Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  We hope that you have a successful and productive 2023.  Quilt made by Elizabeth Eastmond of opquilt.com. 

Multiple Toxicology-related Positions Available

Below are links to several open positions related to toxicology.

Positions within the New York State Department of Public Health, in the Bureau of Toxic Substance Assessment in the Center for Environmental Health, and are in the areas of human health risk assessment and data analysis.  Applications will be accepted through December 26th. Links to two positions are below.

Position 1

Position 2

A biologist/physicist position within the USEPA in the new Assessment Management Branch. The application deadline is Dec. 19, 2022. 

EPA position

Our thanks to ETOX alumni Efrem Neuwirth and Catherine Gibbons for informing us about these positions.  

Professors Bailey-Serres and Talbot Recognized as Highly Cited Researchers for 2022

Environmental Toxicology Program faculty members Prof. Prue Talbot and Julia Bailey-Serres, have once again been recognized by being selected for the 2022 Highly Cited Researcher list compiled by Clarivate Analytics.  The list contains the researchers who have published multiple highly-cited papers that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and year in the Web of Science.  According to Clarivate Analytics, they are also considered to be in the top 0.1% of scientists. More information can be found on the Inside UCR website. Our congratulations to both Prue and Julia for again receiving this nice recognition.

Toxicologist positions at the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation is currently accepting applications for Associate Toxicologist positions. These hires will be in the Sacramento area and will evaluate and interpret studies and data for the purpose of advising on health effects.  The incumbent will serve as a team member and will conduct human health risk assessments of pesticides to predict the type of health effects and their extent in humans under given conditions of exposure using conventional and new approach methodology (NAM) techniques.  More information can be found here.  

Toxicologist Position at the California Dept of Public Health in the Bay Area

The Environmental Health Investigations Branch of the California Department of Public Health is currently recruiting for a Staff Toxicologist (Specialist). The Staff Toxicologist serves as the lead in providing guidance and consultation to local jurisdictions on toxicological exposure issues during natural disasters or in non-infectious agent exposures, including toxicological outbreaks. The Staff Toxicologist provides expertise and guidance in the development of a comprehensive plan to identify and respond to toxicological outbreaks in California, and performs other duties. This position is located on the Richmond Campus.

For the job posting and duty statement, please visit Job Control # JC-335978  here.

New Final Filing Date: 11/17/22

Working Title: Toxicologist

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

For additional information regarding minimum qualifications and to obtain list eligibility, please visit the Staff Toxicologist Series and Staff Toxicologist Exam webpages.

For questions, please contact Kathy Elliott at kathy.elliott@cdph.ca.gov.

Our thanks to ETOX Alumnus, Efrem Neuwirth for passing on the announcement.  

 

Risk Assessment/Toxicologist Position in Colorado

The Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office at the Colorado Department of Public Health of Environment is looking for an expert Human Health Risk Assessor/Applied Toxicologist.

They are searching for an expert who is passionate about gathering, analyzing, and telling the stories about health risks from toxic substances. The Office's mission is to use the best available data and science to provide actionable, accessible information on environmental health risks to people and partners. 

If you have experience in the field, check out our posting, and apply by Nov. 15.bit.ly/CDPHE-RA

We would like to thank Efrem Neuwirth, an ETOX alumnus, for forwarding to us the information about the position.  Interestingly, the contact on the email in the Colorado Toxicology and Environmental Epidemiology Office is Kristy Richardson, also an ETOX alumna.  

Toxicologist Position at DTSC in Northern California

As described on its website, the California "Department of Toxic Substances Control is looking for a Staff Toxicologist (Specialist) who is passionate about protecting our communities from the effects of exposure to chemical contamination in the environment. An individual who is not only knowledgeable, but a great communicator, dedicated to public service, and who cares for others! The Staff Toxicologist (Specialist) independently provides expert scientific support in the areas of toxicology, human and/or ecological risk assessment and exposure assessment, along with a variety of more difficult tasks directly related to toxicology and risk assessment. This position is designated to support the needs of Site Mitigation and Restoration Program (SMRP) Site Discovery and Enforcement Program (D&E)."  More information on the position can be found here.   Our thanks for ETOX alumnus Efrem Neuwirth for forwarding information on this position.  

