Chemformation

The Weekly Newsletter of the MIT Chemistry Department

Volume 13, Number 23

July 18, 1997

Next issue: Note we are on a summer schedule and will publish an issue in mid-August. Chemformation is published by the Office of the Department Chairman. Please convey items of interest (or mailing list changes) to Linda Earle Room 18-390, Department of Chemistry, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, 617/253-1803; 617/258-7500 (fax) or e-mail to lkn@mit.edu Back issues of Chemformation can be accessed via the Chemistry Department Website.

Visit the Chemistry Department Website at http://web.mit.edu/chemistry/www/

Recruiting Preparation ACS Career Service Workshop and Résumé Review

Recruiting Preparation ACS Career Service Workshop and Résumé Review

The Department of Chemistry and Club Chem will sponsor a preparation workshop for the Fall '97 Recruiting season on Wednesday, July 30. This year's sessions will be conducted by the ACS Career Services and will consist of a morning workshop and an afternoon Résumé Review session which will require sign-up. Both sessions will be conducted by Professor Edward S. Kostiner from the Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut.

The morning presentation (9AM-12 Noon), "Conducting an Effective Job Search", will cover the major components of job hunting: personal assessment, targeting the market (networking and résumés), and interviewing. ACS Career Services publications will be available.

The Résumé Review (1-5 PM) will provide an opportunity to have your résumé critiqued. If you are interested, please sign-up on the Placement Board outside of the Headquarters Office (18-390) and bring your résumé to the Review Session.

Both Workshop and Résumé Review will take place in the Norris Room (18-490). Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

1998 Travel Awards Available from ACS Women Chemists Committee

Eli Lilly & Company, Hoechst Celanese Corporation and the Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society are sponsoring a program to provide funding for undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral women chemists to travel to scientific meetings in 1998 to present the results of their research. Grants may be applied only to registration, travel and accommodations, and are restricted to travel to meetings within the US. Grant funds are limited, but there are some funds set aside for undergraduates. Only US citizens and permanent residents are eligible. Preference will be given to those who have not made a previous presentation at a national or major meeting. Applications should be limited to one per research group. Women who have received a prior award under the program are ineligible. The deadline dates for receipt of applications for 1998 meetings are as follows: October 15th, 1997 for meetings between January 1 and June 30, 1998 or March 15, 1998 for meetings between July 1 and December 21, 1997. In order to apply for the award, please submit: (1) a brief resume, (2) an abstract of the work which you have submitted for presentation, using an official meeting abstract form if possible, (3) a letter detailing the reasons you want this award (both scientific and financial), and specifying whether you have made a previous presentation at a national or major meeting, (4) a letter from your advisor confirming your participation in the meeting at which you will be making your presentation, commenting on your technical ability and potential, and listing any other travel support that would be available from the department or research grants, (5) an estimate of your registration, lodging, and travel expenses to the meeting (please indicate auto, train, bus, or plane), and (6) a completed application that you must obtain through the Staff Liaison at the American Chemical Society (see address below or call 800/227-5558 ext. 8729). Awards will be made based on both scientific merit and financial need, with the WCC Membership/Awards Subcommittee serving as the selection jury. Please send your application to: Ms. Cheryl H. Brown, Women Chemists Committee, American Chemical Society, 1155 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036.

Positions

• Bayer Corporation, West Haven, CT: Has openings in their pharmaceutical division for college students earning their BS, MS or Ph.D. in biology, chemistry, or any related science field. Please fax or send your resume to: Susan O'Connor at (203) 812-3188 or email: susan.o'connor.b.@bayer.com
  
