Announcements from the FGSC
The FGSC is located at the
School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Kansas City
Meeting announcements
Archives
2005-2006
7/30/07
Dear Colleagues and Friends:
Members of Bob Metzenberg's family suggest that a fitting memorial to him would be a contribution to the Metzenberg Prize through the Genetics Society of America. Checks should be made out to GSA and have Bob Metzenberg Prize in the memo line. The address is Anne Marie Mahoney, Genetics Society of America, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814.
The Metzenberg Prize was established in 2004 to recognize Bob Metzenberg's contributions to science and to promote the work of others in the spirit of Metzenberg. Bob was strikingly original and creative in his work and extremely generous. The award is given to a Neurospora worker whose innovative achievements or contributions have significantly advanced our understanding of biology. This award is bestowed every two to four years at the International Fungal Genetics Conference.
Thank you.
Neurospora Policy Committee
7/25/07
A colleague writes asking if anyone has catB from Aspergillus. This raises the
question of whether the FGSC should undertake to distribute antibodies that
people are willing to deposit. Let us know if you
have this antibody, or others, that you would be willing to share.
7/17/07
It is with great sadness that we have learned that Dr. Robert Metzenberg passed away Sunday night, July 15 2007.
We were informed by his son, Stan who wrote "I'm sorry to say that my father Bob passed away last night at his home, surrounded by family. He was lucid and worked right up to the end, even labeling a few tubes of Neurospora in his spare bedroom/laboratory a few hours before succumbing. "
Bob Metzenberg was a tireless champion of research with Neurospora and his passing marks the end of an era.
4/12/07
The FGSC Advisory Board has supported the following policies regarding genetically engineered plant pathogenic fungi and obsolete ordered gene libraries at the FGSC. They were presented at the 24th Fungal Genetics Conference and input is always welcome.
4/5/07
The 24th Fungal Genetics Conference at Asilomar was a great success.
Well-attended plenary sessions, highly varied concurrent sessions, myriad
workshops and enthusiastic poster sessions marked this meeting. The diversity of
science was tremendous, as was the depth of investigation accompanying this
depth.
To acknowledge some of the more outstanding work by students or postdoctoral
scientists, there were a number of poster awards.
The four GSA poster award recipients were: Emma Levandowsky (Israel), Zachary
Lewis (US), Danielle Janus (Germany) and Manuel Sanchez Lopez-Berges (Spain).
The Dick Weiss award, honoring the long-time organizer of the FGC, for service by a graduate student to the fungal community was given to Jakob Blaesbjerg Nielsen (Denmark).
The winners of the Perkins awards were Carmit Ziv of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Andre Fleissner of the University of California, Berkeley.
The American Society for Microbiology awarded poster awards to four recipients.
There were also a number of satellite meetings including the 4th International Aspergillus Meeting, an Oomycete meeting, a meeting devoted to Botrytis and Sclerotinia and the Postia genome jamboree.
2/21/07
David Ross Stadler died Friday afternoon, February 9, 2007, after living five years with lymphoma. He was 81-years old and died at home with his family. He was a wry, warm, deeply ethical man who seldom wasted words. Thirstily sipping sugar water hours before he died, he was asked if the water tasted very good. "Not very," he said.
He grew up in Columbia, Missouri, where his father, Louis J. Stadler, was an important corn geneticist. He attended Hickman High School and the University of Missouri and was a veteran of World War II. He received his doctoral degree at Princeton University. From there, he took a teaching job at the University of Rochester, where his wife Anne, then a student, remembers being courted by the new General Biology teacher, known by her friends as "Dr. Dimples." David held "afternoon teas" in his lab for women he fancied, including Anne. "He used real butter," she recalled. "There's nothing like the smell of butter cooking over a Bunsen burner." Anne eloped with David, and they were married by a justice of the peace in New Hampshire.
They moved to Pasadena, where David had post-Doctoral studies in genetics with an esteemed faculty, including Norman Horowitz, Herschel Mitchell and Max Delbruck, and then to Seattle, where, in 1952, Herschel Roman asked the University of Washington Botany Department to "hire a second geneticist." David liked to say he was hired because the department needed a good first baseman for their softball team.
