02Feb/16

Forthcoming GRADnet events in 2016

GRADnet, postgraduate

The forthcoming GRADnet events are scheduled in April to July 2016:

  • Strong Correlations Workshop: 17-19 April 2016 (Arrival Sunday 12:30) at Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Longmoor Rd, Griggs Green, Liphook, Hampshire GU30 7PE. Register here , deadline Friday, 26 March 2016

No two researchers would ever completely agree on the definition of a strongly correlated system; however they may very roughly be described as materials where the correlations between ectrons induced by interactions make the behaviour of the material `interesting’. This interactive two-and-a-half day residential workshop is designed for PhD students who would benefit from learning more about this subject. The course will consist of three short lecture courses of three lectures each, covering both the theoretical concepts necessary to understand strongly correlated systems, as well as how one would probe them experimentally. The course will be self-contained, assuming only a knowledge of quantum mechanics and undergraduate level solid state physics. It should therefore be beneficial to students working on both theoretical and/or experimental projects.

  • Opportunities, CV, Interview 27 May 2016: Friday, 27 May 2016, 0930-1700 at the Royal Astronomical Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BQ.

Register here. Registration deadline: 20 May 2016

There are a huge number of opportunities out there for those graduating with a Physics PhD; however, finding these opportunities and then applying for them can be daunting. This day is designed for final year doctorates in order to support you in finding and landing a fantastic job after you graduate.  In this workshop, we will explore different career choices available and discuss how you know what is ‘right’ for you.  We will help you learn to tailor your CV to specific jobs, increasing your chances of getting an interview.  In the afternoon, we will hold a CV clinic during which you will receive individual feedback and suggestions on your CV from people who are involved in evaluating CVs professionally. There will also be a panel discussion on interviews, providing you with insight into the interviewer’s point of view and giving you a chance to ask all of your burning questions.  This will be an interactive day in which you explore what you want out of your career and how to get there!

  • Connecting Industry and Researchers in Physics, Thursday, 9 June 2016, University of Surrey, Guildford 

Free regional networking event for PGRs and academics to meet regional small and medium-sized employers (SMEs). This is an opportunity to share your research and find out about future joint working; Develop employer contacts and business ideas;
Find out about work experience and mentoring opportunities; Develop your networking and communication skills.
Panel Members include: David Banks, Director, InSync Technology; Oly Dewhurst, physics graduate at QinetiQ; Iain Duncan, Founder, Mousetrap Innovation Ltd; Kathryn Graham, Missions and Systems Team Leader, SSTL and Peter Lancaster, Knowledge Exchange Manager, University of Surrey

You can register here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connecting-industry-and-researchers-in-physics-thursday-9-june-2016-registration-21771632539

  • This year’s GRADnet Summer School will focus on where your physics might take you. Date:  4-7 July 2016,  09:30-17:00

Venue and Accommodation: Herstmonceux Castle, Herstmonceux, Wartling Road Entrance, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1RN.  For directions see here.

Register here.  (logon to the VRE first) Registration deadline Friday, 3 June.  All accommodation, meals and reasonable travel expenses are covered by SEPnet.

The summer school will provide you with an exciting opportunity to interact with employers from leading companies through interactive workshops, presentations and poster sessions.   By the end of this summer school you will have expanded your skills and have the ability to apply them more broadly.  You will also develop your analytical, problem-solving skills, and your ability to present persuasively to a diverse audience.  These are skills that will help you succeed in your doctoral research and your viva, as well as in interviews and future employment.

The GRADnet Summer School is open to all Physics postgraduate research students across the nine partner institutions of SEPnet.  Approximately 5 places per institution are available but priority will be given to final year students in the event it is over subscribed.

To register for the above events please log onto the VRE. If you do not have a VRE login then you will need to request one at www.sepnet.ac.uk/vre. These events can be found under the Training tab and the Events Catalogue and Registrations page.

28Jan/16

Connecting Industry and Researchers in Physics

Employer Engagement, GRADnet

Connecting Industry and Researchers in Physics – employers and physics PhDs meet at Kent to share ideas on joint working

SEPnet’s Graduate Network (GRADnet) recently held its 4th networking evening to facilitate greater collaboration between industry and physics postgraduate researchers.

Panellists including Simon Campbell of Selex ES, Phil Edwards of Weald Technology, Julie Barry of RIFT Research & Development and Jim Telfer of Hilger Crystals shared their views and advice on what physics graduates can offer businesses, what skills industry needs and what opportunities are available to physics PhDs.   Students then networked with employers to explore potential jobs, research work or industry mentoring support.

SEPnet helps students develop their employability skills in a number of ways and, during the evening, Greg Smith, physics PhD student at Kent, showed his video describing an investigation he would like to send into space. Greg’s video won him a week at the Yuri Gagarin Training Centre in Russia, sponsored jointly by Kent and SEPnet.  The training week will offer Greg the chance to enhance his leadership, team building and communication skills.  You can view Greg’s video here:   Greg Smith, University of Kent – A solution to showering in space.