  
• Hedman and Associates: Seeks talented individuals in the metal finishing industry, or high reliability electronics industry (that uses precision metal finishing / plating), who might want to be alerted to an immediately available opportunity for a technically oriented person in sales management with a precision metal finishing company. Reports directly to the President of well established business unit (Division) that provides a variety of metal finishing (precision plating processes) services to the high reliability electronics, microwave and aerospace industries, nationwide; lead marketing and sales effort; identify new niche markets; be key interface (with support of Process Engineering) on key Customer technical issues; further develop computer based pricing mechanisms. Based in attractive Northeast location near major metropolitan area. Salary is very competitive, six figure base salary, plus annual bonus opportunity, and comprehensive benefits. Experience in the plating industry, or high reliability electronics industry using plating; ideally combining related technical expertise and sales / marketing ability; will consider someone with strong related technical knowledge, and sales aptitude. Education is : 4 year degree minimum; chemistry or metallurgy ideal. (No Phone Calls from potential Candidates); immediately, send resume and information on specifically related qualifications, and current employment / compensation status to: Kent Hedman, President 3312 Woodford, Suite 200,Arlington TX 76013-1139 USA hedman@onramp.net (E-Mail Address; attachments in MS-WORD only); also, must send resume by U.S. Mail to be considered.
  
  
• University of Dundee-Cancer Research Campaign, Dundee, United Kingdom: The CRC group works in the general area of nucleic acid structure, nucleic acid-protein interactions and RNA structure/function. It is especially active in the areas of structure selective nucleic acid-protein interactions and resolving enzymes important in genetic recombination. The laboratory has a wide range of activities from molecular biology and genetics through to spectroscopy and structural studies. There is a vacancy in one of their CC-funded postdoctoral staff positions, working on resolved enzymes and their interactions with branched DNA. The group is well funded and equipped and is part of the highly successful Biochemistry Department of the University of Dundee. Telephone is 44-1382-344343 fax: 44-1382-201063 email: dmjilley@bad.dundee.ac.uk http://www.dundee.ac.uk.biochemistry/dmj/htm
  
  
• Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI: Analytical-Physical Laboratory Coordinator/Specialist, sought. The specialist will have primary responsibility for coordination of the laboratory courses in analytical and physical chemistry as well as daily management and supervision of the laboratory facilities. Duties will include 1) scheduling and coordinating the laboratory experiments;2) maintaining the instrumentation, computers, accessories and supplies; 3) training, supervising, and evaluating the teaching assistants; 4) working with the faculty
  
  
• Ciba Speciality Chemicals Corporation, Tarrytown, NY: Seeks a Ph.D. Organic Chemist with post-doctoral experience. The area of research involves design and development of additives that stabilize a wide variety of polymeric substrates from thermal and photochemical degradation. A more specific research projects involves the development of non-halogenated organic flame retardants. Ideal candidates should have strong background in synthetic and mechanistic organic chemistry. In addition, strong oral and written communication and presentation skills are mandatory. All of their research projects are conducted using a multifuctional/international teams and hence the ability to work effectively in a team environment is essential. Please contact: Ravi Ravichandran, Research Manager at Ciba Speciality Chemicals Corporation at 914-785-2941 phone; fax is 914-785-3681 and email: ravi.ravichandran@ustc.mhs.ciba.com
  
  
• Tanner Research, Inc.:Pasadena, CA: Tanner Research Inc. is a leading vendor of EDA tools and researcher of electronic design. The company was founded by Caltech alumnus, John Tanner, to research advanced VLSI design techniques and to develop and market tools for integrated circuit (IC) design needs on multiple computer platforms. Current EDA products include IC layout editing and verification tools, schematic editor, and simulators including analog digital, thermal amd EM. They are expanding into advanced technologies such as multi-chip modules (MCMs) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Research areas include speech recognition, imagers adn image processing and specialized mixed-signal ICs. A BS in a technical field is desirable (EE/CS a plus). Basic knowledge of electrical engineering and engineering mathematics. ASIC design knowledge and circuit simulation experience a plus. Please E-mail, fax or mail resume to: Tanner Research Inc. Attn: Mgr. Dev. Support Group, 2650 E. Foothill Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107; jobs.dsg@tanner.com http://www.tanner.com phone is (626) 792-3000 or (626) 792-0300
  
