European Crystallographic Association - Special Interest Group No. 5 Mineral and Inorganic Crystallography sig5.ecanews.org
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RECENT NEWS

The Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy of the University of Vienna announces the position of a Full Professor of Mineralogy and Crystallography As stated in its development plan the University of Vienna aims at strengthening its position as a major research-oriented university. Key elements of this strategy include the provision of an attractive range of research-based study programmes, support for furthering the work of junior academic colleagues, and high-calibre professorial appointments. The Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy of the University of Vienna announces the position of a

Full Professor of Mineralogy and Crystallography

(full-time, permanent position under private law). The University of Vienna intends to increase the number of women on its faculty, particularly in high-level positions, and therefore specifically invites applications by women. Among equally qualified applicants women will receive preferential consideration.

Applicants should provide outstanding research leadership in the areas of mineralogy, mineralogical crystallography, crystal chemistry, and crystal structure research. The successful candidate is expected to cooperate closely with other earth science as well as physically or chemically orientated chairs of the Faculty and University, especially with the professorship in Mineralogy and Spectroscopy.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications

• PhD and post-doctoral experience at a university or other research institution (Austrian or equivalent international academic degree in the relevant field)
• Outstanding research and publication record, with an excellent reputation as an active member in the international academic community (Habilitation (venia docendi) or equivalent international qualification in the relevant field is desirable)
• Experience in designing, procuring and directing major research projects, and willingness and ability to assume the responsibility of team leadership
• Experience in university teaching, and willingness and ability to teach at all curricular levels, to supervise theses, and to further the work of junior academic colleagues

The University of Vienna expects the successful candidate to acquire, within three years, proficiency in German sufficient for teaching in Bachelor programmes and participation in committees

The University of Vienna offers

Attractive terms and conditions of employment with a negotiable and performance-related salary, associated with a retirement fund

• A "start-up package" for the initiation of research projects
• An attractive and dynamic research location in a city with a high quality of life and in a country with excellent research funding provision
• Support for relocation to Vienna, where appropriate

Candidates should send an application containing at least the following documents

• Academic curriculum vitae
• Brief description of current research interests and research plans for the immediate future
• List of publications together with
  • a) specification of five key publications judged by the applicant to be particularly relevant to the advertised professorship together with an explanation of their relevance
  • b) PDF versions of these five publications provided either as email attachments or through URLs of downloadable copies (PDF versions of monographs need only be provided if easily available.)
• List of talks given, including detailed information about invited plenaries at international conferences
• List of projects supported by third-party funds
• Short survey of previous academic teaching and list of supervised PhD theses

Applications in English should be submitted by email (preferably as PDF attachments) to the Dean's office of the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Geography and Astronomy of the University of Vienna, , Althanstraße 14, A- 1090 Wien, no later than June 12th, 2009 with reference 5/I/1-09.

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We invite applications for MSc and PhD students at the University of British Columbia, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Vancouver, Canada beginning January 2009 or earlier. A number of fully-funded projects in petrology of diamond-bearing rocks and mineralogy of natural diamonds are available for students interested in addressing processes of diamond formation through the study of mineral and fluid inclusions in diamonds and petrology of diamondiferous xenoliths and volcanic rocks.

For further information contact
Dr. Maya Kopylova, Associate Professor
EOS Dept, UBC
Phone: (604) 822-0865
E-mail:
http://www.eos.ubc.ca/research/diamonds/kopylova/

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The Institute of Geosciences at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, Germany, invites applications for a tenured Full Professorship (W3) in the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences.

The Institute of Geosciences comprises the fields of geology, geophysics and mineralogy and emphasizes a close cooperation between the various fields of Earth Sciences (sedimentology, structural geology, applied geology, hydrogeology, mineralogy, geochemistry, geophysics, and applied geophysics) in teaching and research. The institute is well equipped with an array of mineralogical (TEM, DEGAS, XRF, XRD, EMP, AFM) and hydrogeochemical (LA-ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GC-MS) facilities.

We are seeking applications from candidates with an established international reputation in the field of analytical mineralogy and a strong commitment to teaching on the undergraduate and graduate levels of geosciences, biogeosciences, and material sciences. The successful candidate is expected to develop new research initiatives in mineralogy and to promote cooperative interdisciplinary research within the framework of earth sciences, environmental sciences, microbiology and material sciences. He/she is expected to participate in the Jena school for microbial communication (JSMC), funded by the German Excellence Initiative. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the historically grown mineral museum.

