Montag, 8. August 2011

Ph.D. Position

Ph.D. Position
Myelin Water Imaging
Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4)
Research Centre Juelich, Juelich, Germany

This position is primarily aimed at the development and application of myelin water mapping in the human brain in vivo using different relaxometric modalities.
The Research Centre Juelich (http://www.fz-juelich.de/) is one of Europe's largest interdisciplinary research centres with 4,600 employes, 7 research institutes with 46 divisions. The Institute of Medicine and Neuroscience INM-4 (Medical Imaging Physics http://www.fz-juelich.de/inm/inm4/EN/Home/home_node.html) offers a highly interdisciplinary environment with physicists, engineers and neuroscientists working on a better understanding of the brain with the help of advanced brain imaging methods and state of the art technology. Among others, a unique 9.4T combined MR-PET scanner offers unprecedented research opportunities.
We are interested in an individual with a solid physics background documented by outstanding academic performance and advanced computer programming skills. The work will involve developing protocols suited for myelin water fraction and absolute water content imaging in vivo at different field strengths; comparing the water pools revealed by the different relaxometric modalities; implementation of new imaging methods; advanced data processing techniques; comparison with other MR modalities, e.g. diffusion. The available instrumentation includes several human scanners, such as a 3T Siemens Trio and a combined 3T MR-PET Siemens scanner, 4T Bruker/Siemens system, 9.4T MR-PET Siemens system as well as a 9.4T home-built animal scanner based on Siemens and Varian consoles. There are also extensive facilities for all aspects of MRI hardware development and data analysis.

Interested persons should email a Curriculum Vitae including name, address and email address of at least one reference to:

Dr. Ana-Maria Oros-Peusquens
Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-4)
Research Centre Juelich
Leo-Brandt-Str, 52428 Juelich
tel.: +49-2461 61 2107
fax: +49-2461 61 2820
a.m.oros-peusquens@fz-juelich.de

POSTDOC POSITION AVAILABLE

3 YEAR POSTDOC POSITION AVAILABLE WITHIN NMRSTR
http://www.nmrstr.ugent.be

The NMR and Structure Analysis unit of the Department of Organic Chemistry of Gent University (Belgium) is involved in research activities in the (bio)chemical and material sciences using NMR spectroscopy as the main investigative tool. With four fully equipped Bruker NMR spectrometers, it is the main academic NMR facility active in the chemical and material sciences in Belgium. The equipment inclides an AVANCE–II 700 MHz instrument, housed within the unit and part of the Interuniversitary NMR Facility jointly operated between Ghent University, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Antwerp University (UA), as well as an Avance-III 500 MHz (in installation), an AVANCE-II 500 MHz and an AVANCE 300 MHz. Equipment includes three- and four-channel setups, hrMAS at 700 MHz and a high gradient amplitude diffusion probe (1600 T/m) at 500 MHz.

A three year, University funded postdoctoral position is available starting preferably before January 1st 2012 (negotiable), to further develop and implement techniques and methodologies for the solution NMR based investigation in the following projects:

· The characterization of the impact of chemically modified nucleosides on the structure and dynamics of DNA duplexes intended to mimic protein active sites. This involves the use of both unlabelled and selectively labeled DNA systems.

· In situ characterization of colloidal dispersions ranging from quantum dots and rods to pigment and latex particles – this also involves methodological developments in diffusion respectively STD NMR spectroscopy.

The duties of the successful applicant include:

Scientific research within the context of one of the above research projects.
Scientific involvement (including co-authorship) in short term research projects with external partners.
Scientific support and co-manager of the Interuniversity 700 MHz high field NMR facility and the new 500 MHz facility within the department.
Mentoring of Master and PhD students.
Contribute to the educational activities of the department.

We offer:

The opportunity to fully participate in our current research projects, within the best equipped NMR facility in the country.
The opportunity to develop a proper research interest, i.e. based on the applicants own interest.
A competitive salary amounting to 1800-2100 €/month (commensurate with age and experience).

