J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72 DOI 10.1007/s12154-015-0129-1
JOCB BULLETIN
JOCB Bulletin
Published online: 26 March 2015 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015
Thanks once again to all our readers who have submitted items for inclusion in this section. Can I remind you that we advertise readers’ items at the interface of the physical and life sciences free of charge including illustrations and colour. Any contributions that might be of interest to researchers in the Chemical Biology field concerning studentships, job vacancies courses or conferences, book reviews or news items would be most welcome. Please send to
Projects are available for statisticians, mathematicians, biologists, health economists, qualitative researchers, epidemiologists, psychologists, social scientists, health service researchers, and those with appropriate qualifications currently working in trials. Some projects are suitable for Clinical Research Training Fellowship support. Find out more about which projects are available online (eligibility requirements apply). For the full list of projects, universities and how to apply please see our website: www.methodologyhubs.mrc.ac.uk
Dr C A Rosser Email [email protected] GRADUATE STUDIES IN BILBAO, SPAIN
PhD studentships and Clinical Research Training Fellowships in Trials Methodology 2015 entry Multiple projects, UK universities Are you interested in medical research that matters to patients and the NHS? Our programme presents a unique opportunity to undertake MRC funded PhD study in trials methodology research. Up to 10 new MRC-funded PhD projects are available at locations across the UK
The University of the Basque Country offers Master and PhD degrees in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine. The 1-year Master degree (60 ECTS) consists of lecture courses (30 ECTS) and a research project (30 ECTS). No knowledge of Spanish required. Info at: www.masterbiologiamolecular.ehu.es
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J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
Project: APC-Mediated Polarity in the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche Supervisor: Dr Marc de la Roche Dept/School/Faculty: Department of Biochemistry The proposed research will determine the mechanisms by which cell and tissue polarity is maintained in the intestinal epithelia. Importantly, inactivation of the tumour suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) inappropriately activates the Wnt signaling pathway and its oncogenic transcriptional program. This initiates malignant transformation that leads to colorectal cancer. In addition, APC regulates microtubule-based cytoskeletal polarity. Therefore, loss of APC function compromises normal control of cellular proliferation and maintenance of cell polarity, key hallmarks of tumorigenesis. The role of APC-dependent maintenance of cell and tissue polarity in restricting tumorigenesis is a focus of our research. Previous studies have established that the APC polarity effector Macf1 is a key determinant of microtubulebased cell polarity. Our recent results indicate that Macf1 defines basal polarity in Paneth cells. These cells constitute the intestinal epithelial stem cell niche at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn where they physically sequester stem cells. We will determine the molecular basis of Macf1 regulation and localization by APC in Paneth cells. We will define how this dictates cellular polarity and the impact on tissue polarity of the intestinal epithelia. We will determine the role of APC in governing cell and tissue polarity by investigating the phenotypic consequences of APC mutation. State-of-the-art organotypic systems, will allow faithful and reproducible modelling of the intestinal epithelium and its malignantly transformed state. This system will be used to elucidate the molecular basis of polarity in Paneth cells and how this impacts on the intestinal epithelium as a whole. Link: http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/people/uto/ delaroche http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails. aspx?PJID=50039&LID=250 Deadline: Applications accepted all year round
PhD Supervisor: Dr A MacDonald Dept: Faculty of Biological Sciences Deadline: All year round Targeting host cell ion channels to treat virusassociated kidney transplant rejection Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) is a serious, emerging complication in kidney transplant recipients. It is caused by the BK polyomavirus (BKV), which establishes a life-long infection in the kidneys. In healthy individuals, this virus is kept in check by the immune system. In kidney transplant patients, where the immune system is suppressed by therapeutics that prevent rejection, the virus can reactivate and cause disease. Prevalence of PVAN is increasing and afflicts up to 10 % of all kidney transplant patients. Crucially, ion channels are an emerging therapeutic target for many medical conditions. As such, compounds that target these channels and impede BKV may represent a novel strategy for developing therapeutics to treat PVAN. Link: http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails. aspx?PJID=41511&LID=735 http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/staff/Macdonald_A/ Contact: [email protected]
PhD Supervisor: Dr P Thorpe Dept: National Institute for Medical Research Deadline: All year round Characterising the mechanism of the mitotic checkpoint This is a collaborative project, joint funded between NIMR and Imperial College London. The successful candidate will benefit from working in labs at both the NIMR and Imperial. The student will register for their degree at Imperial.
