Toxicology Track

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

September 24, 2007, Vol. 30, Number 34

Seminars this week/Seminars upcoming/Grants/Conferences/Positions

Seminars this week

The Plant Biology Department and Plant Research Labs present Dr. Terry Chapin, University of Alaska-Fairbanks to speak on “Social-Ecological Sustainability in a Changing World: Concepts and Policy Strategies to Address Climate Change in Alaska” on Monday, September 24, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. in 101 Biochemistry.

The Cell and Molecular Biology Program present Charles Miller, MSU, to speak on “The S-phase Kinase Cdc7-Dbf4 Regulates Mtotic Exit in Budding Yeast” on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 1 p.m. in 2245 Biomedical Physical Sciences.

The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department presents Mary O’Riordan, University of Michigan, to speak on “Keeping Microbes in their place: The Role of Location in Host-pathogen Interactions” on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. in 1415 Biomedical and Physical Sciences.

The Department of Chemistry presents Michael Feig, MSU, to speak on “Conformational Sampling of Peptides in Complex Biological Environments” on Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 4:10 p.m. in 136 Chemistry.

*The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciencs presents Stephan Carey, EITS trainee, to speak on “Determinants of Susceptiblity to Ozone-Induced Nasal Epithelial Injury and Repair” on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 8:10 a.m. in A214 Buchanan Room, Vet. Medical Center.

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology present the Charles Sweeley Endowed Lectureship by Alan Brown, Vanderbilt University, on “Lipodynamics and Cell Signaling Networks” will be given on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. in 101 Biochemistry.

The Neuroscience Program presents Alfredo Durrazo, MSU, to speak on “Role of Androgen Receptor (AR) in the Development of Two Sexually Dimorphic Nuclei” will take place on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. in 1425 Biomedical and Physical Sciences.

*Fulfills seminar requirements for the Environmental and Integrative Toxicological Sciences Graduate Programs.  Seminars that fulfill this requirement are archived at http://www.cit.msu.edu/Graduate%20Program/seminars.html.

Seminars upcoming

The Respiratory Research Initiative presents Dr. Marcus Mall, University of Heidelbert, Germany, to speak on “The Role of Airway Surface Dehydration in the Pathogenesis and as a Therapeutic Target of Cystic Fibrosis Lung Disease” on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. in 162 Food Safety and Toxicology.

Grants

Leslie Bourquin and Lillian Occena received $117,810 from the Michigan Department of Agriculture for “Coordinated Consumer Food Safety Education Programs for Michiganians.”

Steve Bursian and Matthew Zwiernik received $183,300 from Entrix, Inc, for “ Assessment of Furan Toxicity in Developing Avian Species.”

Norbert Kaminski received $305,896 from the National Institutes of Health for “Impairment of B Cell Differentiation by TCDD.”

Thomas Pinnavaia, PM Jetze and John LaPres received $226,805 from the National Institutes of Health for “New Methods in Phosphoproteomics.”

James Pestka received $317,782 from the National Institutes of Health for “Mechanisms of Trichothecene Toxicity.”

Greg Swain received $135,094 from the National Institutes of Health for “Sympathetic Neural Control Mechanisms in Hypertension.”

Conferences

In an effort to promote cross-disciplinary research and as part of the Michigan State University Risk Research Initiative, an environmental crime workshop will be held at MSU on September 27-28, 2007 (sponsored by the School of Criminal Justice, the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Environmental Science and Policy Program).  A few spaces are still available for attendance on a first-come, first-served basis.  If you are interested in attending, contact Carole Gibbs at gibbsca1@msu.edu.

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.  The Center, under the leadership of Dr. Martin Philbert, has put together a program that will bring together leading scientists and policymakers to examine the emerging field of nanotechnology, its potential impact on human health, and the growing debate over whether and how to regulate nanotechnology products. A broad array of expert speakers will present including Christine Todd Whitman, former MI U.S. Rep. Joe Schwartz, Risk Perception law expert Dan Kaham, EPA administrator George Gray, NIOSH Nano Group member David Warheit, and NPR Science Reporter Richard Harris. For more information, go to
http://www.sph.umich.edu/riskcenter/index.htm.

The following MSU Statistics workshops are now accepting registrants:  “Introduction to Regression Analysis” on October, 5, 2007; “Intermediate Data Analysis Using SPSS" on October 19, 2007; and “Mixed Model Analysis of Research Data” on November 2, 2007.  For detailed information and to register, go to http://www.cstat.msu.edu.

Positions

The Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, the University of California-Berkeley, is recruiting for an assistant professor (nine-month tenure-track) starting as early as July 1, 2008.  The appointee is expected to develop a vigorous and independent research program investigating metabolic regulation, control of metabolic systems, and/or the relationship among nutrients, phytochemicals, toxicants, genetics, and disease. Applicants should have a bioscience Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent degree, with training and experience in experimental biology. The appointee will have opportunity to work with Ph.D. students in four interdepartmental programs: Molecular and Biochemical Nutrition; Molecular Toxicology; Comparative Biochemistry; Endocrinology. The appointee will also contribute to educating undergraduates seeking degrees in nutritional biology and molecular toxicology. Numerous opportunities exist for interactions with colleagues at UCB and in the Bay Area. Applications should include a curriculum vitae, a statement of current and proposed research, copies of publications, and the names and addresses of at least three references. Applicants should have their referees send references to us directly, and should refer their referees to the UC Berkeley Statement of Confidentiality at: http://apo.chance.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html. Applications should be submitted to DNSTsearch@berkeley.edu (electronic submissions strongly preferred) or to: Search Committee Chair, Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, 119 Morgan Hall, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3104. The deadline for receipt of applications is December 1, 2007. Late applications will not be accepted.

