Call for applications: EMBL Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship (EIPOD)

The call for applications for the 2018 EMBL Interdisciplinary Postdocs Fellowship (EIPOD) is now.  The fellowships are funded by EMBL and a grant from Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions from the EU and provide young scientist with full funding for a three-year position. Applicants are invited to propose an interdisciplinary project according to their scientific interest. Each project should involve two EMBL groups. External partners from academia or industry are welcome.

Successful candidates will pursue interdisciplinary projects, transferring techniques to a new context or connecting scientific fields that are usually separate, across at least two labs at the six EMBL sites.

Deadline: 12 September 2018

Location:      

All EMBL Sites: Germany, UK, France, Italy and Spain.

Requirements

Candidates must have background:

          Biology

          Molecular Medicine

          Chemistry

          Physics

          Mathematics

          Computer Science

          Engineering

EMBL opens the door to your scientific career: Students have an outstanding publication record, are a vital part of our global collaborations and receive their degrees jointly with our network of excellent partner universities in 17 different countries.

For further information on the EIPOD programme, please contact eipod@embl.org

EMBL is an inclusive, equal opportunity employer offering attractive conditions and benefits appropriate to an international research organization. 

Apply online: https://www.embl.de/jobs/searchjobs/index.php?ref=EICAT00001&newlang=1&pos[]=POS

International Data Week 2018, Hosted in Botswana

International Data Week 2018 (IDW 2018) will be held on 5-8 November 2018 in Gaborone, Botswana. Hosted by the Botswana Open Science and Open Data Forum, IDW 2018 will bring together data scientists, researchers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, policymakers and data stewards from all disciplines and geographies across the globe.

Co-organized by the ICSU World Data System (WDS), the ICSU Committee on Data for Science and Technology (CODATA), the Research Data Alliance (RDA), University of Botswana (UoB) and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), IDW 2018 combines the 12th RDA Plenary Meeting, the bi-annual meeting of the research data community, and SciDataCon 2018, the scientific conference addressing the frontiers of data in research. 

To a greater degree than at IDW 2016 in Denver, Colorado, the events will be integrated, such that each day will feature an inspiring and engaging range of activities. In a hyper-connected world where the Internet is pervasive and web technologies are driving major changes in our lives, research has become more than ever before digital and international.

With the theme of ‘The Digital Frontiers of Global Science’, this landmark event will be a rich week of science and data, featuring world-renowned keynote speakers, plenary panels and discussions, and the presentation of high-quality research and practical working sessions for international collaborations.  

Focus topics will include:

·         Research issues in a global and digital age

·         Applications, progress, and challenges of data-intensive research

·         Data infrastructure and enabling practices for international and collaborative research.

All areas of research are in scope, including the social sciences, humanities, and business and management sciences.

Similarly, the applications of data outside of research will also be considered. DW 2018 will be held in Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, an excellent location for this compelling international conference for the following reasons:

The fundamental role of data for research, for economic development and ecological sustainability, are recognized as important and are supported by the government, research institutions, and community.

The government of Botswana has a strong and forward-looking policy to support education, technology, development, and research.

Botswana is active and well-integrated in regional (Southern African Development Community: SADC), African and international collaboration in various areas of research and in data activities.

The Botswana University and research sector are advancing greatly as a result of these policies and engagements.

Gaborone is easy to get to, with connecting flights for international participants from Johannesburg (JNB), Nairobi (NBO) and Addis Ababa (ADD), and boasts attractive venues and excellent quality, competitively-priced hotels.

Botswana is one of the safest countries in the world according to the Global Peace Index: http://visionofhumanity.org/indexes/global-peace-index/.  Since independence in 1966, Botswana maintained a stable representative democracy, with a consistent record of uninterrupted democratic elections and ranking 35 (out of 176 countries) in the Corruption Perceptions Index 2016 https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2016.

Gaborone offers a pleasant location and attractions; in the north of the country, there are unique UNESCO sites for participants who wish to visit before or after the conference.