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
This project will involve extensive use of automated multiwell plate FLIM instrumentation and analysis of the resulting large data sets. Consequently, candidates should ideally have a physics/bioengineering degree coupled with strong analytical and computational skills. The project will also involve learning basic genetics and molecular biology. Dual-tagged yeast strains will be created by the student at NIMR using high-throughput genomics approaches. At Imperial FLIM FRET will then be used to assay for interactions within this array of dualtagged strains using an automated high-throughput approach to FRET FLIM. Link: http://www.nimr.mrc.ac.uk/phd/projects/ Characterising-the-mechanism-of-the-mitoticcheckpoint
69
Medical Engineering & Physics, MSc This multi award winning programme will provide you with a solid background in the physics and engineering of medical technology, as well as the design, maintenance and quality control of medical imaging equipment. Medical Imaging Sciences, MRes This programme aims to provide graduates of chemistry, physics, computing, mathematics, biology, pharmacy or medicine, with advanced training in the imaging field. Intended mainly as preparation for a PhD, but also serves as training for employment in hospitals and industry. http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/index.aspx
Contact: [email protected]
Postgraduate opportunities at the Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering The Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering is at the forefront of research, development, education and training in all aspects of Medical Imaging. The Division offers four postgraduate degree programmes and also hosts an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Imaging. Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry, MSc This MSc will equip you to design and develop radiopharmaceuticals labelled with gamma-emitting or positronemitting radioisotopes, and to produce them daily in the radiopharmacy for scanning patients. This is an ideal degree for graduates in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Radiography or Biosciences. Nuclear Medicine: Science & Practice MSc/Dip/Cert This programme is unique in the UK, and is suitable for qualified doctors working in the field of nuclear medicine. The Diploma and Certificate programmes are open to other nuclear medicine health care professionals.
CMAC – Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation Fully Funded PhD Studentships and MSc Opportunities – Strathclyde Location: CMAC DTC PhDs across UK - Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot Watt, Loughborough and Strathclyde International PhD at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow MSc at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Discipline Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Clinical, Engineering, Operations Level PhD/Studentships, Masters Courses Hours Full Time Further information Fellowships, Senior PDRA, PDRA and Fully Funded Studentships and MSc Opportunities www.cmac.ac.uk/vacancies.html EPSRC National Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC)
70
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
This Ph.D. project aims to study light-regulated motility in photosynthetic swimming microorganisms through experiments and modelling. Photosynthetic microorganisms are fundamental primary producers, at the base of major food webs (e.g. in the oceans). Many species are motile, and can move towards or away from light (phototaxis), thereby modulating their photosynthetic activity. At the same time microorganisms are also capable of biochemical photoprotection, which can in principle be used as an alternative to phototaxis. Phototaxis, photosynthesis, and photoprotection are interconnected, and can be thought of as the three main components of a possibly complex- dynamical system whose behaviour has a profound impact on the fitness of photosynthetic microorganisms. This system has not been studied before. The aim of this Ph.D. project is to begin exploring specific aspects of this connection quantitatively, as part of a wider, comprehensive plan to develop a realistic model of phototaxis. The student will receive training in both experimental biophysics at the cellular level (micromanipulation, video microscopy, image analysis), and cell biology with a focus on chloroplast activity. Link: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/physics/ prospective/postgraduate Link2:http://mpolin.wordpress.com/ E-mail: [email protected] Application accepted all year round
This is your opportunity to launch a career in worldleading cancer research as you gain a PhD in a cancerrelated field. To join us as a Clinical Research Training Fellow, you will be a post-registration clinician, ideally with a specialist training post. You will receive running expenses, an appropriate salary and full coverage of university PhD
fees. A first or 2:1 honours degree or the overseas equivalent will be vital for a non-clinical studentship. Your award will include running fees, PhD fees and an annual stipend of £19,000 per year. Find out more about how you can join the fi ght against cancer at http://www.mcrc.manchester.ac.uk Applications can be made to: [email protected]
