Vol. 02 NO 12 March 20th, 2018.

NEWS - PAGE 2 NEWS - PAGE 4 SCHOLARSIP - PAGE 7 NEW JOBS AVAILABLE

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES HAVE MALARIA INFECTIONS COULD BE
GREATER IMPACT ON GENE EXPRESSION CONTROLLED THROUGH EATING HABITS: RAMALINGASWAMI RE-ENTRY FELLOWSHIP PAGES 11-12
THAN ANCESTRY STUDY FOR 2017-2018

possible Solution for co2 ?

Goodyear debuts
the wackiest
green concept
yet
at the 2018 Geneva
International
Motor Show - Oxygene

Quite literally bringing the future of mo-

bility to life as a visionary solution for
cleaner, more convenient, safer and more
sustainable urban mobility.
By Disha Padmanabha

GOODYEAR GOES GREEN,

UNVEILS MOSS-LINED TIRE
THAT EATS CO2 AND PUTS
OUT OXYGEN
The concept tire has a unique structure that
features living moss growing within its side-
wall. This open structure and the tire’s tread
design are planned to absorb and circulate
moisture and water from the road surface. As
the tire absorbs and circulates moisture and
water from the road surface, photosynthesis
occurs, and therefore, releases oxygen into
the air.
What’s more, the tire would also capture
energy generated during photosynthesis and
use it to power electronics inside it, such as
onboard sensors, a customizable safety light,
and an artificial intelligence processing unit.
structure through speed-of-light LiFi technol-
ogy, and illumination will help it signal when
the vehicle is turning or brakes are being ap-
plied.
“Oxygene is meant to challenge our thinking
and help drive the debate around smart, safe
and sustainable future mobility,” said Chris
Delaney, president of Goodyear Europe,
Middle East, and Africa, in a press statement.
“By contributing in this way to cleaner air
generation, the tire could help enhance qual-
ity of life and health for city-dwellers.”

Oxygene is also airless and puncture-free,

with a shock-absorbing open tread structure
that improves grip in wet conditions. Good-
year says the Oxygene can also communicate
with tires on other vehicles and with infra-

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1
March 20th, 2018.
Immunotherapy
Hydrogel for Enhanced
Cancer Therapy
Cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) are a type
of drug sometimes used in immunotherapy
treatments, usually administered through
a simple injection. The problem is that the
drugs end up being circulated throughout the
body, which diminishes the concentration
at the tumor site and results in them being
flushed out of the body relatively quickly.
Therefore, in a new study, researchers from
the Rice University and the University of
Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth),
have now developed STINGel- a combina-
tion of immunotherapy drugs called stimula-
tor of interferon gene (STING) agonists with
an injectable hydrogel that releases the drug
in a steady dose to activate the immune sys-
tem to kill cancer cells.
According to Rice chemist and bioengineer
Jeffrey Hartgerink, the concentration of CDN
is key to attacking the cancer. “The normal
approach to CDN delivery is simple injec-
tion, but this leads to very rapid diffusion of
the drug throughout the body and reduces its
concentration at the site of the tumour to very
low levels,” he said. “Using the same amount
of CDN, the STINGel approach allows the
concentration of CDN near the tumour to re-
main much higher for long periods of time.”
Environmental Exposures
Have Greater Impact on
Gene Expression than
Ancestry
Environmental exposures, coupled with
genetic variation, influence disease suscep-
tibility, and deconstructing their respective
contributions remains one of the principal
challenges in understanding complex diseas-
es.
Individuals with different genotypes may
respond differently to environmental vari-
ation and generate an array of phenotypic
landscape. Such gene-by-environment inter-
actions are thought to be pervasive and may
be responsible for a large fraction of the un-
explained variance in heritability and disease
risk.
However, a new Ontario Institute for Can-
cer Research (OICR)-led research has found
that environmental exposures, including air
pollution, affect gene expressions associated
with respiratory diseases much more than ge-
netic ancestry.
The work provides a unique window into
how environmental exposures can switch
various genes on or off, creating a gene ex-
pression signature that may interact with or
override other inherited factors and even of-
fer an early signal of future health problems.
To study the impact of geography on health,
the researchers investigated RNA-seq data
from a subset of approximately 1000 individ-
uals in a biobank called Cartagene, a grow-
ing database of biological samples and health
data from approximately 43,000 Canadian
2
Vol. 02 NO 12
The use of slow-release multidomain pep-
tide (MDP) gels allows the continuous deliv-
ery of immunotherapy drugs over a period of
time. When injected as a liquid, the hydrogel
turns semisolid within the body and degrades
gradually.
STINGel was tested in vivo on rats, along-
side control groups with CDN alone, con-
trol collagens with CDN, and MDP with no
CDN. Just one out of ten rats injected with By Disha Padmanabha
CDN alone or via the collagen survived be-
yond 105 days. However, six of the ten rats
treated with STINGel lasted past this point.
It was also observed that they were resist-
ant to further cancer cells implantation, in-
dicating their immune systems had adapted
to detect and kill future occurrences of that
particular cancer.
Hartgerink added: “The CDN we used in
this study is currently in clinical trials. We
think that our STINGel approach has the po-
tential to significantly broaden the scope of
this powerful immunotherapy drug to a larg-
er range of resistant cancers.”
A synthetic, injectable hydrogel developed at Rice University boosted the toxicity of a new class of cancer-fighting immunotherapy drugs. This scanning electron
microscopy image shows the self-assembled nanofibers that make up the hydrogel. Courtesy of the Hartgerink Research Group
residents between the ages of 40-69.
A relatively small group of French settlers
came to Quebec in the 1600s and founded a
new colony. Some of them left and founded
Montreal, while others went north to a town
called Saguenay. Because travel was so diffi-
cult in the brutal cold, the populations were
quickly isolated, leading to genetic bottle-
necks.
This resulted in genetic signatures that re-
veal not only if someone is of French Ca-
nadian origin, but also the specific town of
By Disha Padmanabha
their ancestors. Since then, some French Ca-
nadians from Montreal moved to Quebec or
Saguenay, or vice versa, creating a natural who led the research. area affected the expression of genes associ-
reciprocal transplant experiment that enabled ated with oxygen pathways and respiratory
the researchers to explore how genetic ances- “We were surprised to find that we were function. This resulted in higher rates of res-
try and location determine gene activity. able to stratify genetic ancestry within piratory ailments such as asthma and chronic
The researchers found a larger effect from Québec, identifying individuals whose de- obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The
current geographical location: genetic Mon- scendants were from Montreal versus Sa- study also revealed that there are genetic var-
trealers living in Montreal had gene activity guenay for example. This helped us to show iants that control how a person’s gene expres-
that was more similar to that of other resi- how most gene expression is not derived by sion responds when exposed to environmen-
dents of Montreal than to genetic Montrealers ancestry, and that environmental exposures tal stimuli.
living in Saguenay, for instance. associated with living in a particular city or
region are more impactful on gene expression “Our study shows how one can use the large
“By looking at the reciprocal transplant, we associated with disease traits than heritable scope and scale of data in Canada’s largest
can say that people in the same environment, variation” said Dr. Philip Awadalla, senior health cohort to better understand how our
even if they have a different genetic back- author of the study. genes interact with environmental exposures
ground, have very similar gene expression and shape individual health,” says Awadalla.
in the blood,” said Marie-Julie Favé, a post- One of the main findings of the study was “I encourage all those engaged in this type
doctoral fellow at University of Montreal and that exposure to higher levels of particulate of research, both in Canada and around the
the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, matter and nitrous dioxide in the Saguenay world, to take advantage of this resource.”
Vol. 02 NO 12
Stretchable Sweat pH
Sensing System a
Promising Alternative to
Frequent Blood Tests
A Glasgow University research has now
spun out a sensor that could end all the
pin-pricking blood test woes.
The scientists led by Professor Ravinder
Dahiya, head of the University of Glasgow’s
School of Engineering’s Bendable Electron-
ics and Sensing Technologies (BEST) group,
have built non-invasive, stretchable, weara-
ble sensor system capable of monitoring the
pH of the wearer’s sweat in real time as a
means of tracking chronic conditions such as
diabetes more easily and effectively.
Made from a graphite-polyurethane com-
posite and measuring around a single square
centimetre, it can stretch up to 53% in length
without compromising performance. It will
also continue to work after being subjected
to flexes of 30% up to 500 times, which the
researchers say will allow it to be used com-
fortably on human skin with minimal impact
on the performance of the sensor.
The sensor uses near-field communication
to wirelessly transmit its data to an accom-
panying smartphone app called ‘SenseAble’
which allows users to track pH levels in real
Volatiles Derived from
Plants Offer Solution
against Antifungal Drug
Resistance
Despite advances in preventive, diagnos-
tic, and therapeutic interventions, invasive
fungal infections cause significant morbidity
and mortality in immunocompromised pa-
tients. The burden of antifungal resistance in
such high-risk patients is becoming a major
concern.
