Chemistry Newsletter - 09/08/1998

University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Chemistry Newsletter

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Preliminary Organic Chemistry Cumulative Exam Schedule, 1998-99.

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

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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Introductory Research Talks in Physical Chemistry Fall 1998

For entering graduate students interested in physical chemistry, there will be a series of short talks by faculty members describing their research interests. These will be held at 5:45 PM on Thursdays during the first five weeks of the semester. There will be a half-hour talk followed by an informal supper and then two other talks.

Since these talks are brief, students should follow up by contacting individual faculty members in whose research they are interested. Each student should interview at least three faculty members during the fall semester concerning research opportunities.

These talks are a means of finding research opportunities and of obtaining a broad overview of physical chemistry research in the Department. Students expecting to major in physical chemistry should make every effort to attend all of these talks. Teaching Assistants should mark this time on the schedule cards turned into the teaching Laboratory Director.

Time: 5:45 - 7:45 Thursdays - Place: 9th Floor Lounge and Rm. 9340E

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SEMINARS

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Tuesday, September 8^th, 1998 - Organic Chemistry Seminar, 3:30 p.m., Room 1361 Chemistry Building. Professor Ernst Schaumann, Technical University of Clausthal, Germany. "Silicon Migration as a Tool in Organic Synthesis"

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Thursday, September 10^th, 1998 - Analytical Sciences Seminar, 12:05 p.m., Room B371 Chemistry Building. Professor Thomas C. Farrar, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Molecular Structure, Dynamics and Self-Assembly in Hydrogen Bonded Liquids"

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Thursday, September 10^th, 1998 - Organic Chemistry Seminar, 11:00 a.m., Room 1361 Chemistry Building. Professor Robert West, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cyclic Silicon Compounds with "Aromatic" Charater: Silylenes and Siloles"

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SPICE

(Student-Presented Interactive Chemistry Experiences)

The Institute for Chemical Education (ICE) outreach program called SPICE promotes knowledge of and enthusiasm for science among young people. SPICE teams, composed of volunteers, present chemistry demonstration programs that generate excitement and interest in science. Volunteers are typically undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, and staff members from chemistry and other departments. They present shows (by invitation) at primary and secondary schools, shopping malls, libraries, and other public places in Madison and southern Wisconsin. Over the past 7 years, SPICE made close to 400 presentations to over 50,000 students, teachers, and parents. We Need More Volunteers. Experience is not necessary; interest and enthusiasm are necessary. If you would like to be a part of this enjoyable and rewarding experience, you can get started by attending the next organizational meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23^rd in Chemistry 9th floor lounge. PIZZA and soft drinks will be served. Please call 262-2940, or email shanks@chem.wisc.edu if you are planning to attend - we need to know how much pizza to get!! If you are interested in the program but cannot attend this meeting, or if you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Shanks at 262-2940, Chemistry room 1321A.

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L&S Research Fellowship at a British University

The L&S Research Services office has received applications for a new fellowship competition funded by the British Government. The Fellowships enable American scientists or engineers to undertake post-doc research for up to one year at a British university or research institute. Each fellowship offers up to 20,000 pounds. The Fellowships will support research in any area of science, technology and engineering, and will be tenable at any UK university or research institute. Candidates must be US citizens and hold a PhD in key areas of science, technology or engineering. The Fellowship begins after 4/1/99 and the postmark deadline is October 13^th. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the application, please email: Diane Barrett of L&S Research Services, phone (265-9655) at: Barrett@LS.admin.wisc.edu and she will send it to you.

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Biotechnology Training Program.

The Fall Orientation will be held at the Play Circle Theater in the west end, second floor of Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street, on Thursday, September 17, from 5:30-9:00 PM. Students are eligible for this program if they are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and are in a doctorate program. Promising candidates are nominated by departments or trainers, and are reviewed on their grades, GRE scores, interest in biotechnology research, and other criteria. Further information on this event, including an RSVP form, may be obtained from Mary Kay Sorenson in Room 7315 Chemistry.

