For PSI’s energy and environmental research, the Energy Economics Group (EEG) seeks to identify appropriate technologies and policy measures for responding effectively to energy-related challenges at the global, European and Swiss levels. This research utilizes energy systems and economic modeling tools to analyse long-term technology dynamics and transitions towards a sustainable energy system. To further these activities, we are looking for a

PhD Student

Swiss Electricity Sector Modelling and Analysis

Your tasks

Undertake a doctoral thesis in the field of sustainable energy systems

Develop and apply a detailed electricity sector model for Switzerland and surrounding countries (primarily Germany, France, Italy and Austria)

Conduct analysis of the impact of technology, policy, resource and economic developments on the development of the Swiss electricity system

Prepare project reports, scientific papers and doctoral thesis

Collaborate with project partners, participate in project meetings and present work at national and international conferences

Contribute to the scientific and collaborative research environment at PSI

Your profile

You have a Master’s degree in engineering, economics, policy or science, with good numerical skills and an interest in the electricity sector and related technologies. You also have a strong interest in energy policy issues confronting Switzerland, such as climate change mitigation, supply security, the role of nuclear energy, new technologies and economic development. You have good written and verbal communication skills and enjoy working in an international team. Good English language skills are essential and German highly advantageous.

For further information please contact Dr Hal Turton, phone +41 56 310 26 31.

Please submit your application online (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as PhD Student (index no. 4502-00).

Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources, Hedwig Habersaat, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

http://www.psi.ch/pa/offenestellen/

We are what we eat- This old Chinese saying is especially true for insect herbivores that feed on a single plant during their whole development. As part of an international collaboration, we recently started to investigate the role of benzoxazinoids (BXDs) in plant-insect interactions. BXDs are key defensive metabolites in grasses, and our project aims at unraveling their role in maize resistance by investigating both the plant and the insect simultaneously. By bringing together plant biochemistry, molecular biology, ecology, behavior and insect physiology, this initiative will contribute significantly to the application of BXDs as a model for plant-insect coevolution and as natural pest control agents. In this context, we are inviting applications for a

PhD student in phytochemistry and metabolomics Based at the University of Neuchatel

and in collaboration with the University of Geneva, the student will investigate the biochemistry of BXDs and other active metabolites in the interaction of maize with different insect herbivores. This includes developing metabolomic approaches for studying plant-insect interactions and analytical methods for quantitative BXDs profiling, purifying and identifying new metabolites. Furthermore, the successful candidate will establish a close collaboration with the other partners of the initiative working on molecular, ecological and applied aspects of the system. In this context, a highly integrated workflow will ensure that results are quickly exchanged and hypotheses generated by one discipline will be taken up and tested by the others.

We expect: A master thesis in phytochemistry, analytical chemistry or a related field. Knowledge in chromatography and mass spectrometry is required. A strong background in plant biology would be an asset. A high interdisciplinary interest coupled with willingness to visit partner-laboratories and conferences on a regular basis.

We offer: An excellent research environment with enthusiastic scientists from different nationalities and scientific backgrounds. The possibility to work on high-end LC-MS and NMR equipments and learn state-of-the art techniques from “genes to agroecosystems”. A pleasant surrounding with a high quality of live and outstanding public services. The application procedure will run until a suitable candidate is found.

The starting date for the PhD is flexible, but should be no later than March 2012. Please send your application (Word or pdf document) including a CV, letter of motivation and research interests as well as the names and addresses of two referees via e-mail to: gaetan.glauser@unine.ch.

For more information, contact: The project leader, Matthias Erb (merb@ice.mpg.de), or the supervisors in Neuchâtel, Gaetan Glauser (gaetan.glauser@unine.ch) and Geneva, Jean-Luc Wolfender (jean-luc.wolfender@unige.ch).

PhD position opened in Switzerland for engineers

(Microengineering & Computer Science)

Building robotic/automated acquisition devices for the analysis and modelling of complexity in animal colour traits In the context of a multidisciplinary study combining mathematical modelling, computer science, and evolutionary developmental genetics, we have one position available for an outstanding, highly-motivated, and creative engineer with strong interests and skills in developing robotic (automated) devices for the acquisition of 3D geometry and colour texture of animals. Programming skills (especially in computer graphics) are important assets. The position is for 3 years or more and can start anytime (negotiable).

A project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) and the University of Geneva, integrates the expertise of three research groups (Physicists, Biologists, Computer Scientists) for an improved understanding of the mechanisms generating variation, complexity, and convergences at colour traits in animals.