Now, in an attempt to combat this, research-
ers at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Micro-
biology in Belgium have developed a novel
screening method for identifying antimicro-
bial properties in certain plant-derived vola-
tile substances.
The research project, led by prof. Patrick
Van Dijck, is rooted in the growing problem
of antifungal drug resistance. Candida cells,
for example, are quickly becoming tolerant to
fluconazole, the most-used antifungal drug.
Next to exploring experimental new tech-
niques, scientists also seek to repurpose ex-
isting substances. Plant essential oils (EOs),
metabolites obtained by steam distillation or
cold citrus peel pressing, may offer interest-
ing opportunities: they are made up of com-
pounds that help protect the plant against mi-
crobial or herbivore attacks.
The team collected 175 different essential
oils onstituting a collection of over one thou-
sand different small molecules. The aim was
to identify biologically active compounds
present in these complex mixtures. They
therefore developed a new class of assay that
March 20th, 2018.
time. This was demonstrated in the lab using
a chemical solution created by the research-
ers which mimics the composition of human
sweat.
Lead researcher Professor Ravinder Dahi-
ya said: “Human sweat contains much of the
same physiological information that blood
does, and its use in diagnostic systems has the
significant advantage of not needing to break
the skin in order to administer tests. Now that
we’ve demonstrated that our stretchable sys-
tem can be used to monitor pH levels, we’ve
already begun additional research to expand
the capabilities of the sensor and make it a
more complete diagnostic system.”
“We’re planning to add sensors capable
of measuring glucose, ammonia and urea,
for example, and ultimately we’d like to see
a system ready for market in the next few
years.”
By Disha Padmanabha
allowed to identify new volatile substances
with antifungal activities over a distance.
Prof. Patrick Van Dijck (VIB-KU Leuven):
“We screened our whole collection of EOs
for vapor-phase mediated antifungal activ-
ity against two human fungal pathogens,
Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.
Interestingly, we found that approximately
half of the EOs and their compounds had
vapour-phase-mediated activity against
bothCandida species. Surprisingly, C. gla-
brata, the most drug-resistant species of the
two was on average even more susceptible.
In contrast, none of the currently used anti-
fungals showed any vapour-phase-mediated
activity.”
Co-author Adam Feyaerts (VIB-KU Leu-
ven): “Our findings are for instance a start-
ing point for the development of molecules
that could also be used in vaporizers. After
all, volatiles can access otherwise hard to
reach areas. Think of possibilities such as
maintaining hygiene in hospitals or treat
patients with lung infections. There are ag-
ricultural options too, such as preventing
post-harvest contamination or protecting
crops against pests.”
By Disha Padmanabha
3
March 20th, 2018.
Malaria Infections Could
be Controlled through
Eating Habits: Study
The discovery of daily rhythms in para-
sites dates back to the Hippocratic era and
a taxonomically diverse range of parasites
(including fungi, helminths, Coccidia, nem-
atodes, trypanosomes, and malaria parasites)
display rhythms in development and several
behaviours. Yet, how rhythms in many para-
site traits are established and maintained re-
mains mysterious, despite their significance,
as these traits underpin the replication and
transmission of parasites.
Multiple, convergent, evolutionary origins
for circadian oscillators is thought to be ex-
plained by the fitness advantages of being
able to anticipate and exploit predictable dai-
ly changes in the external environment, as
well as keeping internal processes optimally
timed. The environment that an endopara-
site experiences inside its host is generated
by many rhythmic processes, including daily
fluctuations in the availability of resources,
and the nature and strength of immune re-
sponses.
Now, an international team led by the Uni-
versity of Edinburgh have concluded that
malaria might be brought under control by
managing the eating habits of infected people
or animals.
They found that changing the feeding times
Nanowire
Artificial Photoreceptors
Restore Vision in Mice
Light entering an eye passes through the
transparent retina and is mostly captured
by the visual pigment-containing photore-
ceptors. Retinal degenerative diseases such
as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degen-
eration lead to irreversible damage or even
loss of photoreceptors, which can result in
serious impairment of vision and eventually
blindness.
Now, Chinese researchers representing a
huge leap in retinal prosthetics, have devel-
oped artificial photoreceptors based on gold
nanoparticle-decorated titania nanowire ar-
rays for restoration of visual responses in the
blind mice with degenerated photoreceptors.
The human-designed photoreceptors take
the form of nanowires studded with tiny gold
flakes, which help tune the array to respond
to light in the visible range. The wires are
surgically implanted in the same space that
the photoreceptors once occupied, and they
remain in physical contact with retinal cells
to pass along electrical impulses to the visual
cortex.
“Nanomaterials are very thin, and ocular
implantation surgeries are highly practical
in clinical contexts,” said Zhang Jiayi, a cor-
responding author on the paper and a lead
researcher at Fudan’s State Key Laboratory
of Medical Neurobiology. “As such, the ap-
plication of this research on the blind will be
simple and convenient,” she told Sixth Tone.
To test their artificial receptors, the team
4
Vol. 02 NO 12
of the animals, by allowing them to eat dur-
ing the day instead of at night, altered the
timing of parasite multiplication from night
to day, in line with the mealtime of the mice.
Scientists saw that feeding time meant that
malaria parasites grew in number and thus
the disease became stronger. In other words,
altering feeding times may disrupt multipli-
cation rates in malaria, which could be a good
strategy to manage the disease. The sudden
increase in multiplication rates in malaria
parasites can be linked to sugar levels that
jump when animal is eating. Allowing ani-
mals to eat during the day instead of at night,
altered the timing of parasite multiplication
from night to day. Therefore, it is possible
to disrupt the multiplication rates of malar-
ia parasites – this could be achieved through
diet changes or some medication.
“We were surprised by how strongly ma-
laria infection responded to changes in the
eating times of the mice they were infecting.
This offers a new avenue for research. If we
can disrupt the link, it could reduce both the
impact and the spread of malaria infection,”
said Kimberley Prior, of the School of Biolog-
ical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. By Disha Padmanabha
first altered the mice’s genes so that their nat-
ural receptors degraded. The researchers im-
planted the metallic receptors in a few mice
at a time, and watched as their subjects be-
gan responding to green, blue, and ultraviolet
light. The mice’s pupils dilated, confirming
the new photoreceptors were working and
that the mice were responsive to light. The
photoreceptors were left in for eight weeks,
during which none of the mice displayed any
negative side effects or injury.
“Some of the implanted eyes reached the
same level of [pupil light reflex] as that in
wild-type mice, indicating the recovery of
light sensitivity in multiple colors,” the study
authors note. Although the mice cannot see in
full-color yet, the researchers believe it will
be possible to obtain color vision if they de-
velop nanowires that are sensitive to specific
colors.
Five months post-surgery, wrote Zhang,
the mice with nanowire retinal implants pro-
duced responses in the visual cortex that were
similar to wild-type mice with no history of
retinal disease. The formerly blind mice per-
ceived green, blue, and near UV light with
a spatial resolution of 100 micrometers, al- By Disha Padmanabha
though the researchers said that they still
needed to improve the response to red light An illustration shows how nanowire arrays restore vision in blind mice. Courtesy of Zhang Jiayi
and low-light situations.
The team is still working to improve the im- light. Eventually, Zhang said, they hope their ity similar to that of a human retina.”
planted mice’s perception of red light and dim artificial photoreceptors “can reach sensitiv-
Vol. 02 NO 12 March 20th, 2018.

Threatening Amphibian
Fungus Could be Curbed
Using eDNA Analysis
Amphibian chytridiomycosis caused by the
fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)
is an emerging infectious disease that has
been associated with mass mortality and ex-
tinctions of amphibians worldwide.
World’s approximately 6,000 amphibian
species and many of those species develop
the disease chytridiomycosis. In fact, infec-
tion with Bd has been called “the worst in-
fectious disease ever recorded among ver-
tebrates in terms of the number of species
impacted, and it’s propensity to drive them
to extinction.
Amphibian population declines due to chyt-
ridiomycosis can occur very rapidly— some-
times over a just a few weeks and dispro-
portionately eliminate species that are rare,
specialized and endemic (e.g. those species
that are most unique). Because of these char-
acteristics—rapid progression of population
declines and loss of very important amphibi-
an species—urgent mobilization of efforts to
preserve amphibian species are required.
A new system of analysis called the eDNA
could now offer a solution. This new tech-
nology being developed at Washington
State University could help save amphibians
around the world.
