[ECOLOG-L] Seeking antibiotic resistance genes
Hi everyone, I have a graduate student who is trying to study how the abundance of several antibiotic resistance genes changes with urbanization along a river flow path. Unfortunately, her progress has been stymied for several months due to a problem getting orders filled through ATCC. It's a huge fiasco, and the upshot is that she cannot get access to the standards she needs for some of her qPCR assays. I am writing in search of a few generous and sympathetic colleagues who happen to have some resistance genes cloned in plasmid/culture they would be willing to share (must be BSL1). Her preferred target genes are listed below, but this is very flexible depending on what is available. mcr1, ermB, strA, qnrA, sul1, sul2, tetB We can cover shipping costs and possibly arrange for modest compensation. More importantly, you would earn a huge shout-out in the "Acknowledgments" section of her M.S. thesis and the eternal gratitude of a struggling young scientist whose graduation keeps getting delayed by order processing and shipping problems far beyond her control. We would also appreciate suggestions of alternative vendors, though we have contacted the major ones to no avail (DSMZ, Addgene, BEI, and JCM). Please direct questions and responses to me directly to me at rbfrank...@vcu.edu or rima.frank...@gmail.com Thanks! Rima Rima Franklin Associate Professor Interim Associate Chair VCU Department of Biology www.people.vcu.edu/~rbfranklin 804-828-6753 (office) / 804-828-0125 (lab) rbfrank...@vcu.edu
[ECOLOG-L] Grad student opportunities in microbial ecology
Graduate student opportunities are available in the Franklin lab at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for students interested in microbial ecology and environmental microbiology. Applications from both prospective M.S. and Ph.D. students are welcome. The specific research area may be somewhat flexible depending on the interest and qualifications of the student, but expertise in one of the following areas is desired: microbial ecology, metagenomics, public health microbiology, biogeochemistry, and soil or wetland ecology. More information about potential projects can be found at www.people.vcu.edu/~rbfranklin <http://www.people.vcu.edu/%7Erbfranklin>. Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Rima Franklin ( rbfrank...@vcu.edu) to discuss their interests before applying. With this initial email, provide: 1) a brief description of your research interests and career goals, 2) a resume/CV highlighting any relevant coursework and experience, and 3) unofficial transcripts. Potential Ph.D. students will be directed to apply to the VCU Integrative Life Sciences graduate program ( http://lifesciences.vcu.edu/academic-programs/phd-in-integrative-life-sciences/). Their application deadline is January 10, 2017. Potential M.S. students will be directed to apply to the VCU MS Program in Biology (http://biology.vcu.edu/graduate-program/ms-program-in-biology/). Their application deadline is January 15, 2017. Graduate assistantships are available in both programs to competitive students. The Franklin Lab is located in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University (http://biology.vcu.edu/) in Richmond, Virginia. VCU is the largest public university in Virginia with a strong and growing program in ecology. In addition to opportunities within the Department of Biology, students may become involved in research associated with VCU Integrative Life Sciences Program (http://lifesciences.vcu.edu/), the VCU Center for Environmental Studies (http://ces.vcu.edu/) and the Rice Rivers Center (http://www.vcu.edu/rice/). Richmond is located on the James River in central Virginia, and is only a few hours drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia Beach and Washington, D.C. More information about Richmond can be found at: http://www.vcu.edu/about/richmond.html.
[ECOLOG-L] Graduate student opportunities in microbial ecology
The Franklin lab at Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking graduate students interested in microbial ecology and environmental microbiology. Applications from both M.S. and Ph.D. students are welcome. The specific research area may be somewhat flexible depending on the interest and qualifications of the student, but expertise in some or all of the following areas is desired: microbial ecology, metagenomics, bioinformatics, multivariate statistics, biogeochemistry, and soil or wetland ecology. More information about specific projects can be found at www.people.vcu.edu/~rbfranklin. Interested students should contact Dr. Rima Franklin (rbfrank...@vcu.edu) to discuss their interests *before *applying. With this initial email, provide the following: (i) a brief description of your research interests and career goals, (ii) a resume/CV highlighting any relevant coursework and experience, (iii) unofficial transcripts, and (iv) the names and contact information for three references. Potential Ph.D. students will be directed to apply to the VCU Integrative Life Sciences graduate program (http://lifesciences.vcu.edu). Their application deadline is February 1, 2016. Potential M.S. students will be directed to apply to the VCU MS Program in Biology (http://biology.vcu.edu/graduate-program/ms-program-in-biology/). Their application deadline is January 15, 2016. Graduate assistantships are available in both programs to competitive students. The Franklin Lab is located in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University (http://biology.vcu.edu/) in Richmond, Virginia. VCU is the largest public university in Virginia with a strong and growing program in ecology. In addition to opportunities within the Department of Biology, students may become involved in research associated with VCU Integrative Life Sciences Program (http://lifesciences.vcu.edu/), the VCU Center for Environmental Studies (http://ces.vcu.edu/) and the Rice Rivers Center (http://www.vcu.edu/rice/). Richmond is located on the James River in central Virginia, and is only a few hours drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia Beach and Washington, D.C. More information about Richmond can be found at: http://www.vcu.edu/about/richmond.html.