Imperial College London Department of Chemical Engineering Research Associate Salary: £33,410 to £42,380 p.a.* Full Time, Fixed term appointment for 12 months Applications are invited for a Research Associate to work in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London based at the South Kensington Campus. The successful applicant will take part in a cooperative EPSRC project, jointly working with Sheffield University (at the UK PACT facility http://www. pact.ac.uk/) and the University of Edinburgh. Specifically, the project will utilise the 50 kW oxycombustion burner system. The key objective is to analyse trace and minor species flow through combustion systems, via analysis of ashes and fuels, matching these results up with on-line analysis of species emissions conducted in collaboration with staff at Sheffield University. The project is specifically concerned with combustion of biomass which may contain minor quantities of contamination (such as treated wood). A number of laboratory analysis techniques will be used to determine the concentrations of the trace species, including inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis. Our preferred method of application is online via our website http://www.imperial.ac.uk/job-applicants/opportunities/ phd-vacancies/
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
Applications Scientist - Single Cell Genomics, South San Francisco CA The Single Cell Application Specialist will serve as a technical resource for Product Managers, R&D Scientists and global field support teams to ensure Fluidigm’s success in the single cell genomics (SCG) market. The primary responsibility of this role is to conduct proof of performance studies, complete competitive testing and analysis and develop educational tools for single cell genomic applications. The Single Cell Genomics Application Specialist will manage the confirmation test site program, deliver technical presentations at scientific meetings and promotional events, and lead and actively participate in the development of technical literature that supports the use of Fluidigm products for single cell analysis for both internal and external use. Additionally, the application specialist will represent the needs of enduser customers on product development and provide strategic and tactical input to impact on product direction and strategy.
Post-doctoral Training Fellow - Cancer Bioinformatics Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research www.icr.ac.uk We seek a Post-doctoral Training Fellow to work on machine learning in cancer research. Our lab develops novel approaches that combine statistical modelling with pathological image analysis to generate robust and objective predictions of pathological outcome in patients. Our goals are to foster new development of statistical applications in biology and pathology, and to develop novel therapeutic strategies through working with the therapeutic unit at ICR. In particular, our lab focuses on developing image processing tools for pathological images to revolutionize the field of pathology, turning qualitative observations into quantitative measurements (Yuan et al. Sci Trans Med 2012). This allows us to then catalogue both rich ‘omics’ data and pathological features to draw on the power of both molecular and pathological diagnosis. The responsibility of this post holder is to develop machine learning methodologies for large sets of in-house data including large clinical trials. The successful applicant will enjoy working in the
71
interdisciplinary fields and collaborating with our internal and external biology, clinical, and pathology collaborators. The post holder will excel in coordinating between programming and exploring medical research areas through interacting with these collaborations, be a fast learner, and is motivated to explore new scientific subjects.
Research Associate Craniofacial Development & Stem Cell Biology, King's College London Applications are sought for a post-doctoral research position working in the laboratory of Prof. Jeremy Green in the Department of Craniofacial Development, Guy’s Campus at King’s College London. This 3-year BBSRC-funded project is to find out how cells drive epithelial bending involved in development of teeth, hair follicles, salivary glands and other organs. This project will use advanced microscopy and image analysis to study this important motif of development. It will involve mouse embryology, immunohistochemistry, mammalian tissue culture and advanced imaging. Suitable applicants would include those with a background in developmental or cell biology. Fixed-term contract for 36 months. The appointment will be made on the Grade 6 scale, currently £31,331, per annum, plus £2,323 London Allowance per annum. For an informal discussion of the post please contact Jeremy Green via email at [email protected] Further details and application packs are available on the College’s website at www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs. All correspondence should clearly state the job title and reference number R6/NCC/1037/13-MM.
