J Chem Biol (2013) 6:77–84 DOI 10.1007/s12154-013-0092-7
JOCB BULLETIN
JOCB Bulletin Published online: 15 March 2013 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013
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 Dr C A Rosser 1 North Parade Derby DE1 3AY Email [email protected]
GRADUATE STUDIES IN BILBAO, SPAIN
The University of the Basque Country offers Master and PhD degrees in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine. The one-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
PhD Supervisor: Dr M Kuimova Dept: Department of Chemistry Deadline: Applications accepted all year round Applications are invited for a fully funded PhDStudentship working in the Departments of Chemistry on the South Kensington Campus of Imperial College London. The successful candidate will work towards her/his PhD under the supervision of Dr Marina Kuimova. For the main themes of research in the group see http://www3.imperial.ac. uk/people/m.kuimova/research Many important biological processes, such as intracellular transport and signal transduction depend on the hydrodynamic properties of the intracellular matrix, i.e. viscosity of individual domains within cells and the distribution of such domains. The current PhD project will involve spectroscopic and photophysical characterisation of novel fluorescent probes called molecular rotors, sensitive to the viscosity of the environment. Fluorescence imaging will be used to investigate the viscosity of microdomains within cells during the normal cell function and during drug- and light- induced cell death (e.g. during Photodynamic Therapy, PDT, a way of cancer treatment). The EPSRC-funded studentship will provide a tax-free maintenance stipend (including London weighting) of approximately £15000 per year. In addition it will cover the full cost of fees for the EU/UK students. Applications are invited from students with an appropriate background in chemistry, with an interest in spectroscopy, photochemistry and biological imaging. In addition the interest in synthesis of fluorescent
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probes can be an advantage. Candidates must have received at least a 2:1 in their first degree. To apply for this project please send a C.V. and details of at least two referees to Dr Marina Kuimova, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College, South Kensington, [email protected]. This position is available from 1st October 2012. CVs will be reviewed as received and until the post is filled. Link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/m.kuimova
PhD Supervisor: Dr M Hyvonen Dept: Department of Biochemistry Deadline: Applications accepted all year round We are interested in molecular determinants of growth factor signalling, with particular focus on the TGFbeta family growth factors, their receptors and inhibitors. We use biochemical, biophysical (ITC, SPR, ITC, CD) and structural biology (X-ray crystallography and NMR) techniques to study these proteins and their interactions. We have many collaborations with developmental and stem cell biologists who study the biological function and activities of these molecules in model systems, and we try to verify the functional significance of our structural analysis in living cells.
PhD Supervisor: Prof M Hannon Dept: School of Computer Science Deadline: Applications accepted all year round The University of Birmingham is offering the opportunity for further study at the interface between the different science, engineering and medicine disciplines, providing a career route for graduates to the imaging industry, pushing the boundaries of this field to improve health care.
Funding Notes: We would expect the candidates to obtain funding through competitive schemes. This can be either through Departmental Research Council studentships (UK and EU nationals), through various Cambridge based Trusts or via their home countries. Applications from selffunded (non-competitive) students are considered. Applicants are expected to have good understanding of structural biology and preferably have relevant experience from their undergraduate projects. Link: http://www-cryst.bioc.cam.ac.uk/groups/hyvonen
Applications for entry in 2013 are open to students that have, or expect to obtain, a good 2:1 (Hons) or 1st class degree (or equivalent EU/overseas degree) in a physical scientific subject (Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematics accepted). Funding Notes: Fully-funded EPSRC studentships (tax free stipend £13,590 p.a.) are available for Home/EU students for this inter-disciplinary programme in the area of Biomedical Imaging, which brings together the different skills of physical scientists, computer scientists, biologists and medics. Link: http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/admissions/post graduate-research/
PhD Supervisor: Prof A Harvey Dept: School of Physics and Astronomy Deadline: Applications accepted all year round Hyperspectral imaging of the retina enables the mapping of chemical constituents within the retina that can be used to understand retinal function and disease. The optical imaging of blood oxygenation has particular medical significance and poses a set of challenging problems in optical measurement and algorithms. In Glasgow we have developed internationally leading
J Chem Biol (2013) 6:77–84
oximetry techniques using our unique hyperspectral imaging for deducing retinal oxygenation. This is of vital importance for understanding oxygen consumption in the eye and also for screening for retinal diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The student will develop new hyperspectral imaging techniques and also the algorithms for recovery of blood oxygenation. S/he will research novel techniques for measurement of blood oxygenation both in the eye. The research will be in collaboration with other PhD students and clinicians in Glasgow, the UK and abroad and associated travel will be expected. The position will suit somebody with a good first degree in Physics, a related physical science or Engineering who enjoys working with optics and computational techniques with an emphasis on research at the life-science interface. An enthusiasm for innovation and speculative thinking is particularly encouraged. To apply for this position, in the first instance please send a CV with covering letter to andy.harvey@ glasgow.ac.uk. The position is available for an early or October start and is one of several research opportunities in this group advertised elsewhere in FindaPhD Funding Notes: Funding is available for 3.5 years for UK or EU nationals. All fees are paid together with EPSRC-level tax-free stipend of £13,590 p.a. Link: http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/physics/staff/ andyharvey/
