India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Collaboration

INO Training Programme announces admission to its Graduate Training Program leading to Ph.D. Degree in High Energy Physics and Astronomy 2008

India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) Collaboration announces admission to its Graduate Training Program leading to Ph.D. Degree in High Energy Physics & Astronomy.

India-based Neutrino Observatory program is a mega science project to set up an underground laboratory for carrying out front-ranking experiments in high energy neutrino physics and astroparticle physics. See www.imsc.res.in/~infofor details regarding the INO project and the collaborating institutions. ASTROSAT is the first Indian Multi Wavelength Astronomy Satellite being developed by several collaborating Institutes in India.

THE GRADUATE PROGRAM:
A large number of well trained physicists and engineers will be needed to lead the experimental activities in high energy and astropatricle physics to be carried out using the INO facility. In order to achiever this goal, a training program with strong emphasis on experimental high energy physics, astroparticle physics & observational astronomy will be started in August 2008.

HIGHLIGHTS
The selected candidates will be initially trained for one year at TIFR, Mumbai, in both experimental techniques and theory.
The focus will be on detector building, physics issues as well as other developmental activities of NO. A few students opting for astronomy, will be trained in techniques of Infrared & X-ray astronomy.
Successful candidates after the training will be attached to Ph.D. guides at various collaborating institutions for a Students with astronomy preference will join one of the Ph.D. programs within TIFR.
Exceptionally good candidates have a possibility to be absorbed in the INO project at a later stage.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ADMISSION
1) Applicants must hold a M.Sc degree in Physics, Mathematics, Statistics or BE/B.Tech degree in Electronics, E&CE, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering with a strong inclination for experimental sciences.
Applicants must have secured a minimum of 55% of marks in the respective degree examinations (those who are appearing for these examinations may also apply provided their current GPA is above 55% or equivalent).

2) In Addition, they must have either cleared GATE or NET or appeared this year for the entrance tests of TIFR or DAE/ BARC training school or JEST.

SPECIAL PROGRAM FOR EXCEPTIONAL B.SC. STUDENTS:
Exceptionally bright Final year B.Sc. students may also apply. These students will undergo 1 year of training at HRI, Allahabad before they qualify for the graduate program.

SCHOLARSHIP AND OTHER BENEFITS:
During the training period students will be paid Rs.12000 per month (Rs.14000) after registering for Ph.D.), Departmental accommodation would be provided at nominal cost whenever available. Successful candidates after the training program will continue to receive the scholarships during their Ph.D. studies.

ADMISSION PROCEDURE:
Short-Listed candidates will be called for an interview at one of the participating institutes at Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai around June. They will be paid train fare by sleeper class. Short-listed final year B.Sc candidates will have to appear for a written test in addition to the interview.

HOW TO APPLY
You may apply online at the website www.hecr.tifr.res.in/~infoor fill up the downloadable form and send it to Co-ordinator, INO Training Programme, DHEP, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Homi Bhabha Road, Mumbai-400005.

Applicants should also arrange for 2 reference letters to be sent separately to the address above. The last date for the receipt of completed application forms is April 30, 2008.