Thursday, September 14, 2023

Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship at UC San Diego

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Applications for the 2024 cohort open on September 1, 2023. The application deadline is October 1, 2023.

Before applying, applicants must obtain the sponsorship of a faculty member at UC San Diego who is willing to serve as their primary faculty mentor.
  • Complete applications should consist of the following documents: Schmidt AI in Science Postdocs Program Application Form
  • A research statement emphasizing the promise of the applicant’s research agenda and demonstrating a clear understanding of how to apply AI to improve their science
  • A diversity statement describing the applicant’s past or future contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout their academic career
  • A letter of nomination from the applicant’s proposed primary (STEM) faculty mentor at UC San Diego. The letter from the proposed primary (STEM) mentor should address: a) the applicant's proposed research and its scientific significance, and how training in AI methods and approaches through the Schmidt AI in Science Postdocs Program will enhance their science; b) the extent to which the applicant will participate in departmental and campus academic activities (e.g., seminar programs); c) the extent of the applicant's anticipated participation at national/international research meetings; and d) the proposed STEM mentor's involvement in mentoring for other programs designed to increase access and opportunity in higher education.
  • Two additional letters of recommendation. These letters should address: a) The novelty, quality and promise of the applicant's work; b) the potential for the nominee to leverage the training they would receive as a Fellow to pioneer and accelerate the adoption of innovative applications of AI in their field; and c) if the applicant's Ph.D. is in progress, rate the likelihood of its completion by September 1 of the year they will begin their postdoctoral appointment.
If selected, Fellows will be expected to begin their appointment on October 1, 2024 and must have completed their PhD by September 1, 2024.

Two Postdoc opportunities in transritomics

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My lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (http://tinyurl.com/pkatzlab) is seeking two postdocs to join projects in collaboration with Jeff Lichtman’s lab at Harvard University. We are looking for people who are knowledgeable in transcriptomics and/or connectomics to join ongoing projects related to multisensory systems and neurogenesis.

We have been pioneering the use of the nudibranch, Berghia stephanieae to ask fundamental questions about the structure and function of neural processing. Nudibranchs, like other gastropods, have central ganglia that continue to add neurons as the animal grows, increasing the number of neurons over 40 fold in just eight weeks. Individual neurons can be recognized at each developmental stage, some arise early and others later, providing an opportunity to compare synaptic organization and gene expression in the same neuron at different times. We are asking how newly born neurons become incorporated into functional neural circuits by combining 3D electron microscopy, cell tracing, single cell transcriptomics, and multiplexed in situ hybridization chain reaction to create developmental cell atlases.

We are also examining the structure and function of the rhinophore complex in Berghia. The rhinophores are distance chemoreceptive appendages that contain thousands of peripheral neurons. At the base of each rhinophore is a ganglion that has more neurons than the so-called brain. We are determining whether this ganglion has structural features that are analogous to an insect antennal lobe or whether it has a uniquely molluscan organization that includes peripheral processing. The structural basis for olfaction has not yet been determined in molluscs. This project could help determine whether molluscs fundamentally differ from other known systems in how olfactory receptor neurons are organized into circuits.

Postdocs will develop their individual projects with the expectation that they will build an independent research program. Postdocs are expected to mentor and work as a team with students in the lab. We work to foster a cooperative, inclusive environment in the lab.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst has a large and growing neuroscience community. Smith, Mt. Holyoke, Amherst, and Hampshire Colleges are all nearby and contribute to the academic environment. Amherst is located about 2 hours west of Boston. There is train service to New York City as well. Amherst is situated in the Connecticut River Valley, convenient to skiing in the Berkshire Mountains and Vermont. There is a lively music scene and art scene.

Applicants must have a PhD in neuroscience or a related field, and publication record in the field.

Applicants should send a cover letter, with contact information for three references, and a c.v. to [email protected]. Applications will be considered as they are received.

Paul Katz
Professor at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Monday, September 11, 2023

Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Manager for Tanzania MUM Project

   
Under the supervision of the Water Services Team Lead, the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Manager will be responsible for water and sanitation infrastructure implementation, including site investigation, design, environmental compliance, preparation of bidding packages, and construction management services for USAID’s construction contractor(s). In coordination with the Chief of Party (COP) and Deputy COP-Technical, the Water Supply and Sanitation Infrastructure Manager will manage two lead engineers as part of their supervisory responsibility over the engineering and construction management components of MUM’s WASH infrastructure implementation as part of Strategic Objectives 1 & 3.

