Monday, July 26, 2010

Department of Commerice Internship

The Department of Commerce (DOC) will have internships available during the Fall 2010 Session in its Internship for Postsecondary Students Program *. Internships will be in the Washington, D.C metro area. Selected applicants will intern for 15 weeks beginning as early as 30 August 2010 or as late as 13 September 2010. Internships require either part time (20 hours per week) or full time (40 hours per week). These internships offer opportunities to participants for hands-on education and training related to their fields of interest and those of the DOC.
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) manages the Internships for Postsecondary Students. Applications will be accepted through 20 August 2010.
Disciplines of Interest
Examples include the following: business; economics; statistics; international relations; communications and graphic design; computer science; physical sciences; mathematics; and life, health, and medical sciences.
Benefits:
Undergraduate interns receive a weekly stipend of $500; graduate interns receive $600. In addition, both undergraduate and graduate interns receive a $150 weekly housing allowance, plus limited travel reimbursement and accidental medical expense coverage.
Eligibility Requirements:

• US Citizens
• Enrolled Undergraduates or Graduates
• Submit a complete application**by no later than 20 August 2010
• Interested in and available for a 15-week Internship during Fall 2010

Application form and more information can be found on this web site: http://see.orau.org/ProgramDescription.aspx?Program=10038



You may submit your application form, unofficial transcript from each college or university attended, resume, and two letters of reference, as pdf attachments to Alicia Wells at Alicia.wells@orau.org or (865) 241-5220 (FAX).
*This program is managed by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the Department of Commerce through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). ORISE is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) under DOE contract number DE-AC05-06OR23100.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

UGA Master of Biomanufacturing and Bioprocessing

UGA has a brand new program and is recruiting for Fall 2010 and beyond. See Dr. Shepler for more information.


UGA receives $700,000 National Science Foundation grant to create new Professional Science Master's program in biomanufacturing; first of its kind at UGA


ATHENS, Ga.− The University of Georgia has been awarded federal stimulus funding to launch an innovative new program that will help meet the workforce needs of Georgia’s growing biotechnology industry.

The three-year $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will create a new Professional Science Master's (PSM) program in biomanufacturing and bioprocessing that capitalizes on UGA’s academic strengths, facilities and industry ties. Only 21 of 210 schools were selected to receive the highly competitive award.

"The focus of a PSM is different from the traditional undergraduate, Master's or doctoral degree in that it allows individuals to pursue advanced scientific training in a particular sector of industry while developing a strong foundation in business practices,” said Timothy Davies, co-director of the program and research scientist in biochemistry and molecular biology. “It equips students with the skills that industry requires.”

"This new PSM program is an exciting first at UGA, providing a more direct connection between graduate training and workforce development, in an area of intense need in this country," said David Lee, vice president for research at UGA. "This is a prime example of a new trend in workforce-directed academic/industrial/government partnerships.”

Approximately 200 PSM programs across the United States now respond to the national need for a stronger scientific workforce to enhance the nation's competitiveness, said Davies.

The eight to 10 students in the new program will focus their studies in one of three areas of biomanufacturing − biofuel/biochemical, industrial/environmental or pharmaceutical − in either a large company or small firm setting.

Participating faculty represent the Terry College of Business, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Pharmacy, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the Bioenergy Systems Research Initiative and the Faculty of Engineering. The interdisciplinary nature of PSM faculty “demonstrates the central importance of biomanufacturing to all aspects of biotechnology," said Davies.

The biomanufacturing training facilities at UGA are unique in the Southeast and state-of-the-art for industry, said Davies. "Typically, the Bioexpression and Fermentation Facility and its equipment are available only to researchers and industry clients. Students trained at UGA’s PSM program could potentially go straight to work at DuPont Danisco's new biofuel facility in Tennessee, or at a veterinary pharmaceutical company, like Merial."

The university's strong industry links will enhance students’ experience through seminars and guest lectures, lab-based case studies, and internship opportunities. Committed industry partners include Merial, industrial enzyme producer Novozymes, biopharmaceutical firm Inhibitex, Inc., and technology providers DCI-Biolaffite, Innovative Controls and Smartflow Technologies.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development's Centers for Innovation and Georgia Bio, the state's leading biotechnology trade organization, also have signed on to provide industry contacts and expertise. The Georgia BioBusiness Center, UGA's own technology incubator, will foster links between students and regional start-up companies.

