Toxicology Track

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

July 2, 2007, Vol. 30, Number 25

Seminar / Grants / Workshops / Course Announcement / Positions

Seminar

*Dow Chemical Company, the MSU-CIT, and the MSU Superfund Research Translation Core present Dr. Stephen Safe, Distinguished Professor of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology at Texas A&M University, to speak on "Selective AhR Modulators: Opportunities for Cancer Chemotherapy and Problems for Risk Assessment" at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 in room 162 of the Food Safety and Toxicology Building.

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

Grants

Colleen Hegg received $246,418 from the National Institutes of Health for "Injury- Evoked Regeneration Mechanism in Olfactory System."

Kenneth Rosenman received $866,831 from the Center for Disease Control- Public Health Service for "Enhanced Program in Occupational Injury and Illness Surveillance."

Workshops

The MSU CIT Superfund Program, Research Translation Core, is hosting a one-day workshop on September 19, 2007 at the MSU Kellogg Center to review and exchange ideas concerning the findings of the recently releases studies by the National Academy of Science and the World Health Organization on dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, and how these findings may be used in formulating national and international environmental policies and regulations. As part of the Superfund Basic Research Program grant to MSU from the National Institute of Environmental Health Science, this workshop is being provided free-of-charge to all participants, but seating capacity is limited.  Ensure your place by calling 517-353-6469 or e-mailing tox@msu.edu as soon as possible.  Overnight accommodations are available at the Kellogg Center by calling 517-432-4000.  The registration brochure is available at superfund workshop.

CSTAT is pleased to announce the following workshop in the Summer 2007 Workshop Series: Intermediate Data Analysis using SPSS, on Friday, July 13, from 1-4 p.m. with Dr. Sandra Herman, CSTAT. For more information and registration please visit the website: http://www.cstat.msu.edu/workshops.html.

PACS Testing, Consulting and Training will provide short courses in Los Angeles, California this July; in San Jose in August, Chicago in September, Pittsburg in October, Atlanta in November; and Orlando in December. For a complete schedule and course offerings, check the PACS website at http://pacslabs.com or call 724. 457. 6756

Course Announcement

Course offering for Fall 2007: PHM 816 Integrative Toxicology: Mechanisms, Pathology and Regulation (also listed as PDI 816, ANS 816 and BMB 816); MWF 9:10 - 10:00 AM
B448 Life Sciences Building

This course will explore general modes and mechanisms of toxicity and chemical-induced cancer, mechanisms and pathology of target organ toxicology, and aspects of regulation and risk assessment. Accordingly, this course will be relevant to students with an interest in toxicology, toxicologic pathology and risk assessment. It is a core course required for the Center for Integrative Toxicology’s doctoral program in Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences (EITS). PHM 816 replaces PHM 814, and students should not enroll in PHM 814. Any questions should be directed to Dr. Ganey (ganey@msu.edu or 517-432-1761) or Dr. Harkema (harkemaj@msu.edu 517-353-8627).

Positions

Charles River Laboratories Preclinical Services is seeking: a Senior Toxicologist (General Toxicology) to work in Spencerville, Ohio and a Senior Scientist or Scientist II (Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology) to work in Horsham, Pennsylvania. Ph.D. required; DABT certification or postdoctoral experience preferred. The successful candidates will be responsible for the conduct, management, interpretation, and reporting of preclinical toxicology study data, as well as the regulatory compliance of assigned studies. Additional responsibilities will include serving as a primary scientific contact for key clients and providing the on-site support of their toxicology programs, as appropriate. These positions are available immediately. Charles River Laboratories offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life and short-term disability, 401(k), stock options, education assistance, and immediate vacation and sick time. Interested candidates should e-mail their curriculum vitae to: Jane.Plescher@crl.com.

Hexion Specialty Chemicals has an immediate opening in Houston, TX for a Toxicologist. In this role, you'll plan, execute and supervise mammalian and environmental toxicology studies, design study protocols, interpret and utilize testing results in product safety assessments and be a key technical contributor to Hexion's EU REACH implementation program. You'll provide technical expertise and support for global compliance activities, formulate strategies and work plans, be accountable for achieving specific results, interpret regulatory requirements and formulate compliance plans for new and existing products. We're looking for a self-motivated professional with a Ph.D. in Toxicology or Environmental toxicology plus at least 2 years of relevant chemical industry experience. We'll also consider exceptionally well qualified Ph.D. graduate students and Post-docs with no industry experience. A track record of successful execution of projects and assignments, assuming accountability is essential, as are strong chemistry skills related to aquatic toxicity testing and understanding process and product chemistry. A broad background in both mammalian and environmental toxicology is preferred, but not required. In exchange for your skills, we offer a competitive salary/benefits package. For confidential consideration, please apply online at: http://hexion.hodesiq.com Search for job req #07-0334.

Nestlé Research Center (NRC) located near Lausanne, Switzerland to support its research strategy in the field of Food Safety, the Quality and Safety Department at the NRC is seeking two scientists. International candidates will be considered. Employer will assist with relocation costs. As a Food Safety Research Scientist you will contribute to the safety evaluation of nutritional ingredients, such as probiotics, micronutrients and vitamins, to support new product development, and to expand the group's capacity in Chemical risk assessment. Particular focus will ideally be on allergenicity and immunology. As a Toxicologist / Risk Assessment Research Scientist you will be responsible for reinforcing our competence and capacity in applied Chemical Food Safety and in research projects, with a particular focus on providing assistance to the increased demand of the Early Warning System (EWS). In the frame of the above mentioned responsibilities, in both of these roles you will . Work within, and strengthen the competences of, the existing team of food safety scientists . Provide safety assessments on various classes of chemicals for Nestlé units worldwide . Conduct safety assessments of novel food ingredients and products and prepare safety dossiers . Contribute to the internal EWS . Develop and execute innovative research projects in chemical food safety and/or toxicology . Represent the group in scientific experts meetings on chemical food safety, and develop/contribute to external research programs. As Food Safety Senior Scientist you will support the Nestle Early Warning System (EWS) for Food Safety aspects, thus reinforcing the operational management of potential issues throughout the company. The responsibilities include: . Contribute to and/or manage projects in issue prevention . Coordinate the Early Warning Core Team of scientific experts . Perform information screening & editing . Contribute to the scientific safety assessment and risk evaluation when required . Connect and communicate effectively to the relevant persons in the network. Expected Competencies for these roles include: . Broad scientific knowledge and curiosity in biological/medical sciences with a PhD in one of the following fields: toxicology, physiology/biology, pharmacy, medicine, nutrition. Strong competences in immunology and or clinical effects of probiotics would be an asset for the Food Safety Research Scientist role . Strong interest and skills in chemical food safety evaluation and risk assessment, and in solving industrial food safety issues, with previous professional experience in the field . Fluent in English (written and spoken) . Service oriented with high interest/commitment for consumer safety . Strong problem-solving skills Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and to deliver timely results . Ability to communicate with and convince/impact people from various scientific and cultural backgrounds. If you fit the profile and are interested in tackling one of these challenges, please post your application online (www.careers.nestle.com, Requisition ID 380), incl. CV, cover-letter, list of publications and the name of 3 references).