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“NMR crystallography” to small molecule APIs (where structural characterization is vital due to the frequency of polymorphism), starting with cases where the crystal structure can be independently determined from singlecrystal diffraction. From previous work on pharmaceutical solvates, we have a number of systems where only powder diffraction data is available and the structure is unknown. Colleagues in Lyon have shown how crystal structure prediction techniques can provide plausible structures which can be verified against NMR/powder X-ray diffraction data. Another ambitious target will be glassy states formed by quench cooling, where NMR implies the existence of a well defined “mean structure”, and recent experience with molecular dynamics simulations will help provide appropriate models. This project involves a mix of experimental work, analysis and computation, and would suit applicants with interests in the solid state and pharmaceutical applications. Applicants should be comfortable with computing, be enthusiastic problem solvers, and have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK 2.i honours degree in Chemistry or Physics with experience of a Masterslevel research project. The position is available from October 2012, and the studentship will cover tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant for 39 months. Further information on the Durham NMR group can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/solids.nmr. Interested applicants should contact Dr Paul Hodgkinson (paul. [email protected]) with a covering letter and CV, including the names of two academic references (to include a research project supervisor). Link: http://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/profile/?id=185
PhD Supervisor: Dr Paul Hodgkinson Dept: Department of Chemistry Deadline: 26 July 2013 Developments in quantum chemistry mean that it is now relatively straightforward to predict solid-state NMR spectra. Work in our group and elsewhere has shown that 13C and 1H chemical shifts are extremely sensitive (pm level) to complementary structural aspects (13C for conformation, 1H for intermolecular contacts). The aim of this project is develop protocols for the application of such
Position: PostDoc Location: Brussels, Belgium College: Chemical Physics of Materials, Universite Libre deBruxelles Deadline: 01 April 2013 We have the pleasure to inform you about a vacancy in the group of “Chemical Physics of Materials” in the
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chemistry department of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Brussels, Belgium). The vacancy is at the postdoctoral level. Candidates are expected to have a strong background in physical chemistry, physics or materials science. Experience in construction/handling of ultra-high-vacuum equipment is a prerequisite. Knowledge in surface science and heterogeneous catalysis are welcome. Successful candidate will have good communication skills, be able to work in a team and be highly motivated to perform challenging research work. The position is in the area of surface imaging using Field Ion (Electron) Microscopy and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. The main focus will be on imaging adsorbed organic molecules over metallic surfaces exhibiting flat, stepped and kinked facets with an emphasis on chiral ones. The aim is to identify preferential adsorption sites with respect to the molecular structure of the adsorbates. The project will be conducted in strong cooperation with the surface science group of the University of Cambridge (UK) Informal enquiries & applications including a cover letter and a full CV must be sent to Thierry Visart de Bocarmé ([email protected]). The position is immediately available. Link: http://cpmct.ulb.ac.be/index.php
& Identify drug substance impurities using chromatography, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Structurally elucidate these impurities. The successful candidate will have experience in GC, HPLC, standard lab instruments, such as analytical balances, pH meter, centrifuge, moisture balance, oven, etc. as well as experience in lab procedures, such as titration, extraction, solid phase extraction, dilution, etc. The candidate must have basic knowledge of chemicals, their properties, structure, reactivity, and be able to handle them with safe and appropriate techniques. The candidate shall possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, effectively multi-task, be a team player with strong communication, presentation and problem solving capabilities and possess experience with routine data entry in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Required qualification: PhD in chemistry with 4+ years related analytical laboratory experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Must have designed/developed chromatographic assays, not just used the techniques. Relevant experience in good laboratory/manufacturing practices (cGLP/ cGMP), laboratory quality control and quality assurance is preferred. Experienced with MS based detectors preferred. Link: http://www.findapostdoc.com/search/JobDetails. aspx?jobcode=1002276 Reference: 03375889-87741/5157579
Position: Analytical scientist Location: Painesville, Ohio, United States Company: Ricerca Biosciences, LLC Ricerca Biosciences, LLC, a drug-development company partnering with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, has an immediate need for an Analytical Scientist. In this position, the ideal candidate must perform these essential tasks:
& Develop and validate chromatographic procedures (HPLC, GC) for small chemical entity drug substances and products & Develop and validate procedures for the analysis of extractable and leachable materials.