Candidates should send a complete application including up to 5 selected publications until the 31th of January 2008 to:

the Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrase 11:
D-07743 Jena, Germany.

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The Department of Geoscience at the University of Calgary invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in Mineralogy at the Assistant Professor level.

The anticipated start date for the position is August 1, 2008.

Position Requirements

Candidates require a PhD in a relevant discipline. The successful candidate will develop a vigorous externally funded research program in Mineralogy that complements existing departmental strengths in metamorphic, sedimentary and igneous petrology, hydrocarbon reservoir characterization, physical and chemical hydrology, and environmental geoscience. He/she will contribute to the maintenance and acquisition of mineralogically-related analytical equipment. He/she will play an active role in teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including supervision of graduate students. Undergraduate teaching responsibilities will include Mineralogy (including crystallography and optical mineralogy) and more advanced courses at the candidate's discretion in consultation with the department head.

The Department of Geoscience is one of the largest Geoscience departments in North America, with over 400 majors. The Department brings in Can$5 million per year in external research funding and is going through a period of significant expansion. Additional information on the Department is available at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/geoscience.

The University of Calgary is situated within an hour of the Front Ranges of the Canadian Rockies. The city of Calgary is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada and is widely recognized for its excellent quality of life.

Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, list of publications, a research plan, a statement of teaching experience and philosophy, and arrange to have three reference letters forwarded to:

Mineralogy Search Committee
Department of Geoscience
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
Telephone: 403-220-8863
Fax: 403-284-0074
E-mail:

The deadline for applications is February 29, 2008.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Calgary respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity.

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The University of Concepción (Chile) under the auspices the National Commission for Scientific and Technological Research (CONICYT) is calling for applications for the following postdoctoral positions:

• Geologist/Mineralogist or Environmental Engineer to conduct research in the fields of geometallurgy and mineralogy or environmental geochemistry, in subject areas related to mining waste, soil pollution, mineralogy and health.
• Engineer (metallurgy, chemistry or related speciality) to strengthen the geometallurgy research line in areas relating mineral chemistry to ore processing and product quality.

Applicants must have excellent abilities for team work and for interacting in a multidisciplinary group within the university and in collaboration with the mining industry. They will also be expected to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students in geology, metallurgical engineering and related areas.

Deadline for applications: 15th Dec., 2007 For further information contact:

Dr. Ursula Kelm
Instituto de Geologia Económica Aplicada (GEA)
University of Concepción
Casilla 160-C
Concepción 3
Chile
email:
Tel.:56-41-2204818
Fax: 56-41-2241045
website: www2.udec.cl/gea ("Programa Bicentenario")

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A post-doctoral position is available within the Computational Group of the Nanochemistry Research Institute to investigate relationships between hydrogen impurity distribution and extended defects in forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄). The position is part of a collaborative project between the Nanochemistry Research Institute and The Institute for Geoscience Research, both Tier 1 research institutes within Curtin University of Technology. Duration: 2 years

Location: Nanochemistry Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia.

Qualifications: Applicants should have a PhD in mineral physics, solid state chemistry or physics and have experience of ab initio and/or classical solid state modelling methods.

Interested candidates should contact Prof. Kate Wright ( ) who will be happy to provide more information.

Prof Kate Wright
Nanochemistry Research Institute,
Curtin University of Technology,
POBox U1897,
Perth, WA 6845, Australia
+61(0)8 9266 3554 http://www.nanochemistry.curtin.edu.au/people/staff/kate_wright.cfm

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The European Science Foundation (ESF) invites applications for a Science Officer - GeoSciences for the European Collaborative Research Scheme (EUROCORES)

The European Science Foundation (ESF) is an association of 75 major national research organisations in 30 European countries, with offices in Strasbourg (France) and Brussels (Belgium).

ESF is the platform for its Member Organisations for joint science strategy development. It acts as a catalyst for the development of science by bringing together leading scientists and funding agencies to debate, plan and implement new pan-European scientific and science policy initiatives.