Known as environmental DNA, the tool
detects telltale bits of genetic material that
living creatures shed into their environment,
and enables wildlife scientists to confirm the
presence of a wide variety of aquatic organ-
isms without the hassle of finding them. This
new study demonstrated how eDNA could
provide an early signal of where Bd die-offs
may occur which would help conservation-
ists take action to save amphibians afflicted
by the pathogen.
“If we can predict when an outbreak is im-
minent, we can proceed with management ac-
tions such as anti-fungal baths that kill Bd,”
said author of the study, Colleen Kamoroff,
a former WSU natural resources graduate
student, who is now a wildlife biologist at
Yosemite National Park. “Mountain yel-
low-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada have
experienced a population decrease of over 90
percent in recent years. Environmental DNA
could help save these frogs and other species
of amphibians around the world from extinc-
tion.”
Kamoroff originally went to California’s
Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park in 2015
to determine whether eDNA techniques can
be used to detect when non-native fish had
been successfully removed from high alpine
restoration lakes. The lakes are home to two
federally endangered species of mountain
yellow-legged frogs.
“I was curious if Bd would be detectable
at the lakes I took samples from even though
there were no sick looking frogs at the time,”
Kamoroff said. “So I decided to run the
eDNA samples I originally collected for the
lake restoration project to test for the pres-
ence of Bd.”
Upon further investigation, the team found
Bd in the eDNA samples from all three lakes
By Disha Padmanabha
where there was a die-off but did not detect
the pathogen in the eDNA samples taken
from the other lakes. Their research demon-
strates eDNA could be a promising, non-in-
vasive method to screen lakes and other bod-
ies of water for the presence of Bd. Currently,
the only way to test for the pathogen is take
skin swabs from afflicted amphibians.
“Unlike skin swabs, eDNA does not require
the capture or handling of the animals you
are trying to protect,” Caren Goldberg, an
assistant professor in the WSU School of the
Environment said. “We think the technolo-
gy will prove very useful in preventing the
spread of Bd in the future.”

3D Printed Stethoscope to
Overcome Medical Supply
Shortage
A Palestinian-Canadian doctor has now
designed a low-cost stethoscope using a 3D
printer, the first in a series of inventions he
hopes will help alleviate medical supply
shortages caused, in part, by an eight-year
blockade on the Gaza Strip.
Since its introduction in 1819 by René
Laennec, the acoustic stethoscope has been
an integral part of clinical medicine. Despite
the lack of major structural design innova-
tions over recent decades, modern stetho-
scopes can be an expensive part of the physi-
cian’s armamentarium, often costing several
hundred US dollars.
The high cost of modern stethoscopes re-
mains a significant barrier to physicians
and allied health professionals practicing in
the developed word and in low- and mid-
dle-income countries, where few affordable
high-quality options exist.
The first in what he hopes will be a line of
3D-printed medical supplies produced by his
open-source organisation the Glia Project, Dr
Loubani said the stethoscope can be made for
just $2.50 (£1.62).
Furthermore, the doctors who have tested
out the equipment have said it is as effective
as stethoscopes by leading brands, despite
being a fraction of the price.
The Glia project was born sometime after
the 2012 Israeli incursions into Gaza, where
Loubani and his medical colleagues were in
short supply of the life-saving equipment and
forced to listen to the heartbeats of scores of
wounded Gazans with ears placed on chests.
“I had to hold my ear to the chests of victims
because there were no good stethoscopes,
and that was a tragedy, a travesty, and unac-
ceptable,” Loubani told the Chaos Commu-
nications Camp in Zehdenick, Germany. “We
made a list of these things that if I could bring
them into Gaza, into the third world in which
I work and live, then I felt like I could change
the lives of my patients.
“I wanted the people I work with to take it,
and to print it, and to improve it because I
knew all I wanted to do was bring the idea.”
The stethoscope, called the Glia model, was
made using free open source software to keep
costs low and allow others to easily access
the code. With the Glia template, the steth-
oscope can be made in less than three hours
and can be produced by anyone with a 3D
By Disha Padmanabha
printer and access to ABS – a plastic used to
make garden chairs and Lego – can create the
device. The results of the study show it has do it, instead what I want, is for every patient ing medical devices, like dialysis machines
the same acoustic quality as the best stetho- to be able to receive the same care that my and electrocardiograms, can be 3D printed
scopes on the market. patients in Canada can receive.” around the world for a fraction of their for-
The device also consists of a plastic tube mer cost. Inspired by the open source soft-
found in Coca-Cola machines, which Louba- “Use of the open source approach in every ware movement, he keeps all his code on
ni said are all also found everywhere, and a aspect of this project contributes powerfully GitHub and encourages doctors and hard-
circular piece of plastic from a common Duo- to the body of medical device research,” said ware hackers to contribute to the project in a
Tang folder that serves as the stethoscope’s Gabriella Coleman, PhD, noted scholar on collaborative way.
chest piece or diaphragm. technology and open source software. “This The device is currently in clinical use by
research gives a guide for others to create physicians and allied health professionals in
“We really want everybody to be able to ac- medical-grade open access devices that can Gaza and is also being trialled clinically at
cess these devices,” he said. “I’m not inter- reduce costs and ultimately save lives.” the London Health Sciences Centre, in Lon-
ested in getting rich or selling these devices don, Ontario.
to anybody, nor do I think this is the way to Loubani foresees a future in which lifesav-

5
March 20th, 2018.
Scientists Isolate
Circadian Clock
that Regulates
Drug-Dosing Schedule
They say there’s a time for everything—
though you might not know it from looking
at a pill-bottle label. Most say how many pills
to take, but not when to take them.
Now, researchers at the University of Penn-
sylvania have uncovered the circadian clock
involved in regulating the permeability of
the blood–brain barrier has been found. The
mechanism, which emerged from a study of
an antiepileptic drug’s effectiveness in a fruit
fly seizure model, points to possibilities for
improving drug-dosing schedules.
Between 40 and 50% of all genes in the
body appear to be linked to the circadian
clock in their activity. And the study sheds
light on several genes that respond to the cir-
cadian rhythm and change their activity in a
cyclic manner around the clock. Hundreds of
genes get involved, with 3,186 genes in the
liver alone showing this daily pattern.
One very interesting finding of the study is
the presence of two time periods, just before
dawn and dusk, when particularly large shifts
in gene activity take place. This is when sig-
nificant changes in our activity level, alert-
6
Vol. 02 NO 12
ness and mood can occur. This is also when
the metabolic activity of our body changes.
“There have been hints in past studies that
the opening of the blood brain barrier fluc-
tuates over 24 hours and now we see, for the
first time, direct evidence that a local circa-
dian clock exists in the barrier,” Amita Seh-
gal, PhD, a professor of Neuroscience in the
Perelman School of Medicine at the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania and a Howard Hughes
Medical Institute investigator said. “More By Disha Padmanabha
importantly, we have identified a novel daily
regulation that could have implications for
the timing of taking medications targeted to the junctions to decrease its concentration in compared to flies given phenytoin during the
the central nervous system.” cells that form the tight barrier, therefore al- day.
lowing substances to permeate the brain. Those findings suggest that timing the de-
The investigating team used a dye to In order to test if the cyclical permeability livery of drugs that act in the brain should
demonstrate how clock signals are transmit- might also lead to a better outcome if brain consider when the barrier is open as well as
ted across the BBB requires gap junctions, drugs are administered at night, they gave other cyclical aspects of neuron physiology.
which are expressed cyclically. These are mutant flies prone to seizures the anti-ep- One relevant line of research is to identify
protein complexes organized into channels ileptic phenytoin. While the incidence of the drugs most likely to be targeted by the
in cell membranes that allow ions and small seizures did not vary over the course of the mechanism that drives a rhythm in BBB per-
molecules to pass between cells. Specifically, day-night cycle, flies given the drug at night meability
during the night, magnesium passes through had a shorter time to recovery after seizures
Vol. 02 NO 12
Ramalingaswami Re-entry
Fellowship for 2017-2018
Official notification for Ramalingaswami
Re-entry Fellowship for 2017-2018 is out.
Indian Nationals with a PhD are eligible to
apply for this Fellowship. Candidates with
a PhD in biotechnology, bioinformatics
and related areas are encouraged to apply
Online for the Ramalingaswami Re-entry
Fellowship for 2017-2018 as Per the details
below:
Applications are solicited from Indian na-
tionals working in overseas research institu-
tions for the “Ramalingaswami Re-entry
Fellowship”, a re-entry scheme of the De-
partment of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry
of Science & Technology, Government of
India.
Aim of the Fellowship
The scheme is conceptualized with the aim
of attracting highly skilled researchers (In-
dian Nationals) working overseas in various
cutting edge disciplines of biotechnology
(agriculture, health sciences, bio-engineer-
ing, energy, environment, bioinformatics and
other related areas), by providing them an at-
tractive avenue to pursue their R&D interests
in Indian institutions.