Position: Chemists/Physicists - Raman Spectroscopy Location: UK Company: Base4 Ltd Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 Per Annum plus Benefits Base 4 is seeking highly motivated, team orientated and creative chemists and physicists. Base 4 is a fastgrowing scientific startup company developing highspeed single molecule detection platforms for use in the biomedical industry. Founded in 2007, our focus is on the optimisation and rapid commercialisation
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of devices for DNA sequencing, point-of-care diagnostics and genetic analysis, along with novel approaches to sample preparation, data handling and bioinformatics. Required qualification: Educated to PhD level, you will have significant knowledge and experience of Raman Spectroscopy and ideally Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), and a keen desire to apply these skills in the development of novel technologies. Please email your CV and covering letter with salary details to [email protected]. L i n k : h t t p : / / w w w. f i n d a p o s t d o c . c o m / s e a r c h / JobDetails.aspx?jobcode=4270 Contact: (Jackie Kearley) [email protected].
LIPID MAPS Annual Meeting 2013: Impact of Lipidomics on Oxidized Lipids and NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease May 7–8, 2013, La Jolla, CA This year's meeting program features two main thrusts: Oxidized lipid functioning & non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Several lightning talks will also be selected from poster submissions. Poster sessions will take place on both days of the meeting. The poster abstract deadline is Saturday, March 09, 2013. The reception and dinner Tuesday evening (included in the registration fee) are an opportunity for stimulating discussion and networking. Please register as soon as possible, as space is limited and registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. The early registration deadline is Saturday, March 09, 2013. http://www.lipidmaps.org/meetings/2013annual/ index.html
The AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo is the premier global science and business forum on fats, oils, surfactants, lipids, and related materials. Broad topic categories Agricultural Microscopy | Analytical | Biotechnology Edible Applications Technology | Industrial Oil Products Health and Nutrition | Food Structure & Functionality Forum Lipid Oxidation and Quality | Phospholipid Protein and Co-Products | Surfactants and Detergents Focus areas that have been identified as relevant topics: Advanced Biobased Products | Algal Technology Edible Ester Technologies | Food Security | Nutrition Link: http://annualmeeting.aocs.org/
Biomolecules and Nanostructures 4 15–19 May 2013 Pultusk, Poland The Institute of Physics Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) in Warsaw is organizing a 4th edition of the Workshop on Biomolecules and Nanostructures. The key topics of the Workshop will cover current subjects on the crossroads of molecular biology, physics and chemistry, including: & Biomolecules & Nanostructures & Nanomachines & Biosensors The specific topics of the conference include: singlemolecule manipulation, supramolecular assemblies and aggregates, interactions between nucleic acids and
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proteins, protein folding, and phenomena at bio-nano interfaces. Both experimental and theoretical approaches will be presented. 6th European Symposium on Plant Lipids 7-10 July 2013, Bordeaux, France Main Topics and Keynote Lectures:
The Yeast Lipid Conference is an international scientific meeting, held every second year to promote free discussion between scientists working on or interested in yeast lipids. The 11th Yeast Lipid Conference will be held from 29th of May until the 31st of May 2013 in Halifax, Canada. It will start on Wednesday afternoon with registration followed by the opening lecture, given by Yusuf Hannun, and an evening reception. The following two days will be seminars by invited guests with some speakers chosen from submitted abstracts, poster sessions, and social events.
& & & & & & & & &
Fatty Acid Modification Membrane and Chloroplast Lipid Metabolism Storage Lipid Accumulation and Mobilisation Plant Lipid Biotechnology Lipid Surface and Suberin Metabolism Lipid Signalling Sphingolipids and Sterols Intracellular Lipid Trafficking Lipidomics
Registration deadlines: Lectures – 1 May 2013 Posters – 1 June 2013 http://www.eurofedlipid.org/meetings/bordeaux2013/ index.php
http://ylc2013.medicine.dal.ca/
The aim of this multidisciplinary meeting is to bring together physicists and biologists to discuss experimental and theoretical approaches for studying behaviour in living systems. Speakers will combine an introduction aimed at a broad audience with results from their latest research. Topics covered will include search strategies and foraging, simplicity underlying complexity, sensing and migration, and decisionmaking. These topics span multiple scales from single cells and individuals to collectives. Key dates Abstract submission deadline: 4 April 2013 Early registration deadline: 22 May 2013 Registration deadline: 17 June 2013
9th European Biophysics Congress EBSA 2013 13–17 July 2013 Lisbon Topics include:
& & & & & & & &
Biological Electron and Proton Transfer Molecular Motors Protein Folding, Assembly and Stability Biomolecular Simulation: spanning scales Imaging and Biospectroscopy Molecular Recognition and Nanobiophysics Membrane Structure and Domains Single Molecule Biophysics
http://www.ebsa2013.org/
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54th International Conference on the Bioscience of Lipids Bari, Italy 17 - 21 September 2013 Linking transcription to physiology in lipidomics Main Topics:
& Signal transduction, gene expression and circadian rhythm in the regulation of lipid metabolism Nuclear receptors and the transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism The gut-liver axis route for lipids Dissecting lipid metabolism in diabetes and atherosclerosis Lipid metabolism, transcription, neurogenesis, stemness Phospholipid metabolism in physiology and disease Lipids and membranes in stress management: perception, signaling and adaptation