Assistant/Associate Professor of Environmental Health Position Available at UC Riverside

The Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) is inviting applications for for a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor of Environmental Health position. Exceptional candidates in all areas of specialization in Environmental Health will be considered, with preferences given to candidates with expertise focused on linking environmental exposure to mechanisms leading to adverse outcomes relevant to human populations.  More information can be found here.

Associate Toxicologist Position at California Department of Pesticide Regulation

Dr. Eric Kwok, an ETOX alumni, recently contacted us about an opening in his section at the CDPR. As he describes that position, "no prior experience is needed and training will be provided. If there is any M.S. graduate with 5 years of relevant experience, recent Ph.D. graduate, or Ph.D. candidate close to his/her graduation, please encourage them to apply or contact me directly" at Eric.Kwok@cdpr.ca.gov.  More information can be found here.  

Assistant Professor of Environmental Health Position Available at UC Santa Cruz

The Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UC Santa Cruz) is inviting applications for an assistant professor (tenure track) position in the broad area of environmental health, including exposome/exposure biology, mechanisms of contaminant action and defense, gene-environment interactions, or microbiome-contaminant interactions that influence host susceptibility. Research at the intersection of environmental health science and epidemiological, statistical, and computational modeling will also be considered; experience in interdisciplinary research is desirable.  More information can be found here.  

Assistant Professor Extension Toxicologist Position In Agricultural Toxicology Available at UC Davis and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) in collaboration with the School of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis is seeking a full time Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension (100%) in the area of agricultural toxicology to protect Californian’s diverse animal, plant, human and environmental resources from emerging direct and indirect toxicologic threats through extension teaching (education and training outreach activities), applied research and other creative work, and service.  More information about the position and how to apply can be found here.  Our thanks to Jim Farrar, Director, UC Statewide IPM Program, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, for notifying us of this position.  

Lauren Walker Selected for the Janssen Scholars of Oncology Diversity Engagement Program

Dr. Lauren Walker, an ETOX alumna currently working as a postdoctoral fellow at Rutgers University, has been selected into the Janssen Scholars of Oncology Diversity Engagement Program as part of its inaugural 2022 cohort of mentored individuals.  This mentorship program works to connect exceptional, diverse students and postdoctoral researchers with professional R&D scientists and leaders at Janssen, one of the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical companies.  More information can be found here and here.  Our congratulations to Lauren for this appointment.  

Postdoctoral position in Yang Liu's Lab at Yale

ETOX alumnus Dr. Yang Liu has recently been appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology in the School of Medicine at Yale University.  He is seeking one or two motivated postdoctoral associates to work on spatial omics technique development and applications to pathological disease.

Liu's newly established lab will be focusing on the development of spatial-based omics techniques (transcriptome, proteome, epigenome, etc.) and the application of techniques to study tumor microenvironments, neurological disease, and microbiome. The successful candidate will be working on cutting-edge biotechnique development and collaboration with pathological groups to understand disease at different omics levels. For more information, please visit the website: https://www.yangliulab.org/

The candidate is expected to be trained in one of the fields including, bioanalytical chemistry, molecular and cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, biomedical engineering, genetics, or a related field. Interested candidates can email the curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing your qualification and a short description of research interests together with the names and addresses of three references to: yang.liu.yl2224@yale.edu.

The position is immediately available, and the selected candidate can start ASAP.

Coolants in eCigarettes Identified as Potential Health Risks

The research on coolants in electronic cigarettes conducted by Dr. Ester Omaiye, a recent ETOX graduate, ETOX faculty member Prue Talbot and collaborators has recently been published the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology, and highlighted in UCR News.  In their research, the investigators examined 16 disposable Puff-type of devices to identify their components, including 126 flavor chemicals, synthetic coolants, and nicotine concentrations. As indicated in the news release, "synthetic cooling agents, like WS-23, provide a cooling sensation".  Among other things, their research showed that “...the concentrations of WS-23 used in Puff ECs are high enough to produce adverse health effects with chronic use”.  Our congratulations to Ester and Prue for this recognition of their work.  