Who is eligible to apply ?
The applicant should possess a Ph.D.,
/M.D., or equivalent degree with an outstand-
ing track record as reflected in publications
and other recognitions and with at least three
years of post-doctoral research experience of
which last two years should be from overseas
laboratory.
Only candidates (Indian nationals) work-
ing overseas are eligible to apply. Those who
have already returned to India within one
year of the closing date of this advertisement
but without a job are also eligible.
Researcher’s upto 45 years of age as de-
termined on closing date of application are
eligible to apply.
Incentives of being a Ramalingaswami
fellow
This is a senior fellowship programme, and
awardees are to be considered synonymous
to the Assistant Professor/Scientist-D level.
Fellows selected are entitled to take up teach-
ing/research assignments and supervising
Doctoral/MS students.
SCHOLARSHIP
The scheme provides a consolidated month-
ly remuneration of Rs. 1,00,000/- p.m. In
addition, a House Rent Allowance of Rs.
18,500/- p.m. is given to fellows. In case host
institute provides accommodation to the fel-
low, no house rent allowance is admissible.
The fellowship is taxable as per Govt. of In-
dia rules.
Fellows will receive a research/contingen-
cy grant of Rs. 10.00 lakhs for the 1st & 2nd
year; Rs. 7.50 lakhs for the 3rd & 4th year;
Rs. 5.00 lakhs for 5th year for purchase of
consumables, minor equipment, international
and domestic travel, engaging manpower and
other contingent expenditure to be incurred
for the implementation of research proposal
which is a part of fellowship and Institutional
overhead Rs. 50,000/ year
DBT encourages host institutions to provide
medical benefits, transport allowance, leave
travel allowance and other benefits as per
their prevailing norms as applicable to their
employees of the rank equivalent to Assis-
tant Professor/Scientist D out of their own
resources/ funds.
Fellows retain an option for drawing either
the fellowship or salary if they are appoint-
ed at a suitable permanent scientific posi-
tion. Fellows opting for salary can continue
to avail the research /contingency grant with
prior approval of DBT.
Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellows could
take up fellowship at any of the scientific in-
stitutes/ universities in the country. Howev-
er, application should be duly forwarded by
the competent authority of the host Institute.
Fellows/Awardee can change his/her host
institute only once during the tenure of the
fellowship with the prior no objection cer-
tificate from the host institute who has for-
warded the application (Director/Registrar/
Vice-Chancellor/Dean as the case may be).
Only one nomination will be considered.
Awardees are eligible to apply for research
grants to any of the funding agencies towards
accomplishment of research proposal. How-
ever, the Co-PI has to be a permanent em-
ployee of the host institution.
Tenure of fellowship
Fellows can draw fellowship for a term of
five years. Fellowship is further extendable
for another two years on fresh appraisal of
performance of the fellow; only fellowship &
HRA will be admissible during extension pe-
riod. No research/contingency grant will be
provided during the extension period. Those
who are able to secure permanent positions
will not be considered for 2nd term.
How to Apply:
Applications may be sent as per proforma
downloadable from DBT website (www.
dbtindia.nic.in) and duly forwarded by the
competent authority to Dr. Meenakshi Mun-
shi, Adviser/Scientist “G”, Department of
Biotechnology, Block-2, 7th Floor, CGO
Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi -110 003,
both as a hard copy as well as Soft copy. The
applications not forwarded by the host insti-
tution will not be considered. Soft copy to be
mailed at Email :- rlsfellowship.dbt@nic.in
only as a single file latest by 15th May, 2018.
Application Deadline – latest by 15th
May, 2018.
Einstein Fellowship – 2019
Applications Invited
Apply for a Einstein Fellowship 2019.
Check out the official notification for more
Einstein Forum and the Daimler and Benz
Foundation – Einstein Fellowship 2019.
Please check the details given below:
The Einstein Forum and the Daimler and
Benz Foundation are offering a fellowship
for outstanding young thinkers who wish
to pursue a project in a different field from
that of their previous research. The purpose
of the fellowship is to support those who, in
addition to producing superb work in their
area of specialization, are also open to other,
interdisciplinary approaches – following the
example set by Albert Einstein.
The fellowship includes living accommo-
dations for five to six months in the garden
cottage of Einstein`s own summerhouse in
Caputh, Brandenburg, only a short distance
away from the universities and academic in-
stitutions of Potsdam and Berlin. The fellow
will receive a stipend of EUR 10,000 and re-
imbursement of travel expenses.
Call for Applications:
Candidates must be under 35 and hold a
university degree in the humanities, in the
social sciences, or in the natural sciences.
Applications for 2019 should include a CV,
a two-page project proposal, and two letters
of recommendation. All documents must be
received by April 15, 2018.
At the end of the fellowship period, the fel-
low will be expected to present his or her pro-
ject in a public lecture at the Einstein Forum
and at the Daimler and Benz Foundation. The
Einstein Fellowship is not intended for ap-
plicants who wish to complete an academic
study they have already begun.
How to Apply:
A successful application must demonstrate
the quality, originality, and feasibility of the
proposed project, as well as the superior in-
tellectual development of the applicant. It is
not relevant whether the applicant has begun
working toward, or currently holds, a PhD.
The proposed project need not be entirely
completed during the time of the fellowship,
but can be the beginning of a longer project.
PLEASE NOTE THAT NO FELLOW-
SHIPS WILL BE GIVEN FOR DISSER-
TATION RESEARCH. THE PROPOSED
PROJECT MUST BE SIGNIFICANTLY
March 20th, 2018.
DIFFERENT IN CONTENT, AND PREF-
ERABLY FIELD AND FORM, FROM
THE APPLICANT’S PREVIOUS WORK.
Applications should be submitted by mail
to: /
Bewerbungen sind zu richten an:
Prof. Dr. Susan Neiman
Einstein Forum
Am Neuen Markt 7
14467 Potsdam
Germany
Or by email to: fellowship@einsteinfo-
rum.de
For more information, call or fax the Ein-
stein Forum at:
phone: +49-331-271780
fax: +49-331-2717827
FAQ
1. What kind of projects can I propose?
Your proposed project must not be part of
your dissertation or thesis, and the applica-
tion documents must be in English. Other-
wise, there are no limitations on the project
you may propose as long as you can defend
your idea as interesting, original, and feasible
during the fellowship period. Please also con-
sider whether the facilities available to you
here would suitably allow you to pursue your
project.
2. How different should my proposed
project be from my previous work?
There is no hard and fast rule, nor is there
a formula for how the proposal should look.
All you need to demonstrate is that you have
not already done work– e.g. master’s theses,
published essays, books, etc.– directly relat-
ed to your proposed project. You should have
already given significant thought to your pro-
ject idea.
3. Can I propose two projects?
The fellowship is awarded for just one pro-
ject. As such, we recommend focusing on
strengthening just one proposal.
4. Should I attach the letters of reference
in my application, or should my recom-
menders send them separately?
We will accept both, but we recommend
that your reference letters be emailed to us
directly by their respective authors.
5. Is TOEFL/IELTS required?
We require only the documents listed. We
do not require TOEFL/IELTS results in your
application, as your application should al-
ready reflect mastery of English.
6. When will I hear back about my ap-
plication?
We will acknowledge receipt of your sub-
mission as soon as possible. The application
Next Page>>>>
7
 March 20th, 2018.
review and interview processes begin in May,
with final decisions released by the end of
June.
7. When does the fellowship take place?
Although the exact dates are flexible, the
5-6 month period of the fellowship should
preferably take place during the summer
months and end within the calendar year.
8. Is it mandatory to stay in Einstein’s
summer house?
Yes. As part of the Einstein Fellowship, we
expect the fellow to reside in Caputh.
9. What may the stipend be used for?
The stipend is intended to cover living ex-
penses and project expenses incurred during
your fellowship period.
10. Can my family come? Does the fel-
lowship cover travel expenses of family
members?
Your family may accompany you during the
fellowship period. The fellowship will not
cover their travel expenses.
11. My application was rejected. Can I
reapply next year?
As long as you still fit the other eligibility
criteria, you may reapply for the fellowship
next year with a new proposal.
<No intersecting link>
Cancer Research Institute
(CRI) Irvington
Postdoctoral Fellowship
Program
Apply for Cancer Research Institute
(CRI) Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship
Program. Official Notification for CRI Ir-
vington Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.
2018 Cancer Research Institute Irvington
Postdoctoral Fellowship Program noti-
fication check out all of the details given
below:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship
Program supports qualified young scientists
at leading universities and research centers
around the world who wish to receive train-
ing in fundamental immunology or cancer
immunology.
