Multiple Toxicology Positions Currently Available at DTSC

The Department of Toxic Substances Control, part of the California Environmental Protection Agency, is searching for multiple positions in both ecological and human health toxicology.  These positions are for both recent Ph.D. recipients as well as those with more experience, and are located at several locations within northern and southern California.  More information can be found at the following webpages. 

Human health toxicologist

Ecotoxicologist

DTSC branch chief,Dr. Kim Gettmann at kimberly.gettmann@dtsc.ca.gov can also be contacted to answer questions. 

Volatile Chemicals Alter Gene Expression in Fly and Mouse

In lab experiments, Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka, professor of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and ETOX faculty member in conjunction with other UCR colleagues including team leader Prof. Anandasankar Ray, exposed fruit flies to diacetyl, a microbial volatile compound released by yeast and common environmental agent, and found changes in gene expression in the fly’s antennae within several days. The team also found similar gene expression changes in the brains of mice and in human cells. The results suggest that the use of volatile chemicals could potentially be developed as a therapeutic approach to treat various diseases. Their results were recently published in the journal eLife and highlighted in UC Riverside News.  Our congratulations to Sachiko, Anand and colleagues for this nice recognition. [The figure above is from their eLife article.]

Dog-infecting Parasite Discovered by UCR Scientists in Colorado River Snails

A research team led by Adler Dillman, Professor of Nematology and ETOX faculty member, has identified the cause of a disease that has been affecting dogs in Southern California.  All of the affected dogs had spent time swimming in the Colorado River and Dr. Dillman and his research group were able to find the flatworm parasite, Heterobilharzia americana, in snails along the riverbank. The parasitic worm is known to cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that impacts the liver and intestines of dogs. Their research has recently been published in the journal Pathogens and has been highlighted in UCR News.  The research has also been the focus of many articles in newspapers such as the LA Times, USA Today, and Newsweek as well as on regional TV news shows on NBC Palm Springs,  NBCLA, etc.  Our congratulations to Adler and his research team for discovering the cause of this mysterious canine illness.  [The photos above are from the UCR News article.]

Postdoctoral Position in Genetic Toxicology at the NCTR

Postdoctoral Fellow Position is available in the Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology at the National Center for Toxicological Research (Jefferson, Arkansas).  More information is below.  

The Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology conducts basic and applied research to address specific high-priority issues related to the induction of genetic damage. Division research is directed toward developing and validating new methods or improving existing methods for evaluating the toxicity of food additives, human and animal drugs, biological therapies, tobacco products, and medical devices. In collaboration with other FDA scientists, the Division utilizes the methodologies it develops to better understand the potential toxicity of specific high-priority drugs, dietary supplements, and other agents.

A postdoctoral fellow position is available for a scientist (less than 5 years after obtaining PhD degree, residing in USA for at least 3 years) with interest and/or experience in genetic toxicology evaluation. The position is renewed annually for a period of 3 years. The annual stipend will be about $72k with an additional $1.8k allocation for the purchase of health insurance, which is required for the position.

This postdoctoral position is for a talented, motivated individual, preferably with experience in areas such as toxicity, genotoxicity, and/or related fields. The successful candidate should be able to work independently, have good written and verbal communications skills, and work well with others.

Interested candidate should send your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and list of three references to Dr. Nan Mei (nan.mei@fda.hhs.gov).

Our thanks to ETOX faculty member Wei-Chun Chao for forwarding the information.  

UCR was Well Represented at the Annual Society of Toxicology Meeting in Salt Lake City

The annual meeting of the Society of Toxicology took place on March 10-14, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and UCR was well represented. In addition to posters by current students, several ETOX faculty as well as quite a few alumni were in attendance.  Emeritus Professor David Eastmond was selected for the Women in Toxicology Special Interest Group Mentoring Award based on nominations from ETOX alumnae.  Below are photos of some of those that attended.  Others in attendance (without photos) include ETOX faculty member Changcheng Zhou and current students Wonsik Woo and John Huang.  

David Eastmond and Connie Mitchell (now a senior scientific program manager at HESI)

Nicole Sparks (now at an assistant professor UC Irvine), David Eastmond and Lauren Walker (now a toxicologist at Colgate-Palmolive)

Wei-Chen Chou, a new assistant professor at UCR

David Eastmond and Jennifer Sasaki (currently a toxicology consultant)

Sabbir Ahmed (now a staff fellow with the FDA) and David Eastmond

Luisa Bertotto (assistant project scientist at UC Irvine) and Lok Ming Tam (postdoctoral fellow at the University of Rochester)

Drew Olaharski (on right) is shown with colleague Alex Eapen. Drew currently is a Vice President and Head of Nonclinical Safety at Relay Therapeutics.

David Eastmond holding the Mentoring Award plaque from the Women in Toxicology Special Interest Group

Ali Reddam's recent article (second from the bottom) was prominently displayed. Ali is now an associate toxicologist at California EPA.