ICCBES 2015 : XIII International Conference on Chemical, Biological and Environmental Sciences Venice Italy April 13 – 14 2015
https://www.waset.org/conference/2015/04/venice/ICCBES
72
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
25-27th March 2015 John Innes Centre Norwich UK Natural products produced predominantly by microorganisms and plants have inspired the development of many blockbuster drugs and crop protection agents. Natural Products research is strategically important to industry and society globally, and we are fortunate to have a vibrant research community engaged in this activity. Directing Biosynthesis IV will be the fourth in a successful series of meetings. While the field is driven by genetic and associated technological advances, the fields of organic chemistry, enzymology, biochemistry and ecology will continue to make strong contributions. Chemistry remains the central focus. Directing Biosynthesis IV will feature an opening Frontiers session as well as a Perspectives session to mark the 25th anniversary of the discovery of modular thiotemplate assembly lines for polyketide biosynthesis. A session on Synthetic Biology & Bioengineering will showcase some of the important past, current and future contributions biosynthesis is making towards these areas. Link: http://www.rsc.org/ConferencesAndEvents/ RSCConferences/DBIV/index.asp Oral abstract deadline: 10th October 2014 Poster abstract dealine: 16th January 2014
The theme of the ICBB 2015 conference is “Biotechnology and Biodiversity: Research beyond imagination”.
Contact for further details: http://scientificfuture.com/ icbb-2015/
Life Unfolding: How the human body creates itself Jamie A Davies Oxford University Press 27 February 2014, ISBN 978-0-19-967353-7 List price £20.00 The remarkable documentation of how a human is forged from a tiny bundle of cells, Life Unfolding follows the early growth and gastrulation of a human embryo step-by-step, then zooms in on specific highlights such as the formation of arms and legs or neuron networks. In a straightforward, unhurried manner, Davies explains the underpinning mechanisms with the aid of diagrams, many of which display geometries exquisite to the eye. He is at his best when illustrating a concept with a well-chosen analogy. I particularly enjoyed his contrasting of biological construction with conventional engineering: one important difference between the two methods is that our bodies have no complete blueprint of the finished product, unlike the builders of a bridge for example. Not even our genes can provide us with that. How, then, do we self-assemble coherently? Davies reminds us repeatedly that the extraordinary sophistication we see in the finished human product can arise from basic physical and chemical processes. It can be tempting to anthropomorphise our cells as they crawl around, communicate with each other, reproduce, destroy invaders and even commit suicide (or ‘elective cell death’), but they are essentially mindless slaves. For example, a cell further away from the source of a signalling protein experiences a lower concentration of that protein than a cell closer to the source, so the closer cell has certain genes switched on whilst the other does not, causing a different specialisation. The cells are merely reacting to a concentration gradient; they are not actively deciding their fates. Davies describes extensively the cutting-edge research which has built up our current model of human growth, though he stresses that we still by no means have the full picture; he suspects that a basic framework has now been laid down, but the fine print has yet to be brought into focus. One reason for this is that we cannot simply slice a human embryo open and poke around: there are too many ethical obstacles in the way. Most of the studies on which we base our current understanding were conducted on mice, chickens and fish. Although we share many anatomical features with these creatures, they can only tell us so much about our dizzying complexity. In any case, Life Unfolding is an essential addition to the scientific bookshelf. Its story is told with poise and sensitivity, exploring the philosophy, ethics and culture surrounding biology as much as the fundamental action playing out at the molecular level. There is humour, too – biologists have great fun naming proteins, for instance, giving rise to ‘Noggin’, ‘Treacle’, ‘Mind-bomb’ and ‘Sonic Hedgehog’, to mention but a few. Ultimately, however, a book like this is so rewarding to read because it allows us to know ourselves, in all our astonishing detail that little bit better. Sam Buckton
JOCB BULLETIN
JOCB Bulletin
Published online: 26 March 2015 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2015
Thanks once again to all our readers who have submitted items for inclusion in this section. Can I remind you that we advertise readers’ items at the interface of the physical and life sciences free of charge including illustrations and colour. Any contributions that might be of interest to researchers in the Chemical Biology field concerning studentships, job vacancies courses or conferences, book reviews or news items would be most welcome. Please send to
