Chemformation

The Weekly Newsletter of the MIT Chemistry Department

Volume 13, Number 36

November 14, 1997

Next issue: The next issue is November 21, 1997. Deadline for submission of material is Tuesday, November 18. 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/

Seminar Calendar

Dr. Jayanti Parde

Dept. of Physics at MIT

"Eye Lens g-Crystallin Protein and Cataracts Formation"

Monday, November 17, 1997

Noon, Bldg. 68, Room 121

Macromolecular Structure/Function Seminar Series

 

Professor Lucio Frydman

University of Illinois at Chicago

"Chemical Applications of Solids NMR: ¹H, ¹³C and Beyond"

Tuesday, November 18, 1997

4:00 in Room 2-105

Physical Chemistry Seminar

Refreshments @ 3:30 in 6-233

 

Professor Joseph Hupp

Northwestern University

"New Nanoporous Molecular Materials"

Wednesday, November 19, 1997

4:00 p.m. in Room 6-120

Harvard/MIT Inorganic Colloquium

Refreshments in Lobby of 6-120

 

Dr. Anne-Frances Mille

Johns Hopkins University

"Magnetic Transfer and the Basis for Metal Ion Specficity in Superoxide Dismutase"

Thursday, November 20, 1997

4:00 p.m. in 6-120

Seminar in Biological Chemistry

 

Dr. Daniel Auerbach

IBM Almaden Research Laboratories

"Reactant Internal Excitation: A Key to Understanding Chemical Dynamics at Surfaces?"

Thursday, November 20, 1997

5:00 in Room 6-120

Harvard/MIT Physical Chemistry Seminar at MIT

Refreshments @ 4:30 in 6-233

 

Dr. Kevin Gardner

University of Toronto

"NMR-Based Approaches to Determining Structures of Proteins over 40kDA"

Monday, December 1, 1997

4:00 in 6-120

Seminar in Biological Chemistry

Faculty Candidate

 

Dr. Richard Roberts

New England Biolabs

"Those Flipping Methylases"

Thursday, December 4, 1997

4:00 p.m. in 6-120

Seminar in Biochemistry

Refreshments @ 3:45 outside 6-120

Chemistry Department Computer User Meeting

Now that the Departmental computer network has been installed and many people are connected, it seems appropriate to convene a regular meeting of computer users within the department (whether on the departmental CHEMnet or the main MITnet) in order to exchange information with each other. It has become clear that many of us are trying to use our machines in similar ways and that similar difficulties and annoyances are faced by many of us. Goals of this user group will include sharing solutions to problems and determining how we can pool our resources through departmental site licensing of software, CD journal subscriptions, etc.

The first meeting will take place on Thursday, November 20, 1997 in the Norris Room, 18-490 from 12:30-1:30 PM. Department computer users of all levels of expertise are welcome. Comments, questions, or suggestions can be sent in advance to Gigi Lirot (lirot@mit.edu) or Bruce Tidor (tidor@mit.edu).

Baby Congratulations to the Gardners!!

Congratulations to Debbie and Scott Gardner on the birth of their son Timothy Scott who was born on Friday, November 7th. Timothy weighed in at 8 pounds and 1 ounce, everyone is doing fine!!

Congratulations to Robert Baumann!

Congratulations to Robert Baumann (4th year organic student) in the Schrock group who recently won a poster competition in the materials science department with a cash prize of $700 (first prize!).

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 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

• Executive Search firm looking for a Scientist to perform synthetic organic chemistry. The candidate will be responsible for the design and synthesis of compounds, applying state of the art medicinal chemistry to design and synthesize biologically active compounds. A Ph.D. in organic or medicinal chemistry or related science field is essential. A leading biotech firm with research facilities in Baltimore, Maryland and can provide excellent benefits (health insurance, dental, and vision plan, paid vacation and more). A high impact, high profile position with excellent opportunity for advancement. If you know anyone that might be interested please contact: Scott Shanes, Voice: 609-584-8733 Ext. 218, Fax: 609-584-9575, E-Mail: sis@dmc22.com

• Tumor Immunology Scientist Needed I am looking for a Tumor Immunology Scientist to plan and conduct experiments in the area of cancer immuno-therapy. The candidate should have a background in tumor-specific immuno-therapy, cancer vaccines, antigen processing and or animal tumor models. This person should possess a Ph.D. in Immunology or related science field. We are a leading bio-tech firm with research facilities in New York City and can provide excellent benefits(health insurance, dental, and vision plan, paid vacation and more). A high impact, high profile position with excellent opportunity for advancement. If you know anyone that might be interested please contact: Scott Shanes Voice: 609-584-8733 Ext. 218, Fax: 609-584-9575 : E-Mail to sis@dmc22.com

• Aerotek Scientific Staffing, Immediate Opportunities for Organic chemists whose work will involve developing new compounds require experience with multistep synthesis ideally with Natural Products and Heterocyclics. MS at least in organic chemistry, exp. with NMR and HPLC will work independly. Call 800-775-2905 ext. 4019 or fax resume to: 617-505-4146.

