Toxicology Track

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

August 7, 2007, Vol. 30, Number 29

Grants/Workshops /Course Announcement/Positions

Grants

Bill Atchison received $183,276 from the National Institutes of Health for “Potential Contribution of Environmental Metals to ALS.”

Robert Hollingworth received $1,450,000 from the US Department of Agriculture for “Interregional Research Project No. 4: Minor Crop Pest Management Program for the North Central Region.”

Robert Roth received $306,787 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for “Multidisciplinary Training in Environmental Toxicology.”

James Tiedje received $227,629 from the National Science Foundation for “Genomic Approaches to Advance the Species Definition of Prokaryotes”; and $150,00 also from the National Science Foundation for “The Ribosomal Database Project; Automation; Integration and Education.”

Workshops/Meetings/Conferences

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.  An informational flyer is available at superfund workshop.

PACS Testing, Consulting and Training will provide short courses at 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.

The University of Michigan Center for Risk Science and Communication presents the 2007 Bernstein Symposium: Nanotechnology and Health: Evidence and Impact on October 25-26, 2007 at the Biomedical Science Research Building (BSRB) 109 Zina Pitcher, Ann Arbor, Michigan. For more information, go to http://www.sph.umich.edu/riskcenter/2007%20Symposium/index.htm.

The 47th Annual Meeting of the Society of Toxicology will be held March 16 –20, 2008 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Washington. Abstracts are being accepted from August 1 to October 3, 2007. For more information, go to
http://www.toxicology.org/ai/meet/am2008/index.asp.

The 37th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience will be held onNov. 3 – 7, 2007 in San Diego, California. For more information, go to http://web.sfn.org/am2007/?CFID=10382166&CFTOKEN=25674768.

The Twenty-Fourth International Neurotoxicology Conference - Environmental Etiologies of Neurological Disorders, will take place November 11–14, 2007, at the Holiday Inn Riverwalk, in San Antonio, Texas. Abstracts will be accepted until September 1, 2007. For more
information, go to http://www.neurotoxicology.com/conf2007/conference.htm.

The 5th Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) World Congress is being held August 3-7, 2008 at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sydney Australia. There is a call for abstracts to be submitted between September 19, 2007 and January 15, 2008. For more information, go to http://www.setac2008.com/default.asp.

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

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) seeks candidates for a technical laboratory manager to support an efficient and productive scientific environment and who will work with the Microarray Group Director to provide genomics capabilities to scientists.  The location is Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.  The research efforts of the NIEHS Microarray Group are designed to apply genomic technologies to elucidate the mechanisms of injury and disease from  environmental exposures and to pursue the technical aspects of emerging genomic technologies.  As the Technical Laboratory Manager (Research) for the Microarray Group in the Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, you will interact closely with scientists from the intramural NIEHS community, as well as extramural collaborators, doing research in microarray-based genomic technologies.  You will be relied upon to provide technical and scientific expertise in specialized core areas such as basic research studies, protocol development and coordination, technology transfer, procurement activities, and budget formulation and execution.  You will also provide major direction in standard core areas related to resources, management of equipment and personnel, data entry and data compilation.  You will lead the  technical team in the performance of their duties and have overall day-to-day responsibility for the efficient management and use of laboratory resources as well as other responsibilities as assigned by the Group Director. For more information or to apply, go to http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/a9nih.asp. Use job announcement number HHS/NIH-2007-0438.  Applications are being accepted until September 7, 2007.