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Organic Tutors Needed!

Anyone interested in tutoring for Organic Chemistry should contact Joyce Bohling in Room 5235, or call 263-5920 A.S.A.P. Thank You.

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The Link Foundation Energy Fellowship Program

The objective of the Link Foundation is to foster energy research; to enhance both the theoretical and practical knowledge and application of energy research; and to disseminate the results of that research through lectures, seminars, and publications. Doctoral Student Awards are on the basis of an application to the Foundation in the form of a research proposal, awards will be made to doctoral students in academic institutions. The basis for award is by an independent committee who will review the proposals. Preference will be shown to proposals dealing directly with energy and which explore ideas not yet fully tested, rather than to further development of programs already in progress. However, in keeping with the founder's philosophy, ideas that can be implemented in the relatively near term will be given first Priority. Application Forms and Guidelines. Please write to: Link Foundation Energy Fellowship Program, Dr. Lee Lynd, Administrator, Thayer School of Engineering Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, Phone:(603) 646-2231, or http://www.linkfoundation.org. Proposals must be postmarked on or before December 1, 1998. Announcement of Awards will be on March 1999.

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Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy

Postdoctoral Fellowships in Computational Molecular Biology

(Round Four)

The deadline for receipt of all application materials from applicant, sponsoring scientist, and related reference letters is January 18,1999 (firm). Announcements will be made by April, 1999. Send Applications to: Dr. Michael S. Teitelbaum, Sloan/DOE Joint Postdoctoral Fellowships in Computational Molecular Biology Alfred P. Sloan Foundation 630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2550 New York, NY 10111-0242. For more information and complete details of this fellowship please stop by Room 1380 Chemistry.

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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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General Chemistry Faculty Position. The Department of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee anticipates opening a tenure-track position in General Chemistry. An appointment will be made at either the Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level. A Ph.D. is required for this position and postdoctoral experience is desirable. Candidates for appointment at the Associate level should provide evidence of significant independent scholarly achievements. The Department seeks a candidate with a strong interest in chemistry education and curriculum development. The successful candidate will be required to provide evidence of scholarly achievements in peer reviewed journals, grantsmanship and demonstrated excellence in teaching at the general chemistry level. To be considered, a curriculum vitae with a research plan, an outline of teaching philosophy and three letters of recommendation must be mailed to: Professor J.M. Cook, Chair, Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, P.O. Box 413, Milwaukee, WI 53201, Fax: 414-229-5530, e-mail: capncook@csd.uwm.edu and postmarked by October 19, 1998. The names of those applicants who have not requested that their identities be withheld and the names of all finalists will be released on request.

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University of Utah. Up to three tenure-track positions are available in Organic, Inorganic, and Analytical chemistry. We anticipate filling the positions at the junior level, but exceptional senior candidates will be considered. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the background, motivation, and ability to develop vigorous, competitive research programs, and to be excellent teachers at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A Ph.D. is required; postdoctoral experience is desirable. Applicants for junior-level positions should send an application letter including a description of proposed research and detailed vita, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent. Senior applicants should send an application letter and vita. Reply to: Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 S 1400 E Rm Dock, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112-0850. Deadline for receipt of applications is Oct. 15, 1998, or until suitable candidates are identified.

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The University of Iowa Department of Chemistry, seeks outstanding applicants for a tenure-track faculty appointment in Chemistry (rank open) as General Chemistry Coordinator, to begin in August, 1999. The abilities to develop a scholarly program in Chemical Education supported by external funding, to teach effectively entry level general chemistry, to supervise Teaching Assistants, to coordinate the efforts of other faculty in teaching entry level lecture and laboratory chemistry courses, and to administer other activities related to the general chemistry teaching mission, are essential. Priority will be given to applicants with an established record of outstanding performance in teaching general chemistry and scholarly activities related to Chemical Education. Applicants should submit a resume, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a brief summary of scholarly activity plans to: Chair, Faculty Search Committee/GCC, Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1294. Evaluation of applicants will begin October 1, 1998.