Our 5th networking event takes place at Surrey on 9 June.  To book a free place, email gradnetadmin@sepnet.ac.uk

 


22Jan/16

EU Marie Curie PhD positions

postgraduate,

This is to announce eleven PhD positions financed by the EU; first application deadline is next February15th 2016.

Eleven PhD positions are now being offered by the new Horizon2020 (H2020) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) “Elusives”, www.elusives.eu (expected to finalize all confirmation procedures in January). The recruited Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) will work on Neutrino, Dark Matter and/or BSM physics; most of the positions are to work on theory/phenomenology, but for a few positions dedicated to experimental physics. Applications are now open for PhD studies in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and UK, with starting dates around the fall 2016.

Could you please forward the announcement below to your network? This is urgent, as the first deadline for applications is 15 February 2016.Further application deadlines will be March 30th and May 30th, if positions are still available.

Thank you very much for your help.

On behalf of Belen Gavela, Coordinator of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN “Elusives” (www.elusives.eu),

Tiina Timonen

%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%

PhD research on Neutrino, Dark Matter and/or BSM physics. Eleven positions, first application deadline is next February 15th 2016.

The Horizon2020 (H2020) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) “Elusives”  www.elusives.eu(expected to finalise all confirmation procedures in January) is offering PhD positions in Neutrino, Dark Matter and/or BSM physics research, with starting dates around the fall 2016.

Eleven positions are open to application now, in Univ. of Montpellier (CNRS, France), Heidelberg Univ. (Germany), Göttingen Univ. (Germany), Karsruhe Institute of Techonology (Germany), Univ. of Milano-Bicocca (Italy), Univ. Autonoma de Madrid (Spain), Univ. of Barcelona (Spain), Univ. of Valencia/IFIC (Spain), Univ. of Zurich (Switzerland), Univ. of Durham (UK) and Univ. Southampton (UK). Most of the positions are to work on theory/phenomenology, but for a few positions dedicated to experimental physics.

The gross salary is about 3,110 EUR per month; complemented by additional 600 EUR per month corresponding to mobility allowance. Also possibly a family allowance of 500 EUR per month may be paid.

The first deadline for applications is 15 February 2016. Further application deadlines will be March 30th and May 30th 2016, if positions are still available; nevertheless, the positions may be filled at any moment. All applications should be made through the web page www.elusives.eu.

Women and social minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

On behalf of Belen Gavela, Coordinator of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN “Elusives”,

Tiina Timonen

21Jan/16

Connecting Industry and Researchers in Physics – Wednesday 27 January, University of Kent

Employer Engagement, GRADnet

Connecting Industry and Researchers in Physics

A South East Physics Network (SEPnet) Event

SEPnet’s Graduate Network (GRADnet) is organising its 4th networking evening to facilitate greater collaboration and links between industry and physics postgraduate research students (PGRs) and researchers. We anticipate approximately 60 employers, physics PhD students and academics attending this event.

 Who should attend

  • SEPnet PGR students who want to meet small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and employers from physics-related industries to find out about career opportunities, make contacts and explore research and business ideas
  • SEPnet partner researchers who want to build links with industry to explore how their research can create impact
  • SMEs, businesses and employers in physics-related industries.

During the evening:

  • Hear from panellists including: Julie Barry, Head of R&D, RIFT Research & Development, Simon Campbell, Head of Systems Engineering, Selex ES; Iain Duncan, Founder, Mousetrap Innovation; Phil Edwards, Managing Director, Weald Technology; Jim Telfer, Managing Director, Hilger Crystals and others talk about the benefits of knowledge exchange and what physics postgraduates and postdocs can offer industry
  • Participate in a speed networking session;
  • Build ongoing relationships between industry and researchers through placements, mentoring or research collaboration;
  • Refreshments will be provided.

How to register:

This event is free to attend.  Places are limited so please book early by clicking here (PGR students are requested to attend a networking workshop at 16.00).

Travel expenses for research students and staff:

Reasonable travel expenses to attend this event can be reclaimed through SEPnet GRADnet departmental administrators.

Professional training for PGRs:

This event contributes 1 hour towards PGR professional skills training.

For enquiries, contact gradnetadmin@sepnet.ac.uk

 THIS EVENT IS SUPPORTED BY THE INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS

08Jan/16

GRADnet events in January 2016

GRADnet, postgraduate

Please note that due to low uptake the following courses have unfortunately been cancelled:

  • Working with Workshops: 11 January
  • Algebraic Computing:  15 January 2016
  • Writing Retreat: 23 January 2016

 

Registration is still open for the following:

Videoconference Courses in 2016:

Stats I: 18 January 2016, 10:00-12:00:  Physical Room at the Open University the Library,  Virtual Room: SEPnet 9 Meeting No:  55999925

Stats II: 25 January 2016, 11:00-12:00:  Physical Room at the Open University the Library,  Virtual Room: SEPnet 9 Meeting No:  55999925

 

 

22Dec/15
GRADnet Summer School

GRADnet Entrepreneurship in Action Challenge – Register teams Now!