The European Collaborative Research (EUROCORES) scheme allows research funding organisations in Europe and beyond to support top-class research across all scientific areas, by matching the needs articulated by the scientific community with their strategic priorities. The scheme provides a flexible framework for researchers from Europe to address questions which are the best addressed in larger-scale collaborative research programmes. The EUROCORES scheme is currently supported by the EC Sixth Framework Programme.

Mission

The principal success factors of this position are for its jobholder to demonstrate abilities to mobilise and support researchers and ESF Member Organisations, through promoting research collaboration in an inter- and multi-disciplinary environment across Europe and beyond in the research area of EUROCORES themes; to impartially support the ESF peer review processes and to represent the Foundation to the European research community and to Member Organisations.

Position Responsibilities

This position will involve:

• Supporting strategic activities by coordinating the activities of EUROCORES research programmes in the Geosciences and actively promoting scientific networking in those programmes; supporting other externally funded contracts within the overall ESF Mission;
• Organising scientific quality control, in particular through the peer review process of proposals in response to the relevant ESF Calls in this domain; and the evaluation of ongoing and completed activities and in compliance with the coordinated EUROCORES framework;
• Liaising, on behalf of the Unit, with ESF Member Organisations and with external scientific bodies, as well as with ongoing ESF-supported networks and representing ESF and the relevant scientific committees/boards and EUROCORES themes in external meetings;
• Publicising and informing the research community by taking responsibility for science communication (writing material for hard copy publication, including annual activity reports, and the Web) and liaising with the ESF Communications Unit;
• Taking responsibility for the management and achievement of budgets of specific activities in compliance with ESF Financial Rules and Delegated Financial Authority and providing necessary information to Administration and Finance allowing the regular presentation of financial reports;
• Collaborating with the Head of Unit in the management of her/his direct staff performance in a professional manner, including the timely completion of performance appraisals, regular feedback, and appropriate action planning.

Profile and Competences required

The successful jobholder should demonstrate the following competences:

Specific competences

• Ph.D. in Geosciences, preferably with a further 2-5 years research experience in Solid Earth Sciences;
• Ability to work without supervision and with substantial delegation within the context of objectives set by the Head of Unit and the Scientific Committee and to create links and promote networking of researchers through knowledge of European and national research structures (especially ESF Member Organisations) and institutions and European and international science policy;
• Demonstrable experience with peer review processes and experience of science management and scientific networking;
• Good working knowledge of European and national research structures (especially ESF Member Organisations) and institutions, and of European and international science policy;
• High standard of spoken and written English, with a working knowledge of another European language being an advantage;
• Ability to draft concise and clear scientific documents;
• Good working knowledge of MS Office systems and of electronic databases and Web sites.

Inter-personal competences:

• Action-orientated, responsible and self-managed, creative and willing to take initiatives, and continuously improvement-minded;
• Strong inter-personal and excellent communication skills within a multi-national context, including discretion, diplomacy and tolerance;
• Assertive with capability of guiding decision-making procedures and to represent ESF in the scientific community;
• Creative and willing to take initiatives and continuous improvement minded;
• Excellent presentational skills;
• Proven organisational skills;
• Basic experience/training in people management;
• Transparency in working and a team-orientated work ethic;
• Commitment to deliver on allocated tasks and respond in a timely manner to deadlines;
• Positive and constructive attitude;
• Capable of demonstrating the ESF's values: Excellence, Openness, Responsiveness, Pan-European approach, Ethical Awareness and Human Values.

Employment conditions

This full time position is offered for a short term contract ending 31st December 2008, preferably starting beginning of October 2007.

The place of work is Strasbourg, France.

The salary level will be based on experience and qualifications of the successful candidate and will follow ESF terms and conditions.

Please send your application by 17 September 2007 to quoting the following reference identifier SOECLESC or to ESF, Human Resources Unit - 1 quai Lezay-Marnesia, BP 90015, F-67080 Strasbourg France.

Interviews will be held in Strasbourg in the week starting 24th September 2007.

