ChemformationChemformationVolume 18, Number 16
Friday, September 27, 2002
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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Wednesday, October 2, 2002 Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m. |
Shannon Stahl, University of Wisconsin, Madison "Paladium Oxidase Chemistry: Mechanisms and Applications in Aerobic Oxidation Catalysis" |
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Monday, October 7, 2002 Biochemistry Seminar Series Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m.
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Melissa Moore, Brandeis University TBA
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Tuesday, October 8, 2002 Physical Chemistry Seminar Room 2-105 at 4:00 p.m. |
Hai-Lung Dai, University of Pennsylvania "Highly Excited Molecules: Collision Energy Transfer and Reaction Control" |
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Wednesday, October 9: Harvard/MIT Inorganic Chemistry Seminar Series at MIT Room 6-120 at 4:00 p.m.
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Gregory Robinson, University of Georgia "Triple Bonds and Metalloaromaticity: Intriguing Concepts in Heavier Main Group Organometallic Chemistry" |
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Thursday, October 10, 2002 Organic Seminar Series Room 2-105 at 4:00 p.m. |
Patrick G. Harran, University of Texas "The Chemistry and Biology of the Diazonamides" |
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Thursday, October 17, 2002 Harvard/MIT Physical Chemistry Seminar at MIT Room 2-105 at 4:00 p.m. |
Andrew McCammon, University of California, San Diego "Dynamics of Molecular Recognition" |
ANNOUNCEMENTSCONGRATULATIONS:
The MIT/Harvard Center for Magnetic Resonance (CMR) located at the Francis Bitter Magnet Laboratory (FBML), MIT, has been awarded a grant from the National Institutes of Health to purchase a state-of-the-art 900 MHz NMR spectrometer. The principal investigators on the grant are Prof. Robert G. Griffin of the Chemistry Dept., MIT, and Prof. Gerhard Wagner of the Dept. of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School.
This instrument, which is expected to cost about $5 million, uses a 21 Tesla superconducting magnet which accounts for approximately 90% of the cost. The magnet is constructed of several kilometers of especially formulated niobium-tin (Nb3Sn) and niobium-titanium superconducting wire wound into a set of nested solenoids that are immersed in a bath of liquid helium at 2 K. This magnet will be energized with almost three hundred amperes of persistent super-conducting current to yield a stable magnetic field that is 400,000 times stronger than the Earth’s magnetic field at this latitude. The homogeneity of the field is better than one part per billion over the volume of the sample.
The 900 MHz NMR spectrometer will be located at the FBML and take its place alongside two 750 MHz, a wide-bore 700 MHz, two 600 MHz, two wide-bore 500 MHz as well as several lower field instruments. The 900 magnet is about 17 feet tall and the radial 5 gauss line will occupy a ~60 foot diameter circle.
One of the most important and powerful applications of high field NMR is the determination of three-dimensional structures of biopolymers such as proteins, nucleic acids and complex oligosaccharides. The 900 MHz instrument will offer significant advantages over the current instrumentation since it is expected to yield increased sensitivity (peak heights) and have a greater resolving power (peak separation) than the current 750 MHz instruments. Additional advantages in sensitivity will be available from NMR probes that have detection coils that operate at cryogenic temperatures. The increased resolving power will help separate peaks of closely spaced chemical shifts that overlap at lower fields. The increased sensitivity will allow spectroscopy to be performed on samples with lower concentrations.
However, even with the higher resolution and sensitivity, many interesting systems remain elusive to solution-state NMR because they are either too large, insoluble, or both. The size limit for structure determination with solution NMR methods is currently around 30 to 40 kD but many interesting proteins are larger. These limitations can be circumvented with solid-state magic angle spinning NMR which enables the study of membrane proteins and protein aggregates associated with debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. For this reason, the 900 MHz instrument will be equipped to study both liquid-state and solid-state samples.
Since there are only a few instruments in this class world-wide and because of its cost, the 900 MHz instrument will be operated as a user facility for the MIT and Harvard research communities, as well as the local and national user communities.
ALFRED P. SLOAN FOUNDATION/U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY: Postdoctoral
Fellowships in Computational Molecular Biology/Bioinformatics (Round Eight);
Final Round. http://www.sloan.org/programs/scitech_postdoct.shtml
Deadline:
February 3, 2003.
