Chemformation

The Weekly Newsletter of the MIT Chemistry Department

Volume 13, Number 25

August 16, 1997

Next issue: Regular issues will resume after Labor Day. 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/

Welcome Dr. Zysmilich, New Instructor of Chemistry!

Dr. Martin Zysmilich has been appointed as an Instructor of Chemistry for the coming academic year. Martin received his PhD at Columbia in 1996 working under the direction of Ann McDermott on solid state NMR studies of photosynthetic reaction centers. During the 1996-97 academic year he served as an Associate Instructor in the Columbia chemistry department supervising and lecturing in their general chemistry lab course and developing new undergraduate laboratory experiments.

During the coming year, Dr. Zysmilch will be responsible for teaching 5.310 in both the fall and spring semesters. In addition, in the spring he will join Alex Klibanov teaching 5.11, and in the fall he will assist Bob Silbey and Dick Schrock with 5.11. Martin's long-term interest is in undergraduate chemistry education. In addition to fulfilling his teaching assignments, he has interest in collaborating with faculty in developing new innovative educational initiatives.

Welcome New Headquarters Staff

We extend a warm welcome to the new Financial Administrators in Chemistry Headquarters, Cecilia Talamantes and Nicola Tahsin. Cecilia, responsible for the Department's sponsored research accounts, joins us from the Cancer Research Center at MIT where she began her career in 1992. Originally from El Paso, Texas, she graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Before coming to MIT, she worked for an environmental consulting company as a Revenue Coordinator. Cecilia has lived in the Boston area for nine years. She and her husband reside in Newton where she enjoys gardening, hiking, and gourmet cooking.

Nicola comes to the Department from Beth Israel Hospital where she was the Financial Administrator in their Office of Research Administration for the past seven years. Her primary responsibilities included managing and auditing the budgets for the department and its seven divisions, which totaled approximately $9 million dollars and managing a staff of five. Nicola graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a B.A. in Psychology and English. Last month she received her MBA from Northeastern University. Nicola will administer the Department's fund accounts and internal department finances as well as monitor the fundraising campaign. With these appointments we strive to improve substantially the role played by headquarters in financial management and fund acquisitions.

Baby Congratulations!!

Congratulations to Launa Johnston and her husband Guy on the birth of their son, Noah on Tuesday, August 12 at 11:02 a.m. He weighed in at 6 lbs,13 oz, and is welcomed by brother Amhad.

MIT Wins Chemistry Softball Tournament

The 11th annual New England Regional Chemistry Softball Tournament was held on July 26 at Yale University. Thirteen chemistry departments from around New England were represented at the all-day event. Congratulations to the team from MIT, which beat UVM in the final game by a score of 26-11 to finish the day undefeated (7-0) and take the title! This ended Harvard's two-year championship reign. MIT will be hosting the tournament next year.

Congratulations to John Wolfe!!

Congratulations to John Wolfe (Buchwald Group) on being selected to receive an ACS Division of Organic Chemistry Graduate Fellowship sponsored by Schering-Plough Research Institute. John will be presenting a poster at the 1999 National Organic Symposium.

Applications Available for Hertz Foundation Fellowship

The applications for the above have now arrived in the Graduate Education Office, Room 3-138. The deadline for submission of application materials to the Hertz Foundation is: Friday, October 24, 1997. Below is a brief description of this Fellowship for those who are not familiar with it.

The Hertz Fellowship provides financial support for outstanding students (at least an A-average) pursuing graduate studies in the Applied Physical Sciences. The Foundation does not provide support for students in the biological sciences nor those seeking professional degrees (M.D., LLB, MBA, etc.) nor those in joint or parallel Ph.D. and professional degree programs. The Program provides $20,000 ($3,000 more than last year) over the nine-month school year plus a cost-of-education allowance of $8,000. The student must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident to apply.

It is expected that Departments pick up tuition shortfall. Renewal of this Fellowship is based on satisfactory progress by the Fellow, the recommendations of academic officers and other factors. Renewal is made one year at a time. The average tenure of Fellows is four years; up to five years of support may be available. Submission of complete application by October 24, 1997 will assure consideration. Brima A. Wurie, Administrator for Fellowship Programs MIT, Graduate Education Office- 77 Massachusetts Avenue Room 3-136A Cambridge, MA 02139-4307 Phone:(617) 253-1958 Fax: (617) 253-5620 Email : wurie@mit.edu.

