Toxicology Track

Weekly Newsletter of the MSU Center for Integrative Toxicology
Director: Norbert Kaminski/Editor: Lois Furry

February 19, 2007, Vol. 30, Number 7

Seminars/Publications/Grants/Conferences/Positions

Seminars

The Plant Research Laboratory and Plant Biology Department present Greg Vanlerberghe, University of Toronto, Canada, to speak on Role of Mitochondrial Alternative Oxidase in Plant Cell Metabolism and Physiology on Monday, February 19, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. in 101 Biochemistry.
 
The Department of Geological Sciences in partnership with Shell Oil present Bridget Scanion, University of Texas, Austin, to speak on Impacts of Changing Land Use and Land Cover on Subsurface Water Resources on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 4 p.m. in 204 Natural Science.

The Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and of Physiology present Kaladhar Reddy, Wayne State University, to speak on Cross-Talk Between Estrogen Receptor and Growth Factor Pathways as a Molecular Target for Overcoming Endocrine Resistance on Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. in 1415 Biomedical and Physical Sciences.
 
The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology present Linda Samuelson, University of Michigan, to speak on Acid Secretion and Cellular Homeostasis in the Stomach on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at noon in B448-49 Life Sciences.

The Chemistry Department presents Robert Fecik, University of Minnesota, to speak on Polyketide-Based Affinity Labels for Combinatorial Biosynthesis on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at 3 p.m. in 136 Chemistry.
 
The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department present Dr. Richrd Carthew, Northwestern University, to speak on "Mechanism and biology of small regulatory RNAs" on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. in 101 Biochemistry.
 
The Neuroscience Program presents Dr. Diane Merry, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, to speak on "Protein Accumulation and Neurodegenerative Disease: the Altered Metabolism of Polyglutamine-Expanded Androgen Receptor in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy" on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 12:15 p.m. in 1425 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building.

*Fulfills seminar requirements for the Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences Graduate Programs.  Seminars that fulfill this requirement are archived at seminars.

Publications

Multiscale responses of microbial life to spatial distance and environmental heterogeneity in a patchy ecosystem. Ramette A, Tiedje JM. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Feb 12; [Epub ahead of print]

Grants

William Atchison received $271,800 from the National Institutes of Health for Murine Models of Presynaptic Neuromuscular Disease.

Conferences

Partners in Environmental Technology Technical Symposium & Workshop, will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C., December 4-6, 2007. Sponsored by Strategic Environmental Research Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), this event will provide attendees: (1) plenary session speakers offering key insights into environmental issues; (2) concurrent technical sessions covering the latest in environmental research results and technical innovations; (3) poster sessions featuring more than 375 technical posters; (4) exhibit booths offering information about funding opportunities in related research programs; (5) networking opportunities with more than 1,000 environmental professionals; and (6) a concluding session providing a summary of SERDP and ESTCP funding opportunities to conduct research and demonstrations. The Call for Poster Abstracts and Symposium Registration will be available no later than June 1, 2007 on both the SERDP and ESTCP web sites (www.serdp.org or www.estcp.org). As information becomes available, it will be posted on the web sites. If you have any questions, please send an e-mail to partners@hgl.com or call (703) 736-4548.

Positions

The Center for Integrative Toxicology (CIT) at Michigan State University invites applications for a tenure-track academic year faculty position at the Assistant or Associate Professor level in chemical carcinogenesis or developmental toxicology. The CIT has over 40 affiliated faculty members and administers a Superfund Program Project grant and a Training grant, both awarded by the NIH, NIEHS. We are seeking candidates with expertise in either chemical carcinogenesis or developmental toxicology to strengthen our growing interest in these areas. Candidates should have a Ph.D. degree in Toxicology or a related discipline, postdoctoral research experience and demonstrated success in obtaining extramural funding. This position involves a joint appointment in the CIT and in a biomedical science department (e.g., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Physiology) consistent with his/her expertise and interests. In addition to contributing to the CIT, the candidate will have the opportunity to participate in one or more other interdisciplinary research and training programs including the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, the Center for Biological Modeling, Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Centers and the Genetics and Neuroscience Programs. He/she will be expected to establish and maintain an independent and extramurally-funded research program and to contribute to the teaching and service missions of the department and the CIT. Interested individuals should send their curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and future research plans, and 3 letters of recommendation to: Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Center for Integrative Toxicology, 165C Food Safety and Toxicology Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. Electronic submissions may be sent to: swagart@msu.edu. Review of applications will begin March 2007 and will continue until the position is filled.

