University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Chemistry Newsletter

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Chemistry Building Groundbreaking Celebration

Faculty, Staff, and Students Department of Chemistry University of Wisconsin-Madison.

You are cordially invited to attend a festive groundbreaking ceremony celebrating the beginning of construction of the Chemistry Building Addition and Renovation Project.

Groundbreaking Celebration - Wednesday, September 16, 1998.

Site Ceremony - 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. - Corner of Johnson and Charter Streets.

Reception - 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Chemistry Building Lobby - Corner of University Avenue and Mills Street.

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Newsletter Update

The newsletters summer hours are over and will begin being published on a weekly basis starting this week.

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Preliminary Organic Chemistry Cumulative Exam Schedule, 1998-99.

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

October 1^st, 1998 - November 5^th, 1998 - December 3^rd, 1998

January 7^th, 1999 - February 4^th, 1999 - March 4^th, 1999 - April 1^st, 1999 - May 6^th, 1999

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 minor courses. The minor requirement must be completed by the end of the third year of graduate school. Minor agreement forms are available in Room 1315.

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SEMINARS

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There were no seminar listing for this newsletter.

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Fannie and John Hertz Foundation

Fannie and John Hertz Foundation announces the availability of 1999-2000 Graduate Fellowships in the Applied Physical Sciences. $25,000 over the 9-month school year, *plus cost-of-education allowance* High previous scholastic performance is expected of all applicants (a GPA of at least 3.75 out of 4.00), but outstanding achievement in scientific or technological areas will also be noted. United States citizenship or permanent residency is required. Applications and further information may be obtained from our website: http://www.hertzfndn.org, FANNIE and JOHN HERTZ FOUNDATION Box 5032, Livermore, CA 94551-5032, Submission of complete application by OCTOBER 23, 1998 will assure consideration.

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For Industrial Positions, see the Chemistry Placement Newsletter at: http://www.chem.wisc.edu/placement/7news.html

FACULTY POSITIONS/TEMPORARY FACULTY/ACADEMIC POSITIONS

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Iowa State University is searching for a new faculty member for its organic division at the assistant professor level. The complete advertisement will appear in two August issues of Chemical and Engineering News. We will be holding a reception at the ACS meeting in Boston for our alumni and friends. It will be held in the Colonnade East room of the Colonnade Hotel, from 5:30 to 7:30 on Monday, August 24. We thought that this reception might also be a nice opportunity for any potential faculty candidates to meet some of us in a very informal setting. We would be happy to meet anyone who is thinking of applying for our position who might have questions about our institution or who would simply like to meet some potential future colleagues. Associate Professor William Jenks, Iowa State University. Department web site: http://www.chem.iastate.edu.

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Rockford College invites applications for a one-year full-time temporary position in analytical chemistry at the assistant professor rank for the 1998-99 academic year. Teaching duties will include analytical chemistry (fall) and instrumental analysis (spring), as well as participation in general chemistry and senior seminar. A Ph.D with teaching experience is preferred. The candidate would be encouraged to apply for a tenure-track position in analytical/inorganic chemistry to be advertised later this fall. Applications will be reviewed starting June 15 and accepted until the position is filled. Send curriculum vitae, a statement of teaching interests and philosophy, and names of three references to: Dr. Fred J. Hadley, Department of Chemistry, Rockford College, 5050 E. State Street, Rockford, IL 61108. Rockford.

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An immediate opening for a NMR Spectroscopist to maintain and manage Allergan's multi-user spectroscopy facility (Varian 500 and 300 MHz). The selected individual will support the pharmaceutical development process from new drug discovery through global product registration. Primary responsibilities include: 1) the operation and maintenance of NMR instruments; 2) an aptitude for and interest in design and execution of experiments for the structural characterization of potential drug candidates; 3) the ability to write professional technical reports to support regulatory filings. Experience in the interpretation of mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy data on organic molecules is a plus. Please send cover letter and resume to: Liz Syage, Allergan, 2525 Dupont Drive, Irvine, CA 92612, or fax to 714-246-4988. No phone calls please.

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Madison Area Technical College, is looking for part-time instructors. Openings in the Natural Sciences Department at the Truax Campus. Available for Fall Semester 1998. Course Titles: Animal Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Issues/Ecology, and Principles of Ecology. For dates, times and starting and ending dates stop by room 1380 Chemistry. For more information on these positions please contact: Janie E. Wimberly, Associate Dean, Arts & Sciences Division, Phone: 246-6249, e-mail: jwimberly@madison.tec.wi.us.