Help Get Organized!

Call Ed Udas at 253-4505 or stop by room 6-026 if students, faculty or staff need help in organizing their MIT space.

Glass Blowing Services Available

Bob DiGiacomo will be coming in on Wednesdays or Thursdays after Labor Day to pick up any glass blowing work that you may have available. Please bring any work to room 6-031 or call Ed Udas or John Annese at 3-4505. Bob will do the work on a first-come, first-served basis.

Positions

• BP Chemicals, Cleveland, Ohio: Has a staff position open to conduct research in heterogeneous catalysis focusing on the investigation of oxidation and ammoxidation of light hydrocarbons to useful products. This includes development of an understanding of kinetic and mechanistic pathways over oxidation catalysis as well as synthesis and characterization of novel catalytic materials. The position requires a Ph.D. with research experience in physical inorganic chemistry. Experience in synthesis, X-ray crystallography, kinetics and reaction mechanism is preferred. Also will be responsible for innovative solutions and competent technical guidance to experiments and projects which have the potential to result in noticeable profit contributions or savings to the company. The incumbent will be expected to maintain close contact with external experts for technical consultation and with analytical specialists and technical personnel within the company. Specific responsibilities include generation of ideas, concepts. and plans within a designated research area, performing literature searches, and conducting laboratory experiments. Additional responsibilities include preparation of technical reports, invention disclosures and patent applications, and may include publications where appropriate. Applications should be submitted to: Lynn Moravcik at BP Chemicals, 4440 Warrensville Center Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44128 telephone is (216) 586-5619 for additional information.
  
  
• Motorola Company: Contact: Greg Rendahlam a Sourcing/Staffing Manager for Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector, and are searching to identify top technical talent for all of our operations worldwide out of my office. A large part of that talent will come directly off of campus, and we would be interested in hearing from students graduating in 1997-1998 as well as those currently on postdoc assignments. This applies to BS/MS/PHD graduates, primarily in EE, Chem E, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Sc/Engineering, and who have focused their studies in the semiconductor, solid-state electronics field. In addition to our international opportunities, primarily in Europe and the Pacific Rim area, our main domestic sites are: Richmond, Virginia(Wafer Manufacturing) Raleigh, North Carolina(Wafer Manufacturing) Austin, Texas(All business operations, R&D, manufacturing) Phoenix, Arizona(All business operations, R&D, manufacturing) Irvine, California(Wafer Manufacturing) San Jose, California(Design, Sales/Marketing) Feel free to share this contact information with students you feel might be interested in discussing career opportunities with Motorola. It is preferred that students send us their resume either by faxing to 602-967-1303, or emailing to my address(ASCII text preferred). Email to: greg_rendahl@tecqm.sps.mot.com
  
  
• Diatide, Inc.: A small pharmaceutical company located in Londonderry, NH is developing state-of-the-art radio pharmaceutical for diagnosing cancer, thrombus, infection, atheroscerosis and other diseases. Their products are technetium 99m-labeled peptides which are injected into patients and detected using gamma-camera imaging. They have positions open in their product development for entry-level PH.D. graduates. Seeking exceptional candidates with desirable experience in: Inorganic/organometallic chemistry, peptide/protein chemistry/ HPLC, 2D NMR spectroscopy and handling of radioactive materials. Please send your cv to: Diatide Inc. 9 Delta Drive, Londonderry, NH 03053 attn: Ms. Jill Cass
  
  
• Novartis, East Hanover, NJ: Seeks Ph.D. organic chemists with 0-2 years of postdoctoral experience who can design, improve and execute synthesis of given drug substances. The candidates should possess excellent theoretical and practical knowledge of organic chemistry, especially of enantioselective synthesis. Please send your resume to: Oljan Repic, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, 59 Route 10, Building 407, East Hanover, NJ 07936-1080.
  