Environmental Toxicologist Positions at the California State Water Board

Our thanks to ETOX alumnus Scott Coffin who forwarded the message below. 

Environmental Toxicology position at the California State Water Resources Control Board

Are you interested in a dynamic and challenging position in environmental toxicology that will make an impact on California’s surface water quality?Apply now to join a dynamic team at the State Water Resources Control Board based in Sacramento with a thriving and supportive organizational culture that encourages and fosters staff growth and development. This position may be full time remote, hybrid, or in person based on the candidate’s preference.

 

This Environmental Scientist position in the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) will serve as the subject matter expert forenvironmental toxicology and the fate and transport of contaminants in the environment. The position would serve as the coordinator for the SWAMP Toxicology and Contaminants Program and as the toxicology data manager. Primary responsibilities include providing guidance to select appropriate methodologies and quality assurance practices for monitoring projects to support Water Board decision-making, responding to inquiries and facilitating communication between the toxicology lab and program staff, verifying toxicological monitoring results, and loading data to the appropriate database/portal. Training will be provided on program requirements and protocols.

We are seeking applicants with education, training, and/or experience in environmental toxicology and/or environmental science that can be applied to serve as a technical resource and coordinator for environmental toxicology in SWAMP and other programs at the Water Boards.

 

Pay Range: $4,145 – $7,926 per month 

Final filing date: August 15, 2022

Visit the link below to learn more about the position and how to apply.

https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=314366

 

 

Please note: Applications are only accepted through our Calcareers website. Questions regarding the application process can be directed to das-talentacquisition@waterboards.ca.gov. 

  

Sheron Hakopian spotlighted on UCR's Instagram Page

ETOX graduate student Sheron Hakopian who works with Professor Russ Hille, was recently spotlighted on UCR's Instagram account.  Above is a screenshot of the post.   

Available Positions in the New Chemicals Program at the EPA

The New Chemicals Program at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is to hire toxicologists, biologists and chemists at various levels.  More information can be found at the following links. 

Biologist/Toxicologist/Chemist—GS-9 (Recent Graduates, B.S. or higher): www.usajobs.gov/job/664400600

Biologist/Toxicologist/Chemist—GS-11 to -13: www.usajobs.gov/job/663696400

Biologist/Toxicologist/Physical Scientist/Chemist—GS-14: www.usajobs.gov/job/663510100

Our thanks for ETOX alumnus Efrem Neuwirth for passing along the information. 

Scott Coffin Chosen for the 40 Under 40 List at UCR

ETOX alumnus Dr. Scott Coffin was selected to be in the inaugural list of remarkable alumni under the age of 40 complied by UCR.  As described in the UCR Magazine, "The 40 Under 40 initiative is a celebration of how UCR’s top-ranking education has given rise to a community of Highlander alumni with exceptional career success, well-deserved accolades, and extraordinary achievements".  Scott is a Research Scientist at the California State Water Resources Control Board and is actively involved in helping the state develop drinking water regulations for microplastics.  His brief 40 under 40 bio can be found here.  He was also featured on UCR's Instagram post as shown above.  Our congratulations to Scott for this nice recognition.  

ETOX Annual Student Symposium Took Place on Monday, June 13, 2022

 

On Monday June 13, the Annual Student Symposium of the Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program was held in person at the Botanical Gardens Conference Room.  Twenty-three students spoke, some giving full 15 minute presentations and others giving 5 minute lightning presentations.  I was unable to attend but understand that the talks and the research presented were of all of high quality and were a great way for the students and faculty to find out about the graduate student research being performed at UCR.  Special thanks go to Prof. Min Due and Phd. student Alexa Canchola who chaired the Symposium Committee as well as Desiree Aispuro, Zhongwen Cao, Xingyuan Chen, Sarah Avila-Barnard, Benjamin Maki, Ying Tan, Junyi Chen, Roxana Coreas and Qiaoshi Jiang who served on the committee and assisted with the preparations.   Our congratulations go to the following students who won awards for their presentations.  

Fukuto award: Sarah Avila-Barnard 

Symposium presentation awards: 

• First-place presentations from 3rd year & above: Diseree Aispuro, Junyi Chen

• Second-place presentations from 3rd year & above: Sheron Hakopian, Ying Tan

• Best presentation from 1st & 2nd year students: Xingyuan Chen

Below is a photo showing the students in masks at the event.

