Announcements

Employment Opportunities

Clinical Geneticist.—The Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Texas–Houston Health Science Center is inviting applications for a position as a clinical geneticist. Recruitment will be focused at the assistant/associate professorial levels. The candidate should have an M.D. and should be board certified/board eligible in clinical genetics and pediatrics. Board certification/eligibility in biochemical genetics is desired but not essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in patient care and teaching. Participation in research—clinical or laboratory-based—will be expected. There is an active, funded clinical research center available, and multiple opportunities exist for collaborative research with other investigators. Interested applicants should send a letter of inquiry (including a statement of interest) and a curriculum vitae to Hope Northrup, M.D., Director, Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas–Houston Medical School, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030. Telephone: (713) 500-5760. The University of Texas is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply for this position.

Genetic Data Analyst.—This is a new position in a growing research laboratory studying the inheritance of human disease such as Alzheimer disease, multiple sclerosis, and autism. The successful applicant will work independently and carry out research projects under the direction of a senior genetic epidemiologist. The successful candidate will perform analyses of familial and clinical data, must be familiar with commercial statistical software packages (e.g., SAS), and must be willing to learn new analytical techniques. He or she will be involved in development of practical procedures necessary for the collection and management of the data and in preparation of summary reports, patient newsletters, and scientific publications. Flexibility in using a variety of computer programs is necessary. A master's degree in biostatistics, statistics, genetics, or epidemiology is required. Qualified individuals interested in this position should send a cover letter detailing interest in the position, curriculum vitae, and a list of three professional references by mail to Dr. Eden Martin, Center for Human Genetics, Box 3468, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710; e-mail: emartin@chg.mc.duke.edu; fax (919) 402-2553.

Faculty Position in Clinical Genetics.—The Division of Genetics at Children's Hospital is seeking a clinical geneticist to join our clinical program in genetics and metabolism. Applicants should be board certified or board eligible in clinical genetics and pediatrics. The successful applicant's primary responsibilities will include clinical consultation on patients referred for evaluation and/or genetic counseling in our outpatient clinics; consultation on patients on the inpatient service; supervision of genetic counselors and fellows in the Harvard Fellowship Program; teaching of students, residents, and fellows; and support of the prenatal diagnostic program. Opportunities exist for clinical research and teaching. A competitive salary and full benefits are offered. Applicants should submit a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae to Mira Irons, M.D., Associate Chief, Division of Genetics, Enders 5, The Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Telephone: (617) 355-3480; e-mail: Irons_m@hub.tch.harvard.edu

Faculty Position in Genetics.—The Division of Genetics at Children's Hospital and the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School invite applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the assistant professor level. Applicants must have a Ph.D. and/or an M.D. and an interest in genomics and/or the genetics of complex traits. The Division of Genetics has a strong tradition of research investigating the genetics of human disease and is closely aligned with the clinical genetics and neuroscience programs at Children's Hospital and with the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. The successful candidate will be expected to develop and maintain an externally funded, independent research program and to participate in the teaching of medical and graduate students. Generous start-up support will be included. This position will be available as early as January 1, 2001. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae, and brief descriptions of current and future research directions, funding history, and teaching experience—as well as the names, addresses (including e-mail), and telephone numbers of three references—to Louis M. Kunkel, Ph.D., Chair, Genetics Search Committee, Division of Genetics, Enders 5, The Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Telephone: (617) 355-6729; e-mail: davin@rascal.med.harvard.edu

Clinical Molecular Genetics.—The Center for Human Genetics in Leuven, Belgium, is seeking a scientific collaborator with experience in molecular genetics for the laboratory for “molecular diagnostics of constitutional disorders.” He or she will be involved in daily organization and in the development and implementation of novel applications in DNA diagnostics. The possibility exists for the candidate to establish research activities in the field on a part-time basis. Training in biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, or medicine and (preferably) a doctoral degree in molecular genetics are a requisite. The successful candidate will speak Dutch or will be willing to learn Dutch. Preference will be given to a candidate with good training in molecular biology and a practical knowledge of computers (hardware and software). Hands-on experience with recent innovations in the field of molecular genetics is an asset. The candidate must be able to conduct research in this field. The Center for Human Genetics at the University of Leuven, Belgium, is a major research center with affiliations to the University Hospital. Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, including a research summary, and the names of two references to Professor J.-P. Fryns, Center for Human Genetics, University Hospital Gasthuisberg ON6, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium. Fax: 32-16-346051; e-mail: marleen.vanleemputten@uz.kuleuven.ac.be

Postdoctoral Position.—A postdoctoral position is available immediately to study the pathogenesis of Angelman syndrome, which arises from absence of a functional maternal copy of the UBE3A/E6-AP ubiquitin protein ligase gene. We are interested in the mechanisms of UBE3A brain-specific imprinting, as well as in the molecular and neurologic consequences of brain UBE3A deficiency in humans and in knockout mice. A strong background in molecular genetics is required, and experience in neurobiology is desirable. Please send a resume and the names of three references to Joseph Wagstaff, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Pediatrics and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Jordan Hall, Box 800733, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0733; telephone: (804) 243-5818; fax: (804) 924-5069; e-mail: jw4xd@virginia.edu