  
• Summer Position Opening, Quantum Energy Technologies 230 Albany Street Cambridge, MA 02142. Junior Chemist:Excellent opportunity to gain experience in a fast-paced startup firm associated with MIT. QET is a designer and producer of ³clean diesel² fuels for use in private, commercial, and municipal transportation applications and potentially the power generation market. The Junior Chemist is responsible for performing a variety of tests on prototype fuel formulations including: refractive index, digital density, kinematic viscosity, pH, conductivity and surface tension. The Junior Chemist may spend up to 30% of their time assisting the formulation group in the preparation of new fuels. The successful candidate will be working towards a BS in chemistry, chemical engineering or related field, will be willing to take direction and work on assigned priorities, have some data entry and data management skills, be detail oriented, hard working and conscientious. One to five years experience in characterization or related laboratory work is desired. Experience with GC, DLS or DSC/TGA is a real plus but not required. Experience with Hydrocarbon Fuels and Surfactants is desirable. Please Contact Joe O¹Brien or Mike Falcone at 617-661-4425 with questions. Fax. 617-661-4125
  
  
• The University of Iowa,Iowa City, IA: Seeks NMR Specialist to assume technical operation, management, service, training, and maintenance of at least five superconducting NMR spectrometers (300-600MHz). Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field or have extensive experience in the area of NMR spectroscopy. A minimum of three years of experience as an NMR spectroscopist is expected. The individual must have experience with application of modern NMR techniques to solve chemical problems. Familiarity with NMR hardware and software is essential. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and instructional skills are expected. The individual must have an ability to function in a service role, but should also have an interest in professional growth through technique development and collaborative activities. Other desirable qualifications include experience as an NMR facility manager, and familiarity with Bruker instruments, solid state NMR spectroscopy, solution gradient spectroscopy, and solution spectroscopy of biomolecules. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a resume, and three letters of recommendation sent to: NMR Staff Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242 (Fax: 319-335-1270) e-mail is harold-goff@uiowa.edu
  
  

Faculty Positions

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

• Princeton University, Department of Chemical Engineering and Princeton's Material's Institute seek outstanding applicants for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level, effective as soon as February 1, 1998. The area of interest is the experimental design, synthesis, and processing of novel materials. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field, demonstrated excellence in academic research; and a strong commitment to teaching and advising undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, a detailed description of teaching and research interests, reprints of selected publications and names of at least three references to: Professor Pablo G. Debenedetti, Chair, Department of Chemical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544-5263 by November 15th.
  
  
• Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA: Seeks several faculty members in fall of 1998, primarily in organic chemistry but also seek one for neurochemistry. Review of applications begins on October 1, 1997. Send information to Chairman of the Search Committee, Chemistry Department, Box O, The Pennsylvania State University, 152 Davey Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802
  
  
• The University of Maine at Orono: A joint appointment between the Chemistry Department and the Laboratory of Surface Science and Technology (LASST) at the University of Maine (http://www.ume.maine.edu) with an anticipated start date of January 1, 1998. The candidate should have a Ph.D. in chemistry with a strong record of research in surface science and/or interface science. Preference will be given to candidates who can develop a program that complements the interests and activities of the Chemistry Department and LASST such as sensors, tribology, thin films and coatings, surface electrochemistry and catalysis. Candidates should send information to: J.C. Rasaiah, Chair, Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, University of Maine, 5706 Aubert Hall, Orono, ME 04469-5706. Telephone is (207) 581-1179 and fax is ( 207) 581-1191.
  
  
• Stanford University, Stanford, CA: Applications are invited for organic and physical chemistry with emphasis on creative research and teaching. Please send materials to appropriate division: Chairman 1997-1998 Organic Search Committee, Dept. of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5080 or for Physical Chemistry direct to Chairman 1997-1998 Physical Chemistry Search.
  
  
• Southern Illinois University at Carbondale,:Has openings for two tenure-track positions in chemistry of materials. Successful candidates will join two faculty members that have been hired in this area for the last three years. The state-supported Materials Technology Center, located on campus, provides access to state-of-the art equipment and additional research expertise, as well as long-term financial support to the Department's efforts in materials chemistry. Nationally competitive startup is available. Candidates in all fields of chemistry with research in the area of materials are encouraged to apply, but preference will be given to those whose area of teaching and research best complement current faculty. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree, with postdoctoral experience recommended. A letter of application, CV, statement of research plans, statement of teaching interests and at least three letters of recommendation should be submitted to: Dr. John A. Koropchak, Department of Chemistry % Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, Illinois 62901-4409.
  