New Species of Insect-killing Nematode Discovered by UCR Researchers

A team of researchers from UC Riverside and Naresuan University in Thailand led by Adler Dillman, Professor of Nematology and ETOX faculty member that included ETOX graduate student Kyle Anesko, has discovered a new species of insect-killing nematode that has the potential to be a new tool for controlling insect pests. The new species was recently described in the journal Parasitology, and the team's work has been highlighted in an article in UCR News and in Newsweek magazine.  Our congratulations to Adler, Kyle and their team for this interesting discovery.  [The photos above are from their Parasitology article.]

Virunya Bhat is Selected as Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences

ETOX alumna Virunya Bhat has recently been selected to become a Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences.  ATS fellows are selected based on an exemplary record of professional accomplishment, professional appointments in the field, and extensive evidence of recognition of competence and sound judgment in toxicology by their peers.  Virunya recently took a position as a chemical safety officer with the International Programme on Chemical Safety at the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Our congratulations to Virunya for this distinguished and well deserved recognition. We also wish her the best in her new position.  

Multiple Positions within the California Department of Public Health and CalEPA

The Environmental Health Investigations Branch, at the California Department of Public Health in Richmond, CA has a number of positions currently open and more will be opening in the next month or two.  These include:

Senior Research Scientist (Research Scientist IV) – Now open, applications due by 2/12/2024 (but may get extended)

PhD level Environmental Epidemiologist/Statistician – technical lead for Biomonitoring California and adviser on Branch level projects, further info below

If interested, please consult Job Control Id 412157 on Cal Careers.

For additional information regarding minimum qualifications and to obtain list eligibility, please visit the RS IV examination information page.

Research Scientist I – Now open, applications due 2/2/2024

Early career environmental epidemiologist and laboratory assistant with Biomonitoring California

If interested, please consult Job Control Id 410311 on Cal Careers.

Senior Environmental Scientist – Open until filled

Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)

This position is with our sister program in Biomonitoring California at the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment

The Environmental Health Investigations Branch also has two positions that will be opening up in the next month. Please check back on the EHIB website for the postings or email me (Kathleen.Attfield@cdph.ca.gov) to be notified when they open.

Research Scientist II – Environmental Epidemiologist with the developing Toxicological Outbreak Program - Be part of a dynamic team that responds and investigates non-infectious, toxicological outbreaks!

Health Program Specialist II – Communications and Outreach Specialist with the Emergency Preparedness Team engaging with partners to build community resilience for environmental, climate-related and natural disasters.

Research Scientist IV: Come join the dynamic team of epidemiologists, toxicologists, laboratorians, and health educators that make up Biomonitoring California!

The Environmental Health Investigations Branch (EHIB) is currently recruiting for a Research Scientist (RS) IV (Epidemiology/Biostatistics). Within the Exposure Assessment Section, the RS IV (Epi/Bio) will use their advanced epidemiologic and statistical expertise to serve as a technical lead for the California Environmental Contaminants Biomonitoring Program (also known as Biomonitoring California) and as a technical advisor for EHIB. As lead scientist, the RS IV’s responsibilities include designing biomonitoring and other environmental health studies and conducting data analysis to reveal population-level exposure trends and explore disparities and sources of exposure. The RS IV provides guidance on EHIB projects related to exposure investigations and impacts of climate change. This position is located on the Richmond Campus.

The above information was from an email from Kathleen Attfield (Kathleen.Attfield@cdph.ca.gov).  We thank Scott Coffin, an ETOX alumnus, who forwarded the information.  

Lauren Walker Serves as Vice President-elect of the DEAI on the FASEB Board

Lauren Walker, toxicologist at Colgate-Palmolive and ETOX alumna, has recently been selected to serve as Vice President-elect of the Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) on the Federation for American Societies of American Biology Board.  As such, she serves as Vice Chair of the Federation's DEAI Committee that "is charged with developing and implementing strategies to guide the Federation’s efforts to foster diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive research, training, and professional environments". Our congratulations to Lauren for this nice recognition.  More information can be found on the Federation's website and on its LinkedIn page.  [The photo above is from the LinkedIn post.]

Assistant Professor Positions at the University of Washington

From the UW website. The Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences within the School of Public Health at the University of Washington (UW) invites applications for three tenure-track faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning in Autumn quarter 2024.

These positions may specialize in a discipline that informs environmental and occupational health including environmental toxicology, exposure science including exposomics, environmental and occupational epidemiology, climate and health, environmental justice, environmental health disparities, microbiome and environmental health, environmental chemistry, economic or policy analysis in environmental and occupational health sciences, ergonomics/musculoskeletal diseases or occupational safety science. Initial review of applications will begin January 16, 2024 and will continue until the positions are filled.

More information can be found at the UW School of Public Health website.