A panel of scientists drawn from our Scien-
tific Advisory Council rigorously evaluates
each candidate, the intended sponsor and
training environment, and the nature and fea-
sibility of the proposed project.
The Institute seeks hypothesis-driven,
mechanistic studies in both immunology and
tumor immunology. The applicant and spon-
sor should make every effort to demonstrate
the potential of the proposed studies to direct-
8
ly impact our understanding of the immune
system’s role in cancer.
ELIGIBILITY:
• Applicants for the CRI Irvington Post-
doctoral Fellowship Program must be
working in areas directly related to im-
munology or cancer immunology. An
eligible project must fall into the broad
field of immunology with relevance to
solving the cancer problem.
• Applicants must have a doctoral degree
by the date of award activation and
must conduct their proposed research
under a sponsor who holds a formal ap-
pointment at the host institution.
• Applicants with 5 or more years of rel-
evant postdoctoral experience are not
eligible, with the exception of M.D. ap-
plicants, who should not include years
of residency in this calculation.
• Only in exceptional circumstances will
applicants who have already spent 3 or
more years in a sponsor’s laboratory by
the start date of fellowship be consid-
ered for a fellowship award.
• The fellowship can be performed in the
United States or abroad, but must take
place at a non-profit institution. There
are no citizenship restrictions.
• Only one fellow per sponsor may ap-
ply per application round, and faculty
sponsors may not have more than three
CRI-supported fellows at any time.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Newly awarded fellowships provide a sti-
pend of $55,000 for the first year, $57,000
for the second year, and $59,000 for the third
year. In addition, an allowance of $1,500 per
year is allotted to the host institution for use
at the sponsor’s discretion to help pay for the
fellow’s research supplies, travel to scientific
meetings, and/or health insurance.
Deductions for administrative overhead are
not allowed from either the stipend or the
institutional allowance. Payments are made
monthly in U.S. currency to the host institu-
tion.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
The application deadlines are April 1 and
October 1; when those dates fall on the week-
end, applications are due the following Mon-
day. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Eastern
Time on these dates. Applicants are notified
of fellowship committee decisions within ap-
proximately 10-12 weeks of the application
deadline.
Fellowships can be activated three months
after the application deadline but no later
than one year following the deadline. Awards
activate on the first of the month.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted electroni-
cally. Paper applications will not be accept-
ed. The application process requires you to
complete a PDF application form for institu-
tional signatures and certification. You must
also complete an electronic application form,
which requires you to upload supporting ma-
terials.
Completing the PDF Application Form
Before you submit the online application
form, you must first complete the PDF ap-
plication form. Fill out the form, print it, and
obtain signatures for the Institutional Certi-
fications section. Signatures will be required
from the following individuals:
• An Internal Review Board (IRB) or
certifying officer, who can attest that
the proposal is in compliance with gov-
ernment and institutional regulations
• The institution’s administrative officer
• The institution’s financial officer
When your form is complete, you should
scan it as a PDF and upload it with your oth-
er supporting materials when completing the
online application form.
Uploading Supporting Materials:
After you have filled out all required fields
on the online application, you will be asked
on the final page of the application to upload,
in this order, the following supporting docu-
mentation in one PDF document:
• The entire PDF application form, be-
ginning with the cover sheet. Please
make sure all signatures have been ob-
tained for section three.
• Brief description of the applicant’s
background and research accomplish-
ments.
• List of other funding sources to which
applications have been or will be sub-
mitted, with due dates.
• Applicant’s curriculum vitae and bibli-
ography.
• Brief summary of your project, includ-
ing a description of how the proposed
research is relevant to understanding
the role of the immune system in cancer
and/or the treatment of cancer through
immunological means.
• Abstract of research in non-technical
English explaining the importance of
the proposed research and its potential
clinical relevance. The abstract will be
used for fundraising purposes and sub-
mitted to CRI’s lay Board of Trustees.
• Concise research proposal (back-
ground, significance, specific aims,
materials and methods) not to exceed
6 pages inclusive of tables and figures,
exclusive of references. Applications
exceeding this page limit will be dis-
qualified.
• *Letter from the sponsor introducing
the applicant and describing the spon-
sor’s qualifications to direct the pro-
posed research. The letter must contain
assurance that the applicant’s project
will be conducted under the direct su-
pervision of the sponsor. Finally, spon-
sors are asked to indicate whether the
application was written by the applicant
and also whether any preliminary data
included in the proposal was generated
by the applicant or by the lab prior to
the applicant’s arrival.
• *Sponsor’s curriculum vitae/biosketch,
bibliography (limit bibliography to past
5 years or to publications relevant to
proposed research), and a list of spon-
sor’s current research support.
• *Two letters of recommendation are re-
quired. One letter must be from the ap-
plicant’s thesis advisor. Applicants who
received an M.D. or otherwise who do
not have a thesis advisor should have
some other qualified individual sub-
mit this letter. The second letter should
be from an individual well acquainted
with the applicant’s work. The sponsor
may not submit one of these letters. If
the sponsor was also the applicant’s
thesis advisor, you must contact CRI
for further instruction.
Vol. 02 NO 12
Only PDF documents will be accepted. All
files must be combined into one document
and named according to the following for-
mula: if your name is John Brown, your file
should be called Brown, John.pdf. Do not
submit multiple attachments.
When you have finished uploading the at-
tachments, click “Submit.” You will receive a
notice confirming that you have successfully
submitted your Application Form. Immedi-
ately after, an automated notification from
CRI will be sent to your email address, also
confirming submission.
If you encounter problems uploading your
attachment, email it to grants@cancerre-
search.org. Be sure to note the application
number, which will be assigned to you at the
time of submission.
Online applications will be accepted until 5
p.m. Eastern Time on the deadline date. If the
deadline falls on the weekend, applications
will be accepted until the close of business
that following Monday. We strongly sug-
gest submitting your applications as early as
possible to provide ample time in case your
application is incomplete. Incomplete appli-
cations will not be considered.
Note on Letters of Recommendation:
*Documents 8 through 10 may be submit-
ted directly by referees via the web as a PDF.
On Page 5 of the online application, please
specify e-mail addresses for those providing
letters of support. Referees will then be sent
a link where they will be prompted to upload
their recommendation letter. Please note that
the application should not be submitted by
the applicant until referees have uploaded
their letters.
While direct submission is preferred, ref-
erees may instead scan a copy of their letter
as a PDF and email it to grants@cancerre-
search.org.
In cases where the referee submits the rec-
ommendation letter to the applicant, the ap-
plicant should scan the original, signed letters
and collate them into the supporting docu-
mentation attachment that is uploaded at the
time of electronic application submission. If
recommendation letters will be included with
the supporting documentation or emailed to
grants@cancerresearch.org, there is no need
to provide e-mail addresses for referees on
Page 5 of the online application.
All letters should be scanned in grayscale
at a maximum resolution of 300 dpi to keep
file size to a minimum. Do not scan in color,
as this will significantly increase the file size,
which could potentially cause uploading
problems.
Formatting Guidelines:
Any documents you attach to your online
application form must be typed single-space
using a 12 point or larger font size.
Application Deadline : April 2, 2018
Vol. 02 NO 12
R&D Systems Scholarship
Application Fall 2018
Official Notification is announced for
R&D Systems Scholarship Application
Fall 2018. Scholarship Application Fall
2018 Notifications. Check out all of the de-
tails on the same below:
R&D Systems is proud to support education
in science with a scholarship program estab-
lished to students who are pursuing a degree
in a science related field.
The R&D Systems Scholarship Program
will be awarded to students pursuing a degree
PhD Research Admissions
2018 @ IIT Kanpur
Official Notification for PhD Research
Admissions 2018 @ IIT Kanpur. Interest-
ed and eligible candidates apply for a PhD
Biological Sciences & Bioengineering pro-
gramme 2018 that is available. For more
information on the eligibility details, ap-
plication procedure of IIT Kanpur 2018 as
per the details below:
Applications are invited from Indian as well
as foreign nationals for admission to Ph.D.,
M.Tech., M. Des. and MS (By Research) pro-
grammes 2018-19-I Semester (commencing
from July 25, 2018) in the following depart-
ments/interdisciplinary programmes:
Ph.D. (Engg.) : Aerospace Engineering
* Biological Sciences & Bioengineering *
Chemical Engineering * Civil Engineering *
Computer Science & Engineering * Electri-
cal Engineering * Industrial & Management
Engineering * Materials Science & Engineer-
ing * Materials Science (Interdisciplinary
Programme) * Mechanical Engineering *
Photonics Science & Engineering (Interdis-
ciplinary Programme).
in a science related field. A $1500 (or interna-
tional currency equivalent) scholarship will
be awarded twice a year for one student in
the fall semester and one student in the spring
semester.
Eligibility:
• Applicants must have a major declared
in a science related field.
