Job Description

Protein folding remains a major unsolved challenge for modern biophysics. Despite the experimental and theoretical efforts of many laboratories in the last 40 years, our understanding of the basic rules that govern the attainment of a protein structure is still incomplete. This lack of information is partly due to the inadequacy of conventional bulk methods to study a process that is highly heterogeneous. During folding, individual molecules are thought to follow different pathways and populate different intermediate structures on their journey to the native state. Such a diversity of behaviors is often blurred in the ensemble average measured by bulk methods.

Recent advances in single molecule manipulation techniques, such as laser tweezers, have made it possible to revisit protein folding with a new approach. In these experiments, individual molecules are directly manipulated and their unfolding and refolding trajectories described along a well-defined reaction coordinate, namely their molecular end-to-end distance. In a work published in Science, Cecconi et al. has recently presented a method to manipulate individual globular proteins using laser tweezers [Cecconi et al., Science 2005; Cecconi et al., European Biophysics Journal 2008].

Using this novel experimental approach, Cecconi et al. investigated the folding pathways of single RNase H molecules with unprecedented details, uncovering information inaccessible to ensemble methods.

At the Department of Physics of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia a new line of research has recently been started that focuses on the study of the folding mechanism of single protein molecules using laser tweezers. Individual molecules are directly manipulated and their response to force characterized in terms of different parameters, such as: i) deformability of the native state, ii) unfolding and refolding pathways, iii) magnitude of the forces that hold together secondary and tertiary structures; iv) anisotropy of the protein’s energy landscape, v) distances from the folded and unfolded states to the transition state(s), vi) thermodynamics and kinetics of fluctuations between different molecular conformations. We are therefore seeking a motivated PhD student willing to undertake research in this field. The PhD appointment is for a period of three years. Candidates should have a B.S. or M.S. in physics or related fields.

For further details please contact Dr. Ciro Cecconi. Applicants should send their resume (including email address) to Dr. Ciro Cecconi (ciro.cecconi@gmail.com).

Application Deadline 15/10/2008

Via Campi 213/A
Modena
Postal Code 41100
ITALY

E-Mail: ciro.cecconi@gmail.com
Website: www.s3.infm.it

For more than three decades, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has led international efforts to save life on earth. WWF’s Species Conservation Program is seeking a Program Officer for Asian Mammal Conservation, located in Washington, DC. Responsibilities include effective planning and implementation of Species priorities in Asia though project development, technical input, communication, fundraising and coordination for selected WWF Species project activities. This candidate will function as the lead in programmatic engagement on selected projects in Asia related to Tigers, Asian Rhinos, and Asian Elephant conservation including development of technical reports, grant proposals, presentations and outreach material. The successful candidate should have a Master’s degree in ecology, wildlife biology, natural resources management, environmental science, conservation policy, or a related field, or a bachelor’s degree and equivalent work experience. Three years of experience in biodiversity conservation or natural resources management as well as an understanding of international conservation issues or equivalent combination required. Excellent communications and strong presentation skills with project management experience are essential for this position. This position will require extensive and extended travel in Asia and international working experience is preferred.

Job Type: full-time
Experience Level: 2-5 years
Shift: Day
Nearest Large City: Washington, DC
Posting Type: Employer
Job reference number: 10070

To apply online and see additional openings, visit http://www.worldwildlife.org/about/jobs.cfm

via: http://www.jobopenings.net

Job Purpose
The role of this post is to effectively influence the policy of governments, UN bodies and other humanitarian agencies in Geneva, in line with the objectives of Oxfam’s humanitarian campaign, helping make Oxfam a recognised authority on humanitarian issues. It complements the work done in capitals and OI offices in New York, Brussels and Addis Ababa.The post will also contribute to building the campaign globally, particularly in the area of policy development and analysis
Responsibilities