Further details at www.esf.org http://www.esf.org/

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The Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at the California Institute of Technology invites applications for a post-doctoral research associate in the mineral physics group. Applicants with an interest in the material properties of Earth and planetary phases as they pertain to problems in mineral physics, geophysics, and geochemistry are encouraged to apply. Experience in high-pressure experimental techniques, x-ray synchrotron-based research, spectroscopy, and diffraction are desirable. The position will involve participating in establishing the optical spectroscopy and laser-heating laboratory for in-house diamond-anvil studies under extreme pressures and temperatures. Research opportunities include, but are not limited to, topics related to the composition of Earth and other planetary interiors through optical and x-ray synchrotron-based experiments under extreme conditions. A recent Ph.D. in geology or a related discipline is required. Opportunities for collaboration within the division include: seismology, petrology, geochemistry, geodynamics, and planetary geology.

Other experimental facilities within the division include: muffle furnaces, piston-cylinders, cold-seal pressure vessels, Getting-design cubic multianvil device, Walker-design octahedral multianvil device, and the Caltech shockwave laboratory. Analytical facilities within the division include a new Cameca 50L NanoSIMS, a new JEOL 8900 electron microprobe, a 7f-geo ion microprobe, a field-emission scanning electron microscope, single and multicollector solution ICP-MS, gas source mass spectrometry, TIMS, FTIR system, and a micro Raman spectrometer. Campus-wide facilities include: focused ion-beam technology, powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and TEM.

Please visit the GPS Division website for more details: www.gps.caltech.edu.

The position is available as of January 1, 2007. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. For additional information, please contact Jennifer Jackson, .

Applicants should send a CV, a brief statement of research interests and experience, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent electronically to Prof. Jackson at: .

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The European Mineralogical Union (EMU) is pleased to announce the establishment of an award to be presented at IUCr, ECM and IMA meetings.

The prize is awarded to a young scientist for the best poster on mineralogical crystallography and consists of two volumes of "EMU Notes on Mineralogy" published in occasion of the EMU schools. The winner may choose among the titles:

• Modular aspects of minerals- S. Merlino (Pisa, Italy)
• Environmental mineralogy - D.J. Vaughan & R. Wogelius (Manchester, U.K.)
• Solid solution in silicate and oxide systems of geological importance -C. Geiger (Kiel, Germany)
• Energy modeling in minerals - C.M. Gramaccioli (Milan, Italy)
• Ultra-high pressure metamorphism - D.A. Carswell (Sheffield, UK) & R. Compagnoni (Torino, Italy), a CD-ROM with additional colour images compiled by F. Rolfo (Torino, Italy) is included
• Spectroscopic methods in mineralogy - A. Beran & E. Libowitzky (Vienna, Austria)
• Mineral behaviour at extreme conditions - R. Miletich (Heidelberg, Germany)

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On 8 November 2006 Artem R. Oganov (ETH Zurich) received the Latsis Prize "for significant contributions to mineral physics, in particular for his works on crystal structure prediction and discovery of several major Earth-forming minerals".

On 18 November 2006 Colin W. Glass (ETH Zurich) received the ETH Zurich medal for an outstanding diploma work "USPEX - Evolutionary Crystal Structure Prediction".

Congratulations to our members!

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The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's pre-eminent international museum and houses some of Canadafs most important collections in both Natural History and World Cultures. The department houses Canadafs largest mineral and gem collections, an important meteorite collection, and a comprehensive petrology collection. The ROM currently invites applications for the position of an entry-level Associate Curator of Mineralogy to conduct field and collections-related research.

The successful applicant will be expected to: provide dynamic leadership for the Earth Sciences staff, develop a program of externally funded scholarly research and publications; curate and continue building the disciplinary collection of minerals, and participate in the development and rotation of new permanent galleries, travelling exhibitions and other public programming.

Qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in mineralogy, and be well versed in the geological sciences; a record of scholarly publication in peer-reviewed journals, be qualified for cross-appointment to the University of Toronto and be eligible for NSERC funding in support of research (i.e. proven record of successful grant applications). Experience in a museum or equivalent environment is preferable.

