Biomedical Sciences Blog

This fellowship program provides integrated training in nutrition and cancer research at both pre-doctoral (PhD) and post-doctoral levels (Ph.D. or M.D.) within the context of a large division of epidemiology and a comprehensive nutrition graduate program in University of Minnesota. The program is intended to prepare fellows for research careers in nutrition and cancer etiology and prevention.

The emphasis of this training program is on cross-disciplinary training, i.e., requiring trainees to be exposed to fields of at least one discipline outside the discipline of their Ph.D. This field should be relevant to nutrition and cancer etiology and prevention research, including population-based studies on cancer epidemiology and etiology, laboratory-based nutritional studies in animals, clinic-based experimental studies in human nutrition, molecular epidemiology studies of genetic and biochemical markers on cancer susceptibility, cancer prevention and survivorship studies.

Upon successful completion, graduated trainees will be highly qualified to accept entry level research positions in academic departments of epidemiology, preventive medicine, human nutrition, or community health; or in public or private agencies engaged in cancer epidemiology and prevention research, especially tailored to dietary components. In short, we train fellows in research to pursue research careers.

There are 4 pre-doctoral and 4 post-doctoral fellowship positions. Positions become available at irregular intervals.

Please contact the Program P.I. and Director, Jian-Min Yuan, by phone or via e—mail to find out current availability before applying.

P.I. and Director:
Jian-Min Yuan, MD, PhD
612-625-8056
jyuan@umn.edu

Current Predoctoral Stipend: $20,976

Current Postdoctoral Stipend: $37,368-$51,552
- based on experience since receipt of the doctoral degree.

Tuition:
Full payment of tuition and fees.

Travel:
Reimbursement of pre-approved travel expenses to one professional meeting per grant year (up to $800 for pre-doctoral, up to $1000 for post-doctoral).

Other Research-Related Expenses:
Reimbursement for textbooks and other required course materials, as well as certain other research-related expenses, on a pre-approval basis.

Health Insurance:
Postdoctoral fellows find their own health insurance provider and the Division will reimburse them for single or family rate. Fellows must send a copy of the check to accounting.

Pre-docs are eligible for the Graduate Assistant Health Plan.

Vacation/Sick/Parental Leave:
Trainees receive stipends during the normal periods of vacation and holidays observed at the University of Minnesota. The period between spring and fall semesters is an active time of research training and is not considered to be a vacation or holiday.

Trainees may receive stipends for up to 15 calendar days of sick leave per year. Sick leave may be used for the medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth. Up to 30 calendar days of parental leave per year is allowed for the adoption or birth of a child. Insurance is covered during this time.

Office Space:
Trainees are generally housed individually with the research advisor to whom they are assigned.

Employee Status:
Post-doc: Nonservice employee/trainee
Pre-doc: Student

Evaluations:
Yearly evaluations plus annual updates for Human Subjects documentation and grant continuations/renewals are required.

Administrative Support:
No routine clerical support is provided by the training grant. An assistant to the Program Director will coordinate administrative functions such as processing of appointment documents, tuition and health insurance premium payments, and reimbursements for travel and other training-related expenses.

Housing Contacts:
University of Minnesota Housing Service: (612)624-2994.

Research Ethics:
NIH has adopted a policy that all fellows take formal instruction in research ethics.

For additional information about fellowship faculty members, please click here.

Academic scientists face many challenges in running their own lab. Beyond doing good research, lab heads need to consider many practicalities, including managing their staff (hiring, retaining, and motivating), developing reasonable timelines for projects and keeping them on track, and how to properly track grant budgets. Watch this Science Careers live webinar to gain insight from experts related to effective laboratory management skills. During the webinar you'll be able to submit questions live. Don't miss this opportunity to pick the brains of experienced and practiced academic managers.

Register online to attend this webinar.

Participants
Karen M. Hill-Williams, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Howard University

Dr. Karen Hill-Williams received her undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Maryland. She then went on to earn an M.S. in pharmacology/toxicology from West Virginia University College of Medicine and her Ph.D. in molecular pharmacology/biomedical science from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She did her postdoctoral training at Emory University and the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. Following her postdocs, she worked as a Senior Research Scientist at Clark Atlanta University before moving to the Department of Pharmacology at Howard University College of Medicine as an Assistant Professor where she is currently on tenure track. She has been running her laboratory at Howard University for a little over two years.

