Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Biology Department Seminar

Room 68-181 at 12PM

Dr. Noam Adir, Department of Chemistry, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology

“Crystal Structures of Methylated and a Novel Unmethylated form of C-Phycocyanin: Insights into Phycobilisome Assembly,Stability and Function ”

Chemistry Department Recognized at Spring 2003 Infinite Mile Award Celebration

Two chemistry department employees were recognized at a May 30th award ceremony celebrating the presentation of the Spring 2003 Infinite Mile Awards in the School of Science. We take great pride in congratulating Amanda Tat and Ed Udas. Special appreciation also goes to those who recognized the efforts of Amanda and Ed and took the time to write letters of support.

Our colleagues received a certificate signed by Dean Silbey and a handsome planner, along with a monetary reward at the beautiful champagne reception. Awardees were nominated in one or more categories that include Innovation and Creativity, Results, Communication and Collaboration, and Community. Remember that it isn’t too early to be considering nominations for the Fall 2003 awards.

Dean’s Educational and Student Advising Award Recipients

The School of Science Reward and Recognition Committe has announced that Dr. Sarah Tobacco and Krzysztof Grabarek have received the Spring 2003 “Dean’s Educational and Student Advising” Award. Kris and Sarah were recognized for their excellent achievement in education and advising and for outstanding dedication to the department.

Important Security Message

Scott Wade, our Operations/ Facilities Administrator, would like to point out to all the staff of the department that security devices can not protect us if they are not in use. Please do not leave lab and office doors unlocked if there is no one in attendance. This is an invitation for someone to enter and help themselves. AND THEY HAVE! Unused security devices will not protect the department from liability. Please remember to use existing security options.

DREYFUS CHEMISTRY LABORATORIES RENOVATION PROJECT
PROJECT STATUS

The 3rd and final phase of the Building 18 Renovation Project is rapidly approaching completion; the new laboratories and desk areas completed under this phase will be ready for occupancy by mid July 2003. Installation of new flooring and painting in the common areas, completion of roofing and exterior concrete repair including waterproofing are nearly complete.

Chemnet Migration to MITnet

Over the next few months the chemistry department computer network subnet (Chemnet) will be migrating in phases to MITnet. The chemistry department and MIT’s Information Systems department hope that MITnet will provide a more consistent standard for the department in comparison with other departments on campus. Each lab will be contacted by Gigi Lirot, if not already, with details on how and when it will be affected.

Chemistry Information Systems Group

A computer support group, which is made up of the computer resource members of each lab in the department has convened. The group met in mid May to learn about the upcoming migration of the subnet to MITnet, as well as address issues involved with that migration and future plans and functionality of the group.

The group invites at least one member from each research group to join these quarterly meetings. An email list has also been started for the purpose of discussions of current computer and network issues. This list will not only serve as a method for members to request assistance from peers in the department, but also for getting pertinent computer or security related email announcements out to the group. We hope the group will be long lived, and help in maintaining valuable computer knowledge despite individuals moving on from MIT. If anyone would like to join this email list, and meetings, please contact Gigi at lirot@mit.edu or x3-4508.

New Discount from Acros Organics

Peter Tsang has negotiated a department-wide discount with Acros Organics. Effective immediately, all chemicals purchased from Acros Organics are subjected to a 20% discount. The new pricing structure features a sharp increase in discount from the original 3 to 5% and represents the most generous discount we can get from major chemical suppliers. While the initial negotiation was aimed at a group-specific discount for the Schrock Research Laboratory, this offer has been extended to the whole department.

The discount is in addition to free shipping and delivery although you still need to pay for hazardous handling (see below for further notes). Items are shipped based on a 2-day delivery schedule, the same you are able to obtain from Aldrich Chemical (due to the MIT contract) except you do not pay for the shipping. Acros Organics supply chemicals based on North American and European (mainly Berlin, Germany at this point) suppliers.

The following notes will assist you in placing orders with the new discount structure.
1) You can request a catalog by calling 1-800-766-7000. You can also look up items from their website at www.acros.be (You will need to register once before you can access the online catalog which features name and structure search in addition to all the MSDS information, technical assistance, etc.)
2) You still need to submit SAP requisition and get a PO number before placing the order. Call the above phone number to place an order. Use the customer account number 508355-004. Peter is aware that other account numbers may exist. He is providing you this one because he has tested that the discount goes through this account with no unforeseen issues. Please make sure that you mention your building and room number when they ask for the attention person.
3) Try to order items that require hazardous handling together. You are normally charged around $20 for hazardous handling. However, this fee is charged per purchase order, which means you are charged only $20 even if you are ordering multiple chemicals that require hazardous handling at one time.
4) An invoice will be automatically faxed to you once you place the order. If you prefer not to receive that, to avoid clogging your group secretary’s fax machine, be sure to provide your email address when they ask you for a fax number and inform them of your preference to receive the information via email. The same confirmation information will be emailed to you.
5) If there are chemicals, especially in bulk quantities, that you can find a cheaper supplier but you prefer the quality of Acros Organics, give Peter an email at petert@mit.edu. There is a very high chance he can get you a price match.

Since this is a slightly newer system, please email Peter at petert@mit.edu if you come across difficulties. He will help pass along the feedback to the appropriate people.

- Submitted by Peter Tsang

POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS
Detailed information on all positions on file in Chemistry Headquarters

* University of Toronto: Postdoctoral fellowship available in the area of synthetic organometallic chemistry with a focus on transition metal hydride complexes in catalysis and materials chemistry (see for example J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 15104-15118). The candidate must have expertise in the synthesis and characterization of air-sensitive compounds and in NMR spectroscopy and must have received the PhD degree after Sept 2001. The deadline for applications is July 25, 2003.

* University of Florida: has an opening for a postdoc to synthesize organometallic precursors for chemical vapor deposition/atomic layer deposition of tungsten nitride and other inorganic materials. Experience in preparation and characterization of air- and moisture-sensitive compounds is required. The project involves collaboration with chemical engineers and materials science people but it is not necessary to have expertise in materials chemistry upon arrival. 

* Wesleyan University: has openings for 3 postdoctoral fellows. The positions are available this summer and will involve work in the general area of polymer synthesis, characterization and catalysis. Applicants should have experience with synthetic chemistry, and familiarity with air exclusion techniques and electrochemistry would also be helpful.