• Millipore Corp., Bedford, MA: seeks entry-level B.S. chemist for applications and research work involving specialty gases. Candidates should be familiar with FTIR, GC and MS equipment. Experience with inert atmosphere techniques a definite plus. The ideal candidate functions well in a team environment, is very safety conscious, and has good organization and presentation skills. The candidate will ultimately work in Bedford, MA following training in Danbury, CT. Send resumes to Dr. Jim Snow, Millipore Corp., 80 Ashby Road, Bedford, MA 01730 or jim_snow@millipore.com for consideration.

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.

Faculty Positions

• Boston University, Boston, MA: Seeks applicants for professor in the biological sciences (bioorganic, bioinorganic, or biophysical chemistry) and who will participate in the undergraduate and graduate teaching activities of the Department. They are particularly interested in considering individuals in mid-career with established research programs. Send to: Professor Tom Tullius, Chairman, Dept. of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

• Yale University, New Haven, MA: Seeiks candidates for an Assistant Professor in the areas of inorganic, biophysical, and theoretical chemistry. Searching for creative and energetic individuals with outstanding potential for independent research and teaching. Send materials by December 1st to: Professor Donald M. Crothers, Chair, Junior Faculty Search Committee, PO Box 208107, Yae University, New Haven, CT 06520-8107.

• Wayne State University, Detroit, MI: Seeks faculty in the area of organic systems, materials or molecules of biological interest i.e., biochemistry, analytical chemistry. Must possess a Ph.D. Send Materials to: Professor William Hase, Faculty Search Committee, Chair, Dept. of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MIT 48202-3489.

• Brandeis University, Waltham, MA: W.M.Keck Institute for Cellular Visualization at Brandeis seeks a tenure-track professor with research interests in structural/functional studies of sub-cellular/macromolecular machinery. They seek someone making imaginative use of existing methodologies or someone developing new technologies to study important biological structures: e.g., innovative light microscopy, mass spectrometry of macromolecules, electron tomograpy, laser tweezers or fluorescent probes. To apply send: send materials: to Prof. David DeRosier, W.M. Keck Institute for Cellular Visualization, Mail Stop 029, Brandeis University 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02254-9110 by December 1st.

• North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC: Expects to fill a tenure-track position in analytical and or inorganic/organometallic chemistry. Applicants with research interests in NMR will also be considered. Send materials to: Prof. Morteza Khaledi, Faculty Search Committee, North Carolina State University, Box 8204, Raleigh, NC 27695-8204. Check their website for more info: http://www2.ncsu.edu/ncsu/chemistry/chem.html

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Seeks a Analytical Chemistry at all levels. Those interested should send materials to: Prof. Paul W. Bohn, Head, Dept. of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 505 S. Mathews Street. Urbana, IL 61801.

• University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND: Seeks applicants for an organic chemistry at the assistant professor level. Particularly interested in someone with a strong focus on the use of NMR spectroscopy. The ad will also be in C&E News. Send materials to: Dept. of Chemistry, PO Box 9024, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9024, telephone is (701) 777-2741.

• Tenure Track Faculty Position in Chemical/AMO Physics Theory Department of Physics or Department of Chemistry University of Connecticut The University of Connecticut, with major support from the Optical Science and Engineering Initiative of the National Science Foundation, is expanding its research in the area of ultracold (T < 1 mK) atoms, molecules, ions and plasmas and their interactions, collisions and reactions. As part of this expansion, a faculty position is available for a theoretician in atomic, molecular and optical physics or physical chemistry. The position is a full-time, tenure-track position intended primarily for a junior faculty member at the Assistant Professor level; however, exceptional candidates will be considered for a higher level appointment. Applicants should have a demonstrated ability to initiate and lead research, an established record of publications in scientific journals and good teaching skills. The appointment may be made as early as August 23, 1998. Applications including proposed research plan) for this position should be sent, along with curriculum vita and at least four letters of recommendation, to: Professor Juha Javanainen, Search Committee Chair, Dept. of Physics, U-46, 2152 Hillside Road, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3046 [e-mail: jj@main.phys.uconn.edu]. We intend to commence screening applicants as soon as possible and the search will continue until a suitable candidate is found. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups including minorities, women, and people with disabilities. (Search #97A356) Tenure Track Faculty Position in Chemical/AMO Physics Theory

• HOWARD UNIVERSITY, Assistant Professor positions in ANALYTICAL and PHYSICAL chemistry. Outstanding applications in other areas will be considered. Targeted areas include surface, interfacial, polymer, atmospheric, and laser chemistry. applications should include a resume and a brief statement of proposed research. Application and three letters of recommendation to Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, Howard University, Washington, D.C. 20059. Evaluation of applications will begin December 15, 1997, and continue until suitable candidates have been found. Howard University is an equal opportunity employer. Carolyn D. Joyner, Administrative Assistant (202) 806-6906/6900 Fax (202) 806-544