GRADnet, postgraduate

Entrepreneurship: Investing In Your Research, Your Skills and Your Future

Deadline for registering teams extended to Friday 22nd January 2016

Which SEPnet partner institution has the greatest entrepreneurial spirit?

Our dynamic modern world presents interesting and exciting opportunities for those who want to get involved and add value to the economy and society. GRADnet’s Entrepreneurship programme tailored for Physics PGRs is your opportunity to get involved.

Researchers are perfectly placed to take advantage of these opportunities; whether in academia, running a business or working in a corporate environment.  Why?  Important findings are used to inform policy, improve society and create exciting new products.  Plus high-skills and an enquiring mind are key to building a knowledge-based economy.

In this programme, SEPnet institutions will be invited to form teams of PGR researchers (3-6 per team) who will compete to be the most entrepreneurial physics department in SEPnet.  There is a maximum of nine team spaces available, ideally one per institution;  however, if an institution, doesn’t put a team forward that space can be used by a another partner for a second team.

The Programme:

  • 15th January: Confirm intention of forming a team by e-mailing gradnetadmin@sepnet.ac.uk
  • 16th & 17th March: designated member(s) of the team will attend two days of training which will contribute to professional development and build skills to help with the challenge.  Areas covered include varied insights into entrepreneurship; what it really means and why it is important, team work and idea generation together with business, enterprise and communication skills.

At the event participants will be given details about the challenge.

Support provided: Teams will then be introduced to local entrepreneurial experts to support the team’s idea development while working in their home institutions.  Ongoing entrepreneurship materials giving hints and tips will also be provided.

  • End of April: Teams will be required to produce and submit an initial short video outlining their idea by the end of April.

Support provided: From this, teams will receive feedback from a variety of experts about their idea and tips on how to move it forward.

Teams will continue to develop their idea, building on feedback and supported by local experts.  Ongoing entrepreneurship materials giving hints and tips will also be provided.

  • End of June: Proposals with market research and business case submitted
  • 13th July: Presentations to a panel of entrepreneurs and business people

****Prize for winning team: £100 for each member!!!!!****

By the end of the programme you will…

  • Build a fresh perspective on the world of work, business and research
  • Develop and apply entrepreneurship skills to real challenges
  • Understand the importance of entrepreneurship and its contribution to impact and value creation
  • Enhance communication, idea generation and team-working experience
  • Gain insight into the careers of others
21Dec/15

GRADnet Winter School 8-10 February 2016 – Register Now

conference, GRADnet

Attention all GRADnet Post Graduate Researchers: Build your leadership potential at this three-day Residential School focusing on the skills required for effective leadership and team-working.

Date: 8-10 February 2016 09:30-17:00

Venue:  Discovery Park, Innovation House, Ramsgate Rd, Sandwich, Kent  CT13 9ND. For directions see here.

Accommodation:  Premier Inn Canterbury City Centre (For directions see link here) 3 nights’ accommodation has been booked: Sunday, 7 February to Wednesday 10 February 2016

Register here.  Registration deadline Tuesday, 5 January 2016

This three-day Residential School will focus on the skills required for effective leadership and team-working. Different leadership styles will be presented and discussed while each student attendee will be given the opportunity to have their preferred team-working style evaluated using the Belbin model*.  The Belbin model will also provide attendees with the opportunity to obtain feedback from chosen ‘observers’, which can be very useful in confirming if the way we think we behave is how other people see us too!  This will require attendees to sign up early (by January 5th at the latest) so that appropriate feedback can be collated in advance. There will be short sessions delivered by several relevant leaders which will introduce researchers to leadership from a variety of viewpoints and using different examples, models and theories. Throughout the three days participants will actively participate in a variety of leadership challenges and receive feedback on their leadership and team working skills to help them identify their strengths and develop their own individual style further.  Furthermore, participants will learn how best to demonstrate their portfolio of skills to gain employment and to thrive in leadership roles.

Core Activity

Photos from the last event are here (outdoor activity won’t be possible in Winter): https://goo.gl/photos/KBpQeHssdLUnRZnq7

21Dec/15

Successful Numerical Modelling and Simulations Workshop 13-15 December 2015

GRADnet, postgraduate

The Numerical Modelling and Simulations Workshop held at Old Thorns, Liphook, Hampshire was attended by 29 SEPnet postgraduate researchers.  Prof Roger Webb, University of Surrey, delivered a talk on “Materials Modelling – 35 Years of Animation” on Sunday evening which was well received.  Day 1 covered first-principles quantum mechanical simulations of electrons and nuclei focussing on the package CASTEP and was delivered by Prof Keith Refson, Royal Holloway, University of London.  Day 2 covered molecular dynamics delivered by Dr Kostya Trachenko, Queen Mary University of London and Monte  Carlo simulation methods which was delivered by Dr Dave Faux, University of Surrey.

Feedback from students was very positive: “two days was perfect length, course content fantastic, workshop questions very informative and venue was great”!