Projects are available for statisticians, mathematicians, biologists, health economists, qualitative researchers, epidemiologists, psychologists, social scientists, health service researchers, and those with appropriate qualifications currently working in trials. Some projects are suitable for Clinical Research Training Fellowship support. Find out more about which projects are available online (eligibility requirements apply). For the full list of projects, universities and how to apply please see our website: www.methodologyhubs.mrc.ac.uk
Dr C A Rosser Email [email protected] GRADUATE STUDIES IN BILBAO, SPAIN
PhD studentships and Clinical Research Training Fellowships in Trials Methodology 2015 entry Multiple projects, UK universities Are you interested in medical research that matters to patients and the NHS? Our programme presents a unique opportunity to undertake MRC funded PhD study in trials methodology research. Up to 10 new MRC-funded PhD projects are available at locations across the UK
The University of the Basque Country offers Master and PhD degrees in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine. The 1-year Master degree (60 ECTS) consists of lecture courses (30 ECTS) and a research project (30 ECTS). No knowledge of Spanish required. Info at: www.masterbiologiamolecular.ehu.es
68
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
Project: APC-Mediated Polarity in the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche Supervisor: Dr Marc de la Roche Dept/School/Faculty: Department of Biochemistry The proposed research will determine the mechanisms by which cell and tissue polarity is maintained in the intestinal epithelia. Importantly, inactivation of the tumour suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) inappropriately activates the Wnt signaling pathway and its oncogenic transcriptional program. This initiates malignant transformation that leads to colorectal cancer. In addition, APC regulates microtubule-based cytoskeletal polarity. Therefore, loss of APC function compromises normal control of cellular proliferation and maintenance of cell polarity, key hallmarks of tumorigenesis. The role of APC-dependent maintenance of cell and tissue polarity in restricting tumorigenesis is a focus of our research. Previous studies have established that the APC polarity effector Macf1 is a key determinant of microtubulebased cell polarity. Our recent results indicate that Macf1 defines basal polarity in Paneth cells. These cells constitute the intestinal epithelial stem cell niche at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn where they physically sequester stem cells. We will determine the molecular basis of Macf1 regulation and localization by APC in Paneth cells. We will define how this dictates cellular polarity and the impact on tissue polarity of the intestinal epithelia. We will determine the role of APC in governing cell and tissue polarity by investigating the phenotypic consequences of APC mutation. State-of-the-art organotypic systems, will allow faithful and reproducible modelling of the intestinal epithelium and its malignantly transformed state. This system will be used to elucidate the molecular basis of polarity in Paneth cells and how this impacts on the intestinal epithelium as a whole. Link: http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/people/uto/ delaroche http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails. aspx?PJID=50039&LID=250 Deadline: Applications accepted all year round
PhD Supervisor: Dr A MacDonald Dept: Faculty of Biological Sciences Deadline: All year round Targeting host cell ion channels to treat virusassociated kidney transplant rejection Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) is a serious, emerging complication in kidney transplant recipients. It is caused by the BK polyomavirus (BKV), which establishes a life-long infection in the kidneys. In healthy individuals, this virus is kept in check by the immune system. In kidney transplant patients, where the immune system is suppressed by therapeutics that prevent rejection, the virus can reactivate and cause disease. Prevalence of PVAN is increasing and afflicts up to 10 % of all kidney transplant patients. Crucially, ion channels are an emerging therapeutic target for many medical conditions. As such, compounds that target these channels and impede BKV may represent a novel strategy for developing therapeutics to treat PVAN. Link: http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails. aspx?PJID=41511&LID=735 http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/staff/Macdonald_A/ Contact: [email protected]
PhD Supervisor: Dr P Thorpe Dept: National Institute for Medical Research Deadline: All year round Characterising the mechanism of the mitotic checkpoint This is a collaborative project, joint funded between NIMR and Imperial College London. The successful candidate will benefit from working in labs at both the NIMR and Imperial. The student will register for their degree at Imperial.