  
• Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Children's Hospital, Boston: This position for a techno-wizard position in the clapham laboratory is most suited for a person interested in graduate or undergraduate student interested in full-or part-time with experience in biology but who is at ease with optics, lasers, and computers. The applicant will learn to use atomic force micrscopy and confocal microsopy including detailed use of computer programs that run these instruments. Also detailed knowledge will be acquired on the alignment of lasers and the imaging of biological specimens. The Clapham laboratory associated with the Howard Huges Medical Institute uses state-of-the art imaging for investigation of basic biology. This includes two-photon confocal microscopy, ultraviolet confocal microscopy, caged release of photoactive compounds, optical tweezers and atomic force microscopy. Although experience in electrical engineering, computer science or physics is preferred, the position could also be filled with a strong technical background but with training either in biology or chemistry. Ease with computers and a desire to learn new techniques are the most important criteria. Send CV to: Dr. David E. Clapham, Children's Hospital, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Suite 1309, Enders Research Bldg. Boston, MA 02115. Phone is (617) 355-6163; fax is (617) 730-0692; email: clapham@a1.tch.harvard.edu
  
  
• Cabot Corporation, Billerica, MA: Please contact Cindy Wright at 508-671-4065 or fax at 508-670-7046 regarding opening for information on technician positions. These positions have duties which include synthesis of chemistry and preparation of chemically surface modified carbon blacks. Testing and characertization of chemically surfaced modified carbon blacks; testing and characterization of experimental materials.
  
  

Faculty Positions

Please note, unless otherwise specified, most faculty positions require a resume, short description of research plans and to arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the specific university or college.

• Auburn University, Alabama: The Department of Chemistry is recruiting to fill the position of temporary assistant professor beginning on September 16th teaching general or physical chemistry. Ph.D. required. Send to: J.H. Hargis, Dept. of Chemistry, 179 Chemistry Bldg. Auburn University, AL 36849.
  
  
• National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD: Tenure track position in the biophysical sciences for a biophysical scientists to establish an independent research program in the Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, NIH. Research in this laboratory is primarily concerned with problems in the structure, dynamics, and function of biological macromolecules. Some techniques include: multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Raman and infrared imaging spectroscopies, and time-resolved optical spectroscopy with nanosecond and picosecond lasers. Interested applicants should submit materials to: David R. Davies, Chairman, Search Committee, Laboratory of Chemical Physics, Building 5, Room B1-26, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-0510.
  
  
• Stanford University, Stanford, CA: Seeks candidates for several tenure-track open-rank faculty positions. Seeks candidates with primary research and teaching interests in the general area of either organic chemistry or physical chemistry, broadly defined. Send materials to appropriate division: Chair 1997-98 Organic Chemistry Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, Stanford, CA 94305-5080 and for Physical Chemistry please send to: Chair, 1997-98 Physical Chemistry Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5080.
  
  
• The University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama: has a position in environmental chemistry for a tenure-track position for January 1998. Applicants must have a Ph.D. and be qualified to teach courses in environmental chemistry. The successful candidate must possess a strong interest in undergraduate teaching and a commitment to undergraduate involvement in research. Teaching duties will include general or introductory chemistry in addition to courses in environmental chemistry. A background in industrial hygiene would be helpful. Send materials to: Director of Human Resources and Affirmative Action, University of North Alabama, Box 5043, Florence, Alabama 35632. Visit their website for more information at http://www.una.edu
  
  
• Kwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Kwangju, South Korea: Seeks professors at a state run graduate school seeks dynamic scientists. You may deliver your lectures in English. There are openings in information,communications, e-mail: ucpaek@dic.kjist.ac.kr or fax to 82-62-970-2204 , materials science and engineering at fax 82-62-970-2304 or e-mail: sjpark@matla.kjist.ac.kr, mechatronics, to fax at 82-62-970-2384 or lee@kyebek.kjist.ac.kr the environmental science is located at fax 82-62-970-2434 e-mail is shmoon@env.kjist.ac.kr and life sciences at e-mail dhkim@eunhasu.kjist.ac.lkr. and fax is 82-62-970-2484. Candidates must have a Ph.D. in a pertinent field with a minimum of two years postdoctoral experience. Applicants should contact the department directly with a cv, two photos and two letters of reference by mail or fax. Their website is http://www.kjist.ac.kr
  