Klaus Nüsslein, Ph.D.
Associate Professor University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Dr. Klaus Nüsslein received B.S. at the Technical University of Munich in Microbiology, and then specialized in limnology and microbiology to receive his Master's Summa cum laude from the University of Freiburg, Germany. At the National Science Foundation - Center for Microbial Ecology at Michigan State University, he obtained his Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1997. Following a post-doctoral engagement in the Department of Biology at Stanford University, he joined the faculty of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1999. Dr. Nüsslein is currently an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director at the Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts. His research specialty is environmental microbiology, focusing on the genetic diversity and population dynamics of microorganisms in their natural environments. Dr. Nüsslein continues to actively teach in the areas of biotechnology and environmental microbiology, and has been leading his own research laboratory for 10 years. He has also been a visiting scientist at the Technical University of Nagaoka, Japan, and at the US Environmental Protection Agency in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Kelly Suter, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor University of Texas at San Antonio
Science Careers Forum advisor

Dr. Kelly Suter obtained her undergraduate degree in Chemistry from West Virginia University and her Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. Following her postdoctoral training at Colorado State University, Dr. Suter moved to Emory University where she became a research assistant professor in the departments of biology and physiology before moving to the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2006, where she is currently on tenure track. Dr. Suter has had five years experience running a lab and has acted as an adviser on the Science Careers online Forum since 2006.

Pile a weak economy on top of the drug-industry’s long-term troubles (generic competition, thin pipelines, tough regulatory environment), and you get lots of job cuts. The latest: J&J said it’s cutting its work force by 6% or 7% — about 8,000 jobs. (To be clear, J&J’s cuts will be across all of its businesses, not just in pharma.)

Here a few of the other big cuts we’ve written about this year:

Pfizer is cutting nearly 20,000 jobs as part of its merger with Wyeth. That’s about 15% of the combined companies’ work force.

Eli Lilly plans to cut more than 5,000 jobs — a reduction of about 13%. Most of the cuts will come in the U.S. and Western Europe; the company plans to continue adding jobs in China and other emerging markets. (GlaxoSmithKline is making a similar shift, cutting sales reps in developed markets and hiring new reps in emerging markets.)

AstraZeneca said in January that it planned to cut more than 7,000 jobs, or about 10% of its work force. That was on top of a previously announced plan to cut thousands of jobs.

Merck plans to cut some 16,000 jobs after the Merck merger with Schering-Plough is done . The plans “aren’t finalized,” CEO Dick Clark said. “We want to make the right decisions with talent.” We do know this much: The former Schering headquarters in Kenilworth, N.J., will remain an “important site,” the company says, as will Merck’s Rahway, N.J., site. The company will keep its headquarters in Whitehouse Station, N.J. The cuts, which will reduce the combined company’s work force by 15% are part of a program that’s supposed to save $3.5 billion a year.

GlaxoSmithKline has slashed 6,000 jobs this year.

Sourses: WSJ Blogs.

Good luck to all, particularly at this difficult recession time.

Department Name: Pediatrics-Allergy and Immunology at Duke

Position: Postdoctoral Associate

Description: A Postdoctoral Associate position is available to study receptor signaling in immune cells, regulation of immune cell function, and autoimmune diseases. Individuals with experience in immunology, molecular biology, other related disciplines are encouraged to apply. Please email curriculum vitae and contact information of three references to Dr. Xiaoping Zhong, Division of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Box 2644, DUMC, Email: zhong001@mc.duke.edu

Requirements: PhD in Immunology or other biological sciences

Contact Name: Xiaoping Zhong
Contact Email: zhong001@mc.duke.edu

SPATIAL MAPPING OF GENES AND GENE EXPRESSION IN HUMAN TISSUES
Elisabeth Smela and Benjamin Shapiro University of Maryland at College Park

We are seeking two highly qualified postdocs or technicians to develop a technology for mapping DNA and RNA in tissue and other biological samples.

This will enable visualization of the locations of gene expression and genetic alterations (insertions, deletions, methylation, etc.). Mapping of non-methylated DNA and RNA at a millimeter-scale resolution have already been demonstrated, and mapping at sub-millimeter resolutions is desired. One key application of this technology will be in understanding what occurs at the molecular level in tumors and at tumor boundaries.