In Seattle, he and Anne raised a family of four while shaping their lives around the social and political causes that most concerned them. In the 1950s and 60s these included nuclear disarmament and ending war. They were non-violent activists who believed in building common ground. An organization they helped found, Platform for Peace 1960, that later became Turn Toward Peace, built bridges between the peace movement, the religious community, labor, and civic organizations. David, and their children, volunteered, but it was Anne who was known as the organizer and activist in the family.
David's life revolved around his family and his laboratory, a quiet room of high counters, crowded with clear, round Petri dishes full of an orange-ish mold called Neurospora. He worked for over fifty years on the six chromosomes of this simple organism, during which time the science of genetics grew from a sub-branch of botany to become a discipline, and then an industry, of its own. At the University of Washington, as David worked on Neurospora, classical genetics gave way to molecular biology and the enormous Human Genome project took flight. David was among the few who had lived and worked in the time before James Watson and Francis Crick proposed the double-helix of DNA. The last class he taught at the university reviewed the history of modern genetics, telling its last five dacades largely through first-hand recollections of the discipline's major figures and discoveries.
Colleagues and friends cherished David's generosity and humor. He loved games. In 1965 he invented a board game called Dutch Auction, which he patented and tried, without success, to sell to a game maker. His family held a neighborhood circus, a track meet, great feasts, and played music late into the night with overflowing groups of visiting colleagues, graduate students, and the political fellow travelers who made up David's lively extended family. He was always in the kitchen cooking, or tending to tired children and their injuries. A neighbor recalled that she "had many lovely quiet conversations with David," at these parties, "while all you fast people were busy buzzing around us." He was understated. When Anne chose to attend a Halloween party as a flame, David dressed as a fire extinguisher. When friends at a picnic accidentally upended a bowl of spaghetti sauce on David's seersucker suit he got up from the picnic table and walked, wordlessly, to the nearby lake shore, and then walked into the lake.
What distinguished him most from others was the clarity and conviction of his sense of right and wrong. This deep ethical sense and his optimism were rooted in an unshakable faith in reason. Every human evil begged for better thinking and a commitment to reason. In his later years, David was an unwavering critic of the unparalleled cynicism of America's new leaders. The deceit and self-interest that drove Bush's march into Iraq offended him. He believed in respect for law. And, he repudiated corporate science's commandeering of research for profit, especially those companies that withheld medicine or other technological advances from the needy to secure their markets. In a reminiscence written late in life he called the university "the store house of all that is best in people."
David Stadler will be dearly missed and remembered. He is survived by four siblings, his wife of 54 years, Anne, their four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Those who want to make a contribution in his name are asked to support one of two causes he helped found - Peace Trees Vietnam, which seeks to clear and reclaim land made unsafe by land mines, and Friends of Third Place Commons, a non-profit public space in David's home community of Lake Forest Park.
A memorial get-together in his honor - a party to be held in the spirit of joy and community in which David thrived - will take place at David's home on Saturday April 14. Write to his family at davidstadlermemorial@gmail.com for more information.
1/8/07
We announce with a heavy heart and great sadness the passing of two very special members of our community.
David Perkins passed away peacefully on January 2, 2007 at 3:45 PM, with his daughter Sue at the bedside. David was not strong enough to beat the pneumonia and endocarditis the he developed just before Christmas. He made the decision not to be kept on a respirator and when it was removed, nature took its course. David left with all the dignity that he showed in his long life. He was exactly four months short of his 88th birthday.
Dorothy (Dot) Newmeyer Perkins passed away peacefully on January 6, and joined David in their long journey together through life and beyond. Dot was 83 years old, and ageing had not been kind to her.
She had been in poor health for several months, and David passing surely affected her greatly.
This is a shocking news to all of us who knew them: the Department, the University, the Neurospora community, and scientific community at large. David and Dot touched so many people with their kindness, generosity, and devotion to science and these communities. We have all lost great friends and colleagues.
David and Dot are survived by their daughter Sue and her husband John. We are trying to help them cope with these tragic losses.
