Lynda WilliamsOpportunities
On this page you will get information on possible jobs and funding sources for research projects and outreach projects as well as job opportunities. We also post here examples of successful examples on medical geology.
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Are you interested in studying at the University of Ballarat in Australia. Medical geology related PhD projects are available to suitable applicants. Potential projects include:
* assessing the effects of past mining practices on the health of local communities,
* the link between environmental contamination to diabetes prevalence
* water quality variance and its link to health outcomes
and others by negotiation with your supervisor. If you are interested in discussion these projects or evolving your own please contact Kim Dowling (k.dowling@ballarat.edu.au) or Jose Centeno (Jose.A.Centeno@us.army.mil)
Scholarships will be made available to suitably qualified overseas
students each year (for a period of three years of study). The value of
each scholarship is $30,000 per annum. The inaugural scholarships will
be awarded in Semester 1 of the 2010 academic year.
Discuss the project first with your potential supervisors and then
an application must be submitted via the Research & Graduate Studies
Office of the University of Ballarat on the approved application forms.
Please visit the following website to download the approved forms:
http://www.ballarat.edu.au/ard/ubresearch/forms.shtml
Please note
that a curriculum vitae (CV) will not be accepted as an application.
The conditions of the scholarships being offered, as well as the
selection criteria for applicants, are detailed in the attached
document. Applications must include evidence of past academic
performance.
The closing date for applications is Friday 29 January 2010.
Dr Kim Dowling
Associate Professor and Head of School
School of Science and Engineering
University of Ballarat
P.O. Box 663
Ballarat Victoria 3353
Australia
Ph: [03] 53279354
Fax: [03] 53279242dical geology
A postdoctoral position is available at the Department of Environmental and Infectious Disease Sciences, Registry on Medical Geology of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Washington, DC. This postdoctoral associate will be part of a dynamic team of research scientists conducting research on the role of trace elements, toxic metals, and metalloids on the development and progression of environmentally induced diseases. The program include assessing the chemical composition of environmentally related exposures such as toxic metal fragments, environmental dust, etc, by employing a wide range of state-of-the-art techniques including ICP-MS, HR-ICP-MS, XRF, SEM-EDXA, laser Raman microscopy and confoccal microscopy. The position is for one year starting May-June 2009, with possibilities for extension to a second year. Review of the applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicant must hold a PhD (and/or MD) in any of the basic areas of sciences, including environmental epidemiology, biotoxicology, geosciences, and human health. To apply please fax cover letter, salary requirements, three references, and a CV to Dr. Jose A. Centeno, Dept. of Environmental and Infectious Disease Sciences, Division of Biophysical Toxicology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, 6825 16th St. NW, Washington, DC 20306 or email to centeno@afip.osd.mil, Fax: (202) 782-9215.
Sandra Londono-Arias as PhD in medical geology at Arizona State University
The School of Earth and Space Exploration at Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ, USA) is pleased to announce the acceptance of Sandra Londono-Arias (graduate of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia) into the Ph.D. program to work on the topic antibacterial minerals.
Sandra Londono, while a student at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, helped organize a medical geology working group that has become an active Chapter of the IMGA. She has conducted research on the use of healing clays by indigenous people in the Amazon and she helped get formal recognition for medical geology by the Colombian government. Ms Londono was awarded the IMGA best student paper at the 2007 2nd Hemispheric Conference on Medical Geology held in Brazil. Sanda Londono's impressive activities in medical geology have been rewarded by acceptance into the Ph.D. program at Arizona State University.
Sandra Londono will work with Dr. Lynda Williams, Research Professor, who began investigating the antibacterial properties of clay minerals in 2003. Dr Williams’ research focus on medicinal minerals began after meeting French philanthropist Line Brunet de Courssou, who had successfully treated patients suffering from Buruli ulcer (a mycobacterial skin infection) using clay. Photographic evidence of the healing process showed that skin infections were cured, and skin was regenerated over the wounds. Williams’ research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, showed that certain ‘healing clays’ have antibacterial properties, while others do not. Clearly it would be advantageous for Society to learn from natural antibacterial minerals, the geochemical process that kills a broad spectrum of human pathogens, while allowing skin cells to regenerate. This is the overarching goal of the research that Sandra Londono will conduct with Dr. Williams.
Medicinal minerals research requires fundamental collaboration of specialists in mineralogy, geochemistry and microbiology (both environmental and clinical microbiology). This interdisciplinary approach to science is where new discoveries will be made. As a student, Sandra will learn basic methods for microbial testing and will work toward evaluating the geochemical conditions important to the antibacterial mechanism. This is a new frontier forged by a team of enthusiastic researchers at Arizona State University, the U.S. Geological Survey and collaborators at other Universities and Hospitals. We are just beginning down a long road of investigation with many discoveries to be made.