Salary: Salary and years in rank are commensurate with experience, as stipulated in the Collective Agreement between the Royal Ontario Museum and ROM Curatorial Association.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2006. Applicants should provide a curriculum vitae, a summary of their research, an outline of their proposed research and should arrange to have three confidential letters of recommendation sent on their behalf to:

Mara Gunner, Human Resources Coordinator
Human Resources Department
100 Queenfs Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2C6
Fax: (416) 586-5827

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The Center for the Study of Matter at Extreme Conditions (CeSMEC, Florida, USA) encourages candidates to apply for currently advertised tenure track faculty positions in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering in the field of materials science. I anticipate one position to go to a high pressure materials scientist with involvement in CeSMEC research. Please write to Prof. Kinzy Jones ( ) Chair, Search Committee, with a copy to Surendra K Saxena, Director ( ) at Florida International University, Miami, Florida. Nominations for a senior level position may be made to Prof. Saxena or Prof. Jones.

See also the CeSMEC home page

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Post-doctoral in Experimental Geochemistry and Mineral Physics, Postdam

The GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam (GFZ), member of the Helmholtz Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungszentren, is the German national research centre for geosciences. We invite applications for a Post-doctoral Scientist (m/f) at the Department 4 "Experimental Geochemistry and Mineral Physics"

The candidate should hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) and a strong background in Earth sciences, physics, chemistry, material sciences or related disciplines. The successful candidate should be able to develop a modern and highly sophisticated research plan in experimental geochemistry and/or mineral physics. A strong experimental background is a requirement and experience and skills in phase characterization techniques such as EMP, SIMS, LA-ICP-MS, XRD, FTIR, MicroRaman, and HRTEM are desired. Expertise in synchrotron based X-ray methods and high-pressure research is appreciated.

Our group is engaged with studies, which aim to understand the underlying processes controlling the geodynamics of the Earth's crust and mantle. The research is focused on the properties of geomaterials, kinetics and mechanisms of phase transitions and mineral reactions, geochemical cycles and subduction zone processes. Important topics include fluid-mediated processes, such as interactions between minerals, fluids and melts as well as fluid- induced petrophysical and rheological properties.

The duration of the position is initially 3 years with the option of extension, starting as soon as possible. Salary level is due to German civil service Remuneration System pay group 13 TVoD-East.

For further information please contact:
Prof. Wilhelm Heinrich
Tel.: +49-331-288-1410
Fax +49-331-288-1402
Email:
Homepage of GFZ's EGMP group: www.gfz-potsdam.de/pb4/pg1/welcome-pb41.html

Review of the applications will begin 4 weeks after publication of this advertisement and continue until the position is filled. The GFZ strives to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science and encourages applications from female candidates. There is a kindergarden service available. Handicapped applicants will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications.

Applicants should submit a resume, summary of research plans, list of publications, and the names and addresses of three references, stating the code number 22/4 to:
GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam
Abt. Personal- und Sozialwesen
Telegrafenberg
D-14473 Potsdam
Germany

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Open position at ETH Zürich

We expect an opening of a postdoc position in the "Theory of Minerals at Extreme Conditions" group at the Laboratory of Crystallography, ETH Zürich, starting approximately from June 2006. We seek a highly motivated researcher, ideally with a good background in high-pressure physics and/or ab initio simulations. Additional experience with computational methods is an advantage. The length of appointment is 3 years (extension is possible), with starting salary around 75000 SFr (ca 60000 USD), depending on experience.

The job is related to the application of the crystal structure prediction methodology (and the corresponding computer code) developed by our group. This novel methodology allows one to predict stable crystal structures at any pressure just from the knowledge of the chemical composition and is thus a very powerful tool to investigate matter at extreme conditions. The offered job will involve systematic application of this methodology to study minerals at high pressure, as well as other systems of fundamental and applied interest. Much of this work will be done in collaboration with experimentalists. Our group has world-class supercomputing facilities and a very dynamic research programme.

Applicants should submit (preferably by e-mail) a letter of application, CV with a list of publications, and the names and addresses of at least two referees to:
Dr. Artem R. Oganov, Senior Researcher and Lecturer; Group Leader
Laboratory of Crystallography, Department of Materials, ETH
Hoenggerberg, Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 10, HCI G 515, Zürich CH-8093, Switzerland.
E-mail:

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Professor position - 2006 Grenoble France

There is a high probability that a Full Professor position will be open next year (starting 09/2006) at the Université Joseph Fourier (Grenoble, France) in the field of Environmental Mineralogy.

The position will be opened in the Environmental Geochemistry group of the LGIT.