• Open worldwide.
• Enrolled or accepted for enrollment
(baccalaureate, graduate, associate de-
gree, or diploma) with a declared major
in a science related field.
How to Apply:
Download and complete the scholarship ap-
plication form.
• Submit a transcript of all college/
post-secondary coursework (if high
school student submit high school tran-
script).
• Submit a written statement addressing
the following topics:
1. Submit a 140 character statement/tweet
on what you believe is the biggest hur-
dle for people working in your specific
field of interest and why
2. Write a personal statement of 500
words or less on how you plan to use
ADMISSIONS
Ph.D. in Engineering:
Eligibility Criteria:
(i) A master’s degree in engineering with
marks/CPI not below the specified minimum.
or
a bachelor’s degree in engineering or sci-
ence (4 year programme) with a minimum of
75 percent marks/7.5 CPI and a valid GATE
score (the requirement of GATE score is
waived for candidates with bachelor’s de-
gree in engineering from the centrally funded
technical institutes (CFTIs)).
or
a master’s degree in science or an allied
area while satisfying each of the following
three criteria:
(a) a minimum of 65 percent marks/6.5 CPI
in the master’s degree,
(b) first division in bachelor’s degree, and
(c) JRF/95 percentile or higher in GATE
score.
For admission into Ph.D. in Biological
Sciences and Bioengineering, applicants hav-
ing master’s degree in pharmacy/medicine/
veterinary science with marks/CPI not below
the specified minimum, or bachelor’s degree
in pharmacy/medicine/veterinary science
with a minimum of 75 percent marks/7.5
CPI, may also be considered.
For admission into Ph.D. in Computer Sci-
ence and Engineering, applicants with mas-
ter in computer applications while satisfying
each of the above criteria in (a), (b) and (c)
may also be considered.
(ii) A valid GATE score is required for the
candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Engi-
neering/Design/Architecture, except in the
case of candidates with bachelor’s degree in
March 20th, 2018.
your degree to further advance science com or mail it to Novus Biologicals, LLC,
in your field of interest. Attention: Lisa Ikariyama, 8100 Southpark
Way, A-8, Littleton, CO 80120, USA.
Selection and notification process:
What majors qualify?
• Deadline for this application is July 20,
2018 at 11:59 p.m. MST. Any science related major. If you haven’t
• Finalist will be notified by August 3, declared your major yet, please use the writ-
2018. ten statement for how you plan to use your
Submission guidelines: degree to be considered.
• Please submit your application online What is the fee?
or email it to scholarship@novusbio.
com by July 20, 2018 to be considered There is no fee.
for the Fall 2018 R&D Systems Schol-
arship. When will you send me the check?
If selected, we will send the check directly
FAQs: to the university listed in the application to
disperse.
Do I need to submit official transcripts?
No, we will accept either unofficial or of- Contact Details:
ficial.
Questions? Please email Lisa Ikariyama
Are the written statements required? at scholarship@novusbio.com, call at 303-
730-1950 or or read our FAQs.
Yes, both topics listed are required. There is
no word count for the list and you can format Application Deadline – July 20, 2018 at
how you would like. 11:59 p.m. MST.
Do I need to email or mail this in?
You can email it to scholarship@novusbio.
Engineering from the centrally funded Tech- Indian Nationals can apply only through on-
nical Institutes (CFTIs). The candidates with line mode of application. Foreign Nationals
master’s degree in science must either have a can apply only through off line mode.
valid GATE score or must have qualified for/ PhD applicants must arrange for two let-
in JRF/NET. ters of reference as well. For this purpose,
the names of the referees along with their
Financial Assistance: e-mails addresses are to be provided by the
candidates in the online applications portal.
Financial aid (in the form of Institute Assist- (http://www.iitk.ac.in/doaa/DOAA/im-
antship) is available to the regular (non-spon- plinks20181.htm)
sored) students of M.Tech./M. Des./MS (By The referees will be contacted electronical-
Research) and Ph.D. Programmes. ly through an auto generated mail to submit
Student is expected to carry out the as- their recommendations online.
signed duties for teaching and Research The application fee is Rs.400 for General
Assistantship. The M.Tech./MS (Research) and OBC candidates and Rs.200 for SC/ST
student currently carries a monthly stipend of and all PD candidates (including General and
Rs.12,400/- for 8 hours of work per week. For OBC). The application fee is waived for ‘For-
Ph.D. students the corresponding financial eign National’ candidates.
assistance (for Engg./Sciences/Social Scienc- Separate application form is to be filled for
es) is Rs.25,000/- for the first two years and each program.
there after it is raised to Rs.28,000/- respec-
tively for another three years.
Students may also avail financial assistant-
ship from external funding agencies (such as
UGC/CSIR/NBHM etc.).
In addition to the above several attractive
fellowships from Industries/DAE are also
available.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
(i) Reservations (for SC/ST/OBC(NCL)/PD
candidates) shall apply as per Government of
India rules.
(ii) For Application Form, Reference Letter
Form, Information Brochure, Eligibility Cri-
teria, linkages to concerned department and
other relevant details visit: Important Links
Application Procedure:
The online applications portal (for Indi-
an Nationals only) will be available from
15/03/2018 (10:00 AM) till 04/04/2018
(05:00 PM).
9
March 20th, 2018.
IISER Berhampur PhD
Admission 2018 – Official
Notification
IISER Berhampur PhD Admission 2018.
Calling all candidates who are from an
MSc background to apply for the PhD
Programme Admissions 2018 at IISER
Berhampur. IISER Berhampur has offi-
cially announced the phd admissions 2018.
If you are looking for phd admissions, then
check the July 2018 PhD Programme Ad-
missions at IISER Berhampur as per the
details given below:
Indian Institute of Science Education and
Research Berhampur invites applications
from highly motivated students for admis-
sion to the PhD programme starting from
July 2018. Currently, IISER Berhampur of-
fers PhD programme in Biological Scienc-
es, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics
disciplines. Students with a Master’s degree
or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Mathe-
matics, and Physics OR in any relevant inter-
disciplinary area closely related to the basic
science are encouraged to apply for PhD pro-
gramme.
PhD students must successfully complete
course work, qualifying examination, semi-
nars, and a dissertation. Besides the manda-
tory requirements, students are encouraged
to participate in several professional activi-
ties such as workshops, review meetings and
conferences. All doctoral students are also
expected to participate in the undergraduate
teaching programme of the Institute as a part
of their training.
Please note that the precise eligibility crite-
ria for July 2018 admissions may vary from
department to department which are given
below. A glimpse of the research areas open
for admission are provided below and further
information about individual faculty profiles
and areas of research can be obtained from
the IISER Berhampur website. Prospective
students satisfying the eligibility criteria are
encouraged to acquaint themselves with the
research areas of our faculty members for
suitable match of interest.
Research Areas:
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Broad Area Of Research:
Life-history evolution, Sexual selection and
sexual conflict, Fungal Molecular Genetics,
Circadian Rhythms.
Eligibility:Minimum Qualification:
• M.Sc./M.Tech. Degree in the relevant
discipline with a minimum of 60%
marks or CGPA/CPI of 7.0 on a 10
point scale. (Overall percentage/CGPA/
CPI; not only in majoring subject)
• If the transcript/grade sheet issued by
10
the Institute/University reports:
1. Only marks, percentage will be consid-
ered.
2. Only grades, CGPA/CPI will be con-
sidered. If CGPA/CPI is reported on
any scale other than 10 (eg. 4 point/ 8
point scale), an equivalent CGPA/CPI
will be calculated as per the following
formula:
CGPA/CPI in a 10 point scale = (CGPA/CPI
Obtained×10)/PS
PS = Point scale used by the Institute/Uni-
versity.
3. Both marks and CGPA/CPI
Percentage equivalent of CGPA/CPI, as in-
dicated on the transcript/gradesheet, will be
considered, if absolute grading was followed.
CGPA/CPI ONLY will be considered, if rela-
tive grading was followed.
• Exceptionally brilliant candidates with
B.Tech./MBBS/MCA also apply for
Ph.D. programme in Biological Scienc-
es.
• Additionally, a National level exam-
ination like National Eligibility Test
(NET)/GATE/UGC-JRF/CSIR-JRF/
DBT (JRF A category)/ICMR (JRF
category I)/NET-LS/INSPIRE-PhD/
JGEEBILS or any other recognized
score is mandatory. The certificate/fel-
lowship MUST be valid at the time of
admission.