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
This project will involve extensive use of automated multiwell plate FLIM instrumentation and analysis of the resulting large data sets. Consequently, candidates should ideally have a physics/bioengineering degree coupled with strong analytical and computational skills. The project will also involve learning basic genetics and molecular biology. Dual-tagged yeast strains will be created by the student at NIMR using high-throughput genomics approaches. At Imperial FLIM FRET will then be used to assay for interactions within this array of dualtagged strains using an automated high-throughput approach to FRET FLIM. Link: http://www.nimr.mrc.ac.uk/phd/projects/ Characterising-the-mechanism-of-the-mitoticcheckpoint
69
Medical Engineering & Physics, MSc This multi award winning programme will provide you with a solid background in the physics and engineering of medical technology, as well as the design, maintenance and quality control of medical imaging equipment. Medical Imaging Sciences, MRes This programme aims to provide graduates of chemistry, physics, computing, mathematics, biology, pharmacy or medicine, with advanced training in the imaging field. Intended mainly as preparation for a PhD, but also serves as training for employment in hospitals and industry. http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/index.aspx
Contact: [email protected]
Postgraduate opportunities at the Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering The Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering is at the forefront of research, development, education and training in all aspects of Medical Imaging. The Division offers four postgraduate degree programmes and also hosts an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Imaging. Radiopharmaceutics & PET Radiochemistry, MSc This MSc will equip you to design and develop radiopharmaceuticals labelled with gamma-emitting or positronemitting radioisotopes, and to produce them daily in the radiopharmacy for scanning patients. This is an ideal degree for graduates in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Physics, Radiography or Biosciences. Nuclear Medicine: Science & Practice MSc/Dip/Cert This programme is unique in the UK, and is suitable for qualified doctors working in the field of nuclear medicine. The Diploma and Certificate programmes are open to other nuclear medicine health care professionals.
CMAC – Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation Fully Funded PhD Studentships and MSc Opportunities – Strathclyde Location: CMAC DTC PhDs across UK - Bath, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heriot Watt, Loughborough and Strathclyde International PhD at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow MSc at University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Discipline Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Clinical, Engineering, Operations Level PhD/Studentships, Masters Courses Hours Full Time Further information Fellowships, Senior PDRA, PDRA and Fully Funded Studentships and MSc Opportunities www.cmac.ac.uk/vacancies.html EPSRC National Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallisation (CMAC)
70
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
This Ph.D. project aims to study light-regulated motility in photosynthetic swimming microorganisms through experiments and modelling. Photosynthetic microorganisms are fundamental primary producers, at the base of major food webs (e.g. in the oceans). Many species are motile, and can move towards or away from light (phototaxis), thereby modulating their photosynthetic activity. At the same time microorganisms are also capable of biochemical photoprotection, which can in principle be used as an alternative to phototaxis. Phototaxis, photosynthesis, and photoprotection are interconnected, and can be thought of as the three main components of a possibly complex- dynamical system whose behaviour has a profound impact on the fitness of photosynthetic microorganisms. This system has not been studied before. The aim of this Ph.D. project is to begin exploring specific aspects of this connection quantitatively, as part of a wider, comprehensive plan to develop a realistic model of phototaxis. The student will receive training in both experimental biophysics at the cellular level (micromanipulation, video microscopy, image analysis), and cell biology with a focus on chloroplast activity. Link: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/physics/ prospective/postgraduate Link2:http://mpolin.wordpress.com/ E-mail: [email protected] Application accepted all year round
This is your opportunity to launch a career in worldleading cancer research as you gain a PhD in a cancerrelated field. To join us as a Clinical Research Training Fellow, you will be a post-registration clinician, ideally with a specialist training post. You will receive running expenses, an appropriate salary and full coverage of university PhD
fees. A first or 2:1 honours degree or the overseas equivalent will be vital for a non-clinical studentship. Your award will include running fees, PhD fees and an annual stipend of £19,000 per year. Find out more about how you can join the fi ght against cancer at http://www.mcrc.manchester.ac.uk Applications can be made to: [email protected]
