Toxicology Track

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

November 6 , 2006, Vol. 29, Number 42

Seminars / Publications / Grants / Conferences / Positions

Seminars

The Chemistry Department presents Victor Lin, Iowa Sate University, to speak on "Gatekeeping Effect: Multifunctional Mesoporus Silica Nanoparticles for Biotechnological and Catalysis Applications" on Monday, November 6, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. in 136 Chemistry.

The Plant Biology and Plant Research Laboratory present John Willis, Duke University, to speak on "Genetic Analysis of Adaptation and Reproductive Isolation in Mimulus" on Monday, November 6, 2006 at 4:10 p.m., 101 Biochemistry.

The Microbiology and Molecular Genetics Department presents Klaus Strebel, National Institutes of Health, to speak on "HIV-1 Vif: The Key Against a Potent Host Antiviral Defense Mechanism" on Tuesday, November 7, 2006 at 4:10 p.m. in 1415 Biomedical Physical Sciences.

*The Pharmacology and Toxicology Department presents Cynthia Davin, Regulatory Affairs Advisor, OXO Americans, ExxonMobil, Chemical Co., to speak on "Phthalates: A Case of Misaligned Science and Policy" on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at 12 noon in B448-49 Life Sciences.  Refreshments.

The Animal Science Department presents John J. Eppig, Ph.D., Senior Staff Scientist, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, to speak on “Oocyte Control of Granulosa Cell Development and Function” on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in 1310 Anthony Hall.

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department presents Zhong-Yin Zhang, Indiana University, to speak on "Chemical Biology and Protein Tyrosine Dephosphorylation" on Wednesday, November 8, 2006 at 4:10 p.m. in 101 Biochemistry.

The Animal Science Department presents Anthony Capuco, Research Physiologist, USDA, Bovine Functional Genomics Lab, to speak on "Cell Proliferation and Turnover in the Bovin Mammary Gland: Macro to Micro" on Thrusday, November 9, 2006 at 10 a.m. in 1310 Anthony Hall.

The Geological Science Department and Shell Oil Company present Mona Sirbescu, Central Michigan University, to speak on "Crystallization of Granitic Peg-matites: Clues from Fluid and Melt Inclusions" on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 4 p.m. in 204 Natural Science.

The Epidemiology Department presents Molly S. Bray, Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, to speak on "Searching the Human Genome for Obesity Genes" on Thursday, November 9, 2006 at 4:30 p.m. in C102 East Fee Hall.


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

Publications

T-2 toxin impairs murine immune response to respiratory reovirus and exacerbates viral bronchiolitis. Li M, Harkema JR, Islam Z, Cuff, CF, Pestka JJ. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2006 Nov 15;217(1):76-85. Epub 2006 Aug 12.

Coping with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) toxicity: Physiological and genome-wide responses of Burkholderia xenovorans LB400 to PCB-mediated stress. Parnell JJ, Park J, Denef V, Tsoi T, Hashsham S, Quensen J 3rd, Tiedje JM. Appl Environ Microbiol. 2006 Oct;72(10):6607-14. Epub 2006 Aug 21.

Grants

Brad L. Upham and James E. Trosko received $358,625 from the National Institutes of Health for "Epigenetic Toxicity of Polycyclicaromatic Hydrocarbons".

Conferences

The 5th International Conference on Environmental Mutagens in Human Populations­"Identification of Environmental Hazards and Promotion of Health," will be held in May 20-24, 2007, in Antalya, Turkey. The deadline for abstracts is February 15, 2007.  For more information visit http://environmutagen2007.org/.

The Eleventh International Congress of Toxicology: Toxicology: Discovery Serving Society, will take place July 15–19, 2007, in Montreal, Canada. The abstract deadline is January 18, 2007. For detailed information on venue, preliminary program, and more, visit http://www.ict2007.org/.