Registrations: https://idw2018.optimumqbw.com/

For more information: http://internationaldataweek.org/ 

1st National Researchers' Conference 2018, Botswana

The purpose of `the conference is to provide a platform for researchers to dialogue, share experiences, evaluate and provide insight on issues pertaining to and impacting on their research activities. The conference will focus on issues relating to governance, research environment, legal framework, and resources. 

The objectives are molded around the following;

• Funding for Research and Innovation;
• A framework for networking and collaboration;
• Harmonizing Research structures;
• Bridging the gap between research, stakeholders and policy formulation;
• A conducive environment for Research;

Thematic areas

The Conference shall focus and reflect on pertinent research issues as per the following thematic areas.

• Networking & Collaboration
• Research for Development
• Coordinated Research for Knowledge Economy
• Conducive Environment for Research & Development in Botswana.

Date: 8 - 9 October 2018

Venue: Gaborone, Botswana

Contact: 

Organising Committee Chair

Department of Research, Science & Technology

Private Bag BR 279

Gaborone, Botswana

Telephone: (+267) 361 3100

Email: rstibots@gov.bw

  Applications for Registration are on-going. Applications to be considered for attendance are still being accepted till 03 October 2018.

 For more information and online registration:

http://researchersconference.net.bw/Default.aspx 

Research School of Biology International PhD Scholarship in Australia

Overview

Each year the ANU Research School of Biology (RSB) may offer one or more scholarships known as the Research School of Biology International Ph.D. Scholarship to attract the highest calibre of international students, to pursue a Ph.D. degree within the school.

Field of study

Biological Sciences

Eligibility

The award will be available each year to a prospective student who is:

·         an International student

·         enrolling full-time in a program of study for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Selection Process

Selection will be made on the basis of an assessment of the student's research potential. This will take into account a measure of the applicant's overall performance in undergraduate and (if any) Master's coursework as well as an assessment of their most recent graded research writing (thesis) and accomplishments (research publications, awards, referee evaluation).

Scholarship Value

$27,082 per annum

Payments made fortnightly

Payments made for 3 years

Benefits

In addition to the fortnightly stipend, the scholarship also provides the following benefits:

·         Dependent Child Allowance

·         Relocation Allowance

·         Thesis Reimbursement

How to apply

There is no separate application for this scholarship.  Students will be considered for the scholarship based upon their application for admission and on them meeting the eligibility requirements.

Application periods

1 September – 31 August every year.

For more information: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/scholarships-fees/scholarships/research-school-of-biology-international-phd-scholarship

Human menstrual blood cells restore neuron functionality in spinal cord injury.

Adapted from: https://asymmetrex.com/produce-greater-numbers-therapeutic-adult-tissue-stem-cells-reduced-cost/ 

Researchers have found out that stem cells derived from the human menstrual blood restore spinal cord functionality after spinal cord injuries. These findings have been published by the journal “Cell Death and Disease, 29 August 2018.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the damage to any part of the spinal cord or the nerves or the nerves at the end of the spinal canal, resulting in temporary or permanent alterations to its functionality. The damages may be brought about by violence, falls, diseases and motor vehicle accidents which result in the crushing of the spinal cord or dislocation of the vertebrae. More damage can develop later due to bleeding and inflammation. Spinal cord injuries can result in loss of sensation, inability to walk or paralysis due to damaged sensory neurons and nerve fibers. Treatment of SCI’s is mostly based on rehabilitation procedures, medical devices, and steroidal drugs. Researchers and medical experts continue to seek more effective treatment alternatives for SCI patients, with stem cells and regenerative medicine gaining popularity due to the promising results.

In this article, a group of researchers including Chuanming Dong of the Nantong University in China have shed light on the use of stem cells derived from menstrual blood in treating spinal cord injuries. They isolated mesenchymal stem cells from healthy volunteers. These cells were treated with human MSC osteogenic differentiation medium to induce differentiation into osteoblast and adipocytes. The researchers then transplanted the mesenchymal stem cell suspension on spinal cord injured rats caused by T10 spinal hemisection, a surgical procedure whereby 2mm of the spinal cord was cut out.