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University of Washington, Department of Chemistry seeks outstanding candidates for two or more tenure-track faculty appointments at the Assistant Professor level. Appointments at the Associate and Full Professor level may also be considered in exceptional circumstances. Applications in all areas of chemistry, as well as interdisciplinary areas involving chemistry will be considered. Candidates will be expected to participate in undergraduate and graduate teaching and to develop a vigorous, externally funded research program. Applicants must have a PhD. or equhrdent degree by date of appointment. Please submit a curriculum vitae, statement of research and teaching interests and three letters of reference to: Professor Paul B. Hopkins, Chair, Department of Chemistry (Search), Box 351700, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-1700, Phone (206) 543-1613, FAX (206) 685-8665, email: search@chem.washington.edu. Priority will be given to applications received by October 2, 1998.

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Duke University. Applications and nominations are sought for an Assistant Professorship (tenure track) in Physical Chemistry beginning in September, 1999. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the teaching program in physical chemistry at the graduate and undergraduate levels and conduct a vigorous independent research program. Although all areas of experimental and theoretical chemistry are of interest, applications from candidates with research programs in either biophysical chemistry or materials science are particularly encouraged. Each applicant should send a curriculum vitae, description of future research plans and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to: Physical Search Committee, 101 P. M. Gross Chemical Laboratory, Duke University, Box 90346, Durham, NC 27708-0346.

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Duke University. Open Rank. Applications and nominations are sought for a faculty position in organic chemistry beginning in September, 1999. Although we expect to make an appointment at the Assistant Professor level (tenure track), qualified individuals at a higher level are encouraged to apply. The successful applicant should be prepared to contribute to the teaching program in organic chemistry at the graduate and undergraduate levels and conduct a vigorous independent research program. All applicants should send a curriculum vitae and a description of future research plans to: Organic Faculty Search Committee, 101 P. M. Gross Chemical Laboratory, Duke University, Box 90346, Durham, NC 27708-0346. Junior candidates should arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent to this same address and senior candidates should send the names of three potential referees.

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Duke University. The Department of Chemistry at Duke University is seeking applications and nominations for the R.J. Reynolds Chair. We expect to appoint an established, internationally recognized scholar with a distinguished research program who also has a strong commitment to teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels. All research areas will be considered. Applications and nominations should be sent to: Chair, Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708-0346. The search will remain open until the Reynolds Chair is filled.

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The Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, invites applications for a new tenure track/tenured Assistant/Associate Professorship with research interests in the area of environmental analytical chemistry, as broadly conceived. The successful candidate must be committed to undergraduate and graduate education, is expected to develop or have a vigorous, funded research program, and shall conduct research in areas that compliment, rather than duplicate, existing analytical chemistry research efforts. A sampling of the current programs within chemistry and the faculty is available by taking the www to: http://www.chem.buffalo.edu/. A cover letter, curriculum vitae, brief statement of teaching philosophy and research plans, and three letters of recommendation should be sent to: Analytical Search Committee Chair, Department of Chemistry, Natural Science Complex, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-3000.

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The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is embarking on a major initiative in the area of biological aspects of chemistry. We anticipate filling two tenure-track Assistant Professor positions to begin August 16, 1999, with additional positions likely in succeeding years. Specific fields include, but are not limited to: bioorganic, pharmaceutical chemistry, chemistry of peptides and nucleic acids, bioanalytical, biomaterials, computational studies of biomolecular dynamics and statistical mechanics, novel applications of spectroscopic techniques to biomolecules, and energy transfer phenomena. Applicants must hold a PhD degree, with postdoctoral experience recommended. A letter of application, CV, statement of research plans, statement of teaching interests, and at least three letters of recommendation should be submitted to: Faculty Search Committee Chair, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901-4409. Review of applications will commence October 16, 1998 but the search will continue until the positions are filled.