• Students whose results for CSIR-UGC
NET Fellowship or ICMR-JRF cate-
gory-I or DBT-JRF or INSPIRE-PhD
or any other equivalent fellowship are
awaited may also apply with their roll
number(s) mentioned in the applica-
tion. Such candidates may walk-in
for the interview provided they have
qualified examination for any of the
above fellowship before the interview
date. Such candidates will not be sent
a call letter for the interview. Howev-
er, they should write to the head of the
department, Department of Biological
Sciences at hod_bio@iiserbpr.ac.in
(with a CC to caa@iiserbpr.ac.in) and
inform if they will attend the interview.
• Candidates who are appearing or are
about to appear for final examinations
of the qualifying degree programme are
eligible to apply for PhD programme.
However, if selected, admission to the
PhD programme would be conditional
upon their completing the qualifying
degree with the defined marks criteria.
• A relaxation of 5% of marks, or an
equivalent relaxation of grade, will be
allowed for candidates belonging to
SC/ST/PD categories.
• Mere fulfilling the eligibility criterion
does not entitle a candidate to be called
for the test and interview.
Application Procedure:
Please download and save the form on your
computer, and then open it directly in Ac-
robat or Acrobat Reader and select/type the
information in the boxes provided and click
save to store the information.
NOTE : OPENING OF DOWNLOAD-
ED APPLICATION FORM IN ADOBE
READER IS MUST TO UPLOAD PHOTO
AND ACCESSES OTHER INTERACTIVE
FIELDS. DO NOT FILL ANYTHING ON
ONLINE LINK.
http://www.iiserbpr.ac.in/coaa/admission/
PhD_Admission_Form.pdf
Important Instructions:
• All communication with candidates
will be by e-mail only.
• Kindly check this website for periodic
updates.
• Candidates who are appearing or are
about to appear for final examinations
of the qualifying degree programme are
eligible to apply for Ph.D. programme.
However, if selected, admission to the
Ph.D. programme would be condition-
al upon their completing the qualifying
degree with the defined marks criteria,
before July 31, 2018.
• Selection will be based on interviews
of the short-listed candidates. Shortlist-
ed candidates will be called for an in-
terview. Date of interview will be com-
municated to shortlisted candidates by
e-mail and the same will be available
on the Institute website. TA will be paid
to SC/ST candidates appearing for the
interview as per Govt. of India norms.
• Reservation will be applied according
to Govt. of India norms. Relaxation of
eligibility criteria for SC/ST and PD
applicants will be as per Government
of India norms. Candidates belonging
to reserved category will have to sub-
mit relevant certificates, if selected.
• Applying does not automatically guar-
antee that a candidate will be shortlist-
ed for interview. The respective de-
partments may use additional criteria
(based on academic performance and/
or performance in the national level
tests) in order to shortlist candidates for
interviews depending on the number of
applications received.
• Applicant’s age should not exceed
more than 28 years at the time of join-
ing. Age relaxation of 3 years will be
given for OBC (Non Creamy Layer)
and 5 years for SC/ST/PD/Female ap-
plicants.
• All selected candidates will be eligible
for either Institute fellowship of Rs.
25,000/- per month or fellowship as
per the norms of the funding agency,
in vogue, subject to satisfactory perfor-
mance in their course work.
Contact Information:
In case of any application-related que-
ries, please contact the respective depart-
ments (with a CC to caa@iiserbpr.ac.in)
Biology: hod_bio@iiserbpr.ac.in
Important Dates:
Closing Date of Application : April 30,
2018
Interview Dates : May 22-29, 2018
Vol. 02 NO 12
JNCASR Research &
Integrated PhD
Programme Admissions
2018
Apply Online at JNCASR for Research
& Integrated PhD Programme Admissions
2018. Check out JNCASR – Jawaharlal
Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Re-
search 2018 PhD Admissions. Check out
all of the details on the same below:
JNCASR has a bright and diverse student
body. At present, there are 291 students reg-
istered in the various academic programmes
of the Centre. While the majority of these
students are pursuing Ph. D. degree, we also
have students enrolled in our Integrated Ph.
D., M. S. / M. S. (Engg.) programmes. The
student population at JNCASR is drawn from
across the length and breadth of the country;
in addition, we frequently have foreign stu-
dents visiting the Centre under various ex-
change programmes.
The majority of new students joining the
Centre during the August semester each year
are admitted, based on their performance in
interviews carried out in the early summer.
Certain programmes also consider admitting
students halfway through the academic year
(i.e., at the start of the January semester). In
order to be eligible for consideration in these
interviews, students have to meet various
academic criteria, as specified under the var-
ious degree programmes listed in the menu
page. Admission in these programmes is fair-
ly competitive.
All students who are admitted to the Cen-
tre’s programmes receive stipends that are
more than adequate to cover their tuition and
living expenses, including hostel fees, etc.
We generally expect students to take less
than five years to complete a regular Ph. D.
programme. Students who are admitted to the
Integrated Ph. D. programme also get an M.
S. degree, typically three years into their pro-
gramme of study.
In addition to carrying out research, stu-
dents take a combination of required and
elective courses. The majority of courses are
held on-campus, and taught by the Centre’s
faculty members. However, students can also
choose to attend a few courses at other scien-
tific institutes in the Bangalore area. In ad-
dition to regular academic courses, there are
also seminar courses, and we have recently
introduced a course on scientific writing. Af-
ter completing two years in their Ph. D. pro-
grammes, students have to pass an oral com-
prehensive examination, where they present
and are quizzed about their research, as well
as the material covered in their coursework.
Since 2002, the Centre is recognized as a
“Deemed to be University” by the Universi-
ty Grants Commission, and students’ degrees
are awarded directly by JNCASR. Since the
Next Page>>>>
Vol. 02 NO 12
inception of the Centre, 324 degrees have
been awarded; these include 178Ph. D.’s, 87
M. S. degrees (Integrated Ph. D.), 55 M. S.
(Engg.) and 4 M. Sc. (by research – Biologi-
cal Sciences).
Students who are alumni of the Centre have
gone on to enjoy successful academic ca-
reers, and are currently spread out across the
world.
RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
Interdisciplinary research interests are
also encouraged
Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit
Research in the Molecular Biology and
Genetics Unit is in diverse areas of biology
bound by the common thread of biomedi-
cal applications. The current research areas
fall into the categories of Infectious Diseas-
es, Cell Cycle, Chromatin organization and
Transcription Regulation, Developmental Bi-
ology and Genetics.
Students have the opportunity to use ap-
proaches involving molecular biology and
biochemistry, genetics, modern cell and de-
velopmental biology and the most recent
genomics approaches.
INTEGRATED (INT.) PH.D. PRO-
GRAMME IS OFFERED IN MATERI-
ALS SCIENCE, CHEMICAL SCIENCE
AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE
GENERAL INFORMATION
This programme is offered only for the
August session of admissions. The adver-
tisement for Int.Ph.D programe is released
ONLY during February/March every year.
If you are on the lookout for a research
career in mnc’s like Coca-Cola then check
the details on the job, requirements, appli-
cation procedure, below. For Bsc and MSc
food sciences, biotechnology QA executive
positions are available. Hindustan Coca-Co-
la Beverages Pvt Ltd is hiring for executive
manufacturing position as Per the details
below. For More Details on Careers at Coca
Cola, Job and Career Opportunities at The
Coca- Cola Company.
Name of the Position : Executive – Man-
ufacturing – QA
Job ID : 5367
Location : Bidadi – India
Job Description:
Vertical : Supply Chain
Job Function /Sub Function : Manufac-
turing- QA
Job Objective : Responsible for super-
The minimum eligibility criteria is men-
tioned below. Kindly note that these criteria
are for applying only. The committee will
shortlist candidates for written test.
• Minimum Requirement
Candidates should have a minimum of 55%
marks at the B.Sc as applicable to the area .
Candidates who are appearing for their final
examination in B.Sc. can also apply.
• Eligibility criteria and Mode of Selec-
tion for the areas mentioned below:
Materials Science: Students with Bach-
elor’s degree in any branch of Science can
apply. Candidates are expected to have sound
knowledge in the fundamentals of Physics,
Chemistry and Mathematics. Candidates who
have qualified the JAM 2018 written test for
Master’s are also invited to apply. Selection
will be through the Joint Admission test for
Master’s (JAM) and/or JNCASR’s written
test, followed by interview at Bangalore
for the shortlisted candidates. The JNCASR
written test for Materials Science will be held
only at JNCASR, Bangalore. Interviews for
the shortlisted candidates will be held the
same day or the following day.
Chemical Science: Students with Bach-
elor’s degree in any branch of Science with
Chemistry as a major and mathematics as a
subject at least up to PUC (10+2 level) can
apply. Candidates who have qualified for
the JAM 2018 written test for Master’s are
invited to apply. Selection will be through
the Joint Admission test for Master’s (JAM)
and/or JNCASR’s written test, followed by
interview at Bangalore for the shortlisted
candidates. The JNCASR written entrance
JOBS
vising and assist with necessary production
testing to ensure that the highest quality
standards are maintained for products to be
released to the warehouse.