Qualifications:
  • Degree in relevant field such as civil or water resources engineering, water and environmental engineering.
  • Master’s degree or equivalent and 7 years’ experience in a relevant field, OR bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 10 years’ experience in a relevant field.
  • Demonstrated technical experience in water supply delivery, including in at least three of the following areas: infrastructure development, hydraulic design, preparation of bidding packages for water supply infrastructure, training and capacity building, community engagement, and pro-poor approaches to WASH access.
  • Minimum of seven years’ progressively responsible relevant professional experience in international development. At least three years must be in a management position.
  • Experience with sanitation infrastructure in urban settings and managing donor-funded activities is desired.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English and Swahili.
  • Computer literate (in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), including AutoCAD and hydraulic modeling/design software.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing teams across multiple WASH focuses, ensuring appropriately tailored and synchronized activities.
  • Knowledge of water supply infrastructure design, bidding document production, and construction management.
Read more and apply: https://tetratech.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/water-supply-and-sanitation-infrastructure-manager-for-tanzania-mum-project-36779

Finance Manager for Tanzania MUM Project

   
Under the supervision of the Director of Administration and Finance, the Finance Manager is responsible for managing accounting and financial control systems for the Tanzania MUM project offices in the Iringa office and for ensuring that adequate and appropriate internal controls are in place to meet generally recognized accounting standards and full compliance with all USAID financial administration and reporting requirements. In addition, the Finance Manager will oversee the Finance team and work closely with Administrative Manager and Procurement and Subcontract Manager.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in finance and/or accounting, or related field of study, and 3 years’ relevant work experience OR 8 years’ relevant work experience.
  • Demonstrated experience in similar donor-related activities serving on a similar or equivalent position.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing a finance team and solving accounting and finance problems.
  • Practical experience preparing VAT refund claims and coordinating endorsements and submission of required documentation to TRA.
  • Ability to review activity budgets and QuickBooks entries and reports.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English.
  • Must be registered with National Board of Accountants and Auditors (NBAA) as Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
  • Tactfulness, enthusiasm for the job, Good Human Relation skills, integrity and ability to work under pressure.
Read more and apply: https://tetratech.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/finance-manager-for-tanzania-mum-project-36789

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Schlumberger Foundation 2024-2025 for women in STEM from developing countries

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The Schlumberger Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports science and technology education. Recognizing the link between science, technology, and socio-economic development, as well as the key role of education in realizing individual potential, the Schlumberger Foundation’s flagship program is Faculty for the Future.

The program’s long-term goal is to accelerate gender equality in STEM by creating conditions that enable more women to pursue scientific careers. The program is committed to gender parity in science. SLB recognizes that full access to and participation in a STEM curriculum is essential for the empowerment of women and girls. By accelerating gender equality in STEM, the talent and capacities of these women can be developed for the benefit of their local communities, regions, and the world.

The program awards fellowships for advanced research in STEM at leading research institutes abroad. Faculty for the Future Fellows are expected to return to their home countries upon completion of their studies to contribute to the economic, social, and technological advancement by strengthening the STEM teaching and research faculties of their home institutions and through their leadership in science-based entrepreneurship. They are also expected to contribute to the public sector where their newly acquired technical and scientific skills can help provide evidence-based support for STEM policy making, including topics of gender representation.

This program acts as a catalyst for these women to further tap into their potential. Through heightened motivation, sharpened self-awareness, and a lasting passion for science, they in turn capture the imagination of other women and girls around them to regard scientific pursuits as a necessary means towards advancement and growth.

Read more and apply: https://www.slb.com/about/who-we-are/schlumberger-foundation

UNESCO Mid-Level Professionals Programme

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What is the Mid-Level Professionals Programme?

The Mid-Level Professionals Programme (MLPP) is a recruitment initiative for talented and highly qualified mid-level professionals who wish to start and/or advance their careers as International Civil Servants at UNESCO.

While recruitment is open to candidates from all UNESCO’s Member States, priority consideration, at equal competence, will be given to candidates from non- and under-represented Member States and to internal candidates.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria

Must be a national of a UNESCO Member State. Qualified candidates from non- and under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply.

The MLPP selection process is based on the standard UNESCO recruitment process. Standard educational and work experience requirements for professional positions at P-3 and P-4 level apply.

Language requirements

Candidates should demonstrate an excellent knowledge of at least one working language of the Secretariat (English or French). A good knowledge of the other working language is an asset, or in some cases, is required.

Knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Russian or Spanish could be required or would be an additional asset.

Core Competencies and Values:

UNESCO Core Values: Commitment to the Organization, Integrity, Respect for Diversity, Professionalism

Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships

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Funded by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. They offer PhD scholars studying at eligible universities across the Commonwealth the opportunity to conduct research at an institute in the UK for 12 months.

Purpose: To widen access to UK equipment and expertise for high quality doctoral candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, and to contribute to UK and Commonwealth higher education and research through collaboration and partnerships.

Intended beneficiaries: High-quality graduates whose proposed research has a developmental focus and who have the potential to become influential teachers or researchers in their home countries.