The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project Authority (SCCWRP), an inter-governmental coastal/marine research agency, is seeking an early to mid-career scientist with general expertise in trace environmental contaminants. Of particular interest are candidates with expertise in bioaccumulation/bioavailability/trophic transfer, passive measurement technology (e.g., SPME), contaminant source identification and tracking and emerging contaminants of concern. The successful candidate will be expected to develop, manage and complete applied research projects within his/her specialty area as well as contribute relevant expertise in an interdisciplinary environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals are a must. The position is within SCCWRP’s Chemistry Department, which features technical staff and facilities to support lab and field studies, including dedicated wet, instrumental and specialty laboratories with accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), liquid scintillation counting, SPME-compatible GC-MS and compound-specific IRMS systems. The preferred candidate will possess a Ph.D. in a relevant field (Environmental Chemistry, Engineering or Science) with post-doctoral and/or 2 years professional experience; a M.S. plus -5 years of direct, full time experience will be considered. Salary range is $60-80K, depending on qualifications and experience, and includes a full benefits package.  Interested parties should submit a cover letter, resume and the names of three references to: personnel@sccwrp.org. Questions can be directed to Bryan Nece, bryann@sccwrp.org.

The Gulf Ecology Division (Gulf Breeze, FL), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking one or more student(s) or recent graduate(s) with a B.S. or equivalent degree and at least one year of graduate study in computer science, information technology, environmental science, mathematics, physics, or a closely related field to provide services under a contractual agreement. The majority of work will be devoted to development of a relational data base for use in characterizing spatial and temporal patterns for causal and response factors within the hypoxic area of the Gulf of Mexico. Some limited laboratory and field support is anticipated in research involving the presence and effects of nutrients on eutrophication and other changes in near-shore and estuarine ecosystems. The preferred student/recent graduate will have training and/or experience in database development/management and GIS. Please see http://www.epa.gov/oamrtpnc/q0700194/index.htm for details regarding the position.

Charles River Laboratories in Montreal, Canada has opportunities for Research Scientists in the Genetic Toxicology department. The successful applicants will be responsible for the planning, organizing and directing of routine short-term assays and developing new methods. Liaison with scientists from a wide variety of international companies will be key element of the position. Candidates should be qualified to MSc level or higher, possess good written and verbal communication skills in English, and have practical laboratory experience in one or more of the following key areas: animal or genetic toxicology, cell culture, chromosome analysis, and/or bacteriological techniques. Research or industrial experience, especially in a GLP environment, would be an asset. Remuneration will reflect the experience and qualifications of the selected individuals. Required skills: MSc.; strong written and verbal communication in English; possess practical laboratory experience. Please send your CV to hr@ca.crl.com .
 
PBR Laboratories in Edmonton, AB, Canada has a position open for a Genetic Toxicologist to direct our Genetox program. PBR has been operating a GLP compliant laboratory in Canada for over 20 years and offers a full battery of tests including bacterial mutation assays, in vitro mammalian mutation and chromosomal aberration assays and in vivo micronucleus assay. PBR is located in the capital city of the richest province of Canada, having the most vibrant economy and 4th largest university in the country. The candidate should have a M.Sc. or a Ph.D. in the field of biological sciences with specialization in genetic and cellular toxicology as well as work experience in in vitro mammalian cell culture systems used for mutational and cytogenetic analyses. Experience in a GLP compliant laboratory and background in molecular toxicology will be an asset. PBR offers competitive wages and benefits. Please send resume to: Dr. Ram D. Mehta; PBR Laboratories Inc.; 9960-67 Avenue NW; Edmonton, AB, T6E 0P5 Canada. E-mail: rmehta@pbr.ca/ . Tel: 780-450-3957. Fax: 780-450-3957.
 
Ordway Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany has a recently funded NIH postdoctoral position available to study how polymorphic human cytochrome P450 genes activate carcinogens to become genotoxic agents. The project involves expressing cytochrome P450 genes in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and monitoring checkpoint activation and genotoxic endpoints after exposure to liver carcinogens. The project is in collaboration with the School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with experience in yeast genetics, PCR, chromosome karyotyping, and general molecular biology techniques. Experience in yeast genetics is desirable but not necessary. Please forward/fax/e-mail curriculum vitae and brief description of research interests with a list of three references to: Michael Fasullo, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Albany, Senior Research Scientist, Division of Cancer Research Ordway Research Institute, 150 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208; Phone (518) 641-6467; Fax (518) 641-6304; e-mail: mfasullo@ordwayresearch.org.