Chemistry Newsletter - 07/06/1999

University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Chemistry Newsletter

Congratulations to Laura Kiessling and Jillian Banfield

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The New York Times announced the winners of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Fellowships. Laura Kiessling and Jill Banfield were on the list. Congratulations to Laura and Jill for this exceptional award!

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From the June 23, 1999 New York Times:

"The 1999 class of Fellows is full of creative people doing unusual and important things in a broad range of disciplines," said Adele Simmons, president of the MacArthur Foundation. "They are transforming and bridging fields, making major breakthroughs, illuminating responsibility for humanity's inhumanities, solving persistent contemporary problems, and expanding our imagination about what is possible."

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Laura L. Kiessling, 38, Madison, WI, a chemist and biochemist, has developed innovative organic syntheses that expand our capacity to understand and control the biology of inflammation, $285,000.

Jillian F. Banfield, 39, Madison, Wisc., a mineralogist, who has contributed fundamental insights into the physical and chemical forces that shape the earth's surface, $290,000.

Congratulations Laura and Jill!!!

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Organic Chemistry Cumulative Exam Schedule, 1999.

Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., room B371 Chemistry Building.

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ATTENTION GRADUATE STUDENTS

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IMPORTANT DATES:

MINOR AGREEMENT FORMS: The Graduate School requires that the minor program be outlined in an agreement which is approved by the Department no later than halfway through completion of the sequence of minor courses. The minor requirement is expected to be completed by the end of the third year of graduate school. Minor agreement forms are available in Room 1221.

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SEMINARS

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Thursday, July 8^th, 1999 - Organic Chemistry Divisional Seminar, 11:00 a.m., Room 8335, Chemistry Building. Professor Dr. Dietrich Doepp, Institut f�r Synthesechemie, Organische Chemie, Gerhard Mercator-Universit�t Duisburg. "Organic Photochemistry has Still to Offer Surprises"

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Two-Year College Chemistry Conference

The Two-Year College Chemistry Conference will be held at South Suburban College/Joliet Junior College in South Holland, IL on Sept 24-25. The theme will be Use of Technology to Enhance Chemical Instruction. The Conference will include sessions on On-Line Instruction, Lab Remodeling, Software, and the Wisconsin New Traditions program. Keynote Speaker will be George Bodner from Purdue. More information and registration forms are available in room 1380.

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Recent Publications

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Shu YC; Gong ZH; Shu CF; Breitung EM; McMahon RJ; Lee GH; Jen AKY.

Synthesis and characterization of nonlinear optical chromophores with conformationally locked polyenes possessing enhanced thermal stability.

CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS 1999, Vol 11, Iss 6, pp 1628-1632.

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Soucek J; Raines RT; Haugg M; Raillard-Yoon SA; Benner SA.

Structural changes to ribonuclease A and their effects on biological activity.

COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-PHARMACOLOGY TOXICOLOGY & ENDOCRINOLOGY 1999, Vol 123, Iss 2, pp 103-111.

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Zhang FJ; Gu QM; Sih CJ.

Bioorganic chemistry of cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR).

BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 1999, Vol 7, Iss 5, pp 653-664.

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Copyright � 1999 Institute for Scientific Information

For Industrial Positions, see the Chemistry Placement Newsletter at:

http://www.chem.wisc.edu/placement/7news.html

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FACULTY POSITIONS/TEMPORARY FACULTY/ACADEMIC POSITIONS

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The University of Leipzig, Germany, has an opening for an assistant professor in the field of mass spectrometry at the institute of analytical chemistry. A new 7 Tesla FT ICR instrument will be installed in December and the successful candidate will help to get this instrument into action. He has some teaching duties, but his main task should be ms research. Interested persons should contact me within this week, the position will be filled by 1^st, October, it is not tenured but can be extended to 6 years maximum.