Dillman and Martins-Green Receive Chancellor's Award for Excellence

ETOX faculty members Adler Dillman, professor of Nematology and Manuela Martins-Green, professor of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, are this year's recipients of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement.  The award is presented each spring to "faculty members with a distinguished record of fostering undergraduate research or creative activity".  More information about the award and the recipients can be found on the Inside UCR article.  Both Manuela and Adler have an impressive record working with and mentoring undergraduate researchers.  Our congratulations to Adler and Manuela for this well-deserved recognition.  

Alumni Connections

ETOX alumni Dr. Scott Coffin and Dr. Sam Patton met up recently at a tour of the Metropolitan Water District and took the picture above.  Scott works for the California State Water Resources Control Board and Sam recently joined the Metropolitan Water District.  We wish them success in their positions.  

Open Positions Related to the Health Effects of Air Pollution at UC Riverside

The Center for Environmental Research and Technology at UC Riverside is searching for a community scientist liaison who will work with faculty teams to assist in managing existing and launching new air monitoring campaigns and air quality outreach efforts in our region.  Among other responsibilities, the successful candidate will understand the needs and wants of the community and represent it in developing community-based projects and proposals with UCR faculty. More information on the position can be found here.  

Prof. Ying-Hsuan Lin of the Department of Environmental Sciences and an ETOX faculty member, is searching for a postdoctoral researcher to to work on the chemical characterization and health effects of vaping aerosols. As described in the position announcement, the successful applicant will use a suite of analytical instruments and in silico approaches to characterize the chemical composition and health effects of vaping (e-cigarette) emission products. More information on the position can be found here.  

Reddam and Volz' Research on Organophosphate Flame Retardants Highlighted

Recent research by Alli Reddam, former graduate student, Prof. Dave Volz, an ETOX faculty member, and their collaborators on organophosphate ester flame retardants has been highlighted in UCR News.  Their previous work showed that occupants of cars were exposed to significant levels of OP flame retardants while commuting.  The current study investigated whether wiping the front interior of the car would reduce exposure to the flame retardants.  Somewhat surprisingly, their research showed that a partial cleaning of the car's interior did not significantly reduce exposure.  Either a more thorough cleaning or wearing a face covering may be needed to reduce exposure.  Our congratulations to Alli and Dave for this recognition of their work.  

Research Identifying Oxidative Components Contributing to Vaping-linked Lung Injury Highlighted

The research of ETOX graduate students Alexa Canchola, Sabbir Ahmed, and Jin Chen and their advisor, Professor Ying-Hsuan Lin has been recognized by the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology as one of its most popular recent articles.  The study describes the formation of duroquinone, a redox-active compound, from Vitamin E acetate, a component of vaping fluids, and demonstrates that the vaping emissions produce oxidative stress in cellular and acellular systems, which may contribute to lung damage in those that vape.  The article can be accessed here. Our congratulations to Alexa, Sabbir, Jin and Ling-Hsuan for this nice recognition of their work.  

Professor Frances Sladek Awarded Grant to Study Molecular Basis of Popular Diets

Professor Frances Sladek, of the Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and ETOX faculty member, and her research group have recently been awarded a major NIH grant to investigate the molecular underpinnings of the keto diet and intermediate fasting.  Their studies focus on the role of the transcription factor HNF4 found in the liver, and the formation of the proteins P1 and P2 which appear to be involved in energy metabolism.  More information on the grant can be found on the UCR News website.  Our congratulations to Dr. Sladek and her group for this recognition of their research and ideas. 

Yan Jin Selected for the Francis Allison Faculty Award by the University of Delaware

Yan Jin, a professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at the University of Delaware and an ETOX alumna, has recently been selected by the University of Delaware for its Francis Allison Award, the highest faculty honor bestowed by the University of Delaware. As described in UDaily news article, “With the Francis Alison Award, we get the chance to recognize a faculty member who has distinguished themselves through their inspired teaching, their innovative research, and their dedicated leadership and service,” said UD Provost Robin Morgan, a professor of animal and food sciences at the University for more than 35 years. “Yan Jin wholeheartedly embodies these achievements.” Our congratulations to Yan for this high recognition of her research, teaching and leadership.   