[ECOLOG-L] Postodoc in microbial ecology and metagenomics - VCU
*Postdoctoral fellow in microbial ecology and metagenomics Virginia Commonwealth University * A postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Biology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia. PIs Rima Franklin (microbial ecology), Scott Neubauer (wetland biogeochemistry), and Bonnie Brown (ecological genetics) are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to work on a NSF-funded project aimed at understanding the effect of microbial community structure on ecosystem function and response to environmental change. The project will include complementary observational and manipulative experiments to examine wetland responses to saltwater intrusion, from microbial/molecular scales up to the ecosystem level. The postdoc will be expected to collect and analyze field and laboratory data, prepare manuscripts for publication, share research findings at scientific conferences, and participate in outreach education. Specific tasks will include microbial community analysis using DNA- and RNA-based sequencing, metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses, and qPCR. Depending on the postdoc’s interests, there will be opportunities to learn biogeochemical methods relevant to the project (e.g., ecosystem greenhouse gas fluxes, biogeochemical process rate measurements). All applicants must have a Ph.D. in a relevant field. Expertise in some or all of the following areas is desired: microbial ecology, (meta)genomics, bioinformatics, multivariate statistics, biogeochemistry, and wetland ecology. Competitive candidates will also possess the following attributes: - A strong publication record - Outstanding quantitative analytical skills - Excellent written and oral communication skills - Experience and skills with both field and lab work - Creativity, independence, and the desire to learn new things - Experience with the analysis of high throughput sequencing data - Proficiency with bioinformatics and multivariate statistical analyses The position is for 12 months initially, and renewable for an additional 12 months depending on performance. The successful candidate will receive training in professional and personal development, research collaboration, presentation and publication of results, outreach, and mentoring. There will be opportunities for development of additional research projects and proposal development related to the broader project goals. The position includes a competitive salary and full benefits including health insurance. Review of applications will begin on February 15, 2015 and will continue until the position is filled. The start date is flexible, but the incumbent must be well established in the position before start of the summer 2015 field season. Applications should include: (i) brief cover letter, (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) a brief description of past research accomplishments and future research goals (under two pages), (iv) reprints of up to three relevant publications, and (v) the names and contact information for three references. All materials should be submitted as a single combined PDF to Dr. Rima Franklin (rbfrank...@vcu.edu) with “Postdoc Application” in the subject line. Any questions should also be directed to Dr. Franklin. Further information: Franklin lab: www.people.vcu.edu/~rbfranklin Neubauer lab: sites.google.com/a/vcu.edu/neubauer/ Brown lab: bonnie-brown-vcuegl.squarespace.com VCU Department of Biology: http://biology.vcu.edu/
[ECOLOG-L] Open position for environmental scientist/engineer with water resources focu
The U.S. Geological Survey's Virginia Water Science Center in Richmond, Virginia has a position available for a strongly quantitative candidate with skills in water-quality data organization and analysis, scientific programming, and statistics. This candidate would join a team of water-quality data analysts and project managers to help address a wide variety of questions related to the flux of nutrients and sediment at multiple spatial and temporal scales. We expect that the ideal candidate would hold a Master's degree in environmental science or engineering with a focus in water resources; however we would consider exceptional candidates from other fields, and at other degree levels. Near-term tasks would include data organization and programming (in R), supporting the application of statistical models for estimating nutrient and sediment fluxes entering the Chesapeake Bay from its watershed. A fully successful incumbent would see evolving challenges and responsibilities that could include co-authoring and developing applied research projects complementing our group's current strengths in the areas of flux and trend modeling, urban hydrology, small watershed hydrology, time-series analysis, and analysis of high-frequency water-quality data. Interested candidates should e-mail their resume to Jeff Chanat (jcha...@usgs.gov) for consideration. Sincerely, Jeff Chanat Jeffrey G. Chanat, Ph.D. Hydrologist Office: 804-261-2618 Cell: 804-461-0803 Fax: 804-261-2657 Email: jcha...@usgs.gov U.S. Geological Survey Virginia Water Science Center 1730 East Parham Road Richmond, VA 23228 http://va.water.usgs.gov
[ECOLOG-L] Mid-Atlantic Chapter of ESA - Abstract submission deadline 2/24 (Friday!)