Functional Reporting To : TL- QA
Supervises : Operators & Casual Labour
Key Customer Internal /External Cus-
tomers : Production, Stores
Job Responsibilities:
• Line sanitation and Documentation (Pro-
portioner, Filler, and Bottle Washer).
• GV Pressure Gauge/Density Meter/Ther-
mometers Calibration and documentation.
• Syrup release procedure and Proportioner
operation.
• Bottle inspector’s evaluation and valida-
tion.
• Collection and labelling of Shelf life sam-
ples.
• Take feedback from Shelf life samples and
market samples analyst and take actions if
test for Chemical Science will be held only
at JNCASR, Bangalore. Interviews for the
shortlisted candidates will be held the same
day or the following day.
Biological Science: Students with Bach-
elor’s degree in any branch of Science can
apply. Selection will be through JNCASR’s
written test, followed by interview at Ban-
galore for the shortlisted candidates. The
JNCASR written entrance test for Biological
Science will be held only at JNCASR, Ban-
galore . The candidates shortlisted from the
written test will be called for interview the
same day or the next day.
Instructions for applying (only after the
release of advertisement):
• Candidates are advised to read the In-
struction in the application form care-
fully before applying.
• Please note that the criterias mentioned
above are prerequisites to apply ONLY
and will not be mandatory for short list-
ing or selection/admission to the pro-
gramme .
• The candidates shortlisted for written
test and/ or interview will be communi-
cated by email and post.
Scholarships/Fellowship:
Selected students will receive a scholarship
of Rs. 15,000/- p.m. for the first two years.
Successful students will receive M.S degree
on successful completion of their course
work and research project/thesis and contin-
ue for Ph.D. programme with a fellowship
and fees as applicable to a Ph.D student.
Your queries could be either mailed to : ad-
R&D CAREERS @ COCA COLA |
QA MANUFACTURING POSITION VACANT
required.
• Glass fragment control program, Ozone
monitoring, Temperature monitoring and val-
idation and documentation (related of area of
operation).
• Finished product release as per the proce-
dure and follow the requirements.
• Line sanitation as per specification and its
documentation.
• Maintenance of GHP and GMP practices
in line operation.
Job Requirement:
Minimum Education : B. Tech/M. Sc.-
Food Tech/Food Science/Biotech
Minimum Work Experience : 3-4 years of
relevant experience in Beverage/Food indus-
try
Competencies/Skills/Abilities:
Behavioral Competencies:
• Drives Innovative Business Improvement-
Stage 1
March 20th, 2018.
missions@jncasr.ac.in
or you can call up at :(080) 22082777
(080) 22082777 (from Monday to Friday
9:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m hours only)
Importance notice for prospective appli-
cants:
• Interviews for admitting students in
respective Units/programmes will be
held subject to the vacancies available.
• Selection to the degree programmes of
JNCASR are subject to excellent ac-
ademic background score/percentile/
rank obtained in national fellowship
exams,in addition to the recommenda-
tions of the referees and performance in
the interview.
• Mere fulfilling the essential qualifica-
tions / eligibility criteria will not entitle
an applicant to be shortlisted for inter-
view.
• The committee shortlists the candiates
for written test and/or interviews based
on the departmental criteria.
• The Units offering admission will be
mentioned in the application form.
• The Centre has the right to cancel, at
any stage, the admission of a candidate
who is found to have been admitted to
a course to which he/she is not entitled,
being unqualified or ineligible in ac-
cordance with the rules and regulations
in force.
Application Deadline – 15th April 2018
• Objective Analytical Thinking- Stage 1
• Takes Initiative to deliver results- Stage 1
• Works effectively with others and Influ-
ence others- Stage 1
• Develops & inspires others- Stage 1
• Lives the values- Stage 1
Functional Competencies:
• Equipment Management- Competent
• System Compliance- Competent
• Food Safety & GMP Requirements- Com-
petent
• Environment process design and compli-
ance- Competent
• Quality Process Compliance: WTP & ETP,
Sugar Process- Competent
• Container preparation, filling & propor-
tioning & QA tests- Competent
• Quality Process Compliance- CIP & COP
Process- Mastery
• Quality Process Compliance- Product re-
lease (Taste test)- Competent
It Knowledge : Working knowledge of MS
Office.
Travel : Almost nil
11
March 20th, 2018.
Msc microbiology candidates are eligible
for a research associate position available
at ITC R&D Centre. ITC R&D Centre
is hiring for research associate post, msc
microbiology candidates are requested to
apply for the position. For more details on
this check out all of the details below:
Job Title : Research Associate
Experience : 1 – 4 Years
Location : Bengaluru
Job Responsibilities:
• Be responsible for the assigned respon-
sibilities on deliveries thorough the
project schedules that he/she handles
with specific emphasis towards claims
substantiation.
• Be expected to excel in tedious re-
search, applies sound analytical think-
ing and provides explicit documenta-
tions.
• Be required to extensively network, de-
MSc & MTech candidates with biotech,
biochem and microbiology background
are eligible for a walk-in at Syngene. MSc
Candidates walk-in at Syngene Bangalore
for Scientist vacancies. Syngene has an-
nounced March 2018 recruitment drive
for biotch, biochem and microbiology as
Per the details below:
Job Title : Hybridoma Scientist –
Bio-Technical Research Associate/Scientist
Experience : 2 – 6 yrs
12
sign and coordinate studies with exter-
nal CROs, analyse data and draw con-
clusions for claims suitability, within
agreed time.
• Develop microbiology bioassays and
document scientific reports and lit-
erature evidence to support product
claims.
• Work in teams to enable development
of product concept, pack text, pam-
phlet/brochure design, advertorials &
promoter training on time.
• Be expected to independently contrib-
ute by devising solutions to frequently
encountered problems within his/her
group.
• Be expected to operate on his or her
routine work area with minimal super-
vision.
• Be expected to demonstrate flair for ex-
perimental design and working on mul-
tiple tasks within the given time.
• Develop consumer demonstrations to
communicate product benefit and con-
tribute to build brand image.
• Be expected to be aware of market re-
No.of.Posts : 03
Location : Bengaluru – India
Role Category : R&D
Employment Type : Permanent Job, Full
Time
Job Description:
• Experience in monoclonal antibody
generation using hybridoma or other
platforms.
ITC JOBS : RESEARCH ASSOCIATE POST
VACANT FOR MSC MICROBIOLOGY
search, consumer immersion, product
and packaging desirables and bench-
mark analysis.
• Will participate in idea generation and
troubleshooting activities within the
group.
Role Overview:
• The JRA would be responsible for
planning, coordinating and executing
claims substantiation activities specif-
ically requiring Microbiological tech-
niques across different categories and
Brands within PCP R&D on defined
timelines.
• The JRA is expected to be well versed
with Microbiology laboratory skills
e.g. aseptic and sterile techniques, op-
tical microscopy, bacterial staining,
plating methods (streak, spread, pour,
replica), isolation, enumeration and
identification of bacteria/fungi, use
of biological safety cabinets, media
and buffer preparation, diagnostic bi-
ochemical tests for microbes, use of
BIOSCIENCES WALK-IN DRIVE @
SYNGENE | HYBRIDOMA SCIENTIST
VACANCIES
• Experience in cell based assays, immu-
nological assays
• Expertise in flow-cytometry, prefera-
bly multi-color and sorting
• Expertise in animal handling and in
vivo experimentation
• Experience in molecular biology pro-
liferation), western blotting, IHC with
antibodies.
Educational Qualification:
• M.S/M.Sc./M.Tech (Biochemistry/ Bi-
otechnology/ Microbiology) with 2- 6
Vol. 02 NO 12
selective media and relevant anti-mi-
crobial bioassays like time-kill, Mini-
mum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC),
Checkerboard etc.).
• The JRA would be required to exten-
sively network, liaise closely with
Commercial team and coordinate stud-
ies with various external testing labs
(CROs) and analyse data received and
draw conclusions for claims suitability.
He/She is required to align and estab-
lish procedures, methods and bioassays
relevant to the Microbiology and par-
ticipate in creation of novel and differ-
entiated product claims and consumer
demonstrations.
Qualification :
• Masters Degree – Microbiology with
1-3yrs Experience in FMCG or allied
Industries
• PG – MS/M.Sc(Science) – Any Spe-
cialization, Microbiology
yrs relevant experience.
• We are not looking for Ph.Ds
Walk-In Details:
• Date of Interview – 24th March 2018
• Time of Interview – 9 AM onwards
• Venue of Interview – Syngene Inter-
national Ltd Plot 2&3, Bommasandra
Phase IV Biocon Park, Jigani Link
Road Bommasandra Bangalore.