Lauren Walker Selected for Society of Toxicology Spotlight

Lauren Walker, an ETOX alumna and currently a postdoctoral fellow at Rutgers University, was recently selected to be highlighted by the Society of Toxicology in its Instagram account and by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the SOT in its newsletter.  Our congratulations to Lauren for these recognitions.   

Adler Dillman Discovers Tarantula-killing Nematode

Adler Dillman, a professor in the Department of Nematology and ETOX faculty member, and his research team recently discovered a new nematode that kills tarantulas.  They named the nematode Tarantobelus jeffdanielsi, after Jeff Daniels, the actor in the 1990 film Arachnophobia whose character  saves a town from a deadly infestation of spiders.  As quoted in the UCR News release, Jeff Daniels received the recognition with humor saying “Honestly, I was honored by their homage to me and Arachnophobia. Made me smile. And of course, in Hollywood, you haven’t really made it until you’ve been recognized by those in the field of parasitology.” In addition to UCR News, the story has been picked up by a variety of news outlets including Salon, Popular Science, Newsweek, Daily Mail, New York Post, among others.  Our congratulations to Adler and his research group for the discovery and recognition.  [The photo was taken by Adler and shows a tarantula infected by the nematode parasite.] 

Exposure Science and Air Pollution Review Position at USEPA

Dr. Peter Byrley, a UCR alumnus working at the Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment at the USEPA, is looking to hire a graduate with a fairly recent (within 60 months) Masters or Doctoral degree that would be interested in working on exposure science issues through the lens of systematic review and analysis at the U.S. EPA, specifically those issues related to the criteria air pollutants (Lead, particulate matter, ozone, CO, NOx, SOx) and the EPA Integrated Science Assessments. Full information for the position can be found here: https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/EPA-ORD-CPHEA-HEEAD-2022-02.

The participant would be hired through an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship and would learn skills related to systematic review, writing large scientific documents, exposure science, and risk analysis. Any toxicology graduate students who are expecting to graduate this Spring/Winter (or have graduated previously) and have worked with air pollution-related toxicology before would be good candidates for the position. The fellowship will be based in the Research Triangle Park area of North Carolina.

Candidates can email him (byrley.peter@epa.gov) with any questions that you may have.

Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka Receives Award from Japanese Association

Prof. Sachiko Haga-Yamanaka of the Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology and an ETOX faculty member, has recently been awarded  the Young Investigator Research Award from the Japanese Association for Study of Taste and Smell.  Our congratulations to Sachiko for this nice recognition of her research.   

Krista Dobo Receives the 2021Excellence in Science Award from the Genetic Toxicology Association

ETOX alumna Krista Dobo, the former Senior Director of the Genetic Toxicology Department at Pfizer in Groton, CT and currently a Research Fellow there, was recently recognized by the Genetic Toxicology Association (GTA) with its 2021 Excellence in Science Award. This award is given annually to a GTA member who has made valuable contributions to the field of genetic toxicology.  Our congratulations to Krista for this very nice recognition.  

Curras-Collazo's Study Recognized as One of the 10 Best Research Stories of 2021 by the University of California

The polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) research of Professor Maggie Curras-Collazo and her current and former Neuroscience graduate students, Elena Kozlova and Matthew Valdez as well as former ETOX graduate student Gwendolyn Gonzalez and others, was recently featured on the University of California's website as being one of the 10 Best Research Stories of 2021.  As described in the UC website, the "research team led by UC Riverside scientists found that when female mice exposed to PBDEs pass on these chemicals to their developing offspring, the female offspring show traits similar to autism spectrum disorders. In addition to shedding light on a potential cause of autism, the study signals the importance of toxicology studies so that chemicals like PBDEs can be investigated before they are commercially released."  Additional information on their research can be found on the UC Riverside News Site.  Our congratulations to Maggie, Elena, Matt, Gwendolyn and their collaborators for this nice recognition of their work and for demonstrating the role of toxicology in identifying adverse effects of environmental chemicals.