Vacancy: Full Time PhD position, Free University of Brussels
(ref. IBBT/SMIT/Privacy)
The research centre IBBT-SMIT at the Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) offers a full time PhD position in the field of Social Sciences, more in particular of Media and Communication Studies. The vacancy is open for a research position of 4 years, in order to realize a PhD on the use of social media and social networks sites, the reconfiguration of privacy practices and the social and technological consequences thereof. The position starts in January 2011, and is supervised by Prof. Jo Pierson.
Candidates are expected to show strong affinity with and interest in the domain of audience and user studies, social media technologies and media sociology, and are holder of a Masters degree in Social Sciences (Communication Studies, Sociology, ...). Applications are to be sent electronically as soon as possible (at the latest by 14th January 2011) to Hans De Canck (Hans.De.Canck@vub.ac.be) and Prof. Jo Pierson (jo.pierson@vub.ac.be). When applying, a motivation and an elaborated vision on the theme under concern are expected to be included with the CV.
Contact information:
Hans De Canck
IBBT-SMIT
Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Pleinlaan 9
B-1050 Brusssels
E-mail: Hans.De.Canck@vub.ac.be
Tel.: +32-(0)2-6291628
Prof. dr. J. Pierson
Dept. of Media and Communication Studies
Faculty of Arts and Philosophy
Free University of Brussels (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Pleinlaan 2
B-1050 Brusssels
E-mail: jo.pierson@vub.ac.be
Tel.: +32-(0)2-6292412
Description of research theme:
We are witnessing the rapid growth of a new generation of participatory and collaborative network technologies that provide individuals with a platform for sophisticated online social interaction. Social networks today have hundreds of millions of users and are transforming our social and professional interactions and to some extent are shaping society itself. Gradually, society is discerning that this development not only brings strong benefits to the social and economic fabric, but also introduces new risks related to privacy violations. At this stage, these issues are often perceived as isolated incidents that most organizations do not take accountability for. Yet, the implications of social networking environments for individual users, communities, organizations and society at large will become much more evident and most likely more substantial if necessary precautions are not taken. Especially alarming is the massive responsibility that individuals incur with respect to managing privacy and security risks arising from the information collected and shared about their everyday life on social networking sites. This phenomenon is has been coined as the responsibilisation of individuals.
The main objective of the overall research project is to mitigate the responsibilisation of individuals who use or are affected by social networking services by making the underlying social networking infrastructures and the organizations that run them more accountable. In order to achieve this objective first an understanding of the target audience is required as well as forms of responsibilisation. This target audience includes users, communities and organizations in Flanders (Belgium). The plan is to develop solutions that facilitate better decision making with respect to the target groups’ privacy and security concerns, and that mitigate the risks, threats and concerns that currently are manifest in this domain.
The PhD research position at IBBT-SMIT (Vrije Universiteit Brussel) is part of this larger four-year interdisciplinary research project on security and privacy in online social networks, involving different Belgian universities and one American university. More in particular the doctoral research has a twofold perspective. On the one hand it wants to understand the practices and needs of users with regard to privacy issues within social network sites, mainly based on the use of qualitative and ethnographic methods. On the other hand it will focus on the critical design variables and tools for social software. For the latter a translation needs to be made from the user research findings to possible guidelines and requirements for future media en technological solutions.
Requirements:
A Master degree in Social Sciences, (Communication Studies, Sociology, ...)
Good knowledge of Dutch (and English)
Strong affinity and/or interest in the domain of audience and user studies, social media technologies and media sociology
Good knowledge of user research methods
Good writing skills
To be flexible and to be able to cope with deadlines
Team player with strong social skills
Research experience is a plus.
We offer:
An interesting PhD research position (4 years) in a stimulating work environment
Enthusiastic and young co-workers and a pleasant environment
Day to day support and project guidance based on high quality standards
A place for personal involvement and input
Flexible working hours
Multiple social benefits
Salary in accordance with the job market.
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PhD Position at Free University of Brussels
Label: 2 PhD positions in Creative Design, Free University BrusselsPhD Studentships
The Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (link: http://www.sicsa.ac.uk
SICSA studentships cover living costs and fees at the UK/EU level and successful candidates may apply for further fee support. We will consider applicants in any area of computer science and informatics but may give preference to students who are working in SICSA theme areas:
Next-generation Internet
Multi-modal interaction
Modelling and abstraction
Complex systems engineering
Students must have or must expect to be awarded a 1st class honours degree or an MSc with Distinction or equivalent GPA scores. Your degree must be in a discipline that is relevant to your proposed field of research.
For more details of how to apply for a SICSA prize studentship, see the SICSA web pages (http://www.sicsa.ac.uk/graduate-academy/prize-studentships/applying-for-a-sicsa-prize-studentship)
http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/ACB440/phd-studentships/
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PhD Scholarships for 2011-2012
With an international reputation for innovative research in a broad range of disciplines, the University of Edinburgh provides the opportunity for PhD students to work alongside some of the most influential academics in the world.