Integral Consulting Inc. (www.integral-corp.com) is seeking highly motivated individuals for the following position in their Annapolis, Maryland office: Senior Scientist, ecologist/ecotoxicologist - Candidate must hold an M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline. The ideal candidate will have 8 to 10+ years experience in performing ecological risk and natural resource damage assessments in a consulting environment. Candidate also should have a demonstrated expertise in terrestrial and/or aquatic ecology and toxicology. Experience in statistical analysis and ecological modeling is highly valued. Candidate also must have significant experience managing projects, mentoring staff, and interacting with clients. The desired candidate is a detailed-oriented individual who can provide technical and strategic support on client projects as well as on business development efforts for our growing environmental practice. Candidates must possess superior quantitative skills, strong organizational abilities, a professional demeanor, excellent written and oral communication skills, and very importantly, a desire to learn and grow both intellectually and professionally. Competitive salary is commensurate with experience. Integral provides an exceptional benefits package with company-subsidized insurance, and an exciting work environment with opportunities for significant professional growth. Integral is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For confidential consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter to integraljobs@integral-corp.com.

The State of Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MEDEP), Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, Division of Remediation, is seeking a Toxicologist in Augusta. The position will evaluate the health significance of chemicals in the environment, considering such things as the chemical and physical nature of the chemicals, site specific conditions, toxicological properties, and relevant exposure pathways. These evaluations shall consider ecological and human health threats. The position shall also provide toxicological support to other programs within the MEDEP on a case by case basis. For job specifics, please call Hank Aho at 207-287-4850 or Ted Wolfe at 207-287-8552. Minimal Requirements: A Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Toxicology, or related field and (4) years experience in pharmacology, toxicology, analytical chemistry, or directly related field. Equivalent experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.  US Residents Only. Application Process: Interested candidates should mail or fax a State of Maine Direct Hire Application, cover letter and resume to: Carmen Welch, Natural Resources Service Center, 155 SHS, Old Max Bldg., 17 Learners Drive, Augusta, ME 04333-0155; Fax 207-287-2216. Material must be received by close of business, March 2, 2007.  Candidates invited to interview will be requested to provide a written sample of their work exemplifying their experience and communication skill. To obtain a Direct Hire Application go to: http://www.maine.gov/bhr/state_jobs/how_to/direct.htm or call Carmen Welch at 207-287-4997.

US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toxicology Division, Aerobiology and Product Evaluation Branch, at Ft. Detrick, Frederick, MD seeks candidates for a respiratory toxicologist position.  Open until Feb. 23, 2007.  U.S. citizens only.  Salary range is 79,397.00 - 121,967.00 per year.  This is a temporary position, not to exceed 2 years.  Work will involve research on theoretical models of respiratory infectivity, properties of microorganisms and their products, aerosol deposition within the respiratory system, effects of respiratory infections on pulmonary physiology, and interrelation of physics and pathogenesis of disease induced by aerosol exposure to infectious agents. Principal objectives of investigations are to develop knowledge of basic properties and physical interactions that occur between aerosol particles and the pulmonary system, and subsequent biological and physiological reactions (with collaboration and assistance from specialists in microbiology, physiology, immunology, and pathology) between inhaled microorganisms and the host. Serves as an expert consultant in the field of aerobiology. Conducts laboratory investigations on the aerosol toxicity of infectious agents and biological toxins.  Job Announcement Number: NEBB07607348D. Agency contact info: Central Resume Processing Center; Phone: 410-306-0137; Email: applicanthelp@cpsrxtp.belvoir.army.mil; Or write: Central Resume Processing Center, 314 Johnson Street, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5283.
 
US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Toxicology Division, at Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD seeks applicants for a reproductive toxicology position. Open until Feb. 20, 2007.  U.S. citizens only.  The salary range is 46,041 - 86,801 per year.  This is a temporary position, not to exceed 5 years.  This work involves planning, developing, and managing a research program to accomplish objectives of a reproductive toxicology research program. Non-mammalian aquatic laboratory species (primarily the frog Xenopus tropicalis) are used determine effects of exposures to toxic industrial chemicals (such as endocrine disrupting chemicals) at the systemic, cellular and molecular levels. Research requires the ability to adapt and apply laboratory procedures utilized in cell and molecular biology research. Management tasks include planning, executing, and documenting the research program and coordinating research with other Army, Department of Defense, and Federal agency elements. Research results are reported in the scientific literature, at presentations at scientific meetings, through technical reports, and at briefings as requested. Requires the application of scienfific knowledge. Involves the study of adverse effects of chemical substances or similar agents on living organisms.  For more information about our installation please visit at www.detrick.army.mil. Job Announcement Number: NEBB07675980D. Agency contact info: Central Resume Processing Center; Phone: 410-306-0137; Email: applicanthelp@cpsrxtp.belvoir.army.mil; Or write: Central Resume Processing Center, 314 Johnson Street, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005-5283.

This newsletter is produced and distributed weekly by the Center for IntegrativeToxicology. We appreciate suggestions regarding information that might be included in this publication. To be added to the e-mail list, send your name and e-mail address to: Lois Furry, Editor, Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, 165C Food Safety and Toxicology Building, East Lansing, MI 48824; furry@msu.edu; 517/353-6469(phone), 517/355-4603(fax).