A.A.A.S. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY FELLOWSHIPS: If you are interested
in the interaction of science, technology and government in the United States
and around the world and would like to work in Washington, DC, to learn firsthand
how the federal government operates and to help make decisions that result in
national public policy? A.A.A.S. Science and Technology Policy fellowships have
provided unique participatory public policy learning experiences for approximately
1,500 scientists and engineers in Congress and nearly a dozen executive branches
in Washington, DC. Since the first group of seven Fellows was placed in Congressional
offices in 1973, the success of the programs has grown tremendously, paving
the way for even more Fellows to serve each year in an increasing array of offices
and federal agencies. A.A.A.S. sponsors these programs to offer an opportunity
for accomplished, societally-aware scientists and engineers from a wide array
of disciplines to contribute scientific and technical information and external
perspectives to the policy-making process, while learning how government works.
Fellowships are open to A.A.A.S. members only. Applicants must have a Ph.D.
or an equivalent doctoral level degree from any physical, biological or social
sciences, any field of engineering or any relevant interdisciplinary field.
Individuals with a master's degree in engineering and at least three years of
post-degree professional experience may apply. U.S. citizenship is required.
Federal employees are not eligible. Stipends begin at $58,000. For more information,
call 202/326-6700,
e-mail science_policy@aaas.org
or visit http://fellowships.aaas.org
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION — INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY: Further information on these opportunities on file in Chemistry Department.
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS: Fellowships are intended for individuals who are in the early stages of their graduate study in science, mathematics, or engineering. Individuals generally may apply during the senior year of college, the first year of graduate school, and the beginning of the second year of graduate school. Fellowships are awarded for graduate study leading to research-based mater’s or doctoral degrees in fields supported by the NSF, including the mathematical, physical, biological, behavioral and social sciences; engineering; the history of science and the philosophy of science; and for research-based Ph.D. degrees in science education. $21,500 stipend for twelve-month tenure; cost-of-education allowance of $10,500 per tenure year; and a one-time $1,000 International Research Travel Allowance. Application Deadline: November 7, 2002. Visit http://www.orau.org/nsf/nsffel.htm for all materials and information.
GREEN CHEMISTRY OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS: See page 8 for details on the Kenneth G. Hancock Memorial Scholarship and the Joseph Breen Memorial Fellowship.
ACS COMMITTEE ON CHEMISTS WITH DISABILITIES TRAVEL AWARDS FOR STUDENTS AND POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS: Further information on these awards on file in Chemistry Headquarters.
DREYFUS CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES
RENOVATION PROJECT
PROJECT STATUS
Laboratories
Phase 2 construction has achieved 75% of completion for the labs, desk areas and mechanical Shaft 2. Start-up of the mechanical systems is anticipated to occur in early November. Moves into the labs are scheduled for mid December. The target date for completion of the third and final phase is 7/01/03
South End Offices
The construction of the new faculty offices, Chemistry Headquarters and south restrooms is scheduled for completion by early October. Moves back into the faculty offices will occur no earlier than 10/15/02. The start date for decommissioning (removal of services) of the TFO's remains 10/31/02.
Keep your anti-virus software up to date!
It is important to safeguard your computers with anti-virus software, and to obtain updates periodically. Downloads of anti-virus software and updates, as well as further information are available at the following web site: http://web.mit.edu/is/help/virus/
For other security information see: http://web.mit.edu/security/www/
A number of email messages go around warning users of viruses that are actually hoaxes, meant to be a nuisance. Before forwarding such a "virus warning" check with the following web page to se if it is a virus hoax: http://www.f-secure.com/virus-info/hoax/
This year recruiting is being done for the first time through a new website located at http://web.mit.edu/chemistry/www/industrialrecruiting/. If you have further questions about recruiting, please contact Laura Howe in Chemistry Headquarters, email: lhowe@mit.edu.
