ChemformationChemformationVolume 17, Number 20
Friday,October 12, 2001
Chemformation is published by the Office of the Department Chairman. Please convey items of interest (or mailing list changes) to Liz McGrath, Room T18-390, Department of Chemistry, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, 617/253-4080; 617/258-7500 (fax) or e-mail to emg@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/.
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Monday, October 15, 2001 A.D. Little Lecture in Physical Chemistry Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m. Opening Reception 6-321 at 5:30 p.m. |
Christopher Dobson, Oxford University "The Nature and Significance of Protein Folding" |
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Tuesday, October 16, 2001 A.D. Little Lecture in Physical Chemistry Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m.
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Christopher Dobson, Oxford University "Unravelling the Mechanisms of Protein Folding Reactions" |
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Wednesday, October 17, 2001 Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m. |
Geoff Coates, Cornell University "TBA" |
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Thursday, October 18, 2001 A.D. Little Lecture in Physical Chemistry/Harvard/MIT Physical Chemistry at MIT Room 6-120 at 5:00 p.m. |
Chris Dobson, Oxford University "Protein Misfolding and its Links with Human Disease" |
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Tuesday, October 23, 2001 Physical Chemistry Seminar Series Room 2-105 at 4:00 p.m. |
Xiaowei Zhuang, Harvard University "Watching Enzymes Fold and Function One Molecule at a Time" |
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Wednesday, October 24, 2001 Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m. |
Dan Reger, University of South Carolina "Unusual Magnetic and Structural Changes with {[HC(3,5- Me2pz)3]2M}{BF4)2 Complexes of First Row Transition Metals and Supramolecular Structures Based on New Tris(pyrazolyl)methane Ligands" |
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Thursday, October 25, 2001 Organic Syntheses Inc. Lecture Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m. |
Takeshi Nakai, Niigata University "The [2,3]-Wittig Rearrangement as a General Tool for Asymmetric Synthesis" |
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Monday, October 29, 2001 A.D. Little Lecture in Inorganic Chemistry Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m. |
Ernesto Carmona-Guzman, Universidad de Sevilla "Studies on Metallocenes with Slipped-Sandwich Structure" |
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Tuesday, October 30, 2001 A.D. Little Lecture in Inorganic Chemistry Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m. |
Ernesto Carmona-Guzman, Universidad de Sevilla "Iridium Carbenes: Generation and Migratory Insertion Chemistry. Influence of the Ancillary Ligand" |
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Wednesday, October 31, 2001 Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m. |
Jenn Jamieson, MIT (Schrock Group) "TBA" |
ANNOUNCEMENTSJASON RAYMOND: The Department extends a warm welcome to Jason who has joined the Department in the capacity of Administrative Assistant to Professors Steve Buchwald and Tim Jamison. Jason is not only new to MIT but also new to the Boston area coming straight out of the woods of Maine, where he was born, raised and attended College. He is a recent graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is thoroughly enjoying working at MIT and so far is not disappointed with his new city life. However, he does occasionally miss the calm and quiet of Maine! Feel free to drop by and introduce yourself to him. He is located in the TFO. His email address is jraymond@mit.edu and his extension number is 3-1830.
REIMBURSEMENTS FOR GRADUATE COURSES IN 2002
On June 7 President Bush signed into law the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (P. L. 107-16). Contained within the $1.35 trillion tax measure was a provision to permanently extend Section 127, the tax code provision that excludes some tuition assistance reimbursements from taxes, for undergraduate AND GRADUATE courses beginning after December 31, 2001. This means that if you are enrolled in a graduate degree program (Masters, etc.), your reimbursements for courses that begin after December 31, 2001 will no longer be taxable. Reimbursements for undergraduate courses will continue to be non-taxable.
ERRATUM:
The following MS recipients were inadvertently omitted from the published list of Advanced Degree recipients in the Special Edition Spring 2001 Newsletter.
* Michael Gleason 6/2001
* Margery Koeckert 9/2000
* Maja Razlog 2/2001
* Amanda Yarnell 2/2001
The Newsletter editors extend their sincere apologies for this oversight.