The NSF funds will be used to support recruitment and fellowships for students in the new master’s program. Additional support for the program is being provided by the Office of the Vice President for Research, the UGA Graduate School, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, which will serve as the degree program's administrative home.

The degree program is awaiting final approval from the University Council Executive Committee and the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. It will seek official recognition as a PSM program from the Council of Graduate Schools.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

GBI Career Opportunities

Georgia Bureau of Investigation

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN FORENSIC SCIENCE

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is an independent, statewide agency that provides assistance to the state's criminal justice system in the areas of criminal investigations, forensic laboratory services, and computerized criminal justice information. The Division of Forensic Sciences furnishes scientific support to the Criminal Justice System of Georgia. The GBI offers interesting and exciting career opportunities as a Forensic Specialist in various forensic disciplines.

Forensic Specialist (Entry- Level): Learns to perform laboratory examinations, scientific analyses and comparisons on physical evidence submitted by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies for investigative and legal purposes.

Responsibilities:

  1. Trains to conduct scientific analyses on evidence submitted to the laboratory using protocols established by the Division of Forensic Sciences (DOFS).
  2. Trains to protect the chain of custody and integrity on all evidence received and processed.
  3. Learns to prepare written reports with results of scientific examinations conducted.
  4. Learns to communicate with law enforcement and judicial system concerning evidence submitted.
  5. Trains to follow all risk management practices as set forth in the DOFS Safety policy.
  6. Maintains a consistent, customer-focuses orientation in order to ensure services provided meet internal and external contacts' needs.
  7. Works on 24-hour call, as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. NOTE: All Forensic Specialist positions require the successful completion of at least two college science courses. The job vacancy announcement will contain any specific educational and/or experience requirements for the position

Salary: $35,569.36 - $59,101.13, commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits: The GBI offers a comprehensive selection of employee benefits, including the opportunity to earn vacation time, sick leave, and 12 paid holidays per year. Other benefit options include: 401(K)/retirement investment plan, health, dental, disability, and life insurances, and career development/training opportunities.

APPLICATION/HIRING PROCESS:

Any vacancies for Forensic Specialist will be posted on the GBI website (www.gbi.georgia.gov) under Employment Opportunities as openings become available. Unsolicited applications/resumes will not be accepted. To apply for an advertised Forensic Specialist vacancy, applicants must submit two (2) copies of the State of Georgia Employment Application, which can be downloaded from GBI’s website, and two (2) copies of a college transcript. Consideration for employment is contingent upon the completion and satisfactory result of a GBI background investigation (including criminal, credit and driver’s history checks), polygraph examination, fingerprinting and drug screening. Please visit our website for more information regarding the application process as well as information on internships and other career opportunities or call the GBI Human Resources Office at 404-270-8335.


FORENSIC DISCIPLINES

GBI typically employs Forensic Specialists in the following disciplines:

Discipline

Forensic Specialist/Crime Lab Scientist Minimum Requirements

Chemistry

Analyzes items of evidence in order to determine the presence or absence of controlled substances.

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from an accredited college or university, which included the successful completion of at least 40 semester (or 60 quarter) hours of chemistry coursework OR a forensic science degree, which included the successful completion of at least 40 semester (or 60 quarter) hours of chemistry coursework

Toxicology

Analyzes blood, urine, stomach contents and tissues to establish whether traces of alcohol, drugs or poisons are present, and if so, in what quantity.

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry from an accredited college or university, which included the successful completion of at least 40 semester (or 60 quarter) hours of chemistry coursework OR a forensic science degree, which included the successful completion of at least 40 semester (or 60 quarter) hours of chemistry coursework

Trace Evidence

Analyzes evidence containing paint, plastic, hair, fiber, glass, fractured materials, general materials, footwear and tire impressions and gunshot residue.

Bachelor’s degree in a natural, physical, or forensic science from an accredited college or university with the successful completion of at least 40 semester (or 60 quarter) hours of natural science, of which included at least 20 semester (or 30 quarter) hours of chemistry

Forensic Biology/DNA

Performs serological and DNA analyses of physiological fluids for the purpose of identification and individualization. The type of material typically examined includes, but is not limited to blood, semen, saliva and dental pulp collected at crime scenes and from articles of physical evidence.

Bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry from an accredited college or university that included the successful completion of at least 40 semester hours (or 60 quarter hours) of related major course work. Major course work must include the successful completion of at least nine cumulative semester hours (or equivalent quarter hours) in the following required subject areas: Biochemistry, Genetics, and Molecular Biology.

