Announcements

Employment Opportunities

Genomic Investigations of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer.—Research positions are available immediately for undergraduate, M.S., and/or Ph.D. students, as well as postdoctoral and/or research associates, to study benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer in my laboratory at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Our laboratory is currently investigating three complex phenotypes: ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. Our strategy is to dissect these diseases through a stepwise “candidate gene” genomic approach. Our choice of candidate genes for these two diseases was dictated by the hypothesized involvement of particular metabolic pathways in pathogenesis. All three disorders—ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer—are significant public health problems in this country. However, the molecular bases of these three cancers are not well understood at this time. In prostate cancer and BPH, since androgens have been reported to regulate cell division in the prostate, we are examining three androgen metabolic genes: HSD3B2, HSD17B3, and SRD5A2. We have active programs in genomics, human and molecular genetics, biochemistry, and molecular epidemiology. We are interested in colleagues with enthusiasm and complementary interests to join our multidisciplinary program. Additional information on my laboratory can be obtained from our Web site (http://www-scf.usc.edu/~fctsai/homereichardt.html) or by contacting me: Juergen Reichardt, Ph.D., Institute for Genetic Medicine and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, USC Keck School of Medicine, IGM 240, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9075; telephone: (323) 442-1529; fax: (323) 442-2764; e-mail: reichard@hsc.usc.edu

Postdoctoral Fellow, Medical Genetics.—The Hayward Genetics Center at Tulane University Health Sciences Center has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow in medical genetics. The Human Genetics Program has an active clinical genetics service with training provided at Tulane University Hospital and Clinic, the Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans, and outreach clinics at several southeast Louisiana health units. Laboratory rotations will include both clinical laboratory and research laboratory experiences in biochemical genetics, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics. Additional research experiences with Center faculty and associates throughout the medical school will also be available. Requirements include completion of an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited residency, as well as the ability to obtain medical licensure in the state of Louisiana. Tulane University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, and applications from qualified women and minority-group members are especially encouraged. Interested persons should send a curriculum vitae and the names of three references to Jess G. Thoene, M.D., Director, Human Genetics Program, Hayward Genetics Center SL#31, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112; telephone: (504) 588-5229; e-mail: jthoene@tulane.edu

Clinical Geneticist/Cytogeneticist.—Albany Medical Center is seeking applications to fill a full-time faculty position as a clinical geneticist and Medical Director of the cytogenetics laboratory. Applicants should have a doctoral degree, with postdoctoral training in medical cytogenetics and clinical genetics. Board certification or eligibility for certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics is essential. The individual will be responsible for consultation on genetics-related clinical problems in hematology, obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology, and the day-to-day operation of the cytogenetics laboratory. Strategic affiliations have developed with the Wadsworth Laboratory (NYSDOH), the Albany College of Pharmacy, and SUNY (Albany) to establish a broad–based clinical, education, and research consortium. Albany Medical Center, a 631-bed tertiary-care center, is one of upstate New York's largest teaching hospitals (with >350 full-time faculty) and is the only academic health-sciences center in the region. Qualified applicants should send a curriculum vitae and three letters of reference to David Clark, M.D., Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Albany Medical Center, Mail Code 88, 47 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, NY 12208. EEO/AA Employer M/F/D. Albany Medical Center actively seeks applications from women and minorities.

Clinical Cytogeneticist/Laboratory Director.—Genetics Associates, Inc., invites applications for the position of laboratory director. Genetics Associates, Inc., is an independent laboratory, located in Nashville, TN, and provides service to many university-based and private hospitals and physician groups in the region. The laboratory processes 5,000 specimens annually, for prenatal (34%), postnatal (28%), and cancer (38%) cytogenetic diagnosis, using state-of-the-art conventional and molecular cytogenetic techniques. The applicant must be certified in clinical cytogenetics by the American Board of Medical Genetics, with at least 3 years of experience in a diagnostic laboratory. In addition to directing the laboratory, the selected candidate will be a course director for pathology residents' rotations. There is ample opportunity for academic interaction and research. Please send a curriculum vitae to V. G. Dev, Ph.D., Laboratory Director, Genetics Associates, Inc., 1916 Patterson Street, Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37203; telephone: (615) 327-4532; e-mail: dev@geneticsassociates.com

Clinical Cytogeneticist.—American Medical Laboratories (AML) invites applicants with an interest in joining the management team of a high-volume, rapidly expanding cytogenetics laboratory. AML, a regional and national full-service referral laboratory, is located in Northern Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport. The laboratory offers a complete array of cytogenetic services, including tests for prenatal diagnostics, constitutional change, and oncology. Our specialty-test menu includes FISH analyses and diagnostic assays for chromosome-breakage disorders. The successful applicant's responsibilities will include case review and reporting, physician consultation, and test development and implementation, as well as participation in continuing education, quality-improvement, and business-development activities. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. degree with ABMG certification in clinical cytogenetics (candidates with appropriate experience who are eligible for ABMG certification will be considered). Certification in clinical molecular genetics is desirable. Salary will be commensurate with experience. Fax or mail resume with salary history to American Medical Laboratories, Inc., Attn: Dr. Steve Schonberg, c/o Employee Services Dept., 14225 Newbrook Drive, P.O. Box 10841, Chantilly, VA 20153–0841; fax: (703) 802-7088; e-mail: recruit@aml.com. AML is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Fellowship Opportunity

Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship.—The Jane Engelberg Memorial Fellowship (JEMF) is open to genetic counselors who are full members, in good standing, of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) and are certified in genetic counseling by the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Individuals who have been granted active candidate status by the American Board of Genetic Counseling also are eligible to apply for a JEMF. The ninth fellowship award, an annual $50,000 grant from the Engelberg Foundation to the NSGC, will be awarded for 2001–2002 to one genetic counselor (or more than one genetic counselor who will share the award) for study, research, writing, or exploration of new interests to enhance present skills, develop new skills, contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of genetic counseling, or expand professional roles. Applicants must demonstrate that the work supported by the fellowship will produce results that (1) will be of sufficiently broad interest to warrant professional publication and/or presentation and (2) will enrich the base of knowledge in the professional community concerned with genetic counseling. Applicants may elect to pursue fellowship work, on a part-time or full-time basis, for a maximum of 1 year. The award will be presented at the annual NSGC Education Conference in 2001. Applications are due May 1, 2001. A program application and guideline booklet will be mailed in January to all NSGC full members. For more information, contact Joan A. Scott, M.S., Chair, JEMF Board, c/o Gene Logic, Inc., 708 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878; telephone: (240) 631-7477; fax: (301) 926-6125; e-mail: jscott@genelogic.com

Grants

Permanent Research Fund, International Rett Syndrome Association.—Rett syndrome (RS) is a brain disorder that appears primarily in female subjects, after a period of normal early development, until age 6–18 mo. A period of regression follows, during which acquired speech and hand skills are lost and seizures, repetitive hand-wringing or hand-washing movements, irregular breathing, and motor-control problems develop. Individuals with RS can live to adulthood, but most never regain the ability to use their hands or to speak. In October 1999, the discovery of genetic mutations in the gene MECP2 on the X chromosome (Xq28) gave significant insight into the cause of RS. This gene encodes an abundant chromosomal protein (MeCP2) that acts as a transcriptional repressor by binding to methylated CpG base pairs throughout the genome and silencing other genes. RS is thought to arise in great part because of abnormal overexpression of genes improperly regulated by a defective MeCP2. This is the first instance of a human disease caused by defects in a protein with the function of silencing other genes. Continued research is now focused on still-unidentified genetic factors that may contribute to RS. The International Rett Syndrome Association (IRSA) is requesting proposals for biomedical, clinical, and therapeutic research relating to RS. In most circumstances, IRSA grants will be as much as $40,000, with two renewals possible. For larger grants, special permission should be obtained prior to submission. For small grants, a traditional, hypothesis-based National Institutes of Health–type proposal to obtain pilot data should be submitted. High-risk, high-reward proposals are acceptable. Supplemental grants are available to enhance and extend existing NIH funded studies by (a) adding a student, fellow, or staff member to ongoing RS studies or (b) adding an RS component to related studies. Proposals for translational research studies, meant to enable basic research findings to move toward clinical application and treatment, need not be hypothesis-based. Submission deadlines for all grants are January 15 and July 15. For more information, see our Web site (http://www.rettsyndrome.org) or contact Cheryl Dunigan, Ph.D., Scientific Director, International Rett Syndrome Association, 9121 Piscataway Road #2B, Clinton, MD 20735; telephone: (800) 818-RETT; e-mail: cdunigan@rettsyndrome.org.

Meeting

International Standing Committee on Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN).—New members of the ISCN will be elected at an open meeting of cytogeneticists on Wednesday, May 16, 2001, during the 10th International Congress of Human Genetics in Vienna (see program for venue). The Committee is elected for 5 years and consists of five members from Europe, the United States, and Canada and two members from the remaining geographic areas. Nominations of candidates interested in serving on the Committee should be submitted before March 15, 2001. Only candidates nominated before that date will be put on the ballot paper. Those who are interested in voting but are unable to attend the meeting in Vienna can request ballot papers before April 1, 2001. Nomination forms and ballot papers can be obtained from Sheila Youings, Research Associate to Professor P. A. Jacobs, Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury SP2 8BJ, Wiltshire, United Kingdom; fax: +44 (0)1772 338-095 or 331-1531; e-mail: syouings@dial.pipex.com

DNA Samples

DNA Samples for Studying Autism.—A genetic resource of DNA samples has been built at the Coriell Institute for Medical Research, in collaboration with the clinical services at the University of Medicine and Dentistry Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, to support the study of autism in families in which more than one child is affected or one child is affected and one demonstrates another significant, related developmental disorder. An open bank of anonymously collected material, documented by a detailed clinical diagnosis, forms the basis of this growing database of information about the disease. Three criteria were used to assess the autistic phenotype: the ADI (Autism Diagnostic Interview), the ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observational Schedule-Generic), and the DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria for 299.00 Autistic Disorder. All clinical interviews were conducted face-to-face. For each donor subject tested, a representative Autistic Diagnostic Criteria Score Sheet, used to collect data, is provided. Currently, the resource contains 20 families in which 41 individuals have been examined. Of these individuals, 33 have a diagnosis of autistic disorder by two or more criteria; 28 of these satisfy all three criteria. There are 20 affected sib pairs with a diagnosis of autistic disorder by two or more criteria; 9 of these pairs meet the criteria for autistic disorder by all three criteria. Further information about this resource, including information on ordering, can be found at http://locus.umdnj.edu/autism or by contact with the Coriell Cell Repositories, Coriell Institute for Medical Research, 401 Haddon Avenue, Camden, NJ 08103; telephone: (800) 752-3805 in the United States, (609) 757-4848 from other countries; fax: (609) 757-9737; e-mail: ccr@arginine.umdnj.edu