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An analytical chemist who will be responsible for the development of analytical methods for new chemical entities and analysis of samples from studies using HPLC, LC/MS, or LC/MS/MS methods. In addition to HPLC and Mass Spectrometry, the analysis may require use of liquid-liquid or solid phase extraction. The candidate must possess a Masters or a Bachelors Degree in chemistry or related science and have at least two years of proven experience in analytical chemistry or related areas. The scientist must have demonstrated skills in the analysis of chemicals using analytical techniques (HPLC) are required. Experience in other analytical techniques (LC/MS/MS) is also desired. Our client is a major pharmaceutical company with research facilities in Connecticut and can provide excellent benefits (health insurance, dental and vision plan, paid vacation and more). A high impact, high profile position with excellent opportunity for advancement. If you know anyone that might be interested, please forward this to them or contact: Ben Grover, Diedre Moire Corporation, Voice: 609-584-8733 Ext. 235, Fax: 609-584-9575, Email: 915613@candseek.com .

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The University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire. Lecturer (100% Academic year 1999-2000). Master's or Ph.D. degree in Chemistry, the ability to clearly communicate general chemistry concepts and to manage chemistry laboratory work is required. Experience in teaching organic chemistry laboratory is desirable. Teaching academic year appointment to replace faculty member on leave. The appointment period is August 22, 1999 to May 26, 2000. Teaching responsibilities will include primarily general chemistry and possibly organic chemistry laboratory. Instructional responsibilities include a total of 15 credit hours per semester or the equivalent. Submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae to: Chair, Academic Staff Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004. FAX: 715-8364979, Phone: 715-836-3417. For information related to this search see: http://www.uwec.edu/Academic/Chemistry

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Executive Officer. Department of Chemistry, Eberly College of Science, The Pennsylvania State University. Ph.D. in chemistry or a related field, together with significant administrative experience and familiarity with the physical support needs for chemical research and education. Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; expertise with budgeting, planning and financial management; sound ability to manage human resources and commitment to promoting excellence. The department consists of 39 standing and fixed term faculty, 42 staff, and about 200 graduate students/post-doctorals, with an annual research budget in excess of $12M. The person in this position will manage departmental support facilities and will work with the Department Head on fiscal affairs, strategic planning and other special initiatives. The finalist's specific credentials will determine academic rank and additional academic assignments may involve teaching and/or advising as appropriate. Serve as coordinator and as a co-author with the department head on annual budget requests, strategic planning initiatives, program reviews, etc. Oversee all business operations. Design and administer departmental budgets. Regularly review departmental budgets with an eye to effective expenditure of funds; authorize non-routine purchases. Participate in the design and oversight of new construction (the design phase for a $ 52M new chemistry building will begin shortly). Manage and ensure effective operation of departmental support facilities; recruit, hire, and monitor performance of facility supervisors. Work closely with departmental faculty, staff, and college personnel to ensure effective coordination of renovations, moves, and laboratory and non-routine maintenance. Oversee departmental safety, security, and disposal of hazardous wastes. Develop and sustain contacts with Industrial and alumni communities. Oversee the Department's annual Sponsors' Days (interview sessions for grad students/post-does). Identify opportunities to strengthen Department/Industrial relations. Serve as administrative point person for problem resolution; maintain knowledge about policy and legal issues affecting departmental affairs. Work with staff and faculty to handle requests related to policy compliance and exceptions, keeping the department Head appropriately informed. Serve as a facilitator for change as needed; review departmental procedures and work cooperatively with administrative staff to coordinate change and in effecting improvements in departmental operating procedures. Represent the department head as assigned. Apply to: Search Committee, Chemistry Department, Box E, 152 Davey Lab, University Park, PA 16802. Review of applications will begin on July 20, 1999.

