Prof. Bailey-Serres Receives Two Major Recognitions

Prof. Julia Bailey-Serres, Distinguished Professor of Botany and Plant Sciences and ETOX faculty member, has recently been selected for two major recognitions.  She has been selected by the American Society of Plant Biologists for its 2024 Charles Reid Barnes Life Membership Award, an award for meritorious work in plant biology which provides a life membership in the Society. 

In addition, she has been selected as the 2024 Faculty Research Lecturer at UC Riverside.  This recognition, given to member of the UCR Academic Senate who has made a distinguished record in research, allows the recipient to deliver a lecture to the Academic Senate. It is considered among the highest recognitions given to UCR faculty.  Prof. Bailey-Serres will be presenting her lecture, "Harvesting Genetic Diversity for Resilient Rice" on May 6, 2024 at 2 pm at the Alumni and Visitors Center.  Those interested in attending should RSVP by May 1.  

Our congratulations to Julia for these recent recognitions.  

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.