Lynda Williams
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF GEOSCIENCES (Geochemistry of Natural Waters)
Applications are invited for a tenure track position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in teaching and curricular development of undergraduate and graduate courses, to advise and direct graduate students, and to develop a rigorous research program that is supported by external funding. It is expected that the research program will include a field component that examines the chemistry of water in surface or shallow subsurface environments and water's interactions with minerals, rock, and organisms. The candidate should demonstrate strong potential for research and teaching and must hold a Ph.D. in Geosciences or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment. Female and ethnic minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Sedimentary Geology and Paleontology, Meteorology/Climatology, and Hydrosphere Geosciences programs serve as the three primary units within the Department of Geosciences. The department offers B.S. degrees in Geology and Meteorology/Climatology, as well as M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Geosciences. Additional information about our department can be found on our Web site: http://geosciences.unl.edu. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in an active campus-wide Water Resources Research Initiative, which facilitates research and interdisciplinary forums, conferences, and other activities in water science, policy and law and has hired 11 new water faculty since 2004.
To apply, go to http://employment.unl.edu requisition 080940 and complete the "faculty/administrative form". Applicants must attach a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, and names of at least three references via the above website. We will begin to review applications on January 15, 2009, but the position will remain open until it is filled.
The University of Nebraska has an active National Science Foundation ADVANCE gender equity program and is committed to a pluralistic campus community through affirmative action, equal opportunity, work-life balance, and dual careers. For further information, contact Dr. Richard Kettler, Search Committee Chair by email, phone, or mail at: rkettler1@unl.edu, 1-402-472-0882; Department of Geosciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 214 Bessey Hall, Lincoln NE 68588-0340.
Fully-funded PhD Opportunity in Volcanic Health Hazards
The Institute of Hazard & Risk Research and the Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, seeks a highly motivated, high calibre student with aspirations to develop a career in volcanic hazards. You will join Dr Claire Horwell’s team which specialises in the health hazards of volcanic and other mineral dusts.
This fully-funded PhD scholarship is available to UK, EU and international students (subject to English language tests). We seek graduates with a BSc (2:1 or higher) or MSc in Earth Sciences or related subject, with a knowledge of volcanology, petrology and mineralogy. The project is trans-disciplinary, involving training in both mineralogical and toxicological techniques, thereby providing the student with the breadth of experience required in order to pursue a career in the field of Natural Dusts and Health.
The student will work on the research project:
Volcanic cristobalite formation: A global study for the assessment of health hazard Supervised by: Dr Claire Horwell (IHRR, Earth Sciences, Durham University); Prof. Ken Donaldson (Centre for Inflammation Research, Queens Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh University).
Further Information:
Informal contacts are welcome and should be made to Dr Claire Horwell. E-Mail: claire.horwell@durham.ac.uk Tel: +44(0)191 33 42253
A full project description can be found at http://www.dur.ac.uk/claire.horwell/studentship.doc
Further information on Claire Horwell can be found at http://www.dur.ac.uk/earth.sciences/staff/?id=5313
Further information on Ken Donaldson can be found at http://www.cir.med.ed.ac.uk/haslett/donaldson/donaldson.htm
How to apply:
Initially, please send a CV with the names of two referees to Dr Claire Horwell, Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, DH1 3LE. E-Mail: claire.horwell@durham.ac.uk
Closing date: Until filled.
Interview date: TBC
Start date: October 2008-January 2009.
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PhD Position in Biogeochemistry
The Institute of Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg offers a PhD position in biogeochemistry, available as of October 2007. Funding is secured for three years, with an extension possible The goal of the project is to investigate the stimulatory response of various types of lung cells exposed to a range of well-characterized fine mineral particulates. Experimental work will involve synthesis and characterization of various types of mineral particulates, performance of in-vitro experiments with monocultures and co-cultures of lung cells (alveolar macrophages, monocytes, alveolar epithelial cells), and analysis of cytokines and other mediators.
This project is a collaboration between the Institute of Mineralogy and Geochemistry (http://www.minpet.uni-freiburg.de <http://www.minpet.uni-freiburg.de> ) and the Department of Pulmonology (http://www.uniklinik-freiburg.de/pneumologie) at the University of Freiburg, which offer a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical facilities and a stimulating environment for geochemical and cell-biological research. The PhD thesis is part of a multi-institutional research program on fine airborne particulates in urban environments.
Highly motivated students with a strong background in geochemistry, biochemistry or chemistry (MSc degree or Diploma) are encouraged to apply. Applications must include a Curriculum Vitae, statement of research interests, publication list, and the contact information of at least two potential referees. All application materials should be sent as one pdf-file to karin.eckmann@minpet.uni-freiburg.de.