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The Department of Chemistry at the University of Iowa invites applications for an NMR Specialist position. This individual will assume technical operation, management, service, training, and maintenance of six superconducting NMR spectrometers (300-600 MHz). Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in chemistry, or a related science and have extensive experience in the area of NMR spectroscopy. A minimum of three years of experience as an NMR spectroscopist is expected. The individual must have experience with application of modern NMR techniques to solve chemical problems. Familiarity with NMR hardware and software is essential. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and instructional skills are expected. The individual must have an ability to function in a service role, but should also have an interest in professional growth through technique development and collaborative activities. Other desirable qualifications include experience as an NMR facility manager, and familiarity with Bruker instruments, solid state NMR spectroscopy, solution gradient spectroscopy, and solution spectroscopy of biomolecules. Applicants should submit a letter of application, a resume, and have three letters of recommendation sent to: NMR Staff Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242. FAX: 319 335-1270. e-mail: harold-goff@uiowa.edu . Screening of applications begins Aug. 16.

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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Due to the unexpected retirement of one of our general chemistry/bioinorganic chemistry faculty members we have an opening for a teaching postdoctoral associate or visiting faculty member to teach in the general chemistry/inorganic chemistry program this fall. Classes begin right after September 1, in the fall (1999). We fully anticipate the position would also be extended into the next year to provide two years of experience for the candidate. Facts about the Department itself are available on the WEB page - http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/Chemistry/ although portions are under construction at this time. Please send a vitae to: Dr. Tom Holme, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wl 53201.

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The Chemistry Department of Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia anticipates an opening for a new faculty member in the area of Analytical Chemistry, with a potential appointment commencing in August of 2000. The faculty of the Chemistry Department are especially interested in finding candidates whose interests complement that of the present analytical faculty. The preferred rank of this potential position is at the Assistant Professor level, but exceptional candidates with a proven track record of funding will be considered at the Associate Professor level. Successful candidates for this position will be expected to carry out vigorous, independent research programs and to have an interest in teaching at both the undergraduate and Ph.D. graduate levels. Official copies of the advertisement for this position should appear in Chemical and Engineering News later this year. Candidates should send a curriculum vitae and a research interest proposal and arrange to have three letters of reference sent to: Professor Patonay, Search Committee Chair, Department of Chemistry, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 30303, by the deadline which will appear in the C&E News ad.

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Central Michigan University. Analytical Chemist: MS in Analytical Chemistry minimum, PhD preferred. Temporary appointment to fill an unexpected opening for the 99/00 academic year. Candidate is expected to teach instrumental chemistry Fall 99 and participate in the analytical and general chemistry program. Opportunity for research. A full tenure track search is planned for fall. Send resume, copies of transcripts, and three reference letters to: Karl Lindfors, Chair, Department of Chemistry, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859.

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The Department of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology invites applications for a tenure-track position in Inorganic Chemistry for July 2000. The level of appointment is at the rank of Assistant Professor. Outstanding individuals with strong commitment to research and teaching are encouraged to apply by arranging to have a curriculum vitae, a brief description of research plan, and three letters of recommendation sent to: Professor Stephen J. Lippard, Department of Chemistry, 18-399, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139. Application deadline is October 1, 1999.

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Baylor University. Outstanding candidates are sought for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level beginning Fall, 2000. A Ph.D. in inorganic or physical chemistry is required, with research interests which include the X-ray diffraction study of small molecules. Postdoctoral experience is highly desirable. The Department offers high quality, ACS accredited B.S. degree programs and graduate programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry. The successful candidate will be required to have X-ray crystallographic skills to operate the Departmental structure determination laboratory, establish a vigorous, independent research program capable of attracting graduate students and extramural funding, and demonstrate excellence in teaching undergraduate general chemistry and upper and graduate level courses related to structural studies by X-ray diffraction and inorganic/physical courses as appropriate. The desire and ability to interact and carry out crystal structure analysis with other research groups within the Department is a key component of this position. Submit a letter of application, resume, publication list, summary of research experience, graduate and undergraduate transcripts, a statement of research interests and plans with estimated start-up costs, area arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to: Dr. Carlos E. Manzanares, Search Committee Chair, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, P.O. Box 97348, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798-7348. Applications will be reviewed beginning 10/15/99 and will be accepted until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, your application should be completed by 10/31/99.