& & & & & &
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8) Host pathogen interaction 9) Vaccines 10) New technologies for transgenesis and tissue visualisation 11) New methods at organismal level: optogenetics 12) New methods in genomics 13) Non coding RNAs 14) Cytoskeleton dynamics 15) Stem cell signalling 16) Targeting DNA repair 17) Membranes in development 18) Epigenetics 19) Imaging technologies 20) New methods in analysing protein complexes Link: http://www.the-embo-meeting.org/
http://www.icbl.unibe.ch/
GEM/GERLI lipidomics meeting: from membranes to pathologies The “Groupe d‘Etude des Membranes (GEM)” and the “Groupe d’Etude et de Recherche en Lipidomique (GERLI)” are two French societies with respective expertise in membrane biophysics and lipidomics. For the first time, they will organize a joint meeting (16th GEM/10th GERLI meeting) from November 10 to 14, 2013 in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, in the South-East of France. Concurrent Sessions 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)
Quantitative analysis of signalling Cancer genomics Membrane organisation Membrane trafficking Nuclear substructure Cell division Cell polarity
The specific aims of this meeting will be to discuss cutting-edge research on membrane components, ie lipids and membrane proteins, from their biophysical and biochemical properties to their specific functions in human physiology and therapeutic applications in pathological situations. http://www.gemgerli2013.fr/
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The Energy Glut: The Politics of Fatness in an Overheating World Ian Roberts with Phil Edwards Zed Books Ltd. (2010) ISBN 978–1848135185 Anyone with the scantest access to the media will be aware that among the greatest tests facing the human race, tackling obesity and climate change are right up there. But if you thought these were separate issues, then you are very mistaken indeed. At the heart of ‘The Energy Glut’ is the hypothesis that the petroleum industry is responsible, and it therefore links both these social issues. Roberts first deals with the obesity epidemic, but more importantly our misconceptions of it. Using simple graphs to illustrate his point, Roberts makes the strong case that current thinking, and media portrayal of obese individuals is counter productive and incorrect. While obesity is indeed becoming more prevalent, Roberts shows us that as a whole population we are getting fatter, and as such initiatives that target only the obese are doomed to fail as they ignore the rest of the weightgaining population. He is also quick to dispel the myth that genetics is to blame. Studies show that cultures such as the Japanese with a low BMI maintain this when in Japan, but individuals gain weight steadily if they move to a western society. And if genetics are not to blame, then environmental factors are; and for Roberts the greatest factor is the gradual motorisation of the human race. Using the strong correlation that exists between oil consumption and BMI, Roberts lays the blame for our weight gain on the doorstep of oil and motor corporations. But it isn’t that simple. Drawing on Roberts’ and Edwards’ combined expertise in public health and road traffic injuries, they extrapolate this idea to deliver the concept that as we become more motorised as a population, those who choose to walk or
cycle are simply driven off the roads by fear of accident and death. Having linked obesity and motorisation, Roberts goes on to describe how we should be looking at food and oil as the same product, in that they are basically stored energy, and both contribute to climate change. Fossil fuels are used in food manufacture and distribution, and western populations are chronically guilty of food over-production and waste. All these factors contribute to global warming. Of course this is not unexpected, given the mass marketing forces we are up against. It is these same marketing forces that Roberts sees hijacking international developmental policy, for example insisting that Africa needs more roads. The motor industries are heavily involved in driving aid policies in Africa, and for what better reason than to open up an untapped market of car sales? At this point in ‘The Energy Glut’, you’d be forgiven for thinking all hope is gone and that we are heading towards an inevitably messy end. But Roberts carefully lays out a policy framework for reducing our fossil fuel consumption. At the centre of this is ‘Contraction and Convergence’. This science-based policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a just and fair manner, so that all nations will equilibrate at a point where their emissions are equally low. In parallel Roberts encourages us to act at the community level, to mobilise and claim back our streets from cars, and to build a community around walking and cycling. In ‘The Energy Glut’, the passion of Roberts and Edwards for public health issues shines through. As one would expect given their academic backgrounds, the book is meticulously referenced to give their arguments a credible edge. You may not agree with everything they say, but there is no denying this is a powerful and thought-provoking work that sits at the intersection of global health and the environment. Richard Byrne Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute
JOCB BULLETIN
JOCB Bulletin Published online: 15 March 2013 # Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013
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 Dr C A Rosser 1 North Parade Derby DE1 3AY Email [email protected]
GRADUATE STUDIES IN BILBAO, SPAIN
The University of the Basque Country offers Master and PhD degrees in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine. The one-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