This effort lies at the intersection of biology and engineering. The approach combines device fabrication, chemistry (cell digestion, PCR, surface chemistry), heat transfer (convection and conduction at microscale), and system design/integration. Job responsibilities include planning and conducting the research, writing journal publications, assisting with grant applications, presenting findings at conferences, and coordinating activities with other members of the team.

Competitive applicants should have earned, or be about to earn, their PhD, or to have had prior relevant lab experience, and be familiar with the following.

Postdoc 1: Molecular biology techniques (such as electrophoresis, southern blot, PCR), chemistry, and fluorescence imaging
Postdoc 2: PCR, micro-fabrication, bioMEMS, micro-fluidics, surface chemistry, and heat transfer Preferred candidates will have demonstrated expertise in a majority of these areas.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV or resume, a sample of 1-3 of their best published papers, and a list of 3-4 references whom we may contact. The package should be marked "Application for 2DPCR position". Please also include where you had heard of the advertisement.

Mail the package to: Prof. Elisabeth Smela, 2176 Martin Hall, College Park, MD 20742

Postdoctoral Research Associate (2 positions)

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to support the Automated Biodosimetry, Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Initiative for proteomics and drug development program at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFFRI) in Bethesda, MD.

Responsibilities:

1. Assists in designing, developing, executing, and implementing scientific research and/or development.
2. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories to potential inventions and products.
3. Performs specialized laboratory research utilizing experimental protocols which will involve specialized procedures such as DNA cloning and sequencing, Southern blotting, molecular analysis of specific RNA transcripts by quantitative RT-PCR or Northern analysis, animal injections, bleedings and immunizations.
4. Collects and handles samples and keeps detailed records of experiments.
5. Assists with the preparation of data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals.
6. Assists with training laboratory staff as needed.
7. Maintains cleanliness of laboratory areas.
8. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of bioinformatics and statistical procedures for biological data; principles of database architecture and information management; in-depth understanding, analysis and processing of data from various post genomic technologies and their application towards clinical development of drugs; wide understanding of commercially available statistical tools and bioinformatics databases; should be a creative thinker, self starter of well formulated ideas in collaboration with PI.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: PhD in a related scientific discipline such as Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, Cancer Biology, Radiation Biology, Molecular Biology or related field.

To apply:
Please e-mail resume (word / pdf format) to Ramya Nagaraj nagaraj@afrri.usuhs.mil with ‘Resume - Postdoctoral Research Associate’ in the subject line.
OR
Apply online at www.hjf.org/careers Please put the job number 204672 in the Job Opening ID box under Advanced Search.

For any questions please email Ramya Nagaraj nagaraj@afrri.usuhs.mil or contact HJF at 301-424-0800

OPEN FACULTY POSITION
Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Science, 85 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623

BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION:
Job Title/ Rank: Instructional faculty/Assistant Professor
PC #6204 IRC34247
Department: Biological Sciences
Job Category: Faculty, Tenure Track

Starting Date: Late August, 2010

This position is subject to available funding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION: Organismal Biologist
The School of Life Sciences at the Rochester Institute of Technology invites applications for a tenure-track position in organismal biology. The successful candidate will teach core courses, including Comparative Animal Physiology, contribute to teaching of majors and non-majors introductory biology, and develop discipline-specific elective courses. We seek candidates with a demonstrated commitment to undergraduate teaching and research who will broaden our existing strengths in organismal and evolutionary biology. Candidates who can develop local field and laboratory research programs suitable for undergraduate and MS student participation are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates are required to hold a Ph.D., and post-doctoral training is preferred.

We are seeking individuals who are committed to contributing to RIT's core values <http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/Manual/sectionA/corevalues.html> , honor code <http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/Manual/sectionA/honorcode.html> , and statement of diversity. <http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/Manual/sectionA/diversitystatement.html>

THE COLLEGE/ DEPARTMENT:
The School of Life Sciences has more than 30 full-time Faculty and more than 700 full-time students across our undergraduate majors: Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science, and Biomedical Sciences; and 30+ graduate students in our Masters programs in Bioinformatics and Environmental Science.