Actual applications will be made in the spring of 2006 but there is a preliminary and essential deadline of OCTOBER 15, 2005.

If you are potentially interested in this position (see details below), please contact Bruno Lanson as soon as possible so that he can guide you through the maze of French Administration to meet this preliminary deadline and submit a valid application.

The teaching requirements of the position of Professor in Environmental Mineralogy are to extend current mineralogy and petrography courses towards physical mineralogy, crystallography, and the physics and chemistry of electron and photon beam interactions with solids as related to materials analysis. These teaching activities should also reflect the research carried out at the Grenoble Earth & Planetary Sciences Department (OSUG) in the field of mineralogy and crystallography applied to Environmental Science and to low-temperature Geoscience.

The concurrent research activities of this position will be devoted to chemical and structural characterization of micro-divided minerals resulting from low-temperature crystallization processes using modern methods of materials chemistry and physics. The aim is to strengthen the ongoing research program existing at OSUG, by broadening the present range of expertise. Ideally the research program should contribute towards providing fundamental knowledge of the crystal-chemistry of environmentally-relevant solids, either inorganic or biological in origin, and advancing characterization of their heterogeneity. Analytical facilities available in Grenoble include synchrotron X-ray and neutron sources, transmission electron microscopes, etc.

Contact:
Bruno Lanson
Environmental Geochemistry Group
LGIT - Maison des G´osciences
BP53
38041 GRENOBLE CEDEX 9
France
Phone: +33 (0)476 82 80 17
Phone: +33 (0)4 76 82 80 17
Fax: +33 (0)4 76 82 81 01

http://www-lgit.obs.ujf-grenoble.fr/users/blanson/blanson.html

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Second SYNTHESIS Access Call

The SYNTHESYS Office is pleased to announce the Second call for proposals under the European Commission's FPVI European-funded Integrated Infrastructure Initiative. SYNTHESYS Project funding is available to provide scientists (Users) based in European Member and Associated States to undertake short visits to utilize the infrastructure (namely the collections, staff expertise and analytical facilities) at one of the 20 partner institutions (see full list below) for the purposes of their research. The 20 partner institutions are organised into 11 national Taxonomic Facilities (TAFs). TAF Users will be hosted by a TAF staff member.

The 11 TAF institutions represent an unparalleled resource for taxonomic research offering: Collections amounting to over 337 million natural history specimens, including 3.3 million type specimens. Internationally renowned taxonomic and systematic skill base· Chemical analysis, molecular and imaging facilities. Proposals will be welcomed from high calibre researchers seeking access for short-term visits.

SYNTHESYS is able to meet the Users' costs for:

• Research costs*
• International travel
• Local accommodation whilst based at the TAF
• A per diem to contribute towards living costs

*Research related costs including: bench fees and consumables (including molecular biology at some TAFs).

See www.synthesys.info for more information or contact

TAF visits will be scheduled from December 2004 until January 2009. SYNTHESYS is a five-year project comprising two parts which together aim to create an integrated European infrastructure for researchers in the natural sciences.

SYNTHESYS Partners:

• GB-TAF Natural History Museum, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
• ES-TAF Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Real Jardín Botánico Naturales.
• DK-TAF The Natural History Museum of Denmark.
• FR-TAF Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle.
• SE-TAF Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet.
• NL-TAF University van Amsterdam, Nationaal Herbarium Nederland, Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, National Natural History Museum Naturalis.
• DE-TAF Museum fur Naturkunde, Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum.
• AT-TAF Naturhistorisches Museum, Wien.
• HU-TAF Hungarian Natural History Museum.
• PL-TAF Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences.
• BE-TAF Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Koninklijik Museum voor Midden-Afrika, National Botanic Garden of Belgium.

The SYNTHESYS Partners are inviting applications from researchers based in the Member States of the EU: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom plus the Associated Countries of the EU: Switzerland, Iceland, Israel, Liechtenstein, Norway and Candidate Countries of the EU Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey.

Next Deadline: 18 March 2005

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Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences New online version and revised instructions for contributors

The Journal of Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences" (JMPS), is published bimonthly jointly by the Mineralogical Society of Japan and the Japanese Association of Mineralogists, Petrologists, and Economic Geologist. It is the successor journal to both "Mineralogical Journal" and "Journal of Mineralogy, Petrology and Economic Geology".