The study found out that transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells derived from the human menstrual blood reinstated the functionality of the spinal cord. The hind limb motor function was greatly improved compared to the control. The study also found out that treatment by mesenchymal stem cells resulted in reduced cavity formation in lesion sites. Molecular analysis showed that the treatment inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors, TNF-α and IL-1β. These findings have shown that human blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells have potential therapeutic use in the treatment of spinal cord injuries hence need further research exploration.

Read full paper here: https://rdcu.be/5rSU

Rights and Permissions: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Journal Article Reference: 

Wu Q, Wang Q, Li Z, Li X, Zang J ,Wang Z ,Xu C ,Gong Y, Cheng J, Li H, Shen G and Dong C. Human menstrual blood-derived stem cells promote functional recovery in a rat spinal cord hemisection model. Cell Death and Disease (2018) 9:882. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-018-0847-8

The International Conference on Plant Science and Molecular Biology

The International Conference on Plant Science will be on October 25^th – 27^th, 2018 in Paris, France, with a theme of “Explore the Scope of Plant Science."

The conference provides a Global Platform for Plant Science Professionals, Academicians, Medical and Research Professionals to Exchange Ideas, Knowledge and Networking and collaborations in research.

Call for papers in the following Key Areas:

• Plant Science and Soil Science
• Plant Morphology and Metabolism
• Plant Tissue Culture and Plant Biotechnology
• Plant Pathology and Weed Science
• Agricultural Science
• Plant Genetics and Epigenetics
• Plant Physiology and Biochemistry
• Plant Breeding and Molecular Breeding
• Medicinal Plant Sciences
• Plant Nutrition
• Plant Nanotechnology
• Aquatic Plants Ecology
• Plant Biodiversity and Conservation
• Plant Ecology and Diversity
• Forest Science and Technology
• Crop & Pasture Science
• Herbal Byproducts Entrepreneurs Investment

Who should attend?

• All the Stake Holders (both Academia & Industry) of the Sector
• Researchers & Innovators
• Experts Looking for Collaborative Work
• Product Developers
• Solution Providers
• Sales & Marketing Professionals
• Associations, Societies, & Professional Bodies
• Funding Agencies & Fund Raisers
• Management Bodies
• Decision Makers

Why you should attend?

Be the first to showcase your research, innovation, and brand to gain competitive advantages. Meet your target audience and explore your product and services.

• To Meet Experts
• Learning In a New Space
• New Tips & Tactics
• Certification
• Global Networking
• Rebuild New Customer Base
• Brand Establishment

Submit abstract: https://www.meetingsint.com/agri-aqua-conferences/plant-science/abstract-submission

For more information: https://www.meetingsint.com/agri-aqua-conferences/plant-science 

Postdoctoral Opportunities in Bioinformatics/Statistical Genetics

The Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) in Doha, Qatar seeks to recruit a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher. The successful applicant will work closely with the bioinformatics team. She/he will have the opportunity to access several types of data including next-generation sequencing and gene expression data for several complex traits such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. 

The position involves methodological and applied research. The main topics of interest will encompass genome-wide association studies, gene regulatory networks and transcriptome analysis, protein-protein interaction, and machine learning. The successful candidate should be able to write any necessary code that may be needed for her/his research projects. Our team is interdisciplinary, with scientists from backgrounds in computer science, statistics, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and biophysics.

Qualifications

- Ph.D. in computer science, biostatistics, bioinformatics, statistical genetics or other relevant disciplines with a strong quantitative research background.

- Solid experience working with large-scale genetic data sets (GWAS data, sequencing data, gene expression data).

- Expertise in machine learning and statistics.

- Ability to develop new methods and has produced high quality published work.

- Outstanding programming skills and experience working in a Linux environment (e.g., Python, R, Java, C++, BASH, etc… )

- Excellent oral and written communication and documentation skills.

- Track record of delivering complex scientific projects through high impact factor publications.

- Willingness to work in a team and mentor Ph.D. students.

- The candidate must be able to work autonomously and have a strong team spirit.