To be eligible, applicants should:
Demonstrate knowledge and practical expertise in solution NMR spectroscopy, as demonstrated by publications in international journals and/or oral communications at national or international meetings.
Demonstrate technical knowledge in the operation of NMR equipment (hardware and software) including implementation of pulse sequences.
Demonstrate interest for MSc student mentoring
Have acquired a PhD degree by the time of appointment (foreseen 1/1/2012).

The Universiteit Gent is an equal opportunity employer. Ghent is a pleseant city with medieval centre and good quality of living
For further information contact Prof. José C. Martins via e-mail: Jose.Martins@UGent.be
Ghent University: http://www.ugent.be/nl
City of Ghent: http://www.visitgent.be/

PhD students and postdocs positions

PhD students and postdocs positions on new applications of NMR in environmental sciences

Short description of projects:
Project1: Use high-resolution NMR to measure intramolecular variation of the heavy hydrogen isotope deuterium in historical plant samples, to link past climate with physiological changes, and to define plant-climate interactions relevant for future plant productivity.
Project2: Apply quantitative 13C NMR to primary metabolites and to tree rings, to establish links between intramolecular 13C variation and partitioning of metabolites in plants.
Project3: NMR Characterization of Soil Phosphorus and Carbon Forms during Long Term Succession
We look for highly creative students seeking a career in interdisciplinary research at the interface between chemistry, biology and earth sciences. Applicants should have a university education in chemistry, biochemistry, or equivalent. Experience in NMR, stable isotopes or plant physiology is of advantage.
For project details and applications (including cover letter describing your motivation for this position, CV including a list of university courses with grades, a copy of your graduate work, and names and addresses of two persons willing to act as references), please contact Prof. Jürgen Schleucher, jurgen.schleucher@chem.umu.se

Donnerstag, 4. August 2011

Research Scientist, Solid State NMR Spectroscopy

A full time position is available for an experienced research scientist with skills in solid state NMR spectroscopy. This is a leading role in the University-wide NMR Facility, which has recently implemented ARC funding for a major initiative in solid-state NMR spectroscopy.
The appointee will consolidate advanced solid state NMR spectroscopic techniques to enable research in the areas of molecular & life sciences, medicine, materials engineering and polymers within UNSW and with partner organisations, as well as train research staff and students in this area of specialization.
This is a fixed term, full time position for a period of three years. Salary Level A (Completed PhD): A$74,129 - A$79,288 per year (plus 17% employer superannuation and leave loading). Applications close: 22/08/2011

See the full description and how to apply at http://www.hr.unsw.edu.au/services/recruitment/jobs/22071104.html #8145.

Location: NMR Facility, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia; see www.nmr.unsw.edu.au

Contact the manager, Dr. James Hook for further information; email: j.hook@unsw.edu.au

Research Fellow (Postdoc) in Solid State NMR

A full-time position is available at the Institute of Solid State Physics of the Technical University Darmstadt, Germany (Group of Prof. M. Vogel).

The successful applicant is an experienced scientist in the field of solid state NMR. He or she has a consolidated knowledge of 1D and 2D NMR studies on dynamics and structure of disordered solids, profound skills in the operation, maintenance, and development of NMR equipment, and experience in simulation of NMR data.

The responsibilities associated with this position include:

- Management and maintenance of the NMR facility featuring, among others, spectrometers for MAS, NMR diffusometry (SFG and PFG), and NMR relaxometry

- Own research activities in the field of molecular dynamics in disordered materials, including complex fluids in nanoporous materials, weakly hydrated proteins, and lithium ion conductors

- Training of PhD, master, and bachelor students

The position is for 2 years with a possible extension to up to 5 years

Additional information about our research activities can be found on our websites:
http://www.fkp.tu-darmstadt.de/groups/ag_vogel/

Applications should be submitted until 01 September 2011 to:

Prof. Dr. Michael Vogel
Institut für Festkörperphysik
Technische Universität Darmstadt
Hochschulstr. 6
64289 Darmstadt, Germany
michael.vogel@physik.tu-darmstadt.de

PhD position Leiden University

The Solid State NMR group at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden
University has a PhD studentship (38 hrs a week) available in the Modular
Design of a Bio-Inspired Tandem Cell for Direct Solar-to-Fuel Conversion.