* Lobby key officials in the UN and national missions in line with campaign objectives.
* Represent OI in international fora such as the Inter Agency Steering Committee Working Group, UNHCR Steering Committee, Human Rights Council, WASH Cluster, etc.
* Build stronger alliances with Geneva-based civil society networks, including the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response, and other humanitarian NGOs and the Red Cross Movement, to achieve Oxfam campaign goals.
* Work with others to develop innovative analysis of humanitarian issues such as humanitarian reform (e.g. leadership, funding), ‘humanitarian space’ and civil-military interaction.
* Contribute to the development of Oxfam’s global policies and strategies.
* Write policy papers, briefings etc.
* Build relations with Geneva-based media on humanitarian issues, as a spokesperson and a clearing house of papers and media releases from Oxfam.
* Provide analysis of relevant international law (human rights, IHL) for Oxfam’s field operations and advocacy statements, or make links with Geneva agencies qualified to do so.
* Provide support to the OGB Executive Director in her roles in SCHR, GHF, GHP and as lead contact with parts of UN system such as OCHA and UNSG, and to assist the OI Humanitarian Coordination Manager in his relations with Geneva-based humanitarian institutions.
* Be available for short-term deployment to support advocacy in sudden-onset disasters or to provide advocacy support to country programmes.
* Recruit and manage an intern.

Key Working Relationships

The post holder will work in collaboration with a wide range of staff including: the OI Humanitarian Campaign Management Team, – particularly the members responsible for the ‘Right to Humanitarian Assistance’ (a role currently played by the line manager of this post) and for Policy (a role currently played by Head of OI New York office); the Oxfam GB Executive Director and Humanitarian Director; and the Spain-based OI Humanitarian Coordination Manager. Direct relations with humanitarian staff and programmes will also be important.
Skills & Competencies

* Comprehensive knowledge of and exposure to a wide range of humanitarian assistance and related human rights issues (Essential) preferably with knowledge of INGO humanitarian operations (Desirable) and IHL (D)
* In depth knowledge of humanitarian institutions and good understanding of the role of the UN (E)
* Strategic thinking, including ability to analyze and articulate the humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require a coordinated Oxfam response (E)
* Proven lobbying and diplomatic skills to achieve results from a wide range of senior targets coming from diverse institutional, political and cultural backgrounds. (E)
* Highly articulate, and proven writing skills to produce succinct, authoritative letters and presentations, articles for range of audiences, etc. (E)
* Proven strategic judgement to seize opportunities to advance long-term goals – to be able to judge what is vital for Oxfam globally from the diverse agenda of different Geneva targets. (E)
* Understanding of gender issues in emergency settings and commitment to gender equity
* Ability to work independently, flexibly and under pressure on fast-changing priorities, with limited supervision, and with strong time-management skills (E)
* Strong inter-personal skills, and ability to work well in hard-working global team.

Person specification

* At least five years’ experience in the humanitarian sector (E), preferably including at least three years field experience, (D) ideally at a program management level (D)
* Advanced university degree preferably in political or social science, international studies, or in international law. (E) A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive practical experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
* Fluency in written and spoken English (E). Working knowledge of French is highly desirable (D) and should be acquired within six months of appointment.
* Capable of traveling abroad at least 10 weeks a year.

Benefits/Conditions

Location: Geneva

Salary: Circa CHF 110,000
How to apply

To apply please send your CV/resume (MS Word format) and covering email to: recruitment@oxfaminternational.org

Interviews: 4th November 2008 in Oxford

Oxfam International aims to be an equal opportunity employer.
http://www.oxfam.org

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the IWK Health Centre is seeking a full-time Clinical Laboratory Scientist to join the teams of Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnosis Laboratories. The IWK Health Centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, provides quality care for children, youth, women and families in the three Maritime Provinces and beyond. It is a tertiary care health centre and is responsible for the provision of genetics services for the Maritime Provinces.

Clinical Laboratory Scientist
(Regular Full-Time, 1.0 FTE)

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University Medical School

Position Summary: Primary clinical responsibilities will be in Cytogenetics and include shared coverage with triage, review, interpretation, reporting and consultation of bone marrow, solid tumors, prenatal, and blood specimens. The ideal candidate will also be responsible for some coverage with similar responsibilities in the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. Additional clinical responsibilities in both areas will include participation in the laboratory quality assurance program, administrative duties, development and implementation of new testing protocols.

The successful candidate will have an appointment with Dalhousie University, Department of Pathology that includes teaching responsibilities for undergraduate/graduate students, fellows and residents, as well as research opportunities.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. The position is immediately available and the search will be ongoing until a suitable candidate is identified.

Qualifications: Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in genetics or a related field and dual certification/eligibility in Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics by the CCMG or ABMG. Candidates with a Ph.D. and Cytogenetics certifications/eligibility, and who are willing to undertake certification in Molecular Diagnostics will also be considered.