David and Dot would not want anybody to make a big fuss, but there are many of us who would like to celebrate and honor his life. We have set up a web-tribute to David and will now expand it to include Dot at http://www.stanford.edu/group/neurospora/
Please send anything you would like posted to one of us at the email addresses below. There will also be a memorial to them at the upcoming Fungal Genetics Conference at Asilomar in March.
Sadly,
N. B. Raju and Dave Jacobson
nbraju@stanford.edu
djjacob@stanford.edu
Job Postings
3/4/08
Post-Doctoral Position
Molecular genetics of circadian rhythmicity in the fungus Neurospora crassa
Location: Dept. of Biology, York University, Toronto, Canada
Employer: Dr. Patricia Lakin-Thomas, Associate Professor
http://www.biol.yorku.ca/grad/faculty/patricia.htmOur lab is studying circadian rhythmicity (the daily biological clock) in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. We are using forward genetics to identify new genes that affect the circadian system of Neurospora and we have isolated several mutations that affect the rhythm of conidiation (spore-formation). This post-doctoral fellow will participate in mapping these mutations, identifying and cloning the affected genes, and investigating the function of these genes. This position would be appropriate for a recent PhD with molecular biology skills. Experience with fungal genetics and map-based cloning strategies will be an advantage. This position is funded by NSERC for three years and is available immediately. Please email a cover letter and CV to: Dr. Pat Lakin-Thomas, plakin@yorku.ca
2/18/08
The Department of
Plant Pathology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln invites
applications for a 9- month tenure-track faculty position at the
Assistant Professor level. This position is 80% research and 20%
teaching. We are seeking candidates interested in research that is
focused on elucidating fungal/oomycete-plant interactions using
molecular genetics/genomic approaches or other cutting-edge
technologies. The successful candidate is expected to have a strong
commitment to undergraduate and graduate education and the ability to
teach courses within a broad microbiology curriculum, including
mycology. Candidates must have a demonstrated research record consisting
of publications in high profile journals and the ability to attract
external grant funds. A Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, or other
relevant areas of biological sciences is required.
To apply, go to http://employment.unl.edu and complete the
faculty/administrative form (Requisition #080055) and attach a letter of
application, curriculum vitae, a 2-3 page description of research
interests, and a brief statement of teaching philosophy. In addition,
arrange to have 3 letters of recommendation sent to: Search Committee
Chair, Department of Plant Pathology, Rm. 406 Plant Science Hall,
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583-0722. Review of
applications will commence on 4-15-08 and will continue until the
position is filled or the search is closed. UNL is committed to a
pluralistic campus community through affirmative action and equal
opportunity and is responsive to the needs of dual career couples. We
assure reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities
Act; contact Dr. James Steadman at 402-472-2858 or jsteadman1@unl.edu
for assistance.
2/7/08
Work Hard. Play Hard. Change the World!
That's the opportunity you'll find at Genencor, a Danisco Division. At Genencor, we are truly changing the world and having fun doing it too! It's no wonder we've been recognized as the Bay Area's Best Place to Work and one of the Best Medium-Sized Companies to Work for in America! Genencor is a diversified biotechnology company which discovers, develops and sells biocatalysts and other bio-products for the industrial, consumer and agri-processing markets.
From the foods we eat to the energy we use, to the clothes we wear, and much more, Genencor is utilizing the power and intelligence of nature to develop new products and processes that improve the quality of our lives. Committed to innovation and sustainability, and our employees, Genencor has won countless awards in recognition of our efforts.
If you are ready to join an organization with the energy and excitement of a start-up with the stability that comes from a proven track record of one of the world's largest and most successful biotechnology companies, we invite you to apply for the following opportunity:
Scientist II, Fungal/Molecular Physiologist Job code: BBO1-PA-07
You will work with a motivated group of biochemists, molecular biologists, and biochemical engineers to dissect, understand and control metabolic processes for the conversion of renewable resources to commodity chemicals.
We are looking for someone who is looking to work with a team of scientists, focused on the understanding and controlling of microbial physiology for the production of chemical products. You will work with a motivated group of biochemists, molecular biologists, and biochemical engineers to dissect, understand and control metabolic processes for the conversion of renewable resources to commodity chemicals.