Positions

The MSU Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation Resources and Sustainability (CARRS) and the Department of Sociology, together with the Environmental Science & Policy Program (ESPP), seek applicants at the assistant professor level for a social or behavioral scientist studying global markets and the environment. The successful candidate is expected to develop a coordinated research, teaching, and outreach program relevant to global markets and the environment. Candidate’s substantive areas of interest should complement MSU's environmental strengths (see http://environment.msu.edu). The scholarly agenda of the successful applicant might include such foci as: i) the relationships between agrifood production and ecosystems functions and services, ii.) consumer demand for goods and services that have been produced in environmentally and socially beneficial ways; iii) the social, economic and environmental impacts of grades and standards; and/or, iv) the roles of government, the private sector, and civil society in defining and supporting markets. Applicants are expected to evidence expertise in a coupled human and natural systems framework and computational modeling relevant to their scholarly focus. Preference is for a scholar with international and foreign language competence. Qualifications: Minimum qualifications for this position are a Ph.D. degree in a relevant field. Post-doctoral degree experience preferred but not required. Salary: Salary is competitive and dependent on qualifications. Application and Deadline Process: Deadline for applications is December 15, 2006 or until suitable candidates are identified. Starting date will be either August 15, 2007 or date to be agreed upon. Applicants should submit to the chair of the search committee: 1) a letter of application describing fit to the job description, 2) CV, 3) a brief essay (250 words) on teaching and research accomplishments and goals, 4) official university transcripts, 5) the names and contact information of three individuals writing letters of reference, and 6) up to 3 reprints of publications or other examples of scholarship. Letters of reference should be sent directly to the committee by the referees by the deadline. Submission of materials in electronic format is preferred. Submit applications to: Dr. Michael D. Kaplowitz Chair; Global Markets and the Environment Search Committee Dept. of CARRS 153 Natural Resources Michigan State University East Lansing, MI 48824-1222 kaplowit@msu.edu.

The Ohio State University seeks applicants for an Assistant Professor of Environmental Risk Analysis/Decision Science, School of Environment & Natural Resources, College of Food, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. The incumbent will be expected to contribute to the SENR teaching and advising programs in environmental social science and develop a nationally recognized research program in decision science or risk analysis related to environmental or natural resource management and global climate change. Qualification include a Ph.D. with strong academic background in the environmental social sciences. We are especially interested in individuals with disciplinary training in decision science, cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, or related disciplines with expertise in environmental or natural resource issues. This position is intended to address the need of managers and policy makers to understand not only ecological processes, but also how stakeholders respond to information and make judgments about their behavior. Adaptive strategies for dealing with societal issues related to abrupt climate change or water quality are of special interest, although any environmental or natural resource focus will be considered. Demonstrated teaching and research expertise are preferred. A start-up package, including discretionary funding, will be provided. Send letter of interest summarizing areas of expertise, research interests, teaching philosophy, career goals, and experience appropriate to the position. Also send copies of three relevant publications or reports. Applicants should forward these materials, a curriculum vita or resume, and three current letters of recommendation to: Dr. Tomas Koontz, Search Committee Chair School of Environment and Natural Resources The Ohio State University 2021 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1085 koontz.31@osu.edu; 614-688-8166. Applications will be reviewed starting December 1, 2006 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Tetra Tech EM Inc. seeks a Senior Environmental Human Health Risk Assessor to lead toxicology and human health risk assessment practice in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and other states, primarily supporting the US Navy Environmental Restoration Program. Candidate will provide leadership and mentoring to consulting teams, guide interpretation of environmental data and probabilistic analyses, and provide technical expertise and guidance in data presentation and reporting. Experience Requirements: minimum of 15 years work experience in human health risk assessment with a masters degree in Toxicology or related science field. Ph.D. preferred. Candidates will have educational or work experience in environmental statistics, environmental fate and transport modeling, risk communication and litigation support, and regulatory approach and policy related to human health risk assessment. Direct experience with the Navy Environmental Restoration Program, Base Realignment and Closure Program, Munitions Response Program, and California Department of Toxic Substances Control HHRA approach and policy is strongly preferred. Requirements: must have demonstrated knowledge of US Navy risk assessment methodologies and policies and understanding of federal environmental regulations. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written & verbal), with direct experience in presenting complex technical information to diverse audiences. Must have demonstrated successful team development and business development experience. Education Requirements: MS/Ph.D. in Toxicology or related science degree required. To apply, send resume & cover letter (indicating Job ID # EMI-SF-97) to: Tetra Tech EM Inc. (EMI) Attn: HR/EMI-SF-97 E-mail: Resumes.SF@ttemi.com.