JMPS covers all subjects in the Mineralogical and Petrological Sciences, including geochemistry as well. The bi-monthly periodicity allows fast publication once a manuscript has been accepted.

JMPS has now an on-line version: abstracts and full-text PDF files available.

New instructions to contributors have been also issued.

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EUROCORES in European Mineral Sciences Initiative (EuroMinScI)

The physics and chemistry of minerals with their behaviour studied by integrating experimental and computational methods. Details available here

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The new Executive Committee of the ECA has been elected during ECM-21 in Durban, and is constituted by the following officers:

Hartmut FUESS, President

Faculty of Materials and Earth Sciences, Technische Universität Darmstadt

Petersenstraße 23, D-64287 DARMSTADT, Germany

tel +49 (06151) 162298

fax +49 (06151) 166023

Claude LECOMTE, Past President

CRM2 Université Henri Poincaré, B.P. 70239

54506 VANDOEUVRE-LÈS-NANCY Cedex France

tel +33 383684865

fax +33 383406492

Mariusz JASKOLSKI, VicePresident

Dept. of Crystallography, Faculty of Chemistry,

A. Mickiewicz Univ., Grunwaldzka 6, 60-780 POZNAN, Poland

Giuseppe FILIPPINI, Secretary

ISTM CNR, via Golgi 19

20133 MILANO, Italia

tel +39 0250314279

fax +39 02 50314300

Maria Teresa DUARTE, Treasurer

Centro de Quimica Estrutural

Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais

1049-001 LISBOA, Portugal

tel +351 213578287

Anders LILJAS, Officer

Department of Molecular Biophysics, Chemical Center, Box 124, Lund University

SE - 221 OO LUND, Sweden

tel +46 46 2224681

fax +46 46 2224692

Andreas ROODT, Officer

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rand Afrikaans University

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa

Chick C. WILSON, Officer

Department of Chemistry, University of Glasgow

GLASGOW G12 8QQ, UK

tel. +44 141 330 8522

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Postdoctoral Positions at the Institute for Study of the Earth's Interior Okayama University at Misasa (ISEI)

The ISEI has been adopted as a 21st century COE program for the "Establishment of an International Research Centre for Solid Earth Science". We are now accepting international applications for postdoctoral fellows in our program. Postdoctoral positions will be funded for 1-4 years each, depending on the applicant's qualifications and progress during the programme. Collaboration within our Geochemistry research group and High Pressure Experimental research group at the Institute will be encouraged. Details regarding current research activities and facilities available at our institute can be found on our web site http://www.misasa.okayama-u.ac.jp

COE21 program leader Prof. Eizo NAKAMURA

• Number of positions: Several.

• Position duties : Research in solid earth material sciences.

• Starting Date: As early as possible after selection

• Qualifications: A Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment.

• Term of position: From arrival to the research evaluation period of March, 2004, with extensions every year possible until March, 2008.

• Salary : Approximately $40,000.

• First closing date for applications: October 15, 2003 (postmark date).

• Selection: Paper screening of applicants and interviews on a case-by-case basis.

Please submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae;

2. List of publications;

3. Reprints of 3 major research papers;

4. A summary statement of research topics and plans for future study;

5. The names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses of at least 2 references.

Please submit applications to:
COE 21 program leader Prof. Eizo NAKAMURA
Institute for Study of the Earth's Interior, Okayama University at Misasa
827 Yamada, Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun Tottori 682-0193, JAPAN
Phone: +81-858-43-1215; Fax: +81-858-43-2184
e-mail:

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The Mineral Physics Group of the University of Cambridge has two postdoctoral positions available in combined high-pressure high-temperature neutron scattering of minerals. The successful candidates will join Drs. Dove and Redfern to extend and apply our recent developments in high-P/T powder diffraction at ISIS, the world's most intense neutron spallation source. The application of this technology will focus on the structural controls on the stability of minerals in the Earth' crust and mantle, within the context of the group's long-standing interest in mineral stability and phase transitions.

The Mineral Physics Group is part of the Department of Earth Sciences, and is a large multi-disciplinary group with interests in structural physics and chemistry under conditions pertinent to the Earth environment. We seek applications from solid state physicists, chemists, mineralogists and materials scientists with a track-record of independent research. These positions are available to fill immediately and will remain open until filled. The salary is on the University's standard scale in the range ₤17,626 to ₤26,491 p.a. and is age related.