You must have experience in pathway engineering or systems biology. You should have experience in fungal molecular biology and physiology, and a working knowledge of biochemistry. You should be a creative, motivated, self-starter, capable of working both independently and interacting in a dynamic collaborative team environment with biochemists and fermentation engineers. You have excellent communication and written skills and supervisory skills would be an asset.
Requirements:
Ph.D. in fungal physiology, molecular biology or systems biology.
At least 2 years Post-doctoral or practical lab experience in the above
areas in academic or industrial lab environment.
The successful candidate should have excellent molecular biology skills,
working knowledge of molecular physiology, computer skills, some
biochemistry background desirable.
Ability to excel in a collaborative environment.
Excellent communication skills and the desire to work within a
multidisciplinary team are also required.
The successful candidate must be motivated, creative, have strong
problem solving and critical thinking skills, and be capable of working
independently or in a collaborative setting.
Strong analytical and organizational skills are highly desirable
To apply:
Please apply online -
www.genencor.com and reference job number BBO1-PA-07.
1/22/08
Two Faculty Positions in Bioenergy- and Bioproducts-Related Microbiology: FUNGAL CANDIDATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Contact Jonathan Walton (walton@msu.edu) for further information.
The Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks applications for two academic-year, tenure-track, junior- or senior-level faculty positions in bioenergy and bioproducts-related microbiology. Requirements include a doctoral degree in microbiology or a related discipline, at least two years of postdoctoral research experience, and a strong record of research accomplishment in addressing fundamental questions of microbial diversity, genetics, genomics, metabolism and/or physiology. Examples of possible research areas include, but are not limited to, the ecology and physiology of biomass conversion, metabolic analysis, and systems biology approaches. The successful applicants will join colleagues associated with the DoE-supported Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, the Center for Microbial Ecology, and the Microbial Systems Sciences Group.
The Department is among the oldest, largest, and most diverse in the nation, with research emphasis areas in microbial diversity and evolution, molecular pathogenesis, immunology, cell growth and differentiation, and functional and comparative genomics. It is comprised of more than 40 faculty members who conduct research in a wide variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, and has outstanding undergraduate and graduate programs. Further information on the department is available at www.mmg.msu.edu. MSU offers a highly collegial, interdisciplinary environment with many collaborative opportunities in biological, engineering, nanotechnology, agriculture and related disciplines. The university provides excellent research core facilities in genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolic analysis.
Responsibilities include developing an independent, externally funded research program with national visibility and teaching within our graduate, professional, and/or undergraduate programs. The offer will include a competitive startup package and a laboratory within our new state-of-the-art research building.
Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae including complete publication list, statement of research goals, copies of pertinent reprints and contact information (address, e-mail, and phone) for three referees to:
Bioenergy Microbiology Search Committee
Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics
2209 Biomedical & Physical Sciences Building Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
Electronic submissions to MMGCHAIR@MSU.EDU in pdf format are preferred. Review of applications will begin by January 31 and will continue until the positions are filled.
Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations from women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities
Meeting Announcements
Neurospora 2008
March 27-30, 2008
Asilomar, CA
9th ECFG
April 5-8, 2008
Edinburgh, Scotland
10th International Fusarium
Workshop and Fusarium Genomics Workshop 2008
Alghero, Sardinia (Italy), August 30th
- September 2nd, 2008
http://www.cdl.umn.edu/scab/10th_fhb_wkshp.htm
TIGR eukaryotic annotation course
The Eukaryotic Annotation team will begin offering an external TIGR course,
"Eukaryotic Annotation and Analysis" this spring. The course will present our
eukaryotic annotation methods and resources, plus available open-source tools
that the attendees can use externally.
More information about the course and registration information is available at http://www.tigr.org/edutraining/training/eukaryotic_annotation.shtml
Classes will be held at TIGR on:
June 26-28, 2007
Sept. 18-20, 2007
The tuition for the course will be $595.00.
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Last updated 1/22/08 KMC