Imperial College London Department of Chemical Engineering Research Associate Salary: £33,410 to £42,380 p.a.* Full Time, Fixed term appointment for 12 months Applications are invited for a Research Associate to work in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London based at the South Kensington Campus. The successful applicant will take part in a cooperative EPSRC project, jointly working with Sheffield University (at the UK PACT facility http://www. pact.ac.uk/) and the University of Edinburgh. Specifically, the project will utilise the 50 kW oxycombustion burner system. The key objective is to analyse trace and minor species flow through combustion systems, via analysis of ashes and fuels, matching these results up with on-line analysis of species emissions conducted in collaboration with staff at Sheffield University. The project is specifically concerned with combustion of biomass which may contain minor quantities of contamination (such as treated wood). A number of laboratory analysis techniques will be used to determine the concentrations of the trace species, including inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence analysis. Our preferred method of application is online via our website http://www.imperial.ac.uk/job-applicants/opportunities/ phd-vacancies/
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
Applications Scientist - Single Cell Genomics, South San Francisco CA The Single Cell Application Specialist will serve as a technical resource for Product Managers, R&D Scientists and global field support teams to ensure Fluidigm’s success in the single cell genomics (SCG) market. The primary responsibility of this role is to conduct proof of performance studies, complete competitive testing and analysis and develop educational tools for single cell genomic applications. The Single Cell Genomics Application Specialist will manage the confirmation test site program, deliver technical presentations at scientific meetings and promotional events, and lead and actively participate in the development of technical literature that supports the use of Fluidigm products for single cell analysis for both internal and external use. Additionally, the application specialist will represent the needs of enduser customers on product development and provide strategic and tactical input to impact on product direction and strategy.
Post-doctoral Training Fellow - Cancer Bioinformatics Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research www.icr.ac.uk We seek a Post-doctoral Training Fellow to work on machine learning in cancer research. Our lab develops novel approaches that combine statistical modelling with pathological image analysis to generate robust and objective predictions of pathological outcome in patients. Our goals are to foster new development of statistical applications in biology and pathology, and to develop novel therapeutic strategies through working with the therapeutic unit at ICR. In particular, our lab focuses on developing image processing tools for pathological images to revolutionize the field of pathology, turning qualitative observations into quantitative measurements (Yuan et al. Sci Trans Med 2012). This allows us to then catalogue both rich ‘omics’ data and pathological features to draw on the power of both molecular and pathological diagnosis. The responsibility of this post holder is to develop machine learning methodologies for large sets of in-house data including large clinical trials. The successful applicant will enjoy working in the
71
interdisciplinary fields and collaborating with our internal and external biology, clinical, and pathology collaborators. The post holder will excel in coordinating between programming and exploring medical research areas through interacting with these collaborations, be a fast learner, and is motivated to explore new scientific subjects.
Research Associate Craniofacial Development & Stem Cell Biology, King's College London Applications are sought for a post-doctoral research position working in the laboratory of Prof. Jeremy Green in the Department of Craniofacial Development, Guy’s Campus at King’s College London. This 3-year BBSRC-funded project is to find out how cells drive epithelial bending involved in development of teeth, hair follicles, salivary glands and other organs. This project will use advanced microscopy and image analysis to study this important motif of development. It will involve mouse embryology, immunohistochemistry, mammalian tissue culture and advanced imaging. Suitable applicants would include those with a background in developmental or cell biology. Fixed-term contract for 36 months. The appointment will be made on the Grade 6 scale, currently £31,331, per annum, plus £2,323 London Allowance per annum. For an informal discussion of the post please contact Jeremy Green via email at [email protected] Further details and application packs are available on the College’s website at www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs. All correspondence should clearly state the job title and reference number R6/NCC/1037/13-MM.