Closing date is August 27, 2007.
For further information, please contact Prof. R. Gieré (giere@uni-freiburg.de).
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Dr. Reto Gieré, Professor of Geochemistry
Mineralogisch-Geochemisches Institut
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Albertstrasse 23b
D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
Phone: (+49) 761-203-6409 Fax: (+49) 761-203-6407
Email: giere@uni-freiburg.de Web: http://www.minpet.uni-freiburg.de
Members of the Geology and Health Community:
Below is a link to an open position at IUPUI for an Algal Toxicologist.
http://www.earthsciences.iupui.edu/Resources/Jobs/Announcements/2007-04-20_Aquatic_toxicologist.htm
Thanks for your interest or please forward to others who may be interested.
NERC Theme Leaders -
Communication of extension of deadline NERC is recruiting new senior posts to translate the science themes such as natural hazards, climate systems and biodiversity in our new strategy for 2007- 2012 into effective, world leading science programmes. One of NERC's key themes is ENVIRONMENT, POLLUTION AND HUMAN HEALTH These new theme leader posts will work creatively with the scientific and stakeholder community to design world-class research activities to deliver NERCs strategic priorities within and across their theme. They will lead the creation of its delivery plan and work with other theme leaders to ensure cohesion and delivery of all NERC strategic targets. We envisage theme leaders coming from a spread of science stakeholder backgrounds, from academics to policy makers and the commercial sector. The theme leader positions will be advertised from the 14th of March in the Guardian, New Scientist, Research Fortnight, Nature, and on various recruitment web sites. Please highlight this recruitment to people that you think it may interest. To view the job advertisement please go to http://jru.rcuk.a c.uk/AllCouncilVacancies/default.htm For more information about the Theme Leader role and their link to NERC's new procedure for planning and managing science funding, please contact Phil Heads at phhe@nerc.ac.uk
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR – ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
The Department of Earth and Environmental Science in the College of Science
at the University of Texas at Arlington invites applications for a tenured/tenure-track
faculty position. This position is at the rank of tenure-track Assistant Professor.
Candidates with outstanding credentials will be considered for appointment as
tenured Associate or Full Professor. This position has a starting date of September
1, 2007.
An earned doctorate in a discipline relating to Environmental Health is required
by the starting date, and preference will be given to candidates with research
experience in an area of Toxicology and demonstrated capability to conduct interdisciplinary
research and obtain extramural funding. The position comes with high quality
research laboratory space and a substantial startup package. The successful
candidate will initiate a vigorous extramurally funded research program, supervise
graduate students, and teach graduate and undergraduate courses in areas relating
to Environmental Health.
The University of Texas at Arlington is located in the center of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. The department (http://www.uta.edu/geology/) is home to a rapidly expanding interdisciplinary graduate program in Environmental and Earth Sciences offering the M.S. and Ph.D. (http://www.uta.edu/ese/). Applications should consist of a curriculum vita (listing education, positions held, publications, grants and contracts, etc.) and statements outlining research and teaching interests. Applications will be accepted only by e-mail as a pdf attachment sent to envhealth@uta.edu. A list of at least three professional references should be provided. The search committee will begin reviewing applications immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Final offer of employment is contingent on completion of a satisfactory criminal background investigation for security sensitive positions. UT Arlington is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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Scottish Executive Research Opportunity
Expressions of Interest for research into Environment and Human Health are
being sought by SEERAD (Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs
Department)
SEERAD wishes to support research into the effect of our Environment on
Human Health in areas aligned to SEERAD policy interests and is seeking
Expressions Of Interest (EoI) from researchers and research groupings. The
overall budget available for this work over the four years from 1 April
2007 is £4 million. Up to £1 million per annum in total for up to
four
years in the first instance will be available from SEERAD to fund one or
more projects in this area. Projects of greater cost will be considered
where co-funding is available through strategic alignment and/or
partnership with other funding opportunities in this area. SEERAD is
unlikely to fund more than four bids under this call.
For more information please see
www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Research/15597/ResearchOpportunities
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It could be possible later on to receive certain funding through the International
Year of Planet Earth.
On the website for Planet
Earth there is a form to fill in for Expressions of Interest.
If you are interested in proposing either a research or outreach project under
the International year of Planet Earth, please download the Expression of Interest
form and save to your computer. Please fill it in and then return by email to
the address provided. We will then contact you at the proper time, when we are
ready to consider fully worked-up bids for funding.
It is necessary to see all requirements in the brochures before submitting the
Expression of Interest.
The brochures can be downloaded from here http://www.yearofplanetearth.org/downloads.htm
The brochures of special interest are: "Earth and Health" (research
in medical geology) and "Outreach" (the outreach programme).