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Lecturer. The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Department of Chemistry invites applications for a Teaching Academic Staff position. The appointment period is August 24, 1998 to May 23, 1999. Applicants must possess a minimum of an M.S. in chemistry. Teaching experience in general chemistry laboratory classes is preferred. The ability to communicate general chemistry concepts clearly and to manage general chemistry laboratory work is also required. Teaching responsibilities will be primarily in laboratory sections of introductory chemistry courses. For priority consideration, complete applications must be postmarked by August 5, 1998, and include a letter of application and a curriculum vitae. The University reserves the right to contact references of its own choice. Address (or FAX) application to: Chair, Academic Staff Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004, (FAX: 715-836-4979), (Phone: 715-836-3417). The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire is an AA/EEO employer. Nominees and applicants who have not requested in writing that their identity not be revealed, and all finalist names, will be revealed on request.

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North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Raleigh, North Carolina. Assistant Professor: Biomedical Engineering Teaching and Research. The successful candidate will join a growing biomedical engineering effort at NC State and will be expected to develop innovative teaching (60%) in the field of biomedical engineering and to conduct prominent research (40%) in the area of biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, or biosensors. Teaching responsibilities will include two undergraduate courses, including one course in engineering biology, medical sciences for engineers, or biomedical engineering applications, and one graduate biomedical engineering course as well as academic and career advising for undergraduate and graduate students. This 12-month, tenure-track position provides substantial collaborative and interdisciplinary opportunities in conjunction with veterinary medical scientists at NC State and with physicians and other scientists and engineers at nearby institutions and companies. Ph.D. or equivalent in Biomedical Engineering or related field with a strong background in biology, chemistry, and biomechanics, bioinstrumentation, or biosensors. Experience in biomedical teaching and research is preferred. The candidate must have the ability to develop and implement a quality teaching and research program. Willingness to participate in multi-disciplinary teaching and research programs involving diverse target groups and problem areas. Willingness to work effectively and cohesively with other teaching and research personnel. Excellent verbal and communication skills. Application deadline is October 15, 1998 or until position is filled. Applicant should provide a letter of interest that includes teaching philosophy and research goals, complete resume, academic transcripts, and the names of three references to: David B. Beasley, Professor and Head, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, North Carolina State University, Box 7625, Raleigh, NC 27695-7625. Proper documentation of identity and employability of the applicant will be required before the hiring process can be finalized.

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Professor or Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. This particular position will be advertised in Chemical and Engineering News and other professional publications. The primary areas of research sought for this position will be in biophysical, bioanalytical, materials or synthetic chemistry, but truly outstanding candidates in other fields are encouraged to apply. Our Department includes 51 faculty members, approximately 392 graduate students and between 150 and 200 postdoctoral fellows, with a wide range of research interests. We seek candidates who will extend chemistry into new areas and who will create new fields. Please ask any suitable candidate to write to: Chemistry Department Chair, Faculty Recruiting Committee (#13), 419 Latimer Hall, Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, enclosing a curriculum vitae and a proposed research program. Applicants should also arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent. The deadline for receipt of applications is October 15, 1998.

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Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Faculty Appointment in Inorganic Chemistry. The Department of Chemistry of the University of Waterloo is seeking an individual with demonstrated ability and outstanding potential for excellence in teaching and research for a faculty position in Inorganic Chemistry. Postdoctoral experience, in addition to a Ph.D. in any aspect of Inorganic Chemistry, is essential. It is anticipated that the appointment will be made at the level of Assistant Professor. Inquiries and applications should be directed to: The Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3G1. Applicants should submit a complete curriculum vitae, a research proposal and arrange for three letters of recommendation from professional references to arrive before August 31, 1998. Additional information concerning the department is available at: http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/chemistr/gwc2.html. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, this advertisement is directed to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AND/OR JOBS