Apply before august 21, 2011.

Project description
The successful candidate will participate in the SOLARFUELTANDEM
collaborative research project (CPR) of the European Science Foundation
Eurocores programme EUROSOLARFUELS. The principle objective of this
collaborative project, shared between its 10 European contributors, is the
modular design of a bio-inspired nanostructured organic-inorganic
heterojunction tandem cell for solar to fuel conversion. The vision is to
work from a combination of natural and artificial modules for catalysis and
charge separation and explore a range of different combinations for
functional tandem device concepts. This allows the consortium to work in
parallel on modular systems integration and optimization of components.
Self-assembled Zn chlorin nanocylinders forming excitations with internal
charge transfer character will be aligned in an alumina solid membrane to
form a supramolecular sensitizer for ultrafast charge separation and charge
injection into a low-bandgap Si semiconductor. In this heterojunction
system, two regions of the solar spectrum can be used in tandem to overcome
the thermodynamic barrier for water oxidation and hydrogen production with
visible light in a single device. Two complementary synthetic strategies
will ensure access to a wide library of Zn chlorins. Post-functionalization
of Chl a and BChl c will ensure rapid preparation of compounds for
self-assembly and photophysical studies, also with 13C labels. Total
synthesis will give full control over the pattern of substituents for
fine-tuning of all required physicochemical properties. We will use most
sturdy natural PS2 and Pt modified PS1 systems from C. merolae with a very
high photosynthesis rate as working photocatalysts for optimization of
catalyst interfacing to semiconductors. In a parallel supramolecular
approach we will prepare homogenous Ru/Ir/Co water oxidation and Fe/Ni/Co
hydrogen formation catalysts for immobilization and interfacing to natural
and artificial electron transfer units. Optical spectroscopy, NMR, EPR,
electrochemistry, X-ray crystallography and modeling will be used in the
partnership to assess the kinetics of the multi-electron catalysis and dual
band gap electron transfer mechanisms to guide the design. The final aim of
the CPR is to give proof of principle of a functional tandem device. The PhD
student will primarily contribute to the CPR with structure-determination
and structure-function studies of chlorosome-type supramolecular dye
sensitizers. This contribution to the project will be considered a success
if he or she can guide the design of the chlorosome cylindrical rods into an
operational functional supramolecular dye sensitizer for application in an
artificial reaction center concept.

See also:
EUROSOLARFUELS: http://www.esf.org/index.php?id=6397
Ganapathy S et al. (2009) Zinc chlorins for artificial light-harvesting
self-assemble into antiparallel stacks forming a microcrystalline
solid-state material. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
106:11472­11477.
Ganapathy S et al. (2009) Alternating syn-anti bacteriochlorophylls form
concentric helical nanotubes in chlorosomes. Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences 106:8525­8530.

Appointment:
You will be employed for a period of maximally 4 years, which is expected to
lead to the completion of a Ph.D. thesis. Appointment will be through the
Organization for Fundamental Research of Matter (FOM).
An appointment with FOM includes a pension build-up and facilitates other
benefits such as an annual holiday premium.
All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School
of Science (www.graduateschools.leidenuniv.nl) and in the Research School
The Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC). Our graduate school offers several
PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training
and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen
scientific knowledge are offered by the research school. This guarantees a
challenging environment to develop on-the-job the skills and academic
networks.

Further information:
You will be supervised by Prof. Dr. H.J.M. de Groot
(groot_h@chem.leidenuniv.nl). For more information please contact this email
address.

Applications:
Qualified applicants are invited to submit their application before August
21, 2011. They should include a letter of interest, a full curriculum vitae,
and names and email addresses of two references and sent to
groot_h@chem.leidenuniv.nl with subject FOM-Solarfueltandem.