ICCBES 2015 : XIII International Conference on Chemical, Biological and Environmental Sciences Venice Italy April 13 – 14 2015
https://www.waset.org/conference/2015/04/venice/ICCBES
72
J Chem Biol (2015) 8:67–72
25-27th March 2015 John Innes Centre Norwich UK Natural products produced predominantly by microorganisms and plants have inspired the development of many blockbuster drugs and crop protection agents. Natural Products research is strategically important to industry and society globally, and we are fortunate to have a vibrant research community engaged in this activity. Directing Biosynthesis IV will be the fourth in a successful series of meetings. While the field is driven by genetic and associated technological advances, the fields of organic chemistry, enzymology, biochemistry and ecology will continue to make strong contributions. Chemistry remains the central focus. Directing Biosynthesis IV will feature an opening Frontiers session as well as a Perspectives session to mark the 25th anniversary of the discovery of modular thiotemplate assembly lines for polyketide biosynthesis. A session on Synthetic Biology & Bioengineering will showcase some of the important past, current and future contributions biosynthesis is making towards these areas. Link: http://www.rsc.org/ConferencesAndEvents/ RSCConferences/DBIV/index.asp Oral abstract deadline: 10th October 2014 Poster abstract dealine: 16th January 2014
The theme of the ICBB 2015 conference is “Biotechnology and Biodiversity: Research beyond imagination”.
Contact for further details: http://scientificfuture.com/ icbb-2015/
Life Unfolding: How the human body creates itself Jamie A Davies Oxford University Press 27 February 2014, ISBN 978-0-19-967353-7 List price £20.00 The remarkable documentation of how a human is forged from a tiny bundle of cells, Life Unfolding follows the early growth and gastrulation of a human embryo step-by-step, then zooms in on specific highlights such as the formation of arms and legs or neuron networks. In a straightforward, unhurried manner, Davies explains the underpinning mechanisms with the aid of diagrams, many of which display geometries exquisite to the eye. He is at his best when illustrating a concept with a well-chosen analogy. I particularly enjoyed his contrasting of biological construction with conventional engineering: one important difference between the two methods is that our bodies have no complete blueprint of the finished product, unlike the builders of a bridge for example. Not even our genes can provide us with that. How, then, do we self-assemble coherently? Davies reminds us repeatedly that the extraordinary sophistication we see in the finished human product can arise from basic physical and chemical processes. It can be tempting to anthropomorphise our cells as they crawl around, communicate with each other, reproduce, destroy invaders and even commit suicide (or ‘elective cell death’), but they are essentially mindless slaves. For example, a cell further away from the source of a signalling protein experiences a lower concentration of that protein than a cell closer to the source, so the closer cell has certain genes switched on whilst the other does not, causing a different specialisation. The cells are merely reacting to a concentration gradient; they are not actively deciding their fates. Davies describes extensively the cutting-edge research which has built up our current model of human growth, though he stresses that we still by no means have the full picture; he suspects that a basic framework has now been laid down, but the fine print has yet to be brought into focus. One reason for this is that we cannot simply slice a human embryo open and poke around: there are too many ethical obstacles in the way. Most of the studies on which we base our current understanding were conducted on mice, chickens and fish. Although we share many anatomical features with these creatures, they can only tell us so much about our dizzying complexity. In any case, Life Unfolding is an essential addition to the scientific bookshelf. Its story is told with poise and sensitivity, exploring the philosophy, ethics and culture surrounding biology as much as the fundamental action playing out at the molecular level. There is humour, too – biologists have great fun naming proteins, for instance, giving rise to ‘Noggin’, ‘Treacle’, ‘Mind-bomb’ and ‘Sonic Hedgehog’, to mention but a few. Ultimately, however, a book like this is so rewarding to read because it allows us to know ourselves, in all our astonishing detail that little bit better. Sam Buckton