  
• The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology at Lausanne (EPFL) seeks to appoint a lecturer in physical chemistry, a seem-autonomous permanent track position in the group of Prof. T. Rizzo, involving both teaching and research. Teaching responsibilities will involve one course in chemistry at the introductory level and one course at either an advanced undergraduate or graduate level. The introductory course will have to be eventually given in French, however, a period of adaptation to the language would be expected for non-native French speakers. Good teaching ability is of primary criteria. In collaboration with the existing group of Prof. Rizzo, the successful candidate is expected to develop a research program at in the domain of "ultrafast spectroscopy and molecular reaction dynamics". He/she would be expected to carry forward the existing program in ultrafast chemical reaction dynamics as well as develop new directions in this general domain. The current research in ultrafast processes involves the combination of nanosecond lasers for either state preparation or state-specific spectroscopic detection with femtosecond pump-probe techniques for investigating intramolecular processes of isolated molecules. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the Rizzo website http://dcwww.epfl.ch/icp/ICP-1/icp-1.html for a more detailed description of the current research activities.
  
  

Postdoctoral Fellow

• University of Illinois, School of Chemical Sciences: Offers a postdoctoral position in Chemical Physics of Laser Photothermal Imaging Processes in the lab of Professor Dana D. Dlott. Postdoc needed to design and carry out novel optical experiments to investigate fundamental mechanisms of laser photothermal imaging processes in multilayer polymer/metal thin film materials. Familiarity with pulsed laser techniques and time-resolved optical methods is desirable. Ability to interact and communicate with top industrial research collaborators is a must. the position is available immediately with a one year initial appointment. Candidates should send an application and request three letters of recommendation by August 15, 1997. The Dlott group homepage is located at http://dlottgroup.scs.uiuc.edu/group Information on her project is contained in the link to "research projects", and "laser polymer microchemistry and material transfer". Information about the University of Illinois is available on the web page www.uiuc.edu
  
  
• Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas: Applications are invited for the position of postdoctoral fellow to work in the research group directed by Professor Peter MA Sherwood. A Ph.D. in Chemistry or a related field is required, and previous experience in surface science including x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is needed, and the applicant should be experienced in handling ultra-high vacuum systems The postdoc will be working in one or more of the current research areas being pursued by the Sherwood group, details of which can be found on the web at http://www.ksu.edu/chem/faculty/Sherwood/group.html The initial appointment will be for two years. Applicants should send cv and a publication list and at least two letters of recommendation by July 28th to: Professor Peter M.A. Sherwood, Dept. of Chemistry, 111 Willard Hall, Kansas State University, Mahattan, KS 66506-3701
  
  
• Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA: Postdoctoral positions in surface science in the group of Professor Andrew Gellman, Dept. of Chemical Engineering: The projects involve the dechlorination of CFCs on Pd surface is being studied in an effort to understand the kinetic of this process and to probe the characteristics of the transition state for catalytic C-Cl bond cleavage. Measurements are being made of the kinetics of dechlorination using a wide variety of substituted CFCs in order to collrelate reaction barriers with substituting constants. Studies of the surface chemistry of model lubricants are being conducted in order to understand the role of surface chemistry in determining the tribological properties of adsorbed monolayers. This investigation combines the study of lubricant surface chemistry with measurements of friction between single crystal metal surfaces under UHV conditions. Please send cv and three letters of recommendation to above at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 and fax is (412) 268-7139, e-mail is ag4b@andrew.cmu.edu
  
  
• Sandia National Laboratories: check their website at http://www.sandia.gov Postdoctoral salaries at $54,000 plus relocation and benefits.
  
  

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