CONFERENCES
CONFERENCE ON DRUG DISCOVERY BY DESIGN
IBC USA Conferences, Inc. will hold a conference on Drug Discovery by Design: Advancing Medicinal Chemistry through Biology and Technology on November 5-8, 2001 in Boston. This meeting offers a reduced academic rate. Attendees will get to view the exhibition hall, as well as view the latest scientific findings in this area in the poster hall. More information is available at www.LifeSciencesInfo.com/drugdesign
DREYFUS CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES RENOVATION PROJECT
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY
General
The new labs and desk areas are nearing completion as work continues on all floors including the sub basement. Commissioning of the new mechanical systems has begun and will take several weeks to complete. MIT’s Industrial Hygiene and Safety Offices will inspect all labs for compliance with MIT ventilation and safety requirements. The tentative date for the first moves into the new North end labs and into part of the South end labs remains 11 / 12 / 01; any changes will be announced.
Asbestos Abatement
In conjunction with general demolition, removal of materials containing asbestos will be taking place in the south end office area. A licensed MIT subcontractor is performing the work.
Relocation of Icemakers
The existing icemakers will be relocated during the week of 10 / 15 to the West corridor in the Phase 1 areas. Machines during Phase 2 will be located in the basement and on the 2nd and 4th floors. New machines will be installed during Phase 3.
Concrete Restoration and Cleaning
Restoration and cleaning of the exterior concrete has begun the South side of the building will continue for several weeks. A moderate level of noise will accompany the chipping of the exterior concrete. Pedestrian traffic has been rerouted in the area; this detour will remain in effect until the spring. A trash chute will be installed on the southwest corner to facilitate removal of debris during demolition.
BECKMAN INSTITUTE FELLOWS: Applications are invited for appointments as Beckman Institute Fellows at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The fellowship is intended for recent Ph.D.'s or students in their last year of graduate study in the behavioral and biological sciences, chemistry, engineering, physics, and computer science. Fellows will receive a stipend of $48,000 per year, plus a full-fringe benefits package. These fellowships provide an excellent opportunity for young scholars to initiate a post-Ph.D. career of independent research in a stimulating and supportive interdisciplinary academic environment. Details on application packets may be obtained from Chemistry Headquarters. Deadline January 4, 2002.
2002 MCKNIGHT SCHOLAR AWARDS: The McKnight Endowment Fund for Neuroscience invites applications for the 2002 McKnight Scholar Awards. Since 1977, the McKnight Scholar Awards have encouraged emerging neuroscientists to focus on disorders of learning and memory. Applicants for the McKnight Scholar Awards must demonstrate interest in solving important problems in relevant areas of neuroscience, including the translation of basic research to clinical neuroscience. Awards are given to exceptional young scientists who hold the M.D. and/or Ph.D. degree and who are in the early stages of establishing an independent laboratory and research career. Traditionally, successful candidates have held faculty positions for at least one year. Up to six McKnight Scholars each will receive three years of support, beginning July 1, 2002. More information may be obtained from Chemistry Headquarters.
MCKNIGHT ENDOWMENT FUND for Neuroscience is soliciting letters of intent for the 2002 McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Awards. These awards encourage and support scientists working on the development of novel and creative approaches to understanding brain function. The Endowment Fund is especially interested in how technology may be used or adapted to monitor, manipulate, analyze, or model brain function at any level, from the molecular to the entire organism. The program seeks to advance and enlarge the range of technologies available to the neurosciences and does not support research based primarily on existing techniques. Collaborative and cross-disciplinary applications are invited. Letters of intent must be received at the Foundation by December 3, 2001. More details on file in Chemistry Headquarters.
22ND VANNEVAR BUSH AWARD: The National Science Foundation is seeking nominations for the 22nd Vannevar Bush Award, which recognizes an individual who, through public service activities in science and technology, has made an outstanding "contribution toward the welfare of mankind and the nation." The recipient of the award is honored at an awards dinner in May and receives a bronze medal struck in the memory of Dr. Bush.
The nominee must be a senior statesperson who is an American citizen and who meets two or more of the following criteria:
* who has distinguished him/herself through public service activities in science and technology;
* who has pioneered the exploration, charting and settlement of new frontiers in science, technology, education and public service;
* whose leadership and creativity have inspired others to distinguished careers in science and technology;
* who has contributed to the welfare of the Nation and mankind through activities in science and technology;
* whose leadership and creativity have helped mold the history of advancements in the Nation's science, technology and education. Nominations are to be made by letter, and should be accompanied by two letters of support/reference and a current CV (without publications). Nominations and references must be postmarked by December 14, 2001. For more information, contact Karen Drew in the Office of Foundation Relations, at 3-6326.
NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES: National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences offers awards for postdoctoral scientists and engineers at participating federal laboratories. These awards provide generous stipends (ranging from $34,000 - $61,000, depending on the laboratory), and the opportunity to conduct independent research in some of the best-equipped and staffed laboratories in the country. For detailed information and application materials, prospective applicants should visit the NRC Research Associateship Programs Web site at: http://www.national-academies.org/rap. Faculty may also be interested in the NRC Senior Associateship Programs, which include both sabbatical and summer faculty opportunities. There are three application review cycles each year, with postmark deadline dates of January 15, April 15 and August 15. Applicants should begin a dialog with prospective Advisers at the laboratory as early as possible before the application deadline. More information on file in Chemistry Headquarters.
NATIONAL DEFENSE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING GRADUATE FELLOWSHIPS: As a means of increasing the number of U.S. citizens trained in disciplines of science and engineering of military importance, the Department of Defense plans to award approximately 200 new three-year graduate fellowships in April 2002. National Defense Science and Engineering Application information on file in Chemistry Headquarters.
HOWARD HUGHES MEDICAL INSTITUTE: The Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Graduate Science Education Program offers research fellowships for pre-doctoral and postdoctoral Research Fellowships. Full details may be obtained from Chemistry Headquarters.
HERTZ FOUNDATION: Details of $25,000 Graduate Fellowships in the Applied Physical Sciences are on file in Chemistry Headquarters. Application Deadline November 2, 2001.
LINK FOUNDATION RESEARCH AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENTS GRANTS in the field of Stimulation and Training, aimed at graduate educational programs and associated research activities. Grants will be awarded for research and program development, up to a maximum of $50,000. There is a limit of one application per institution. Please see further information in Chemistry Headquarters.
Graduate Students interested in joining the Chemistry Department Chemical Hygiene and Safety Committee are invited to submit their names to Martha Lugo e-mail mlugo@mit.edu. Members of the Committee participate in inspections of department laboratories (approximately one inspection per month) and attend meetings (ca. 2 per year) to discuss and formulate Chemistry Department safety policy. No prior experience in safety-related matters is necessary. As a result of the recent EPA/MIT "Consent Decree", major changes will be instituted at MIT over the next year with regard to how safety training is conducted, who does inspections and formulates rules, how we order chemicals, etc. Grad student input is urgently needed as our department committee responds to proposed changes.
Faculty Positions
Information on all positions on file in Chemistry Headquarters
* Wright State University: has two tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant Professor level in the areas of Environmental Chemistry.
* University of Rhode Island: seeks to fill a tenure-track faculty position in Analytical Chemistry or a closely related field.
* Oregon State University: invites applications for 1-2 full-time, 9-month, tenure tract positions at the level of Assistant Professor. Areas of specialization include analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or organic chemistry.
* Union College, Schenectady, NY: invites applications for a tenure-track position in Inorganic Chemistry.
* University of Nevada: invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry.
* University of Pittsburgh: seeks applications from new or established investigators qualified to fill a tenured/tenure-stream Inorganic Chemistry faculty position.
* Brandeis University: invites applications to fill two tenure track faculty positions in Organic and Inorganic.
* University of Connecticut: seeks candidates for a tenure-track, full-time faculty appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. The successful candidate will teach graduate courses in Polymer Science/Engineering. This candidate will also have an appointment in a classical department such as Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or Physics.
* Wayne State University: seeks applications for three tenured or tenure-track positions at the assistant to full professor levels in any area of Analytical/Physical, Inorganic, or Organic Chemistry.
* Saint Michael's College, Vermont: invites applications for a tenure-track position in Physical Chemistry. More information on file in Chemistry Headquarters.
* University of Minnesota: invites applications for two tenure-track positions in Analytical and Physical Chemistry.
* Ursinus College, PA: invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position biophysical chemistry.
* Tulane University: Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professorship - invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professorship as the Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Chemistry. The position is restricted by the Luce Foundation to U.S. citizens who are women looking for their first academic position.
* Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, Georgia: invites applications for an Instructor/Assistant Professor in Chemistry.
* Denison University: invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in Biochemistry.
* The University of Vermont: invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant/Associate Professor level.
* State University of New York: invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in Chemistry.
* Duquesne Unversity, PA: invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in any area of Chemistry or Biochemistry at the Assistant Professor level.
* Cornell University: seeks a tenure track Assistant Professor in any field of Chemistry/Chemical Biology.
* Grand Valley State University: seeks candidates to fill two tenure-track positions in Organic Chemistry and Chemical Education.
* Dartmouth College: invites applications for a tenure-track position in Organic Chemistry at the level of Assistant Professor.
* Portland State University: invites applications for two tenure-track faculty positions in Organic/Bio-organic Chemistry.
* The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers: invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professorship in Experimental Materials Chemistry.
* Beloit College, WI: invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level. Teaching includes Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, and General Chemistry.
* Ohio University: invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position as an Assistant/Associate Professor of Forensic Analytical Chemistry.
Postdoctoral Positions
Information on all positions on file in Chemistry Headquarters
* Brigham and Women's Hopsital/Harvard Medical School, Division of Genetics: has positions available in Functional Genomics and Computational Biology.
* Lab de Physique des Interfaces et des Couches Minces, Ecole Polytechnique, France: Research will focus on the fundamental aspects of the interaction of atomic hydrogen and hydrogenated silicon clusters with dilicon surfaces with possible application to the micro-crystalline silicon thin film growth; enhanced oxidation of silicon surface by oxygen clusters.
Other Job Listings
* NIH: The biophysics and chemistry integrated review group at NIH currently has 2 openings for scientific review administrators. One position is to run a new panel (ZRG1-F04) that reviews fellowship applications (http://www.csr.nih.gov/events/fellowship_ss/fellow_ss.htm) The other is to run a panel (ZRG1-SSS-6) that primarily reviews small business applications in analytical chemistry and biophysical instrumentation. A minimum of 7 years of independent research experience beyond post-doctoral training and a year of administrative experience is required. These are civil service positions at the GS-12 to GS-14 level in Bethesda, MD. Further information on file in Chemistry Headquarters.
* Industrial Economics, Incorporated: OPEN HOUSE -- Looking for a job in consulting? Friday, October 19, 2001, 2-5:00 p.m. . 2067 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA (between Davis and Porter Squares). College Seniors with an interest in environmental or economic consulting are invited to hear reports by current Research Analysts on their projects in Environmental Policy, Natural Resource Damage Assessment, Financial and Economic Analysis, and Environmental Litigation and Enforcement. Refreshments provided. Register: www.idecon.com. Tel: (617) 354-0074. Email: Slally@indecon.com. More information on file in Chemistry Headquarters.
* National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):A position for a Health Scientist Administrator (program director) at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the Division of Neuroscience and Behavioral Research, the Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch is now open. As a Health Scientist Administrator at NIDA, you can have a very large impact on the direction of science. The successful applicant will be responsible for the overall direction and administration of a broad and comprehensive program covering several areas of molecular biology and genetics research related to drug abuse studies. This includes administering research grants, training grants, fellowship grants, and research development contracts in this area; providing technical leadership to other personnel in the Institute, as well as to investigators throughout the country.
* GeneOhm Sciences, San Diego, CA: currently seeks outstanding candidates to fill four positions. This is a new, rapidly growing pre_IPO biotechnology company that is developing medical diagnostics to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA isolated from medical patients. The company was founded by scientists at CALTECH and has recently established its facilities in San Diego. More information is available on file in Chemistry Headquarters.
* Prime Organics, Inc. Lowell, MA. (http://primeorg.com) has an opening for B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. level chemists, full time or part time positions. E-mail your resume to info@primeorg.com. Prime Organics provides custom synthesis, contract R&D and manufacturing.
Glass Blowing Services: 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 4-064 or call Ed Udas at 3-4505. Bob will do the work on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get Organized! Call Ed Udas at 253-4505 or stop by room 4-065 if students, faculty, or staff need help in organizing their MIT space.
To place an advertisement: email Liz McGrath, emg@mit.edu
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Comments and questions to lhowe@mit.edu