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The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of The University of Texas at Austin solicits applications for a tenure-track assistant professorship beginning September 1^st, 1999. Although the appointment is expected to be at the level of assistant professor, a senior-level appointment is possible. Exceptional candidates whose research training and interests are in the area of organic chemistry are especially encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin on October 1^st, 1998, and applications received after October 15^th may not receive full consideration. Early applications are encouraged. Candidates who have demonstrated outstanding research ability and show promise in teaching should forward a curriculum vitae, short descriptions of research plans, and three letters of recommendation to: Organic Search Committee, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712.

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The University of Utah Chemistry Department has up to three tenure-track positions available in organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. We anticipate filling the positions at the junior level, but exceptional senior candidates will be considered Candidates are expected to demonstrate the background, motivation, and ability to develop vigorous, competitive research programs, and to be excellent teachers at the undergraduate and graduate levels. A Ph.D. is required; postdoctoral experience is desirable. Applicants for junior-level positions should send an application letter including a description of proposed research and detailed vita, and arrange for three letters of recommendation to be sent directly to the address below. Senior applicants should send an application letter and vita. Reply to: Search Committee, Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 S. 1400 E. Rm. Dock, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0850. Deadline for receipt of applications is Oct. 15, 1998, or until suitable candidates are identified.

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California Institute of Technology invites applications for a tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Chemical Physics/Physical Chemistry, including multidisciplinary areas with experimental and/or theoretical emphasis with an initial appointment for four years. Outstanding individuals with a Ph.D. and strong commitment to research and teaching excellence are encouraged to apply. Submit curriculum vitae, publication list, a description of proposed research, and three letters of recommendation to: Professor A. H. Zewail, Chairman, Search Committee, 127-72, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125. Application deadline: November 15, 1998.

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University of Wisconsin-Madison, College of Letters and Sciences, Project Assistant/Advising Dean, General Deans Staff. Office of Student Academic Affairs. Project Assistant/Advising Deans. To advise and counsel undergraduate students regarding academic decisions and problems related to them. To formulate, interpret, and monitor policies and/or major program directives as appropriate on behalf of the faculty and Associate Dean. Candidates should possess an understanding and appreciation of the problems faced by undergraduate students at a large university. They must be able to reconcile the needs of individual students with the need to maintain the standards and tradition of the College. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills are essential. Administrative skills, familiarity with undergraduate Letters and Science academic programs, and an understanding of the heritage and culture of ethnic and minority students are all important considerations. Expected Starting Date is September 21, 1998. We will begin reviewing applications immediately. All applications postmarked or delivered to: Room 108, South Hall by September 14, 1998 will be fully considered. Applications received via fax will be accepted if original, hard-copy documents are received subsequently within 72 hours of original fax transmission. Qualified applicants should send a letter of application. a resume and 3 letters of recommendation to: Christopher Lee, Assistant Dean, c/o Kristi Wallin, L&S Student Academic Affairs, Room 108, South Hall - 1055 Bascom Mall, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, Phone: (608) 262-1827, Fax: (608) 262-5093.

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University of Wisconsin-Madison, college of Letters and Sciences. Cross-College Advising Service. Project Assistant (Working Title: Associate Career Adviser, The Exploration Center Half-Time [50%] Appointment). The Cross-College Advising Service (CCAS) is a campus-wide academic arising unit which addresses the academic advising concerns of U.W.- Madison undergraduates who:

• Are deciding on a major and therefore exploring various academic and pre-professional regiments;
• Are reconsidering their original choice of major;
• Have been denied admission to a limited enrollment program;
• Have questions regarding any academic programs offered at the UW-Madison campus.