Postdoctoral position at the IRB Barcelona

The Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics at the IRB Barcelona (www.irbbarcelona.org) offers postdoc positions (starting date 01/01/2012) for development and application of novel computational tools to quantitatively exploit the information contained in high resolution NMR and single molecule techniques. The project aims to characterize the structural heterogeneity and dynamics of multi-domain proteins with intrinsically disordered regions involved in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

The laboratory belongs to the Joint BSC-IRB Research Programme in Computational Biology, which provides direct access to the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (Marenostrum). The laboratory has a strong multi-disciplinary and international character.

Previous experimental and/or computational experience in NMR (liquid or solid state), single molecule techniques or molecular simulation (advanced sampling methods) is required.

Interested candidates should send their CV and 2 letters of recommendation to Dr. Xavier Salvatella (xavier.salvatella@irbbarcelona.org). Positions open until filled. Salary negotiable upon experience.

Post Doctoral Position - PET/MRI Applications in Tumor Biology

Post Doctoral Position
PET/MRI Applications in Tumor Biology
Biological Imaging Center
California Institute of Technology

Post Doctoral Position. This position is aimed at development and application of multimodal PET/MRI in small animal models of cancer. The Biological Imaging Center (http://bioimaging.caltech.edu/) and Caltech Brain Imaging Center (http://magnet.caltech.edu/) are highly interdisciplinary endeavors with biologists, chemists, physicists, and engineers working on a number of animal models of disease and developmental processes. We are interested in an individual who is firmly grounded in imaging theory and practice with an interest in applications in tumor biology. This work will involve various PET and MR methodologies in rodent model systems; including DTI and DCE MRI, as well as simultaneous µPET imaging with both small molecule and antibody tracers. Small animal MRI facilities at Caltech include a 11.7T/89mm scanner and a 7T/30cm scanner with µPET insert. There are also extensive facilities for all aspects of MRI hardware development and data analysis.

Interested persons should email or mail a biosketch including names, addresses, & email addresses of three references to:

Russell E. Jacobs, PhD
m/c 139-74 Caltech
1200 E. California Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91125-7400
rjacobs@caltech.edu

Postdoctoral position in NMR and biomaterials science.

A postdoctoral position is available for research in the area of interactions and dynamics of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), the sole mediator and gatekeeper for trafficking between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Our studies use advanced biophysical and structural methodologies, in particular various NMR techniques applied in vitro and in vivo, to characterize the dynamic atomic-scale behavior of the components of this macromolecular gating system. This work will also seek to further refine our nanoscale artificial mimic that faithfully reproduces key features of trafficking through the NPC, including transport-factor mediated cargo import (1). Such NPC-inspired molecular sorters could have many practical analytical and preparative applications.

Interested candidates should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: multidimensional NMR (liquids or solids), protein expressions methods, materials science, and computer simulations of molecular structure, and have completed their Ph.D.

This project is a collaboration between the NPC research focused groups of Prof. Michael Rout and of Prof. Brian Chait at Rockefeller University, and the NMR-focused lab of Prof. David Cowburn at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. NMR facilities include twelve spectrometers located at the two Universities and at the New York Structural Biology Center ranging from 500-900 MHz, and including solid state systems, with an additional DNP-solids system expected in 1q 2013. There are extensive facilities in the labs and in central resources for protein production, mass spec, and high performance computing.

The position is available immediately, and interested candidates should forward the biographical sketches including the names of three references to Beth Anne Hatton; hattonb@mail.rockefeller.edu; Administrative Assistant.

The Rockefeller University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA employers and solicits applications from women and under-represented minorities.

(1) Jovanovic-Talisman, T., Tetenbaum-Novatt, J., McKenney, A.S., Zilman, A., Peters, R., Rout, M.P., and Chait, B.T. (2009). Artificial nanopores that mimic the transport selectivity of the nuclear pore complex. Nature 457, 1023-1027.