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AND/OR JOBS

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Postdoctoral Position in Materials Chemistry is available immediately for interdisciplinary research utilizing molecular precursors in synthetic routes to extended inorganic solids. Background in organometallic synthesis and/or materials characterization is desired. Send cover letter, CV, and three recommendation letters to: Prof. Edward Gillan, Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1294.

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The NMR laboratory at the Institut de Biologie Structurale in Grenoble (France) is seeking A POST-DOCTORAL NMR SPECTROSCOPIST with a special interest in protein structure and dynamics. Our laboratory is equipped with 3 Varian UNITY INOVA NMR spectrometers (400, 600, and 800 MHz) and is located in an institute with a strong background in molecular biology and protein biochemistry. Part of the NMR team focuses on the development of new NMR methods for studying protein dynamics and structure while the other scientists aim at characterizing several proteins involved in cell adhesion, in the integrity of cell membrane or in plant enzymatic complexes. A two-year temporary position is open for a NMR spectroscopist with extensive knowledge of multidimensional NMR study of proteins. The candidate should have been involved in methodological developments and implementation of pulse sequences. A good knowledge of programming in C is required. The job duties will involve the maintenance of our 3 spectrometers, the implementation of recent pulse sequences and the assistance of external users in the use of the 800 MHz system. This position offers also the opportunity to collaborate actively in several local research projects in the field of protein NMR. The candidate should be a citizen of the European community and should have completed his/her Ph.D. in the last 18 months. A working knowledge of the French language would be appreciated. Grenoble is located in the middle of the French Alps and offers a wide range of outdoor activities to relax from work stress. Applicants should send their CV (before July 15) to: Dr. Dominique Marion, Institut de Biologie Structurale, 41, rue Jules Horowitz, 38027 Grenoble Cedex - France, Fax (33) 4 76 88 54 94.

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Professor Robert S. H. Liu, of the University of Hawaii has an opening for a Post-doctoral Researcher, beginning approximately August 1999, one-year, renewal pending availability of fund. Studies of fluorinated retinoids and carotenoids and protein complexes. Ground and excited state properties of polarized polyenes. To carry out organic synthesis, isolation, characterization and spectroscopic studies (uv/vis, FT-ir, CD and/or solution-protein-solid NMR), of free and protein bound chromophores. Minimum monthly salary $2,220. Submit cv and two letters of recommendation to: Professor Robert S. H. Liu, Department of Chemistry, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI 96822. Tel: 808-956-5723, FAX: 808-956-5908, e-mail: liu@gold.chem.hawaii.edu .

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A postdoctoral position is available immediately in our lab here in Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan. Our current researches are focused on structural and functional studies of sulfated carbohydrates, including heparin and heparan sulfate, that are known to be involved in a diverse range of biological functions. Though the heparan sulfate appeared to be a general component in cells for virus binding, the structural specificity for such interactions remains largely unknown. We are currently working toward the determination of the structure of an envelope protein on vaccinia virus (A27L) by liquid state NMR techniques. Our work will aim to study the structural requirement of the heparan sulfate for interaction with the A27L protein. Both liquid state and solid state NMR advanced multi-dimensional techniques are to be implemented toward the determination of the structures of the synthetic isotope-enriched biomolecular materials. We have direct access to a 3-channel Bruker Avance 500 liquid state spectrometer and Bruker AMX400 solid state instrument. Currently researches are funded by a three-year program project "Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biochemistry of Glycoconjugates" administrated under Academia Sinica. We are seeking an individual with biomolecular NMR experience. Please contact: Dr. Der-Lii Mike Tzou, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan, R O C, Phone : 886-2-27898524, Fax : 886-2-27831237, Email : tzou@ccvax.sinica.edu.tw .

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Brandeis University has an opening for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate - For studies of mechanisms of photochemical redox reactions. Physical or physical-organic background; some experience in electrochemistry desirable. Send resume and two reference letters to: Prof. Henry Linschitz, Dept. of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454-9110,USA. E-Mail: Linschitz@Brandeis.edu .