Postdoctoral positions are available at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center in San Diego, California to study the molecular mechanisms of atherosclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. Under investigation are  the effects of myeloperoxidase generated oxidants using huMPO transgenic mouse models. The project examines the regulation of MPO expression by PPARγ and LXR, MPO-oxidation of apoA1 which impairs ABCA1 mediated cholesterol efflux, and mechanisms by which huMPO expression promotes dyslipidemia and obesity. Also being investigated are MPO oxidation of phospholipids leading to cognitive decline in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and cerebroamyloid angiopathy. Applicants should have experience in molecular biology techniques including analysis of gene expression, cell culture, and immunohistochemistry. (Castellani,J Lipid Res.2006,47:1366; Wang, Nat.Med, online 9-2007;  Reynolds,BBRC 2006,349:846; Kumar, J Biol Chem, 2004 279,8300) The center is situated within the La Jolla research community, within walking distance to the Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, Burnham, Salk, and UCSD. Contact Wanda F. Reynolds, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, 10905 Rd to the Cure, San Diego, CA. wreynolds@skcc.org.

URS Corporation is recruiting for a Senior Health Risk Assessor in Los Angeles, California. The Senior Health Risk Assessor will independently perform human health risk assessments for surface and subsurface chemical releases using excellent writing skills. (Skills in ecological or air toxics health risk assessments are desirable.) The Senior Health Risk Assessor will supervise and provide technical direction to Staff Risk Assessors in preparing deliverables. The position requires clear oral and written communication of complex risk assessment concepts to non-risk assessors, such as internal project managers, external clients, and regulators. The individual will be able and motivated to develop new or improved scientific techniques and procedures that enhance the Risk Practice while assisting the Risk Practice Lead in business development activities. The ideal candidate will have experience working with California regulatory agencies, such as DTSC and RWQCB, and knowledge of California and USEPA risk assessment procedures. Requirements: Bachelor’s or higher degree in Toxicology, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or related field. Candidate must have a minimum of 5 years experience in environmental site investigations or remediation, including 2 years experience conducting human health risk assessments. Thorough working knowledge of Excel and Word is required. For immediate consideration please submit your resume online at www.urscorp.com and refer to Requisition # URS22144 or send your resume to mike_blackmore@urscorp.com.

The Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the Government of Cyprus have established an international research and education initiative for the environment and public health to address key environmental health issues in Cyprus and the Mediterranean region. Towards this end, two new research and training entities have been created: The Cyprus International Institute (CII) for the Environment and Public Health located in Nicosia, Cyprus, and the HSPH-Cyprus Program (HCP) located in Boston, USA ( www.hsph.harvard.edu/cyprus ). CII, in association with HCP, attracts scientists from Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the US, to come to Cyprus for training and research. CII also offers a one-year Master’s program in Environmental Health.  CII seeks to fill 3 non-tenure track faculty positions at the Assistant/Associate Research Professor level. Candidates must hold a Doctoral level degree in Environmental Health or a related field and must have a strong research record. We are seeking expertise in the areas of air and water pollution health effects, water pollution, exposure and risk assessment, biomarkers, environmental toxicology, sustainable development and environmental impact assessment. CII Faculty Members are expected to develop research proposals, conduct independent research, publish, and teach. The successful candidates are expected to work closely with their colleagues at HSPH on joint research and training programs. Based on their qualifications, candidates may also be appointed as adjunct faculty at HSPH. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of post-doctoral training and be fluent in English. Salary and title will depend upon qualifications. Applicants may be from any country.  Applicants should send their curriculum vitae and three recommendation letters to: Ms. Alice Smythe, HCP Coordinator, by email: asmythe@hsph.harvard.edu, fax: (617 384 8833) or by mail: Alice Smythe, HCP Coordinator, Exposure, Epidemiology & Risk Program, Harvard School of Public Health, 401 Park Drive, Landmark Center West, Room 410a, P. O. Box 15677, Boston, MA 02215, U.S.A.. Applications may be sent immediately and there is no deadline. Interviews will start in December, 2007, and will continue until all positions are filled.

Wildlife International Ltd., has immediate openings for highly qualified individuals for Study Director responsibilities. An M.S. degree or equivalent working experience performing toxicological studies under GLP’s are preferred. Study Directors are the point of contact between the company and client, and are responsible for coordinating all study activities. Wildlife International Ltd., located near the Chesapeake Bay in historic Easton, Maryland, is a contract research laboratory providing environmental toxicology, fate and analytical testing services to a world-wide clientele.  Send resume and salary requirements to: Personnel Coordinator, Wildlife International, Ltd., 8598 Commerce Drive, Easton, MD 21601, or fax 410-822-0632, or email to: danderso@wildlifeinternational.com.