slightly among NMOs, but usually, it is EUR 1310 per month plus airfare. If you are not a citizen of or a resident in an NMO country you must find alternative funds (either from your home institution or other sources) to finance participation.  IIASA will finance up to 3 candidates from developing countries that are not members of IIASA (IIASA’s annual fund; Petr Aven Fellowship for exceptional scientists from Russia).  IIASA does not charge a tuition fee. In general, participants are expected to cover all expenses associated with their stay (3 months rent; meals; local transportation; expenses for any accompanying dependents; and health insurance) from their NMO grant or their other funding source.

Application ProcessThe applications procedure is done throughout online. The applications should be submitted online. It is not necessary to complete the entire application at once. Before sending your application, you are strongly advised to get in touch with the relevant program representatives to find out about mutual interest in your intended research. The following steps will guide you through the process:

1. Create a new application.
2. Fill in your application including your data profile, research interests, CV, motivation for applying to the program, and names of two references. Importantly, we will send requests for recommendation to the referees as proposed in your application, but it is definitely worthwhile to follow up with your referees in person.
3. Submit your application.

Registrations for the 2020 programs are being accepted from 07 October 2019 – 11 January 2020. For further information regarding the programs, it is strongly advised to visit this Scholarship Link.