Applications are now invited for over 120 PhD scholarships for postgraduate research starting in 2011-2012.
Principal's Career Development PhD Scholarships
55 PhD Scholarships are available to students from any country. These scholarships provide development opportunities which will support our research students as they progress beyond their PhD, by offering a package of career training that allows students to simultaneously develop skills in research, and also in teaching, public engagement or entrepreneurship.
Each scholarship covers the UK/EU rate of tuition fee and pays a generous stipend; £14,000 in year 1; £14,500 in year 2 and £15,000 in year 3.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 1 February 2011.
Full details can be found on the Scholarships and Student Funding Services website.
Overseas Research Scholarships
50 overseas research scholarships are also available to overseas PhD students undertaking a research degree in any field of study. Each award covers the difference between the UK/EU rate of tuition fee and that chargeable to an overseas student. Subject to satisfactory academic progress the awards are tenable for up to 3 years.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 1 February 2011.
Full details can be found on the Scholarships and Student Funding Services website.
Applying for Admisison to the University
If you are interested in these schemes and have not yet applied for admission to the University of Edinburgh please visit our University Prospectus where you can make your application via the online admission system.
Applying online for postgraduate admission
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-funding/postgraduate/research
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The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is highly competitive international scholarship programme for graduate study and research at the University of Cambridge.
All applicants apply simultaneously for admission to the University and for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship. The Trust does not admit or place scholars.
Before submitting an application you should check that you are eligible, read through the ideal candidate section and check which application deadline applies to you.
Who is Eligible
Candidates for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship:
may be citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom.
may apply to study any subject available at the University of Cambridge.
may apply to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study:
PhD (three year research-only degree)
One year postgraduate course (e.g. MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA etc.)
MSc or MLitt (two year research-only degree)
MBBChir Clinical Studies (four year postgraduate degree)
must be admitted to one of the degrees above at Cambridge through the University’s normal admission procedures. The Trust does not admit students.
must be well prepared for the Cambridge course for which they are applying and must meet all of the conditions for admission specified by the University (e.g. academic, English language proficiency, if required, and any other conditions set).
must be able to show evidence of high academic achievement, leadership potential, social commitment and a good fit with Cambridge.
who are already studying at Cambridge are only eligible to apply for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship if they are applying for a new course of study (e.g. a one year ‘MPhil only’ student may apply for funding to continue on to the PhD). Candidates already studying at Cambridge who are not applying for a new course of study (e.g. have already started their PhD) are not eligible to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
The Ideal Candidate
There is no one template for a Gates Scholar: each scholar is different and brings something unique to the programme.
However, when selecting Gates Scholars, the Trust looks for students with enthusiasm, robustness of intellect, a willingness to engage and an appropriate humility that comes from an awareness that nothing is ever really simple.
In particular, Gates Scholars will be driven by the values of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which include a commitment to reducing inequities and improving lives around the world. The Foundation’s mission is to increase opportunity and equity for those most in need, particularly in the areas of health and education, often through the use of science and technology.
The Trust expects a good match to be made between the applicant’s qualifications and aspirations and what Cambridge has to offer. Successful applicants will have the ability to make a significant contribution to their discipline while in Cambridge, with a strong aptitude for research, analysis and a creative approach to defining and solving problems.
How Competitive
For the USA:
c. 800 eligible applicants apply for admission and funding
c. 200 highly ranked by Departments
c. 100 invited to interview
c. 30 offered a Gates Cambridge Scholarship after interview
For all other countries:
* c. 7,000 eligible applicants apply for admission and funding
c. 300 are highly ranked by Departments
c. 100 are invited to interview
c. 50 offered a Gates Cambridge Scholarship after interview
Competition for admission to the University of Cambridge and for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship is intense.
The University of Cambridge is normally ranked in the top three universities worldwide. It typically receives over 9,000 applications for graduate study from non-British applicants, approximately 1,700 of whom take up their place at Cambridge.
Once applicants have applied for admission and a Gates Cambridge Scholarship, the Trust asks academic departments in Cambridge to rank their very best candidates. A shortlisting committee then applies the four main criteria of the scholarships to produce a final interview list. Gates Scholars are selected after interview.
Value
A Gates Cambridge Scholarship covers the full cost of studying at Cambridge, namely:
the University Composition Fee and College fees at the appropriate rate*
a maintenance allowance for a single student (£12, 500 for 12 months at the 2009-10 rate; pro rata for courses shorter then 12 months)
one economy single airfare at both the beginning and end of the course
A discretionary contribution towards the costs of supporting dependants at Cambridge (upon application).
Once in residence, Gates Scholars may apply for financial help with the costs of attending conferences, undertaking fieldwork and other activities.