Research at QCRI
QCRI is a research institute that is part of the Hamad Bin Khalifa University. It supports Qatar Foundation’s mission by helping to build Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity. It is focused on tackling large-scale computing challenges that address national priorities for health, growth, and development. QCRI is a national research institute conducting world-class applied computing research that enables new discoveries and accelerates development of society.
The country is home to campuses of numerous world-renowned universities such as Weill Cornell, Carnegie Mellon University, Texas A&M University, Virginia Commonwealth, and Georgetown University.

How to apply
Send your application to Dr. Mohamad Saad, msaad@hbku.edu.qa 

The application packet should include the following: 

(1) A cover letter that states the motivation for applying for this position.

(2) CV that has the list of publications. 

(3) Statement of research interests, and 

(4) Contact information of three references who have agreed to provide a written statement on behalf of the applicant.

Deadline: Open until filled.

Address
Mohamad Saad, Ph.D.
Scientist, Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics
Qatar Computing Research Institute
Office 1117, HBKU – Research Complex
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
P.O. Box: 5825
Doha - Qatar
Tel: +974 4454 7746

Top of Form

For more information: https://hbku.edu.qa/en/division/information-computing-technology

Annual Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing Congress during September 17-18, 2018 in San Diego, USA

Industrial Biotechnology 2018 aims to bring together the Professors, Researchers, scientists, business giants, and technocrats to provide an international forum for the dissemination of original research results, new ideas and practical development and discover advances in the field of biotechnology, management and education in relation to biotechnology as well as a breadth of other topics. The applications of biotechnology include therapeutics, diagnostics, and genetically modified crops for agriculture, processed food, bioremediation, waste treatment, and energy production. Industrial Biotechnology 2018 is an excellent opportunity for the delegates from Universities and Institutes to interact with the world class Scientists.

This biotech meeting creates a platform for Policy-makers, Scientists, representatives and decision makers in biotechnology to present their latest biotech research and learn about all the important developments in biotechnology research. The applications of biotechnology include therapeutics, diagnostics, and genetically modified crops for agriculture, processed food, bioremediation, waste treatment, and energy production. Industrial Biotechnology 2018 is an excellent opportunity for the delegates from Universities and Institutes to interact with the world class Scientists. Major topics discussed are Biofuels and Bio-refinery, Renewable Chemicals and Bio-based Materials, Computational Biomedicine, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, Molecular Bio-sensing and Bio-robotics, Biomaterials, Bio-manufacturing, Bioprocessing.

Who can attend?

Industrial Biotechnology 2018 conference brings together individuals who have an interest in different fields of Biotechnology. Target Audience will be personnel from both industrial and academic fields which include; Professors, Researchers, scientists, business giants, CEOs, COOs, Directors, Vice Presidents, Co-directors, Biotechnologists, Managing Directors, Industry Safety Officers, Environmental & Plant Scientists, Doctorates, Professors, Post Doctorate Fellows, Vendors of Consumer Products/ Managers, Pharmaceutical Scientists, Students from the related fields.

Why Attend?

Biotechnology conferences provide a global platform for exchanging ideas and make us updated about the latest innovations in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing.  Opportunity to attend the presentations delivered by Eminent Scientists from all over the world.

Benefits:

Accepted abstracts will be published in the Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials and provided with DOI

Global networking: In transferring and exchanging Ideas

A Unique Opportunity for Advertisers and Sponsors at this International event.

Details of Industrial Biotechnology 2018 in the USA:

Key Areas for Discussions:

·         Biofuels and Biorefinery

·         Renewable Chemicals and Biobased Materials

·         Computational Biomedicine

·         CRISPR Technologies

·         Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

·         Data Analysis in System Biology

·         Molecular Biosensing and Biorobotics

·         Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

·         Drug Discovery and Protein Biotechnology

·         Industrial Biotechnology 

·         Nano-biotechnology

·         Biomaterials

·         Biomanufacturing 

·         Bioprocessing
 

 For more information: https://industrialbiotech.conferenceseries.com/