ICF International (www.icfi.com) is currently seeking two professionals to work on-site at the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs in Arlington, Virginia (Potomac Yards office). The selected candidates will be full time ICF employees. These positions will support EPA’s Antimicrobial Division by assisting in various research, analysis, and technical writing tasks. It is anticipated that most of the work will be in mammalian/human toxicology of antimicrobial pesticides and ingredients, but some work may involve chemistry, environmental fate, human exposure assessment, and ecological toxicology. Responsibilities include: • literature and database searching • review and summarization of study data in support of antimicrobial pesticide registration and re-registration activities • preparation of Data Evaluation Reports • preparation of data packages for presentation to EPA committees • development of science chapters, risk assessments, and other technical documentation The ideal candidate for the more senior position will have solid expertise in mammalian/human toxicology, with some experience in chemistry, fate, exposure, and/or ecological toxicity assessment. Experience with pesticides a plus. A Ph.D. in toxicology or closely related discipline with 0 to 5 years relevant experience, or M.S. with 3 to 10 years experience required. The ideal candidate for the more junior position will have a strong environmental health science background, with experience in at least one of the following areas: mammalian/human toxicology, chemistry, fate, exposure, and/or ecological toxicity assessment. Experience with pesticides a plus. An M.S. in environmental health science or closely related discipline with 0 to 3 years relevant experience, or B.S. with 2 to 5 years experience required. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to resumescs@icfi.com. Please reference: Toxicology and Risk Assessment in the subject line of your email.

The Maryland Department of Environment has an open Administrator III position to lead efforts to develop the Administration’s resources for environmental public health assessment and decision support. This is a highly technical position requiring experience in toxicology, physiology and chemistry. The individual will initiate and sustain projects in order to improve hazard and health information resources. This is accomplished through the utilization of analytical tools in support of the following: 1) public health assessments; 2) regulatory and legislative decision making; 3) program assessment; 4) strategic planning; and 5) providing timely, relevant information to other agencies, groups and individuals. Professional experience and training in environmental health, toxicology and information technology is essential in order to evaluate environment health concerns, develop solutions and communicate information to interested parties. This position maintains a high level of communication and collaborates with MDE Administrations, interagency groups and stakeholders. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: (REQUIRED) Education:A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Transcripts or copy of degree must be attached to the State application (MS-100). Experience: Seven years of experience in administrative or professional work. Two years of this experience must have involved the supervision of other employees or exercising responsibility for program development. SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS: (REQUIRED) Two of the required seven years of experience must be in the areas of toxicology, risk assessment or environmental public health work.

The George Perkins Marsh Institute at Clark University, the university’s principal venue for interdisciplinary research in nature-society interactions, environmental risks and hazards, geographical information science, and development and health, invites applications for the position of Director of the Institute. GPMI seeks an experienced researcher who will be an effective leader, responsible for charting out and implementing a new vision for GPMI over the coming years. (Further information about the George Perkins Marsh Institute is at http://www.clarku.edu/departments/marsh/ ). This is a full-time renewable research faculty position with an initial term of three years starting by Fall 2007. The Director will allocate approximately one half time to directorship tasks, and one half to an appropriate mix of research and teaching. Field of research is open provided that there is a good fit with at least one of the broad areas of GPMI research. Rank also is open; a tenure line may be possible provided that there is a suitable fit with an academic department at Clark. Applications, including a letter of interest, a vita, and a list of three references should be sent to Search Committee, George Perkins Marsh Institute, Clark University, 950 Main St. Worcester, MA 01610. Evaluation of candidates will begin Nov. 17, 2006; nominations and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The National Institute for Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) situated in Bergen, Norway has an open post-doctoral fellowship in molecular toxicology.  The successful candidate for this position will play an integral role in several ongoing funded projects assessing the impacts and toxic mechanisms of seafood contaminants and the ameliorative effects of nutrients on these deleterious actions. The primary goal of this research is to generate information that can be incorporated into a balanced risk/benefit assessment of seafood consumption.  This appointment will be for 3 years from Dec 2006 to Dec 2009 (negotiable start date). The research to be undertaken emphasizes an integrated scientific approach. The project will involve collaboration with Kings College London, and is part of an EU integrated project on the development of sustainable feeds for farmed fish. A major focus will be the use of microarray technology to examine changes in gene expression profiles in a murine model, with this work integrated with behavioral assessments of toxic impacts, traditional biochemical and physiological assays, in addition to advanced analytical chemical techniques for determining uptake and accumulation effects. The position will also come with responsibility for supervision of Masters and Doctoral degree students. Candidates with experience in molecular biology and/or behavioral assessments of toxic impacts will be preferred. The position will suit a self-motivated person capable of working both independently and cooperatively.  For more information, contact Anne-Katrine Lundebye Haldorsen (+47 55905120; aha@nifes.no). Send the application together with an english CV to NIFES, post-box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen. Mark the application “Mrk. 20/06”. The application will not be returned. The application deadline is Nov. 30,  2006.