The successful candidates will develop and deploy multiple-camera devices for the comprehensive acquisition, modelling, and mathematical analysis of 3D geometries and high-resolution colour textures from animals of various sizes (from 1cm to 1m). The position requires skills in developing hardware as well as software, and team spirit with the ability to work in close collaboration with computer graphics scientists and biologists.

UNIGE (the University of Geneva) is one of Europe’s leading universities and it shares the international calling of its host city, Geneva, a centre of international and multicultural activities with cosmopolitan tradition. Geneva also provides an outstanding natural environment for outdoor activities.

Applications: Please send (combined into one single pdf file) a brief letter of interest, your

CV, as well as contact information of two references to:

Michel Milinkovitch (Michel.Milinkovitch [at] unige [dot] ch), Laboratory of Artificial & Natural Evolution, University of Geneva, Switzerland. & Matthias Zwicker (zwicker [at] iam [dot] unibe [dot] ch), Institute of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, University of Bern, Switzerland.

The Paul Scherrer Institute is with 1400 employees the largest research centre for the natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland and a worldwide leading user laboratory. Its research activities are concentrated on the main topics structure of matter, energy and environmental research as well as human health.

For the Department of Nuclear Energy and Safety, substantial work of the Laboratory for Nuclear Materials concerns safety and performance of materials which are used in nuclear reactors. We are looking for a

Postdoctoral Fellow

Nuclear Fuels, TEM Investigations

Your tasks

In nuclear reactors the fuel is pushed to higher performance while maintaining or increasing its safety. The fuel, consisting of the pellet and the fuel rod, has been optimized, often based on fabrication procedures leading to specific microstructures.

Your task consists of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations of the micro-structure and micro-chemical properties of fuel claddings with respect to its precipitates. The goal is to verify the precipitates’ role on the cladding embrittlement by hydrogen uptake.

Further, TEM investigations of uranium oxide fuel with respect to the distribution and speciation of fission products and their crystallographic properties are foreseen.

You will work with very small radioactive samples; the Hotlab will support you in sample preparation. In our electron microscopy lab we operate state of the art equipment including a FIB and TEM equipped with electron energy loss spectrometer (EELS), or EFTEM (energy filtered TEM).

Your profile

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry or Physics
• Profound TEM, if possible HRTEM experience
• Experience with FIB, EELS and handling of radioactive samples is desirable
• Excellent communication skills in English are required and a working knowledge of German is welcome

If you enjoy working in an international team, to initiate and cultivate multidisciplinary contacts to scientific as well as industrial partners, this position will satisfy your expectations.

For further information please contact Dr Johannes Bertsch, phone +41 56 310 41 73 or Dr Sousan Abolhassani-Dadras, phone +41 76 579 60 76.

Please submit your application online (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 4602-00).

Paul Scherrer Institut, Human Resources, Hedwig Habersaat, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

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The Environmental Systems Design Group is an internationally recognized and leading research group offering a cooperative and inspiring working environment. The group conducts research on modeling, analyzing and assessing the environmental performance of products and processes, new technologies and consumption patterns.

PhD position in developing methods for assessing the Life Cycle Impacts of wood-based products (100%)

The PhD position involves participation in the SNF research project “Life Cycle Management of wood in Switzerland: methods, tools and environmental decision support” (NFP 66 Wood; www.nfp66.ch/E/). The overall project aims to develop an environmental decision-support method and analysis tool to assess the optimal use of wood as a resource including cascading. In order to do a proper environmental assessment, the LCA methodology shall be improved to include environmental impacts specific to the wood value chain. Thus, the Ph.D. thesis deals with the development of Life Cycle Impact Assessment methods for assessing biodiversity related to forest-management practices, as well as for toxicity effects from chemical treatment of wood and emissions of wood combustion. Regional specificity shall be considered in these methods. The final methods will be integrated into an overall model in order to build up sustainable wood-management scenarios and give recommendations to policy makers and industry. Employment will be according to standard regulations at ETH (funding secured for 3 years). The project will start in January 2012 or later upon mutual agreement.

Suitable candidates should hold a master level degree in environmental sciences, natural sciences or similar studies with excellent grades. Experience with environmental assessment methods and tools, such as LCA, and knowledge of forestry is appreciated.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Stefanie Hellweg, Institute of Environmental Sciences, by e-mail: stefanie.hellweg@ifu.baug.ethz.ch (no applications).