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Professor Kenneth Nicholas of the University of Oklahoma has a postdoctoral position open beginning September 1998 (or soon thereafter) to join his ongoing studies of synthetic and mechanistic aspects of metal-promoted allylic amination reactions. Recent relevant publications include: J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 3302; J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 1996, 2335; Tetrahedron Lett. 1994, 35, 8739; J. Org. Chem. 1994, 59, 5365; J. Chem. Soc. Chem. Commun. 1992, 853. Appropriate candidates would have a strong background in synthetic or mechanistic organic and/or organometallic chemistry, experience with handling sensitive compounds, and be proficient with the usual purification and spectroscopic tools. A creative individual with a strong work ethic is especially desirable. Our laboratories and the Department are extremely well equipped; there are strong interactions between the several active organic/organometallic groups; and the city of Norman offers a stimulating, hassle-free environment and lifestyle. Ask candidates to send a vita and at least two letters of recommendation to: Professor Kenneth Nicholas, Department of Chemistry of Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, ph: 405-325-3696, FAX 405-325-6111, knicholas@ou.edu.

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Dr. Vincent Catalano, of the University of Nevada, Reno, has an opening for a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Education Requirement: Ph.D. in synthetic inorganic chemistry or closely related field. Preparation and manipulation of early and late transition metal complexes using Schlenk and inert atmosphere techniques. Must be competent with multinuclear magnetic resonance, single crystal x-ray diffraction, electrochemical techniques, HPLC, electronic absorption, infra-red and emission spectroscopies. Participate in the design and operation of scientific instrumentation and the analysis and interpretation of experimental data. The current research interests include the synthesis, structure, bonding and optical properties of transition metal complexes. The program involves: (1) The design and synthesis of oligomeric bipyridine complexes containing d8 transition metals, and the testing of their solvato-chromic properties. (2) The synthesis of Ru(IV)=O oxidation catalysts with emphasis on designing binding specificity into the catalytically active site. (3) The synthesis, characterization and photo-physical properties of multiply bonded metal-metal dimers, trimers and tetramers. The goal of this project is to explore the extension of bonding and subsequent reactivity between a multiple metal-metal bond and an added transition metal. Full-time: 1 year appointment, renewable up to a maximum of two years total, subject to availability of funds. Position Available September 1, 1998. Applications to be sent to: Dr. Vincent Catalano, e-mail: vjc@unr.edu, Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV 89557-0020. Applications should include a vita, publication list and a brief summary of thesis research. The applicant should arrange for three (3) letters of recommendation, to be sent directly to the above address, one of which should be from the thesis advisor. Evaluations will be made on the basis of record and recommendations. To receive full consideration applications should be received by September 1, 1998.

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Linda Johnston of Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences has a postdoctoral position currently available in the Chemical Biology Program of the Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa. The project involves mechanistic studies of the mode of action of photosensitizers used in various medical applications, with particular emphasis on the role of electron transfer processes. It will involve spectroscopic studies (laser flash photolysis, fluorescence) and product studies in homogeneous solution and in heterogeneous media such as micelles and vesicles. The successful candidate should have expertise in some or all of the following areas: application of time-resolved methods to studies of re active intermediates in heterogeneous systems; photochemistry/photobiology; physical organic or bio-organic chemistry. Interested candidates should contact Dr. Linda Johnston at: Linda Johnston, Steacie Institute for Molecular Sciences, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R6 Canada, Tel. 613-990-0973; Fax. 613-991-4278, E-mail: Ljj@ned1.sims.nrc.ca, (preferably by e-mail).

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Professor George Ewing of Indiana University has an opening for a postdoctoral associate. Our mission is to try to understand the structure and properties of thin film water and ice near ambient conditions. Our approach is to grow fractional monolayer to multilayer water on a suitable substrate such as glass, salt or silicon and interrogate the system by polarized infrared spectroscopy. We shall explore phase transitions, hydrogen bonding networks and chemistry of the water thin film. Two of our recent papers [Langmuir 13, 3645 (1997) and J. Phys. Chem. B 101, 10880 (1997)] illustrate the style of our approach. In addition to our infrared studies, we also enjoy collaborations with Anthony Stone (Cambridge University) and Tim Zwier (Purdue) to further explore water films by molecular dynamics calculations and sum frequency generation (SFG) techniques. A successful applicant for this position need not be experienced in either surface science techniques or spectroscopy, but rather have demonstrated a facility for experimental design and be motivated to understand properties of materials at the molecular level. Please contact: George Ewing, Chancellors' Professor of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington IN 47405, (812) 855-5754 (Office), (821) 855-8300 (Fax), E-mail: ewingg@indiana.edu.