RIT attracts students from all 50 states and more than 90 countries. RIT has been recognized on The Chronicle of Higher Education's inaugural "Great Colleges to Work For" list. RIT was cited in six different categories: Professional/Career Development Program, Compensation and Benefits, Tuition Reimbursement, 403b or 401k (retirement plan), Disability Insurance and Life Insurance.

The Rochester area has a diverse population which includes African Americans (38% of the city and 14% of Monroe County) and Latin Americans (13% of the city and 5% of the county). In addition, more than 7% of the population is foreign born. Rochester is ranked 7th among the "10 Best Cities to Raise a Family" by Child Magazine, 2003, and 8th among 200 metro areas in childcare for "Best Cities for Women 2002" by Ladies Home Journal." In 2007 Rochester's <http://placesrated.com/> ranked the 6th "Best Places to Live in America" by Places Rated Almanac out of 379 metropolitan areas.

QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED:
1. Ph.D.
2. Area of specialization in organismal biology

PREFERRED:
1. Postdoctoral experience and demonstrated research productivity.
2. Demonstrated experience and commitment to undergraduate teaching and research.
3. Commitment to the development of local field and laboratory research programs suitable for undergraduate and MS student participation.
4. Research complimentary to departmental expertise.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online at https://mycareer.rit.edu <https://mycareer.rit.edu/> . KEYWORD Search: IRC34247. Please upload your letter of interest; a vita; summaries of teaching and research interests, and a statement of your experience with and commitment to RIT's core values <http://www.rit.edu/president/mission.html>, honor code <http://www.rit.edu/~301www/RITHonorCode1.htm>, and statement of diversity <http://finweb.rit.edu/humanresources/diversity/commitment.html>.
Please arrange to have 3 letters of reference sent to science@rit.edu science@rit.edu> (preferred) or mailed to Dr. Robert Rothman, Department of Biological Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, 85 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623.

You can contact the search committee with questions on the position at: Dr. Robert Rothman (rhrsbi@rit.edu), Professor, Rochester Institute of Technology, 85 Lomb Memorial Drive, Rochester, NY 14623
Application deadline: Review of applications will begin November 30, 2009 and will continue until position is filled.

The Rochester Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All individuals with the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the university's continuing commitment to cultural diversity, pluralism, and individual differences are encouraged to make application.

Bioinformatics Staff Scientist
Laboratory of Neurobiology, NIEHS
(deadline: December 31)

The Laboratory of Neurobiology is seeking a Staff Scientist with a strong background in computer science, bioinformatics and advanced statistical methodologies to participate in team research on the epigenetic regulation of cellular processes. The position is ideal for a person with proven experience in theoretical sciences interested in applying his or her knowledge to cutting edge biological problems that include control of stem cell lineage, cell differentiation, neuronal development and aging in health and disease. Research by the candidate will be in support of research directed by Dr. Lutz Birnbaumer, a Principal Investigator at the NIEHS in the central-north area of North Carolina. Dr. Birnbaumer’s group at the NIEHS has developed methodology to assess genome-wide changes in the methylation status of genomic DNA at single-base-pair resolution. He and his team are using this technology to study the roles of DNA methylation in health and disease. Each experiment generates 40 to 400 million data points that require analysis by investigators familiar with the computer science and statistical tools required to extract understandable associations and differences, including postulation of regulatory networks and mechanisms of cell lineage definition.

Minimum qualifications include a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) with a strong background in computer science, bioinformatics, and advanced statistical methodology. Experience or familiarity with modern concepts of epigenetics and regulation of cellular processes will make a candidate particularly suitable. Salary is commensurate with background. For additional information concerning the position, contact Dr. Lutz Birnbaumer at birnbau1@niehs.nih.gov. For additional information concerning the research projects and publications, visit website: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/ln/ts/index.cfm.

Staff scientist positions within the NIH system are equivalent to research assistant professor positions in academia. The appointments are for 5 years, renewable if deemed appropriate. However, the expectation is that the candidate will move on with a new experience and an enriched list of publications. Applications from women and minorities are particularly encouraged. To apply, submit a cover letter indicating interests, curriculum vitae and 3 letters of recommendation by December 31, 2009 to: Ms. Barbara Curtis (DIR09-05); National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences; P.O. Box 12233, Maildrop A2-06; 111 Alexander Drive, Room A248; Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. E-mail: dir-appls@niehs.nih.gov.