*The University Composition Fee varies for different types of students and applicants should see the Graduate Studies Prospectus for full details about precise amounts. Where a student from the European Union has been successful in gaining a fees award from public authorities, the Trust will not pay these fees
Interview Process
All candidates shortlisted for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship attend a 20-25 minute interview. The interviews are conducted by a panel of three to five members, knowledgeable in a general way about the candidate’s field of study.
Candidates are be asked about their work: why it excites them; what they know about the broader field of which it is part; why it is important; why coming to Cambridge will help them with their research or build on their earlier educational experiences. Also, do they understand that higher education brings privilege and opens opportunity for the future; what do they intend to do with the benefits they’ve had; how do they see themselves contributing in time. Candidates may also be asked questions of a probing intellectual or ethical dimension, to which there are no ‘right’ answers.
Interviews for candidates from the United States who have not previously studied for a degree at the University of Cambridge are usually held in Annapolis, MD at the beginning of February for entry in the following October. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted before the Christmas break. The Trust normally interviews about 100 US candidates and, after interview, awards about 30 Gates Cambridge Scholarships, depending on the total number of awards available in that year.
Interviews for candidates from all other countries (and for candidates from the United States who have previously studied, or are currently studying, a degree at Cambridge) are held in Cambridge and are either conducted in person or by telephone (depending on the candidate’s location) in late March. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted in early March. The Trust normally interviews about 100 candidates and, after interview, awards about 50 Gates Cambridge Scholarships, depending on the total number of awards available in that year.
All candidates are informed of the results of their interview within a week.
Application Deadline : 15 October 2010 (USA) & 1 December 2010 (Non USA)
Visit official website: http://www.gatesscholar.org/
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An excellent PhD opportunity is available for a joint project with the Weather
and Energy Research Unit at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organisation (CSIRO) and the Fenner School of Environment and Society at the
Australian National University in the area of Solar Radiation and Energy.
The appointed PhD student will develop a solar radiation and energy forecasting
system aimed at improving the way in which solar energy produced by a selection
of energy devices is integrated into the electricity grid. Such a system may
eventually be implemented operationally by bodies such as the Australian Energy
Market Operator and/or solar power farms operators.
Candidates who have achieved Honours 1 or 2a or equivalent in Science and/or
Engineering from a recognised University and have an enthusiastic interest in
Solar Energy and/or Meteorology are encouraged to apply. Applicants should
submit a brief statement of practical and academic suitability for the proposed
research topic, a current curriculum vitae, academic transcripts and contact
details for two referees.
Scholarship applications close 30th November 2010, but the search may remain
open until the position is filled. The selected PhD student will be awarded a
research support budget of up to AUD 24,000 per annum.
More information on the scholarship can be found
at: https://recruitment.csiro.au/ (ref n. 2010/815)
Information on the Fenner School can be found
at: http://fenner-school.anu.edu.au/
For enquiries on the scholarship please contact: Dr Alberto Troccoli on +61 2
6246 5759 (
For enquiries on admission to the Fenner School please contact: Dr Janette
Lindesay (
------
Dr Alberto Troccoli
Head, Weather & Energy Research Unit
CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research
Pye Laboratory, Black Mountain
GPO Box 3023, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Ph: +61 (0)2 6246 5759
Email: alberto.troccoli@csiro.au Web: www.cmar.csiro.au
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INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM FOR FOREIGN GRADUATE STUDENTS WITH SCHOLARSHIPS
Application documents for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship and Asia Special Scholarship.
This program with scholarships is provided for international students applying for gAdmission to International Graduate Program/AIGP h for September 2011 Entrance.
Please check the information about gAdmission to International Graduate Program/AIGP hon application procedures, departments accepting applicants, and admission requirements on the following URL ; http://www.sci.waseda.ac.jp/visitor/applicants/daigakuin/aigp.html
Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University offers International Graduate Program in English for foreign students. For September 2011 intake, we will allocate approximately 15 scholarships for Doctoral and Master fs candidates in total.
Detailed eligibility is listed as follows:
Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for 9 Doctoral and Master fs candidates entering in September 2011 (MEXT stands for Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
Asia Special Scholarship for 6 Doctoral and Master fs candidates entering in September 2011
To apply for the program with scholarships, you need to take two application procedures as follows.
@‡@Applicants for Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship or Asia Special Scholarship are required to submit application documents by mail to the Graduate Admissions Office (Graduate Admissions Office, Center for Science and Engineering, Waseda University 3-4-1
Okubo,Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, JAPAN ) by January 7, 2011.
@‡APlease submit the designated documents required for the gAdmission to International Graduate Program h.
First of all, please read the following guidelines carefully, and take the appropriate procedures.
http://www.sci.waseda.ac.jp/visitor/applicants/daigakuin/scholarship_fse.html
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