Applicants should submit a C.V., publications list, and the names (and e-mail addresses) of 2 referees to , preferably by e-mail, as soon as possible.

For further information please contact or .

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Postdoctoral position: synthesis and characterization of transition metal oxides - Hahn Meitner Institute Berlin

The Hahn Meitner Institute Berlin invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the synthesis and characterization of transition metal oxides. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in physics or chemistry and will have experience in both sample fabrication and scattering techniques (neutron or X-ray). A preference will be given to candidates that have a demonstrated experience and interest in the growth of transition metal oxide single crystals using an optical floating zone mirror furnace. The successful candidate will join an international team of scientists taking part in an active scientific program in transition metal oxides and will be involved in the set-up of a sample preparation laboratory, focused on the fabrication and characterization of transition metal oxides materials. The candidate will be expected to be involved in both the fabrication and characterization of materials as well as devise and execute his/her own neutron or X-ray scattering experiments using facilities both inside and outside of HMI.

The Hahn-Meitner-Institut is a German National Laboratory and a member of the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of National Research Centres. It is located in Berlin, the capital of Germany, has about 850 employees and hosts the Berlin Neutron Scattering Center (BENSC), a user facility open to scientists from all over the world. To probe the structure and dynamics of solids and liquids, BENSC provides scientists with state-of-the-art neutron scattering instrumentation. For more details see www.hmi.de

For further information please contact .

The position is for three years with a gross income of 70.000 DEM per annum (depending on age and marital status the income may be higher). Applications (ref. no. SF 01/38) including a full curriculum vitae, copies of degrees, list of publication should be sent to Hahn Meitner Institut Berlin, Abt. Personal und Soziales, Glienicker Str. 100, 14109 Berlin, Germany (email: ).

The Hahn Meitner Institut is an equal opportunity employer.

Dr.

Hahn-Meitner-Institut

Glienicker str 100

Berlin D-14109, Germany

Phone: +49 (0)30 8062 3016

Fax: +49 (0)30 8062 2999

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The English edition of the booklet "Systematics of natural oxides" by professor G.B. Bokij has been published by VINITI (Moscow). In the 84 pages of the publication an original classification of natural oxides is reported. The method is the same already experienced for silicates by the same author. As all classifications, also this one has merits and... demerits; that depends on the viewpoints ! For sure, those minerals which are in the same "table" have some properties in common.

A number of copies to be sold in Western countries has been sent to , past chair of the SIG, in order to cover part of the expenses for the English edition. The "contribution" for one copy is 10 USD, mailing included. Please contact if you wish to contribute.

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The Marie-Curie Training Site at the Institute for Mineralogy and Crystallography, University of Vienna, offers an opportunity for a 3 - 12 months fellowship in "Investigations of minerals and synthetic materials by X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy" to young researchers pursuing doctoral studies. This scheme, financed by the European Comission, will support short stays (between three months and one year) by young researchers (graduate students, Ph.D. students) pursuing doctoral studies at Marie Curie training sites, providing them with the possibility of undertaking part of their doctoral studies in a country other than their own, and allowing them benefit from working with an internationally recognised group in their specialised area of research.

Applications from female scientists will be encouraged. The researchers must be nationals of an European Union Member State or an Associated State or residing in the Community for at least the last five years. The stay must be undertaken in a Member State or an Associated State other than that of the fellows nationality and of his or her recent centre of activity (a "recent centre of activity" is defined as a country where the researcher has been carrying out his or her normal activity for more than 12 months in the two years immediately prior to selection by the host institution). The researchers must be pursuing doctoral studies in a country other than that of the hosting research group in a subject area similar to that of the training site. The period of training at the training site must be recognised as an integral part of their doctoral studies, as certified by the institution awarding the degree. The age limit for researchers will be 35 years at the time of selection by the training site; allowance will be made for compulsory military or civil service and childcare.

For stays at Marie Curie training sites the postgraduate researcher will be paid 1200 EURO per month.

Details can be found at:
http://www.univie.ac.at/Mineralogie/Fellow-Info/welcome.htm

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