A friendly reminder that the deadline for abstract submission for the annual meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of ESA is this coming Friday (Feb 24th). The meeting is being held April 14th (scientific program) 15th (field trip) on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. The program, registration information, and call for abstracts can all be found online at: http://urbanforestry.frec.vt.edu/MAESA/ Please consider attending, and forward this message to any colleagues you know who may be interested. Thanks! Rima ___ Rima Franklin Secretary, Mid-Atlantic Chapter of ESA Assistant Professor VCU Dept of Biology Richmond, VA 23284 804-828-6753 www.people.vcu.edu/~rbfranklin http://www.people.vcu.edu/%7Erbfranklin
[ECOLOG-L] Faculty Position at VCU - Global Change Ecology
Faculty Position - Global Change Ecology Virginia Commonwealth University The Department of Biology at VCU invites applications for an ecologist specializing in the effects of global change at the ecosystem or landscape level. Special consideration will be given to applicants who can demonstrate a potential to collaborate with our current faculty. This is a nine-month, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor. Anticipated start date is August 16, 2012, contingent on funding. The successful applicant will be expected to develop a productive, externally-funded research program and direct graduate students through the Ph.D. level. Primary teaching responsibilities will include related undergraduate and graduate courses. Postdoctoral experience is expected and demonstrated evidence of excellence in scholarship and teaching is required. In addition, applicants must have experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a faculty member at VCU. Competitive start-up funds are available. Virginia Commonwealth University has an enrollment of 32,000 students, including over 1,900 undergraduate and 75 graduate students in Biology. The Department of Biology (www.has.vcu.edu/bio) has 39 faculty members with diverse research interests in the following three areas of excellence: Cell Regulation, Evolution, and Ecological Processes and Applications. Additional research opportunities are available through the Center for Environmental Studies (http://www.vcu.edu/cesweb/) and at the Rice Center, VCU’s nearby field station on the James River (http://www.vcu.edu/rice/). Electronic submission of applications to: biol...@vcu.edu is preferred, but hard copies of vitae, statements of research and teaching interests, and three letters of reference may be sent to: Stephanie Millican, Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284-2012. Closing date for receipt of applications is December 15, 2011. Virginia Commonwealth University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] flow cytometry for bacterial abundance
I am writing in search of a commercial laboratory that is set up to do flow cytometry to get estimates of bacterial abundance in aquatic samples. Or I am happy to work with a research lab and barter for your services. I only have about 20 samples I need run, but am in a hurry for the data. My ideal is to get Live/Dead counts using STYO 9 and propidium iodide, though AO or DAPI would do in a pinch. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! Rima _ Rima Franklin Assistant Professor VCU Department of Biology Richmond, VA 23284 804-828-6753 rbfrank...@vcu.edu www.people.vcu.edu/~rbfranklin
[ECOLOG-L] using qPCR for bacteria-to-fungi ratios
Hello colleagues, A student in my lab is trying to use qPCR to determine bacteria-to-fungi ratios in wetland soils. Even though there are several publications using the method (which we’re read and followed carefully!), we’re having trouble - especially with the fungi assay. I am writing in hopes of finding either an experienced user who can help us trouble shoot, or a lab that might be willing to collaborate to help us analyze ~100 samples that we have archived. Responses off list are probably most appropriate. Any help would be much appreciated!!! Including suggestions for other groups of researchers I should contact. The student has written a few of the groups that publish using this procedure but has received no replies. Thanks, Rima __ Rima B. Franklin Assistant Professor Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Biology 1000 W Cary Street Richmond, VA 23284 804-828-6753 rbfrank...@vcu.edu rima.frank...@gmail.com