Applicants should apply online by sending a Curriculum Vitae and a statement of research interests by December 20, 2011 to: ETH Zurich, Mr. Hans-Peter Widmer, Human Resources, 8092 Zurich.

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Who are we ? Our lab is located at the University Hospital of Geneva and interested in the fields of transplantation immunology and NK cell biology. The main topics include: (i) The role of NK cells and T regulatory cells in xenotransplantation models; (ii) The role of NK cells in human transplantation and hematopoietic diseases; (iii) potential of regulatory T cells to induce transplantation tolerance. The overall goal is to understand the immunological mechanisms leading to graft rejection together with the development of strategies to improve graft survival by the induction of tolerance.

Available subjects for research projects

1. Strategies to prevent cellular rejection in xenotransplantation, analysis of the mechanisms of graft rejection and induction of tolerance:
• 1.1 “Interactions between human leukocytes and porcine endothelial cells; the role of NK and T
• regulatory cells”
• 1.2 “Tolerance induction in islet xenotransplantation, using a rat to mouse model”
2. 2. NK cell function in health, hematological diseases and transplantation
1. “Role of NK cells in human liver disease and transplantation”
2. “Role of NK cytotoxicity with respect to haematopoiesis and cytopenias, identification of novel approaches to interfere with harmful and to induce beneficial NK cytotoxicity in the field of haematological oncology”

Website: http://www.litunige.ch/

Candidate qualifications We are looking for a highly motivated candidate interested in transplantation and/or NK cell immunology who is able to work in an international environment. Good knowledge in English and previous laboratory work experience are essential. Strong knowledge in immunology, biochemistry and cellular techniques as well as interest in animal model experimentation are required. Applicants must hold an academic degree (Diploma/Masters in Biochemistry, Biology or Cell Biology) acceptable for registration as a PhD student at a Swiss University. Salary and duration of appointment Salary is based on the salary scale of the Swiss National Science Foundation (www.snsf.ch) for a period of 3 years.

How to apply? By submitting your application including: CV; a brief description of your research and lab skills along with your career aspirations for this position; transcripts of Master in Sciences; and names and contact information of 3 references to our group leader, Prof. Jörg Seebach. Joerg.Seebach@hcuge.ch Service d’immunologie et d’allergologie at University Hospital Geneva, Building B.BASE, 4th floor, rooms 8D?4?892 and ?893 Phone : +41 22 372 93 72, Fax : +41 22 372 94 18

The University of Agder invites applications for a full-time fixed-term appointment for a period of three years as Research Fellow in Mathematics Education at the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science. The position is currently located in Kristiansand. The starting date is to be negotiated with the Faculty.
Mathematics Education as a research domain deals with empirical and theoretical studies regarding teaching and learning mathematics in school and other places. Pedagogical and didactically topics related to mathematics are included. A tradition of qualitative studies and classroom research has been developed, where the research carried out by the group covers a broad area from pre schools to university.

The announcement is for a research fellow who will be connected to an international project financed by NORDCORP: Hidden dimensions of teaching/learning in mathematics: The contribution of video studies to comparative analysis and the development of instruction (VIDEOMATH)
The position will be directed towards mathematics classroom research in which the aims are the following:
a) to analyse, from video recordings, mathematics teaching and learning in Nordic and US classrooms in relation to a specific theme (introductory algebra)
b) to create a virtual environment to stimulate the dialogue and professional development among Nordic and US mathematics teachers aimed at improving mathematics instruction.
The project includes participants from Finland, Norway, Sweden and USA (California): teachers, researchers, master students, doctoral students and post-doctoral fellows. The collaboration between teams will be organized through a virtual platform in which excerpts and analyses from sequences of lessons in the different countries are documented. Candidates with experience in classroom research, including data collection, interviews, and task result analysis will be prioritised.

Nr. Job Positions : 1

The position is remunerated within the State salary scale, salary plan 17.510, code 1017, salary grade 48 (NOK 391.300). A 2 % compulsory pension contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund is deducted from the pay according to current statutory provisions.

For information on Norwegian salary grades, see: http://tinyurl.com/p3n67d

For further information please contact Professor

Maria Luiza Cestari,

Tel. (+47) 3814 1537

E-mail:maria.l.cestari@uia.no or head of Department Elna Svege, tel. (+47) 38141778, e-mail ….

The full text of this announcement is available online at www.uia.no/vacancies.

For more information on working at UiA, seewww.uia.no/work.