Postdoctoral Position in Pulmonary Medicine.—A postdoctoral position is available (starting in the fall of 2000) at Duke University's Division of Pulmonary Medicine to study the chronic cellular effects of environmental airway disease. The successful applicant should be experienced in mouse handling, lung morphometry, and computer analysis. Additional experience in airway biology would be helpful. The appointment will be for 1 year, with possible renewal for 2 additional years. Please send your curriculum vitae, a cover letter stating your research interests, and the names of three references (with telephone numbers and addresses) to David Schwartz, Department of Medicine, Box 2629, DUMC, Durham NC 27710; telephone: (919) 668-0380; fax: (919) 668-0494; e-mail: david.schwartz@duke.edu

Postdoctoral Position in Pulmonary Medicine.—A postdoctoral position is available (starting in the fall of 2000) at Duke University's Division of Pulmonary Medicine to study the genetic basis of environmental lung disease. The successful applicant should be experienced in molecular biology and cell biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, reporter assays, and cell culture. Additional experience in mouse genetics and functional genomics is desired. The appointment will be for 1 year, with possible renewal for 2 additional years. Please send your curriculum vitae, a cover letter stating your research interests, and the names of three references (with telephone numbers and addresses) to Eva Lorenz, Department of Medicine, Box 2629, DUMC, Durham NC 27710; telephone: (919) 668-0380; fax: (919) 668-0494; e-mail: eva.lorenz@duke.edu

Postdoctoral/Junior Faculty Positions in Genetic Epidemiology/Statistical Genetics.—Several postdoctoral research positions are now available at three institutions in the New York area—the Genome Center of Columbia University, the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and the Genetic Analysis Group in the Psychiatry Department of Mt. Sinai School of Medicine—that are cooperating to build a center of excellence in the genetic analysis of disease and the development of mathematical methods in human genetics. One junior faculty position may also be available for a person with the right qualifications. Applicants should have a recent doctoral degree in human genetics, biostatistics, epidemiology, or a related field and must be committed to studying the genetics of complex human disease. Successful applicants will be able to participate in existing projects on specific diseases (including both psychiatric diseases—such as panic disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disease, and autism—and nonpsychiatric diseases, such as epilepsy, thyroid disease, and diabetes), and/or to develop and evaluate new mathematical and statistical approaches to genetic analysis, as they choose. Positions are available immediately. Some positions are open to individuals who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Contact Dr. David A. Greenberg or Dr. Susan E. Hodge, NYSPI, Unit 24, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA. E-mail applications will not be accepted. Columbia University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Medical Geneticist.—Thomas Jefferson University is seeking a medical geneticist at the assistant professor level to join an adult clinical genetics program with a cancer focus. Clinical experience, including cytogenetics, and board eligibility/certification are required. Opportunities are available to teach and to conduct research in cancer genetics. Thomas Jefferson University offers a competitive salary and a flexible benefits package. Contact Bruce Boman, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Medical Genetics, Thomas Jefferson University, 1025 Walnut Street, Suite 1014, Philadelphia, PA 19107; telephone: (215) 955-4652; fax: (215) 923-9131; e-mail: Bruce.Boman@mail.tju.edu. Equal opportunity employer.

Postdoctoral Position.—A position in the laboratory of Damian Labuda in Montreal is available immediately on a team studying the origins and evolution of Homo sapiens and the history of human populations. Our laboratory investigates DNA diversity in different human groups; the experimental work includes the examination of nucleotide and microsatellite variants and the resulting haplotypes. The successful candidate will be responsible for data analysis using existing approaches and developing new ones. He or she should have a strong background in genetics—and in human population genetics in particular. Experience with computer-assisted methods of phylogenetic and statistical analyses is required. Laboratory expertise in methods of DNA polymorphism detection would be an asset. Send a short e-mail message of introduction followed by a letter of application including a statement of your background and approach, relevant research publications, a curriculum vitae, and three letters of reference. This position will be kept open until it is filled. Apply to Damian Labuda, Ph.D., Charles Bruneau Cancer Center, Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Professor, Pediatrics Department, Montreal University, 3175 Cote Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, PQ H3T 1C5, Canada; telephone: (514) 345-4931 ex.3586 [secr. 3282]; fax: (514) 345-4731; e-mail: Damian.Labuda@UMontreal.Ca

Postdoctoral Position.—A postdoctoral position is available for study of the genetic basis of autoimmune diseases. Applicants should have a strong background in basic genetics, population genetics, and quantitative genetics; the computer skills for managing and analyzing genetic data for multiple disease phenotypes together with HLA, microsatellites, and SNPs; and a working knowledge of statistical genetics. Current major projects include the genetic analysis of type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, vitiligo, and Addison disease. The principal investigators include a medical geneticist, a population geneticist, and a diabetologist/immunologist. The position will be shared by the Human Medical Genetics Program and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, a statement of interests and goals, and contact information for three references to Pamela R. Fain, Ph.D., Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Box B140, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, 4200 E. Ninth Avenue, Denver CO 80262; telephone: (303) 315-6143; e-mail: pam.fain@uchsc.edu