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A post doctoral position is expected to open in the laboratory of Dr Matt Platz in the Department of Chemistry at the Ohio State University in Autumn 1999. The position is for one year and can be extended based on mutual interest. The post doctoral will be involved in the study of reactive intermediates such as carbenes and nitrenes. An individual with extensive experience with lasers is preferred.In addition to performing research the post doctoral will be expected to maintain nano second time resolved laser flash photolysis equipment and to train beginning students. Interested parties should send a full CV and 3 letters of recommendation to: Matthew S. Platz Melvin S. Newman Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair Newman and Wolfrom Laboratory of Chemistry Ohio State University 100 West 18th Avenue Columbus, OH 43210-1173, (614) 292-0401 (Research Office), (614) 292-6723 (Chair's Office), (614) 292-1685 (FAX), e-mail: platz.1@osu.edu .

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The Clinical Chemistry Division of the Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has a Postdoctoral position available in its Postdoctoral Training Program in Clinical Chemistry. This is a two-year clinical/research fellowship to provide service, research, education and management experience towards specialization in Clinical Chemistry. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Clinical Chemistry (COMACC) and successful graduates are eligible for certification by the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. Interested individuals with an earned M.D. or Ph.D. in the natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) are encouraged to apply. Preference is given to those candidates with a strong background, motivation and goals oriented to developing a career in clinical chemistry. A cover letter and curriculum vitae should be submitted to the Postdoctoral Training Program at the address on this letterhead by October 1 for initial consideration. Selected candidates will start the program July 1 the following year. Interested candidates may also call (410) 955-6304 or send an e-mail gnichols@jhmi.edu for more information. Send info to: Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Department of Pathology, 600 N. Wolfe Street/ Meyer B-125, Baltimore MD, 21287-7065, Fax: 9410)-95590767.

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Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, California. Qualified individuals are sought for two research positions involving the development of optical chemical sensing instrumentation and methodologies. The work is conducted in a project-oriented environment under industrial and governmental sponsorship. Current projects include the following areas: (1) development of laser-based remote-sensing instrumentation for the detection of natural gas and hydrocarbons, (2) development of ultrasensitive spectroscopic techniques (cavity-ringdown and photoacoustic) for the detection of trace molecular species, (3) development and implementation of nonlinear optical laser sources for use in these activities, and (4)characterization of UV spectral signatures as target species for a UV-fluorescence lidar project. The ideal candidate would have experience in both laser design and construction and in diagnostic applications of lasers (i.e., chemical sensing and spectroscopy); however, this is not a mandatory requirement. Desirable laser background would include experience in the design and implementation of tunable laser and nonlinear optical lightsources. Desirable diagnostic background would involve experience in the design and implementation of experiments or diagnostics involving spectroscopic chemical sensing or characterization. The applicant should be interested in working on applied projects with specific goals. The applicant should have a PhD in either chemistry, physics, or electrical engineering. To respond, please submit a resume to: Thomas J. Kulp, Diagnostics and Remote Sensing Dept., Sandia National Laboratories, PO Box: 969 MS 9051, Livermore, CA 94551-0969.

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Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, California. A postdoctoral position is available in the Flame Chemistry and Diagnostics Laboratory of Sandia National Laboratories' Combustion Research Facility. The successful candidate will investigate the detailed chemical kinetics of simple combustion systems and participate in the development of novel combustion diagnostics including a new molecular beam sampling, photoionization mass spectrometer. This position requires a Ph.D. in physical chemistry or a related field. Experience with chemical kinetics, laser spectroscopy and mass spectrometry is desired. Candidates will be expected to perform both independent and collaborative research. Prospective candidates should email their resume to: Dr. Andrew McIlroy at amcilr@sandia.gov .

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Please submit all newsletter information or address changes to: goldade@chem.wisc.edu or 262-0293. Thank You.

DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE IN ROOM 1380.

NEXT NEWSLETTER IS ON JULY 19^th, 1999.