Advisers in CCAS utilize individual appointments, group workshops and The Exploration Center for majors and careers (career planning resources) with undergraduate students to discuss their specific options with the broad spectrum of academic options, including majors, certificates and pre-professional programs within the expansive U.W.-Madison's nine undergraduate schools and colleges. Advisers maintain contact with the individual academic advising units and career resources within each of the various colleges and schools and refer students to these offices as needed. Educational Qualifications Project assistants are required to be graduate students in good standing by University and Department criteria in order to hold an appointment. Project assistants appointed in Letters and Science are expected to enroll during the academic year for a minimum of six graduate credits each semester unless they are dissertators and enrolled for three dissertator credits. This six credit minimum may be waived for sound academic reasons by action of the departmental chair or his/her designee, but during the academic year a project assistant must always be enrolled for at least two credits. Expected Starting Date: September 28, 1998. Application review will begin immediately. All applications postmarked or delivered to: Room 108 South Hall by September 16 will be fully considered. Applications received via fax will be accepted if original, hard-copy documents are received subsequently within 72 hours of original fax transmission. Applicants should send a letter of application, resume, and three letters of recommendation to: Rebecca Ryan, Coordinator of the Exploration Center, c/o Kristi Wallin, Room 108, South Hall - 1055 Bascom Mall, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, Phone: (608) 262-1827, Fax: (608) 262-5093.

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POSTDOCTORAL POSITION AND/OR JOBS

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Dr. Yan Xu, of the University of Pittsburgh has three postdoctoral positions (one as lab manager) available immediately to (1) determine the structures of functional channel peptides in membrane environment; (2) study the mechanisms underlying the actions of nonspecific drugs on these channels; or (3) test therapeutic agents for treatment of neuronal injuries. Experience with NMR is preferred but not required. Salary competitive and long-term positions possible. Send CV and names of three references to: Dr. Yan Xu, W-1358 Biomedical Science Tower, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15262, xu@smtp.anes.upmc.edu. Fax: (412) 648-9587.

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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colorado, currently has postdoctoral research opportunities in the area of chemical science and technology. This program is administered by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. The opportunities are in the areas of fluid properties (experimental and theoretical), chemical separations, and cryogenics. The address of our Postdoctoral Opportunity Web Site is http://www.boulder.nist.gov/div838/postdoc. The web site contains some details on each research project and information about the NRC application process. The next deadline date for applications for the annual competition for Postdoctoral Research Associateships at NIST is January 15, 1999. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact: W.M. Haynes, Assistant Director for Boulder, Physical and Chemical Properties Division, Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory, Tel: 303-497-3247, Fax: 303-497-5044, Email: william.haynes@nist.gov.

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Professor Jeff Roberts has a postdoctoral position, funded by the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Program in Environmental Chemistry, available at the University of Minnesota. The scientist who fills this position will be afforded wide latitude to work on any of several highly collaborative research projects in the area of heterogeneous environmental chemistry. The successful candidate for the position will have a keen interest in the environmental sciences. She or he will also possess strong skills and capabilities in basic chemistry or chemical engineering. A degree in the environmental sciences is not required. Candidates should be available no later than June 1, 1999. Interested parties should contact: Professor Jeff Roberts, Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, tel: (612) 625-2363, fax: (612) 626-7541, e-mail: roberts@chem.umn.edu. Applications, will be accepted until October 15, 1998 or until the position is filled, and should include a cover, letter, a curriculum vita, and the names and addresses of three references.

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Dr. John P. Caradonna of Boston University has several postdoctoral positions available this Fall in the general area of research involving non-heme iron metalloproteins, with particular emphasis on understanding the properties of synthetic binuclear iron complexes that catalyze oxygen atom transfer reactions with alkane, alkene and arene substrates. Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae and the names of three references to: Dr. John P. Caradonna, Metcalf Center for Science and Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Boston University, 590 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215-2521. All applicants are encouraged to contact me by e-mail caradonn@bu.edu or by phone 617-353-1692.

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DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE IN ROOM 1380.

NEXT NEWSLETTER IS ON SEPTEMBER 14^th, 1998.