The CHEMISTRY R.E.F.S. (Resources for Easing Friction and Stress) are available to discuss your concerns. We are a group of seven chemistry graduate students trained and certified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as mediators, and we specialize in conflict resolution. We are available to chemistry graduate students, undergraduate students, and faculty/staff for discussion. Whether the concern is small or large, personal or interpersonal, REFS can be of service. We present a forum for listening to concerns and helping people determine how best to handle their situation. This process can lead to a better understanding of the core issues, and bring to light novel and attractive options for easing tension. All REFS were trained through MEDIATION@MIT in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, c. 233, sec. 23C. All interaction with the Chemistry REFS program is confidential and voluntary. Please visit our website at http://web.mit.edu/~drignat/www/mediation.html for a comprehensive description of the program and REFS contact information.
ACS NORTHEASTERN SECTION (NESACS) YOUNG CHEMISTS
A group of 12 graduate students (possibly including an undergraduate or two involved in research) has been invited to Germany early next year as part of an on-going exchange program between the NESACS Younger Chemists Committee and the German Chemical Society Jungchemikerforum. The focus is on life science and material science. The group will depart Boston on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003 and return to Boston Sunday, March 2. There will be a career symposium in Munich featuring German and American speakers and a juried inter-regional oral/poster contest (with cash prizes) in Dresden with presentations from Germany, USA, and other European countries. Included also are visits to industrial and academic institutions. It was a huge success in 2002, having taken place in Cologne and Aachen. The first year of the progam occurred in Boston in 2001, and the ACS recently acknowledged that program with its top award for a Younger Chemists Event in 2001. Furthermore, it was prominently mentioned as contributing to the award to NESACS as the Best Large Section in the ACS for 2001. Students are encouraged to participate in next year's event; http:/people.bu.edu/nsycc for an application.
OTTAWA, CANADA
AUGUST 9-17, 2003
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), the leader in advancing worldwide aspects of the chemical sciences and contributing to the application of chemistry, is holding its 42nd General Assembly (August 9-17, 2003) and its 39th Congress (August 10-15, 2003) in Ottawa, Canada. The U.S. National Committee for IUPAC is seeking outstanding young U.S. scientists and engineers, under the age of 45, with interests and expertise related to the working groups of IUPAC to travel as Young Observers to Ottawa. This program provides an excellent opportunity to support international efforts for young scientists and engineers, gain knowledge of IUPAC, develop an international network of scientists and engineers, and represent your U.S. colleagues in the chemical sciences.
Criteria: Successful candidates must demonstrate the following criteria in order to be considered:
The candidate must be a U.S. scientist or engineer under the age of 45 and be active in chemical or chemical engineering research in academia, government, or industry, with at least five years independent research experience past the Ph.D./postdoctoral level.
The candidate must have specific interest in one or more of the scheduled committee meetings of the General Assembly or one or more of the technical sessions at the Congress in Ottawa.
The candidate must have carried out some collaborative work with scientists in laboratories outside of the United States or must be interested in building such collaborative interactions.
The candidate must have an interest in continuing activities through the IUPAC organization.
The USNC/IUPAC will be providing travel grants up to $1,500 to successful candidates.
Application form available in Chemistry Headquarters. Deadline October 1, 2002.
Detailed information on all positions on file in Chemistry Headquarters
* Grand Valley State University: invites applications for three tenure-track faculty positions in Biochemistry, Chemical Education and Organic Chemistry.
* University of California, Santa Cruz: the Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology invites applications for a tenure-track or tenured position in Structural Biology. .
* University of North Dakota: invites applications for two tenure-track positions at the Assistant Professor level, one each in Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry
* Brown University: invites applications for two tenure-track positions as Assistant Professor of chemistry. One position is in Inorganic Chemistry and one is in Organic chemistry.
* Bucknell University: invites applications for a tenure-track position at the Assistant Professor level in the area of Biophysical Chemistry.
* University of California, Riverside: invites applications for a position as Assistant Professor of Chemistry/Assistant Researcher of Air Pollution.
* JILA, University of Colorado and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Boulder, CO: is searching for outstanding scientists at both senior and junior level. Successful applicants would be expected to establish an internationally recognized research program involving graduate, undergraduate and postdoctoral students, and to participate in departmental teaching responsibilities.
* St. Olaf College: invites applications for a tenure-track position in Analytical Chemistry.