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Fox Chase Cancer Center, Institute for Cancer Research. Eileen K. Jaffe, Ph.D., is looking for one or more postdoctoral researchers to work on the porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS) project in her laboratory. From the perspective of the candidate the research in my laboratory is at a point where he or she would be positioned for multiple first-author publications in relatively short order. Thus, the opportunity is perfect for a candidate who aspires to an independent academic or industrial position. For the student who wishes a more detailed understanding of the kinds of studies carried out in my laboratory, I also provide a list of selected publications. I will be happy to provide reprints as well as preprints of unpublished work to anyone interested. For more information contact: Eileen K. Jaffe, Ph.D., Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase, Cancer Center, 7701 Burholme Ave., Philadelphia, Pennslyvania 199111, Phone: 215-728-3695, e-mail: EK_Jaffe@fccc.edu.

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Assistant Professor Alvan C. Hengge of Utah State University has a postdoctoral position in bioorganic chemistry in his laboratory. The NIH-funded project involves mechanistic studies of phosphate ester chemistry with an emphasis on understanding enzymatic catalysis. Our mechanistic investigations utilize kinetics, thermodynamics, and isotope effects along with computational studies. Direct experience in all of these areas is not required but an understanding of mechanistic chemistry and associated techniques is necessary, along with experience in basic synthetic and spectroscopic techniques. A number of projects involving specific enzymes, enzyme models, and uncatalyzed systems are available. The position is available starting early in the fall. The appointment will be for one year renewable for a second year by mutual consent, subject to satisfactory performance. Additional information about my research and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Utah State is available on the web at http://www.chem.usu.edu/faculty/ahengge/index.html and at http://www.chem.usu.edu respectively. Those interested should send a curriculum vitae and have two letters of recommendation sent to: Alvan C. Hengge, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-0300, phone: 435-797-3442, fax: 435-797-3390 email: hengge@cc.usu.edu. Initial contacts by email are welcome.

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Assistant Professor Peter A. Beal of the University of Utah has a postdoctoral position immediately available in his laboratory in bioorganic/biological chemistry. He is currently directing a federally-funded research program in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Utah focused on understanding the molecular basis for, and functional consequence of, protein-RNA and small molecule-RNA interactions. We have three ongoing projects in this area. Projects in his laboratory offer opportunities to master a variety of techniques necessary to carry out research at the interface between chemistry and biology. To apply please contact: Peter A. Beal, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, University of Utah, Department of Chemistry, Salt Lake City UT 84112-0850, phone: (801) 585-9719, e-mail: beal@chemistry.utah.edu.

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Gerard Parkin of Columbia University has an immediate opening for a postdoctoral researcher. Anyone who is interested should send their CV and at least two letters of recommendation to: Gerard Parkin, Department of Chemistry (Box 3115), Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, USA. Tel. (212) 854-8247, Fax. (212) 932-1289.

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Ram Vasudev of Mississippi State University has two postdoctoral research associate positions that will be available in October/November in molecular laser spectroscopy and chemical kinetics at Mississippi State University's Diagnostic Instrumentation & Analysis Laboratory (DIAL). DIAL is a multidisciplinary research and development institute, funded predominantly by the Department of Energy and He National Aeronautics & Space Administration. The major emphasis of our research programs concerns application of modem instrumentation including lasers to environmental, combustion and propulsion problems. Many of the projects have both basic and applied aspects. The research associate for the first project will work on application of laser spectroscopy (especially cavity ring-down spectroscopy, photoionization/time-offlight mass-spectrometry, and laser-induced fluorescence) to environmental/combustion problems. This position will start in October/November. He/she should have a strong background in laser spectroscopy or a related area. The associate for the second project will work on the kinetics of metal oxide fommation, especially at high temperatures. He/she should have experience in kinetics, preferably with flow reactors. Familiarity with use of lasers and mass spectrometers for species detection will be an asset. This position starts in, November. Interested individuals with appropriate research background should promptly send a cover letter and a cv (preferably by e-mail or fax) and have 2-3 recommendation letters sent directly to: Dr. R.Vasudev, Mississippi State University, Diagnostic Instrumentation & Analysis Laboratory, 205 Research Boulevard, Research & Technology Park, Starkville, MS 39759-9734; Fax:(601)-325-8465; E-mail: vasudev@dial.msstate.edu. Evaluation of applications will begin in August.

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DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE IN ROOM 1380.

NEXT NEWSLETTER IS ON AUGUST 24^th, 1998.