PhD Supervisor: Dr M Kuimova Dept: Department of Chemistry Deadline: Applications accepted all year round Applications are invited for a fully funded PhDStudentship working in the Departments of Chemistry on the South Kensington Campus of Imperial College London. The successful candidate will work towards her/his PhD under the supervision of Dr Marina Kuimova. For the main themes of research in the group see http://www3.imperial.ac. uk/people/m.kuimova/research Many important biological processes, such as intracellular transport and signal transduction depend on the hydrodynamic properties of the intracellular matrix, i.e. viscosity of individual domains within cells and the distribution of such domains. The current PhD project will involve spectroscopic and photophysical characterisation of novel fluorescent probes called molecular rotors, sensitive to the viscosity of the environment. Fluorescence imaging will be used to investigate the viscosity of microdomains within cells during the normal cell function and during drug- and light- induced cell death (e.g. during Photodynamic Therapy, PDT, a way of cancer treatment). The EPSRC-funded studentship will provide a tax-free maintenance stipend (including London weighting) of approximately £15000 per year. In addition it will cover the full cost of fees for the EU/UK students. Applications are invited from students with an appropriate background in chemistry, with an interest in spectroscopy, photochemistry and biological imaging. In addition the interest in synthesis of fluorescent
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probes can be an advantage. Candidates must have received at least a 2:1 in their first degree. To apply for this project please send a C.V. and details of at least two referees to Dr Marina Kuimova, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College, South Kensington, [email protected]. This position is available from 1st October 2012. CVs will be reviewed as received and until the post is filled. Link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/people/m.kuimova
PhD Supervisor: Dr M Hyvonen Dept: Department of Biochemistry Deadline: Applications accepted all year round We are interested in molecular determinants of growth factor signalling, with particular focus on the TGFbeta family growth factors, their receptors and inhibitors. We use biochemical, biophysical (ITC, SPR, ITC, CD) and structural biology (X-ray crystallography and NMR) techniques to study these proteins and their interactions. We have many collaborations with developmental and stem cell biologists who study the biological function and activities of these molecules in model systems, and we try to verify the functional significance of our structural analysis in living cells.
PhD Supervisor: Prof M Hannon Dept: School of Computer Science Deadline: Applications accepted all year round The University of Birmingham is offering the opportunity for further study at the interface between the different science, engineering and medicine disciplines, providing a career route for graduates to the imaging industry, pushing the boundaries of this field to improve health care.
Funding Notes: We would expect the candidates to obtain funding through competitive schemes. This can be either through Departmental Research Council studentships (UK and EU nationals), through various Cambridge based Trusts or via their home countries. Applications from selffunded (non-competitive) students are considered. Applicants are expected to have good understanding of structural biology and preferably have relevant experience from their undergraduate projects. Link: http://www-cryst.bioc.cam.ac.uk/groups/hyvonen
Applications for entry in 2013 are open to students that have, or expect to obtain, a good 2:1 (Hons) or 1st class degree (or equivalent EU/overseas degree) in a physical scientific subject (Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Engineering or Mathematics accepted). Funding Notes: Fully-funded EPSRC studentships (tax free stipend £13,590 p.a.) are available for Home/EU students for this inter-disciplinary programme in the area of Biomedical Imaging, which brings together the different skills of physical scientists, computer scientists, biologists and medics. Link: http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/admissions/post graduate-research/
PhD Supervisor: Prof A Harvey Dept: School of Physics and Astronomy Deadline: Applications accepted all year round Hyperspectral imaging of the retina enables the mapping of chemical constituents within the retina that can be used to understand retinal function and disease. The optical imaging of blood oxygenation has particular medical significance and poses a set of challenging problems in optical measurement and algorithms. In Glasgow we have developed internationally leading
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oximetry techniques using our unique hyperspectral imaging for deducing retinal oxygenation. This is of vital importance for understanding oxygen consumption in the eye and also for screening for retinal diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The student will develop new hyperspectral imaging techniques and also the algorithms for recovery of blood oxygenation. S/he will research novel techniques for measurement of blood oxygenation both in the eye. The research will be in collaboration with other PhD students and clinicians in Glasgow, the UK and abroad and associated travel will be expected. The position will suit somebody with a good first degree in Physics, a related physical science or Engineering who enjoys working with optics and computational techniques with an emphasis on research at the life-science interface. An enthusiasm for innovation and speculative thinking is particularly encouraged. To apply for this position, in the first instance please send a CV with covering letter to andy.harvey@ glasgow.ac.uk. The position is available for an early or October start and is one of several research opportunities in this group advertised elsewhere in FindaPhD Funding Notes: Funding is available for 3.5 years for UK or EU nationals. All fees are paid together with EPSRC-level tax-free stipend of £13,590 p.a. Link: http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/physics/staff/ andyharvey/