* University of Wyoming: invites applications for an Assistant Professor position in Organic Chemistry and another Assistant Professor position in either Inorganic or Analytical chemistry..
* Texas A&M University: invites applications for a tenure-track position in Inorganic Chemistry. The rank is open, but candidates at the Assistant Professor level preferred.
* The University of Toledo: invites applications for tenured or tenure-track faculty positions in Organic and Analytical Chemistry.
* Denison University: invites applications for two tenure-track faculty positions in Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.
* Syracuse University: invites nominations and applications for three faculty positions in the areas of Bioorganic and Organic chemistry, Biochemistry and Biophysical Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.
* North Central College: invites applications for a tenure-tack appointment as Assistant or Associate Professor in Analytical Chemistry.
* Baylor University: announces three tenured/tenure —track positions at the Assistant, Associate or Full Professor rank, including a Distinguished Professorship and a named Chair in the areas of Physical Biochemistry, other areas of Biochemistry and a Chair in Organic Chemistry. Other areas will also be considered.
* Rice University: invites applications for a non-tenure-track Wiess Instructor of Chemistry. The successful candidate will be expected to teach in the introductory chemistry program (general Chemistry and/or Organic Chemistry, lecture and/or laboratory classes).
* University of Memphis: invites applications for two tenure-track positions in the area of Computational Chemistry (broadly defined). One of these positions may be filled at the Associate Professor level. Both positions can be filled at the Assistant Professor level.
* Hastings College: seeks to fill a teaching position in undergraduate teaching. Responsibilities include teaching two semesters of Organic Chemistry (with lab), two semesters of General, Organic and Biological Chemistry (with lab.
Detailed information on all positions on file in Chemistry Headquarters
* University of Oklahoma: A Dreyfus Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship position is open in Environmental Chemistry in the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science at the university of Oklahoma. The research is within the broad area of natural and anthropogenic ground-water contamination, remediation and protection. A Ph.D. In Chemistry or Chemical Engineering is required, but extensive training in environmental chemistry is not expected.
* Princeton University: seeks a Dreyfus Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow in the area of the environmental biogeochemistry. This honorific fellowship is funded by the Dreyfus Foundation exclusively for chemists and chemical engineers with the aim of bringing them into the environmental sciences, broadly defined. Internet links to the fellowship information, project and job descriptions can be found at http://www.princeton.edu/~catalase/dreyfus_postdoctoral_fellowship_.html
* Caltech: The Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology invites applications for Postdoctoral Scholar appointments in the fields of Biochemistry, Chemical Physics, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Electrochemistry, and Structural Chemistry.
*Barnard College: invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position for teaching and research starting August 15, 2003. Barnard College is a 4-year liberal arts college for women, associated with Columbia University. Responsibilities include teaching one course per year and helping run a small undergraduate research group as well as pursuing an independent research project. Research involves standard air-sensitive Schlenk-line and dry-box techniques for inorganic synthesis. Teaching subjects likely to include inorganic, general, analytical, or physical chemistry and are negotiable.
Detailed information on all positions on file in Chemistry Headquarters
Genentech, Inc. , South San Francisco: Co-op. Opportunity: Position — Co-op in Process Sciences. All applicants must have completed their sophomore year or greater and be enrolled in their school’s Co-op Program. Students will have the opportunity to augment his/her education by working in the Bio-tech industry full-time beginning in January 2003 for 6-8 months. Students would be eligible to receive course credit for the work performed at Genentech. The Co-op project involves an investigation of alternate devices for tangential flow filtration of recombinant DNA proteins.
A San Diego recruiter has the following positions:
- Senior Pharmacologist — Portland, Maine
- Quality Assurance Manager in a Biotech
Name: Morgan Conn
E-Mail: mmconn@alum.mit.edu
Ph.D. 1982
Activities: Senior Scientist, High throughput Synthesis
Company: PTC Therapeutics
Events: Last summer he decided to leave Amherst College and academics. He
has since been working at PTC Therapeutics, a privately funded start-up pharmaceutical
company targeting RNA-related processes to develop drugs for genetic diseases,
oncology, and anti-infectives. He is now living in New York City with his new
wife — they were married in June of this year.
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Comments and questions to lhowe@mit.edu