• Washington State University, Pullman, WA: Seeks applications for a faculty position in the areas of materials research, environmental chemistry and the chemistry of life processes. Please contact: Search Committee Chair, Dept. of Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4630. Check job listings at: http://www.chem.wsu.edu and complete descriptions at http://www.chem.wsu.edu/orgpos.html

• I am writing to call your attention to the current opening of two faculty positions in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Minnesota. The Department wishes to hire two Assistant Professors for the positions described below. We appreciate that you might direct talented junior colleagues to apply for these positions. I believe that these positions are very attractive in light of recent and planned developments at the University of Minnesota. First, the positions are jointly sponsored by the Microbiology Department and the BioProcess Technology Instititue. The latter faculty includes a number of prokaryotic microbiologists and excellent fermentation facilities for cultivating microorganisms and harvesting microbial products. We have also recently started two research centers at the University that support microbial research; the Center for Microbial Physiology and Metabolic Engineering and the Center for Biodegradation Research and Informatics. The University also supports the Actinomycete-Streptomyces Internet Resource Center http://biosci.cbs.umn.edu/asirc/index.html and the Biocatalysis/Biodegradation Database http://www.labmed.umn.edu/umbbd/

Postdoctoral Fellowships

• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry There is an opening in my laboratory for a postdoctoral research associate to lead a project: "Spectroscopy and Unimolecular Reactions ofAlkoxy Radicals." The position would start around May of 1998. Alkoxy radicals (RO) are important intermediates in the degradation of volatile organic compounds in the lower atmosphere. The electronic spectroscopy of alkoxy radicals will be studied by LIF, and their rates of unimolecular reaction determined. The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. by the starting date and significant experience with pulsed lasers and electronic spectroscopy. Experience in kinetics and atmospheric chemistry is not required. This project represents an excellent opportunity to learn about atmospheric chemistry and about important problems in that field that can be addressed by basic research. The Chemistry Department at SUNY-ESF offers a Ph.D. program in chemistry and is in the process of moving into a brand new Chemistry Building. We have access to all the facilities of Syracuse University, located just across the street, including their fine library system. Preliminary inquiries can be sent to me at tsdibble@mailbox.syr.edu. Some general information on my research plans, the department, the College, and the area can be obtained through my web page at www-chem.esf.edu/info/faculty/dibble/dibble.htm and the College web page www.esf.edu. Applicants should send a CV and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to me at the address below. Professor Theodore S. Dibble (315) 470-6596 Department of Chemistry (315) 470-6856 (fax) One Forestry Drive Syracuse NY 13210 tsdibble@mailbox.syr.edu

• University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah A post-doctoral position will be available Jan. 1st, 1998 in the research group of Prof. W.H. Breckenridge at the University of Utah, involving the spectroscopy of, and laser-activated dynamics within, metal-atom- containing van der Waals molecules and clusters. Applicants with good experimental background and abilities, as well as familiarity with R2PI spectroscopy, will be given preference. Send CV and have three letters of recommendation sent to: Prof. W. H. Breckenridge Dept. of Chemistry. University of Utah Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 U.S.A.

• I anticipate an opening for a post-doctoral position asap after 1/1/98. The position requires a PhD in organic chemistry and expertise in modern techniques in synthetic organic chemistry. The appointment will be for one year with the potential for renewal. I would appreciate your notifying your organic/organomedicinal faculty and/or graduate students of this position. Candidates should send resumes, transcripts, and names addresses, and phone numbers for 3 references to Dr. Charles N. Robinson, Department of Chemistry, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152.Email either CNROBNSN@MEMPHIS.EDU OR BPURCELL@UTMEM1.UTMEM.EDU. Faxed material may be sent to Dr. Robinson at 901-678-3447 or to Dr. Purcell at 901-524-1177.

• The Unversity of Texas: I shall have at least one postdoctoral position become available at the beginning of next year. The research focuses upon synthesis of organosulfur compounds designed to protect against exposure to hazardous chemicals. Hands on familiarity with modern techniques and instrumentation is necessary. The appointment would be for one year with the opportunity for renewal if mutually agreed upon. I would appreciate your notifying your organic/medicinal faculty and/or graduate students about this opportunity. Applicants should send cv's and names, addresses, and contact numbers (phone or email) for three references to: Dr. A. L. Ternay, Jr.; Department Arlington; Arlington, Texas 76019.A. L. Ternay, Jr.

• SymBiotech, Wallingford, CT: Postdoctoral opening in rural CT for an analytical bioelectochemist. Seeks a scientist with excellent background in physical and chemical fundamentals, with outstanding writing ability and laboratory skills. Send cv and names of three references to: Employment Manager, SymBiotch, Inc. 8 Fairfield Blvd. Wallingford, CT 06492, Fax is (203) 949-2769.

Index of Chemformation Back Issues