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“NMR crystallography” to small molecule APIs (where structural characterization is vital due to the frequency of polymorphism), starting with cases where the crystal structure can be independently determined from singlecrystal diffraction. From previous work on pharmaceutical solvates, we have a number of systems where only powder diffraction data is available and the structure is unknown. Colleagues in Lyon have shown how crystal structure prediction techniques can provide plausible structures which can be verified against NMR/powder X-ray diffraction data. Another ambitious target will be glassy states formed by quench cooling, where NMR implies the existence of a well defined “mean structure”, and recent experience with molecular dynamics simulations will help provide appropriate models. This project involves a mix of experimental work, analysis and computation, and would suit applicants with interests in the solid state and pharmaceutical applications. Applicants should be comfortable with computing, be enthusiastic problem solvers, and have (or expect to obtain) at least the equivalent of a UK 2.i honours degree in Chemistry or Physics with experience of a Masterslevel research project. The position is available from October 2012, and the studentship will cover tuition fees and an annual maintenance grant for 39 months. Further information on the Durham NMR group can be found at www.durham.ac.uk/solids.nmr. Interested applicants should contact Dr Paul Hodgkinson (paul. [email protected]) with a covering letter and CV, including the names of two academic references (to include a research project supervisor). Link: http://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/profile/?id=185
PhD Supervisor: Dr Paul Hodgkinson Dept: Department of Chemistry Deadline: 26 July 2013 Developments in quantum chemistry mean that it is now relatively straightforward to predict solid-state NMR spectra. Work in our group and elsewhere has shown that 13C and 1H chemical shifts are extremely sensitive (pm level) to complementary structural aspects (13C for conformation, 1H for intermolecular contacts). The aim of this project is develop protocols for the application of such
Position: PostDoc Location: Brussels, Belgium College: Chemical Physics of Materials, Universite Libre deBruxelles Deadline: 01 April 2013 We have the pleasure to inform you about a vacancy in the group of “Chemical Physics of Materials” in the
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chemistry department of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Brussels, Belgium). The vacancy is at the postdoctoral level. Candidates are expected to have a strong background in physical chemistry, physics or materials science. Experience in construction/handling of ultra-high-vacuum equipment is a prerequisite. Knowledge in surface science and heterogeneous catalysis are welcome. Successful candidate will have good communication skills, be able to work in a team and be highly motivated to perform challenging research work. The position is in the area of surface imaging using Field Ion (Electron) Microscopy and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. The main focus will be on imaging adsorbed organic molecules over metallic surfaces exhibiting flat, stepped and kinked facets with an emphasis on chiral ones. The aim is to identify preferential adsorption sites with respect to the molecular structure of the adsorbates. The project will be conducted in strong cooperation with the surface science group of the University of Cambridge (UK) Informal enquiries & applications including a cover letter and a full CV must be sent to Thierry Visart de Bocarmé ([email protected]). The position is immediately available. Link: http://cpmct.ulb.ac.be/index.php
& Identify drug substance impurities using chromatography, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Structurally elucidate these impurities. The successful candidate will have experience in GC, HPLC, standard lab instruments, such as analytical balances, pH meter, centrifuge, moisture balance, oven, etc. as well as experience in lab procedures, such as titration, extraction, solid phase extraction, dilution, etc. The candidate must have basic knowledge of chemicals, their properties, structure, reactivity, and be able to handle them with safe and appropriate techniques. The candidate shall possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, effectively multi-task, be a team player with strong communication, presentation and problem solving capabilities and possess experience with routine data entry in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Required qualification: PhD in chemistry with 4+ years related analytical laboratory experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Must have designed/developed chromatographic assays, not just used the techniques. Relevant experience in good laboratory/manufacturing practices (cGLP/ cGMP), laboratory quality control and quality assurance is preferred. Experienced with MS based detectors preferred. Link: http://www.findapostdoc.com/search/JobDetails. aspx?jobcode=1002276 Reference: 03375889-87741/5157579
Position: Analytical scientist Location: Painesville, Ohio, United States Company: Ricerca Biosciences, LLC Ricerca Biosciences, LLC, a drug-development company partnering with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide, has an immediate need for an Analytical Scientist. In this position, the ideal candidate must perform these essential tasks:
& Develop and validate chromatographic procedures (HPLC, GC) for small chemical entity drug substances and products & Develop and validate procedures for the analysis of extractable and leachable materials.