  
• Auburn University, Auburn, AL: Faculty Position in Chemistry: Tenure-Track Assistant Professor position beginning in Fall of 1998. Inorganic/organometallic with synthetic orientation. Candidates will be expected to develop vigorous research and teaching programs at the Ph.d. and undergraduate levels. Review of applications will begin September 15th, 1997. Send materials to: J. H. Hargis, Department of Chemistry, Auburn University 36849.
  
  

Postdoctoral Fellows

• University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana: Professor Dana D. Dlott has an openign in her laboratory for a postdoctoral associate. The work involves ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy of heme protein dynamics. There are two aspects to the research: 1. vibrational echo spectroscopy at the active sites of heme proteins: 2 ultrafast dynamics of shock waves in proteins. In the first, vibrational echo spectroscopy is used to study protein dynamics and involves frequent travel to Stanford and the second a newly developed technique of laser-shock wave generation will be applied to proteins for the first time. Using these "nanoshocks", a biological material can be subjected to a very fast cycle of extreme high press and high temperature, followed by extremely fast cooling and decompression. Nanoshocks will produce quite large structural fluctuations in proteins which can be monitored by optical spectroscopy. Seeking creative harding working person who is able to do complicated experiments and coordinate collaborative research with the Stanford group. Applicants with experience with sophisticated ultrafast laser technology will be given preference, but he will consider applicants with protein chemistry and some familiarity with laser spectroscopy. The position is available immediately, Please send application and three letters of recommendation by September 15. Please send to : Professor Dana D. Dlott, School of Chemical Sciences, Box 01-6 CLSB, 600 S. Matthews Ave., Urbana, Illinois, 61801: Phone is (217) 333-3574, fax: (217) 244-3186: or e-mail is d-dlott@uiuc.edu or http://dlottgroup.scs.uiuc.edu/group
  
  
• University of Pittsburgh, PA: Postdoctoral Position in Nonlinear Optical Studies of Interfaces for an individual interested in the investigation of solid/liquid interfaces. Principal experimental methods are SHG and SFG, though the project also calls for other techniques (Raman, STM/AFM, ...) to be used as required. Our general goals involve both spectroscopic and time-resolved studies of electrochemical interfaces. The principal laser source is a new psec/fsec Ti:sapphire regenerative amplifier system. The successful candidate will be responsible for the operation of this instrument as well as the development of new optical tools (OPA, etc.). This person will also train, supervise and work with graduate and undergraduate students. Requirements: Ph.D. in Chemistry or Physics Experience with lasers, e.g., ultrafast laser and optical parametric devices. Experience in surface science, electrochemistry or condensed matter. The position is for one year, with possibility of renewal. Compensation package includes health benefits, etc. offered by the University of Pittsburgh. Applicants should submit: a) Curriculum vitae with list of publications b) Reprint of their most significant work c) Statement of research interests and objectives d) Names and addresses of three references who are willing to write letters of recommendation. For more details contact: http://www.chem.pitt.edu/faculty/borguet.html or contact E. Borguet directly Dr. Eric BORGUET Department of Chemistry & Surface Science Center -University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA 15260 (412) 624-8304 Phone (412) 624-8552 Fax borguet+@pitt.edu
  
  
• University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA: Several postdoctoral positions are available associated with the Institute for Molecular Assemblies, in the Center for Advanced Materials (Professors Kumar, Sandman and Tripathy). The research conducted at the Institute for Molecular Assemblies will involve the macromolecular assembly of materials of interest for electron and optical (linear and nonlinear) phenomena associated with pielectron systems. Interested candidates should have a Ph.D. in chemistry, physics, polymer science, or materials science and present several of the following skills: organic and polymer synthesis; spectroscopic characterization including computer-controlled FT-IR, Raman, -NMR and optical spectroscopies techniques using lasers; X-ray diffraction, chromatographic including CE methods, thermal analysis, and microscopy (electronic and scanning probe); use of ultraviolet light sources and inonizing radiation; preparation and characterization of thin films, including film prepared by innovative assembling technique. Send materials to Ms. Fran Ward, Center for Advanced Materials, University of MA at Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854-2881.
  