Location: Halifax is a small but vibrant city of approximately 300,000 people. It has an excellent arts and music community, with many diverse cultural activities, all within the compact city center. As well, there is easy access to some of the world’s finest coastal salt-water sailing and kayaking.

Questions regarding the above position should be directed to Dr. Tim Mailman – Interim Chief, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. Phone (902) 470-7892 or E-mail: tim.mailman@iwk.nshealth.ca.

Competition Number: J4134-CB
Union Status: N/A (Medical Staff)
Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Please submit in confidence a letter of interest, curriculum vitae and the names of three referees to:

Email: Human.Resources@iwk.nshealth.ca (*Quote competition # in subject line)

Mail or drop off: IWK Health Centre, Human Resources
5850/5980 University Avenue, PO Box 9700
Halifax, NS B3K 6R8
Ph: (902) 470-8012
Fax: (902) 470-6612

Website at http://www.iwk.nshealth.ca.

Job Description

This research focuses on the development of dynamic metabolic model for heterologous protein production by Streptomyces lividans consistent with cell metabolism but with manageable complexity to enable model-based optimization and control of the production process in bioreactors. Data and insights generated by metabolic flux analysis under steady state and dynamic conditions are exploited for model development but are also useful for improved strain engineering.

The potential of Streptomyces as an industrial host for production of heterologous proteins has been proven in the past decade. Heterologous genes are usually linked to signal peptides of strongly expressed/secreted endogenous Streptomyces proteins. Signal peptides act as address tags specifically recognizing the Sec-translocase positioned on the cell membrane. Within the secdependent secretion system, SecA (a precursor protein stimulated ATPase) is the molecular motor driving translocation. Given that the central metabolism is the most important source of energy within a cell, a proper balancing of the energy flux towards growth and maintenance processes, and towards protein secretion, plays a crucial role in optimization of protein production. By exploring two target proteins, mouse Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (mTNF) and Jonesia sp. Xyloglucanase (Xeg), we can identify generic next to protein-specific phenomena.

Aim is to unravel the impact of the bioreactor environment on the central metabolism and protein production properties of S. lividans by means of metabolic flux analysis. Knowledge will gradually be built up by analyzing metabolic fluxes under steady state and subsequently under dynamic conditions. The impact of protein synthesis and secretion on the carbon and energy metabolism and on the flux dynamics under changing process conditions can be deduced. First the published metabolic reaction network of S. coelicolor is verified for S. lividans in well-designed 13C-labelling experiments. Based on the 13C-labelling distribution resulting from the consumption of labelled substrate, the intracellular fluxes and topology of the reaction network is deduced. This knowledge will be further used in MFA based on the reaction stoichiometry and net conversion rates. Various limiting conditions will be tested under steady state conditions. Conditions with significant impact on the metabolic balance between biomass formation and protein production are further investigated under dynamic conditions. Dynamic experiments include steady state experiments with various shifts in dilution rates and fed-batch experiments during which the transition between substrate excess and limitation can be studied. The dynamics of the intracellular metabolites will be followed during transition zones by frequent sampling. In all stages, techniques of optimal experimental design will be used to guarantee identifiability and accurate flux estimation.

Further Requirements:

This position is targeted at candidates from non-EEA countries (European Economic Area = European Union + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). Applications are invited from enthusiastic graduates with an excellent study track record. We offer a challenging research environment and an intense experience leading to a PhD degree.

Further Information: http://cit.kuleuven.be/en/research.php

Read Detail: Read Detail

Cornell University is a bold, innovative and inclusive teaching and research university of academic distinction and public service where staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to be active citizens of the world.

A full-time postdoctoral associate is sought for genetic/genomic studies in apple (Malus x domestica). The project will focus on studying genes influencing plant architecture, fruit quality and disease resistance. Genetic maps will be developed and new molecular markers will be identified. The successful candidate will develop and use genomics tools for the genetic enhancement of apple, and is expected to contribute to a variety of studies within the apple genetic improvement program.

Qualifications :

Applicants should have a PhD in Plant Genetics / Genomics, Plant Breeding, Plant Molecular Biology or related disciplines. Hands-on experience in diverse PCR-based markers systems and linkage map construction is required. Experience in marker development and linkage analysis in allopolyploids is desired. A strong theoretical background in Statistical Genomics will be viewed favorably. Association mapping, genomic sequence analysis, genomic data mining and bioinformatics experience is surely desireable. Candidates should have a proven record of research productivity and proficiency and the ability to work collaboratively with other researchers and graduate students. Excellent English written and oral communication skills are required. Salary is commensurate with experience and education.