Position: Chemists/Physicists - Raman Spectroscopy Location: UK Company: Base4 Ltd Salary: £30,000 to £40,000 Per Annum plus Benefits Base 4 is seeking highly motivated, team orientated and creative chemists and physicists. Base 4 is a fastgrowing scientific startup company developing highspeed single molecule detection platforms for use in the biomedical industry. Founded in 2007, our focus is on the optimisation and rapid commercialisation
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of devices for DNA sequencing, point-of-care diagnostics and genetic analysis, along with novel approaches to sample preparation, data handling and bioinformatics. Required qualification: Educated to PhD level, you will have significant knowledge and experience of Raman Spectroscopy and ideally Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), and a keen desire to apply these skills in the development of novel technologies. Please email your CV and covering letter with salary details to [email protected]. L i n k : h t t p : / / w w w. f i n d a p o s t d o c . c o m / s e a r c h / JobDetails.aspx?jobcode=4270 Contact: (Jackie Kearley) [email protected].
LIPID MAPS Annual Meeting 2013: Impact of Lipidomics on Oxidized Lipids and NonAlcoholic Fatty Liver Disease May 7–8, 2013, La Jolla, CA This year's meeting program features two main thrusts: Oxidized lipid functioning & non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Several lightning talks will also be selected from poster submissions. Poster sessions will take place on both days of the meeting. The poster abstract deadline is Saturday, March 09, 2013. The reception and dinner Tuesday evening (included in the registration fee) are an opportunity for stimulating discussion and networking. Please register as soon as possible, as space is limited and registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. The early registration deadline is Saturday, March 09, 2013. http://www.lipidmaps.org/meetings/2013annual/ index.html
The AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo is the premier global science and business forum on fats, oils, surfactants, lipids, and related materials. Broad topic categories Agricultural Microscopy | Analytical | Biotechnology Edible Applications Technology | Industrial Oil Products Health and Nutrition | Food Structure & Functionality Forum Lipid Oxidation and Quality | Phospholipid Protein and Co-Products | Surfactants and Detergents Focus areas that have been identified as relevant topics: Advanced Biobased Products | Algal Technology Edible Ester Technologies | Food Security | Nutrition Link: http://annualmeeting.aocs.org/
Biomolecules and Nanostructures 4 15–19 May 2013 Pultusk, Poland The Institute of Physics Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) in Warsaw is organizing a 4th edition of the Workshop on Biomolecules and Nanostructures. The key topics of the Workshop will cover current subjects on the crossroads of molecular biology, physics and chemistry, including: & Biomolecules & Nanostructures & Nanomachines & Biosensors The specific topics of the conference include: singlemolecule manipulation, supramolecular assemblies and aggregates, interactions between nucleic acids and
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proteins, protein folding, and phenomena at bio-nano interfaces. Both experimental and theoretical approaches will be presented. 6th European Symposium on Plant Lipids 7-10 July 2013, Bordeaux, France Main Topics and Keynote Lectures:
The Yeast Lipid Conference is an international scientific meeting, held every second year to promote free discussion between scientists working on or interested in yeast lipids. The 11th Yeast Lipid Conference will be held from 29th of May until the 31st of May 2013 in Halifax, Canada. It will start on Wednesday afternoon with registration followed by the opening lecture, given by Yusuf Hannun, and an evening reception. The following two days will be seminars by invited guests with some speakers chosen from submitted abstracts, poster sessions, and social events.