  
• North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina: The position in the laboratory of Professor Charles R. Cornman will involve NSF funded research involving the study of the interactions between metal ions, especially vanadium, and protein tyrosine phosphatases. Potential projects include the preparation and characterization of metal-thiolate model compounds, strucutural and spectroscopie studies of metal-peptide complexes, and kinectic and spectroscopic studies of metal-enzyme adducts. The ideal candidate will have experience in one or more of the following areas: inorganic synthesis, multinuclear NMR, EPR/ENDOR, computational chemistry, enzyme kinectics, or biotechnology (to include site-directed mutagenesis and protein expression and purification). Send inquiries to: Charles R. Corman, Professor of Chemistry at North Carolina State University, Dept. of Chemistry, Box 8204, Raleigh, NC 27695-2355 or call at (919) 515-5079 fax is (919) 515-5079.
  
  
• University of Rochester, Rochester, New York: Two postdoctoral positions are available in the group of Professor Guillermo C. Bazan. The first project, sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and the National Science Foundation involves the synthesis and characterization of emmissive polymers. The second project is concerned with the preparation of organometallic complexes containing boron heterocycles. They have found that certain mettallocene mimics supported by boratabenzene rings can selectively convert ethylene to 1-alkenes . This conceptually new application of electrophilic complexes hopes to capitalize in a variety of ways by studying the properties of organometallic complexes supported by new boratacyclic ligands as well as the potential application of these new catalysts. Please send your cv and the names of two or three references to: Professor Guillermor Bazan, University of Rochester, Dept. of Chemistry, Rochester, New York, 14627-0216. internet: Bazan@chem.Rochester.edu or phone: (716) 275-1626 and fax is (716) 473-6889.
  
  
• BP Chemical Company in Cleveland, Ohio: Has an industrial postdoctoral postion open in research in oxidation catalysis. This position will focus on the investigation of oxidation and ammoxidation of light hydrocarbons to useful products. This inlcudes identification of kinectic and mechanistic pathways or organic reactions over oxidation catalysts and study structure of such catalytic materials. The position requires a Ph.D. degree with research experience in physical inorganic chemistry. Experience in synthesis, X-ray crystallography, kinectics and reaction mechanism is preferred. The incubent will be responsible for innovative solutions and competent technical guidance to experiments and projects. Specific responsibilities include generation of ideas, concepts and plans within a designated research area, performing literature searches and conducting laboratory experiements. This position is for one-year with potential for renewal. Submit applications to: Lynn Moravcik at BP Chemicals 44440 Warrensville Center Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44128. Telephone is (216) 586-5619 for additional information.
  
  
• NEC Research Institute, Princeton, NJ: The NEC Research Institute (NECI) which conducts long-term basic research in the physical and computer sciences, currently has an opening for an outstanding experiemental postdoctoral associate. The position will involve participation in a new program at NECI to prepare and physically characterize photonic crystals (including photonic band gap structures) and other nanoscale optical materials. The successful applicant will have a Ph.D. in the physical sciences and be strongly self-motivated. A background in materials science and/or optics is desirable. The position which would begin in the fall of 1997 would be for an initial period of one year, with expectation of reappointment for an additional year. Interested applicants should send their cv and reference information (names, addresses, and phone numbers for at least three references) to: David J. Norris, NECR Research Institute, Inc. 4 Independence Way, Princeton, NJ 08450, For more detailed information about the NEC Research Institute, please see: http://www.neci.nj.nec.com
  
  

Fellowships

• The Medical Foundation: Charles A. King Trust: Boston, MA;The Postdoctoral Research Fellowsh Program are open for applicants for July 1, 1998, submission deadline is October 24, 1997 The fellowships are limited to scientists holding a Ph.D. who have had at least two, but no more than seven years of full-time postdoctoral research experience at the time of application. The Medical Foundation and Charles A. King fellowships are designated for individuals who can substantiate their need for additional training and research experience in order to become competitive for research positions. The are not for the purpose of providing interim salary support for postdoctoral scientists who have completed their advanced training and consequently, are qualified to compete for academic positions and research grants. This must also be verified and supported by the candidate's sponsor. Please contact the Medical Foundation at 95 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116, 451-0049, fax is 451-0062. Linda has one application in headquarters.
  
  

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