The position will be under the supervision of Dr. Susan Brown, Herman M. Cohn Professor of Horticultural Sciences and Director of the Tree Fruit Genomics Initiative, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University, 630 West North Street, 120 Hedrick Hall, NYSAES, Geneva, NY.

To apply, send or e-mail curriculum vitae, list of publications, statement of research interests, and phone numbers and full contact information of at least 3 references to: Dr. Susan Brown, (Email: skb3@cornell.edu) at the above address.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position start date is as soon as possible, but a later start date is negotiable.

The title of the second project is ‘Dynamics in the central metabolism of Streptomyces lividans producing heterologous proteins’.

If you interest please apply via this site : www.set.kuleuven.be/phd

Closing date: 21/09/2008
Reference: HUM/80572

A two-year Post Doctoral Fellowship is offered by the Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk, which is based in the Division of Accounting and Finance at Manchester Business School

This Fellowship is funded by EPSRC, with support from ESRC. It forms part of their SPRing Consortium Project, in which four universities, led by Manchester, will research the sustainability of nuclear power for the UK from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

The task of this Fellow is to investigate the economic and financial aspects of the sustainability of nuclear power, including the interface between the economic and non-economic aspects of decision-making — for example un-priced economic or environmental externalities, the modes of market failure, in the presence or absence of corporate or government intervention, effects of conflicts between social interest groups on thefeasibility of computing an economic optimum etc.

The skill base needed includes an economics-related PhD, ideally with some knowledge of market theory, including the effects of violating that theory’s assumptions.

Other desirable (but not essential skills) include knowledge of modern financial mathematics, especially real options, skill in the solution of partial differential equations, and knowledge of actual trading and investment practices in the energy industry.

A fully funded PhD student will operate alongside this Fellow, to help to formulate and solve any innovative financial mathematical models of the required decisions under relevant uncertainties. The Fellow may also interact with other EPSRC funded work shared by MBS and Manchester University’s School of Mathematics, for example into wind power.

Our SPRing research collaborators are City University, Edinburgh University and Southampton University, and the Fellow is expected to form cross-disciplinary links with them and other organisations.

A main aim of the SPRing project is to develop a multi-criteria debating framework, so as to permit both technical and non-technical users, including politicians, energy companies, the media, interest groups and the public, to explore the issues of preference, belief, agreement and interest conflict which arise in this type of social decision. The work of the Fellow will support the integrity and value of the framework.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on an internationally important problem, at the frontiers of modern financial and economic analysis, and to acquire increasingly needed skills in Energy management. The Fellow will interact with disciplines as varied as applied mathematics, economics, finance, investment banking, nuclear engineering, national security, political and social studies.

Manchester University is a growing centre of technical, managerial and societal skills in sustainability, and also in nuclear, oil-based, wind and wave energies. Manchester Business School itself is active in all, except (as yet) wave power.

Salary
£27,466 – £33,780 p.a.

Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries can be made to Professor S.D Howell
Email: s.howell@mbs.ac.uk.

For Further Information:www.manchester.ac.uk

• masters degree in mathematics, commercial engineering, applied economics, civil/industrial engineering, bioengineering or equal;
• a strong interest in operations research and/or economic modelling and the ambition to write a Ph.D. dissertation;
• a strong academic record;
• a good knowledge of English.

We offer:
A scholarship in a stimulating research environment, starting as soon as possible until September 30th 2009, to be extended by two additional years after a positive evaluation.

Interested?
Please fill in your application form (http://www.ua.ac.be/main.aspx?c=*VACATURES&n=15761&ct=011072 and return it to

University of Antwerp
Campus Middelheim
HR department (AP cell)
Middelheimlaan 1
2020 Antwerp
Belgium
by September 30th 2008 at the latest

Do not hesitate to contact us for more details

* Dr. Wout Dullaert, Wout.Dullaert@ua.ac.be, tel. + 32 3 275 51 41
* Dr. Bruno De Borger, Bruno.DeBorger@ua.ac.be, tel. + 32 3 220 41 61