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Fatty Acid Modification Membrane and Chloroplast Lipid Metabolism Storage Lipid Accumulation and Mobilisation Plant Lipid Biotechnology Lipid Surface and Suberin Metabolism Lipid Signalling Sphingolipids and Sterols Intracellular Lipid Trafficking Lipidomics
Registration deadlines: Lectures – 1 May 2013 Posters – 1 June 2013 http://www.eurofedlipid.org/meetings/bordeaux2013/ index.php
http://ylc2013.medicine.dal.ca/
The aim of this multidisciplinary meeting is to bring together physicists and biologists to discuss experimental and theoretical approaches for studying behaviour in living systems. Speakers will combine an introduction aimed at a broad audience with results from their latest research. Topics covered will include search strategies and foraging, simplicity underlying complexity, sensing and migration, and decisionmaking. These topics span multiple scales from single cells and individuals to collectives. Key dates Abstract submission deadline: 4 April 2013 Early registration deadline: 22 May 2013 Registration deadline: 17 June 2013
9th European Biophysics Congress EBSA 2013 13–17 July 2013 Lisbon Topics include:
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Biological Electron and Proton Transfer Molecular Motors Protein Folding, Assembly and Stability Biomolecular Simulation: spanning scales Imaging and Biospectroscopy Molecular Recognition and Nanobiophysics Membrane Structure and Domains Single Molecule Biophysics
http://www.ebsa2013.org/
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54th International Conference on the Bioscience of Lipids Bari, Italy 17 - 21 September 2013 Linking transcription to physiology in lipidomics Main Topics:
& Signal transduction, gene expression and circadian rhythm in the regulation of lipid metabolism Nuclear receptors and the transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism The gut-liver axis route for lipids Dissecting lipid metabolism in diabetes and atherosclerosis Lipid metabolism, transcription, neurogenesis, stemness Phospholipid metabolism in physiology and disease Lipids and membranes in stress management: perception, signaling and adaptation
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8) Host pathogen interaction 9) Vaccines 10) New technologies for transgenesis and tissue visualisation 11) New methods at organismal level: optogenetics 12) New methods in genomics 13) Non coding RNAs 14) Cytoskeleton dynamics 15) Stem cell signalling 16) Targeting DNA repair 17) Membranes in development 18) Epigenetics 19) Imaging technologies 20) New methods in analysing protein complexes Link: http://www.the-embo-meeting.org/
http://www.icbl.unibe.ch/
GEM/GERLI lipidomics meeting: from membranes to pathologies The “Groupe d‘Etude des Membranes (GEM)” and the “Groupe d’Etude et de Recherche en Lipidomique (GERLI)” are two French societies with respective expertise in membrane biophysics and lipidomics. For the first time, they will organize a joint meeting (16th GEM/10th GERLI meeting) from November 10 to 14, 2013 in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, in the South-East of France. Concurrent Sessions 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)
Quantitative analysis of signalling Cancer genomics Membrane organisation Membrane trafficking Nuclear substructure Cell division Cell polarity
The specific aims of this meeting will be to discuss cutting-edge research on membrane components, ie lipids and membrane proteins, from their biophysical and biochemical properties to their specific functions in human physiology and therapeutic applications in pathological situations. http://www.gemgerli2013.fr/
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The Energy Glut: The Politics of Fatness in an Overheating World Ian Roberts with Phil Edwards Zed Books Ltd. (2010) ISBN 978–1848135185 Anyone with the scantest access to the media will be aware that among the greatest tests facing the human race, tackling obesity and climate change are right up there. But if you thought these were separate issues, then you are very mistaken indeed. At the heart of ‘The Energy Glut’ is the hypothesis that the petroleum industry is responsible, and it therefore links both these social issues. Roberts first deals with the obesity epidemic, but more importantly our misconceptions of it. Using simple graphs to illustrate his point, Roberts makes the strong case that current thinking, and media portrayal of obese individuals is counter productive and incorrect. While obesity is indeed becoming more prevalent, Roberts shows us that as a whole population we are getting fatter, and as such initiatives that target only the obese are doomed to fail as they ignore the rest of the weightgaining population. He is also quick to dispel the myth that genetics is to blame. Studies show that cultures such as the Japanese with a low BMI maintain this when in Japan, but individuals gain weight steadily if they move to a western society. And if genetics are not to blame, then environmental factors are; and for Roberts the greatest factor is the gradual motorisation of the human race. Using the strong correlation that exists between oil consumption and BMI, Roberts lays the blame for our weight gain on the doorstep of oil and motor corporations. But it isn’t that simple. Drawing on Roberts’ and Edwards’ combined expertise in public health and road traffic injuries, they extrapolate this idea to deliver the concept that as we become more motorised as a population, those who choose to walk or
cycle are simply driven off the roads by fear of accident and death. Having linked obesity and motorisation, Roberts goes on to describe how we should be looking at food and oil as the same product, in that they are basically stored energy, and both contribute to climate change. Fossil fuels are used in food manufacture and distribution, and western populations are chronically guilty of food over-production and waste. All these factors contribute to global warming. Of course this is not unexpected, given the mass marketing forces we are up against. It is these same marketing forces that Roberts sees hijacking international developmental policy, for example insisting that Africa needs more roads. The motor industries are heavily involved in driving aid policies in Africa, and for what better reason than to open up an untapped market of car sales? At this point in ‘The Energy Glut’, you’d be forgiven for thinking all hope is gone and that we are heading towards an inevitably messy end. But Roberts carefully lays out a policy framework for reducing our fossil fuel consumption. At the centre of this is ‘Contraction and Convergence’. This science-based policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a just and fair manner, so that all nations will equilibrate at a point where their emissions are equally low. In parallel Roberts encourages us to act at the community level, to mobilise and claim back our streets from cars, and to build a community around walking and cycling. In ‘The Energy Glut’, the passion of Roberts and Edwards for public health issues shines through. As one would expect given their academic backgrounds, the book is meticulously referenced to give their arguments a credible edge. You may not agree with everything they say, but there is no denying this is a powerful and thought-provoking work that sits at the intersection of global health and the environment. Richard Byrne Cancer Research UK, London Research Institute