Firearms/Toolmark Identification

Examination of firearms and components, bullets and cartridge cases, distance determination tests, tool marks, serial number restoration, filaments and NIBIN database.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university which includes the successful completion of at least two college science courses

Latent Prints
Analyzes and compares latent prints to known prints of individuals in an effort to make identifications or exclusions.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university which includes the successful completion of at least two college science courses

Questioned Documents
Examines documents, handwriting, and mechanical impressions.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university which includes the successful completion of at least two college science courses

GBI also employs Forensic Techs in the disciplines listed above. An entry-level Forensic Tech learns to perform a variety of laboratory operations including laboratory testing, quality control activities, scientific support functions, evidence controls, and administrative support functions to facilitate the analysis of evidence in criminal cases. The minimum qualification for a Forensic Tech is a high school diploma or equivalent. The salary range is $24,322.01/yr - $33,482.99/yr.

Student Research Grants and Call for Presentations

STUDENT RESEARCH GRANTS
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society will begin accepting student grant applications through the Grant-in-Aid of Research Program beginning August 15, 2010. Applications are accepted in all fields of science and engineering.

The application deadline is October 15, 2010 for awards to be disbursed in January 2011.

Additional information
Email questions to giar@sigmaxi.org .

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to share their research through poster presentations at the Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and International Research Conference on November 12th and 13th in Raleigh, North Carolina. Presentations will be accepted in all fields of science and engineering and awards will be given for outstanding presentations. A full
announcement is included below.

Additional information
Email questions to meeting@sigmaxi.org

KAPLAN opportunities

Kaplan Seminar Series @ the Tech Kaplan Center (Inside the Student Center)
Graduate School Admissions and GRE Strategy Seminar 07/26 @ 12:00PM
Business School Admissions and GMAT Strategy Seminar 07/27 @ 12:00PM
Law School Admissions and LSAT Strategy Seminar 07/28 @ 12:00PM
Med School Admissions and MCAT Strategy Seminar 07/29 @ 12:00PM
Do's and Dont's of Med School Admissions and DAT Strategy Seminar 07/30 @ 12:00PM

Kaplan Practice Test Series @ the Tech Kaplan Center (Inside the Student Center)
GRE Practice Test 08/23 @ 5:00PM
MCAT Practice Test 08/24 @ 5:00PM
DAT Practice Test 08/25 @ 5:00PM
PCAT Practice Test 08/26 @ 5:00PM
LSAT Practice Test 08/27 @ 4:00PM

Any student interested in a seminar or practice test should register at www.kaptest.com/practice

Thursday, July 8, 2010

CDC/ORISE fellowship

We have an immediate need for a recent bachelor’s degree chemistry graduate to be a research fellow in our laboratory through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research Participation Program. The ORISE Research Participation Programs at the CDC are designed to provide a flow of scientists and engineers into the CDC to participate in current research and development activities and studies, and related technical projects. To be eligible the applicant must have received his/her bachelor’s degree in chemistry (or an appropriate science or engineering discipline) within the last three years, or must expect to complete all requirements for such a degree prior to starting the fellowship. The fellowship will be for one (1) year with the possibility of extension for up to three (3) years. The fellowship is a paid, full time position. Additional details regarding the ORISE Research Participation Program can be found here:

http://www.orau.gov/cdc/presearchFRAMESET.htm

The individual will work on one of several ongoing biomonitoring projects in the field of dietary bioactive compounds. These projects involve the development and implementation of state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS analysis methods to provide biologic measurements for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) as well as other population research studies. The biomonitoring data generated by our laboratory is used to generate critical public health information such as comprehensive reports ( www.cdc.gov/nutritionreport) and scientific publications ( www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/micronutrient_publications.htm). Duties will range from performing routine analyses with established methods to conducting method development and validation experiments on emerging assays.

The desired candidate would be a recent graduate that excelled in analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis courses, and has demonstrated competency in an analytical chemistry laboratory environment. Experience working with scientific instrumentation is preferred. Specific experience in HPLC and/or mass spectrometry is a plus. An individual experienced in LC-MS/MS would be ideal. The individual will be working in a CLIA-accredited laboratory in which good organizational and documentation skills are essential.

Candidates should send their CVs (in Word format) to Ms. Linda Leake (lleake@cdc.gov; Subject: CDC/ORISE opportunity - Nutritional Biomarkers Branch). Only applicants given further consideration will be contacted; however, all CVs will be kept on file for future opportunities in our laboratory as well as other laboratories throughout the division.