Fellowship Opportunities

Epilepsy Foundation.—The Epilepsy Foundation awards grants and fellowships for cutting-edge research into the causes of epilepsy. Program goals include understanding basic mechanisms, developing new therapeutic approaches, understanding the behavioral and psychosocial aspects of having epilepsy, and encouraging the professional growth of scientists and health care professionals. The Epilepsy Foundation supports Junior Investigator Research Grants and training fellowships at the postdoctoral, predoctoral, and student levels. We are currently inviting applications for the funding cycle beginning July 1, 2001. For further information, including applications and deadlines, please visit our website (http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org). Epilepsy Foundation, Research Department, 4351 Garden City Drive, Landover, MD 20785-2267; telephone: (301) 459-3700; fax: (301) 577-2684; e-mail: grants@efa.org

Call for Proposals

Research on the Genetics of Seizure Disorders.—The Epilepsy Foundation invites applications for research projects designed to improve understanding of the genetics of seizure disorders and to identify genetic therapeutic approaches leading to development of potential cures. Inquiries are invited from established investigators (academic rank of assistant professor or higher) at academic institutions within the United States. The deadline for submission of preliminary proposals is September 15, 2000. Funding of projects is to commence on July 1, 2001. For further information, including guidelines for submission of preliminary proposals, contact the Epilepsy Foundation, Targeted Research Program, 4351 Garden City Drive, Landover, MD 20785-2267; telephone: (301) 459-3700; fax: (301) 577-2684; e-mail: grants@efa.org

Angelman Syndrome.—The Angelman Syndrome Foundation, USA announces the availability of $100,000 to be awarded in support of research on Angelman syndrome. All areas of biomedical and behavioral research involving Angelman syndrome will be considered. The foundation will be flexible regarding the number of awards made and the amount of funding for each. A one-page summary abstract of proposed research should be included in the application. The main body of the proposal should not exceed six pages and should include identification of the primary investigator and a summary of his or her background, hypothesis, methods, the significance of the proposed research, and the time frame for completion. A one-page budget summary and justification should also be included. No indirect costs will be allowed. A curriculum vitae of the principal investigator(s) should be included, as should letters of support/collaboration where necessary. Proposals dealing with human or animal subjects must conform to the usual review by an Institutional Review Board; a copy of approval must be provided before funding is released. A cover letter and 10 copies of the above materials should be submitted to the Scientific Advisory Committee, Angelman Syndrome Foundation, USA, c/o Professor Daniel F. Harvey, Ph.D., Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0358. Deadline for receipt: October 1, 2000. Proposals will be reviewed by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Questions about this announcement should be directed to Professor Daniel F. Harvey at the above address, by telephone: (858) 534-0388, by fax: (858) 534-5383, or by e-mail: dharvey@ucsd.edu

Educational/Training Modules

Clinical Teratology Educational Modules.—We are pleased to announce the availability of Clinical Teratology Educational Modules, edited by Jody Haun and Kelly Ormond. This 2-year project was funded by the NSGC Special Projects Fund, the GLaRGG Education Grant, and the Perinatal Foundation. The final project is an ∼300-page comprehensive teratology training module. Sections include “Principles of Teratology,” “Embryology,” “Pharmacology and Epidemiology,” “Congenital Anomalies and Teratogenesis,” “Developmental Toxicity Testing in Animals,” “Literature Critique in Teratology,” “Available Resources in Teratology,” “Known Teratogens,” “Occupational Exposures,” “The Teratogen Counseling Session,” and “Psychosocial, Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects of Teratology.” The authors are various experts in teratology, including members of the GLaRGG Teratogen Subcommittee, Lewis Holmes, Gerald Briggs, Kenneth Lyons Jones, Janine Polifka, and Barbara Coyle (among others). Case scenarios and self-assessment questions/exercises are also included, and PowerPoint slides can be included with the module if desired. These modules are appropriate for genetic counselors and geneticists, obstetricians, pharmacists, and toxicologists, as well as for the training of medical students, residents, and/or pharmacy students who may be exposed to teratology, or anyone just wanting to brush up on teratology skills. Copies are available for $25 (including shipping), or $35 if you would like slides included. For consistency with the requirements of our granting agencies, these costs are simply to cover the cost of reproduction and shipping. To receive a copy, send a check payable to GLaRGG, for the amount listed above, to Jody Haun, c/o the University of Wisconsin Clinical Genetics Center, 347 Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison WI 53705-2280.

Course

Course in Clinical and Forensic Genetics.—The Second European-American Intensive Course in Clinical and Forensic Genetics will take place in Dubrovnik, Croatia, September 3–14, 2001. All additional information can be found at our Web page (http://www.european-americangeneticsmeetings.org).