Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Science & SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists Now Accepting Entries



We believe that excellent young researchers deserve a little extra attention and endorsement. If you are a recent PhD graduate, you could be the next winner of the Science & SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists.

Submissions are now open for 2016 entries.

Doctoral graduates may submit an essay based on their thesis work. Four
winners, in different categories, will be selected for this international award.

Application deadline: August 1, 2016

Categories: Cell and Molecular Biology | Ecology and Environment |
Genomics and Proteomics | Translational Medicine

Apply now for your chance to win the 2016
Science & SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists!

The winners will:
• Be published by Science
• Share 60,000 USD in prize money
• Be awarded in Stockholm, Sweden
  in December

Hear more about what the 2015 winners had to say about the prize.


Friday, June 17, 2016

Open Position: Lab Scientist, microbiome assay development

Hello hello!

First, for those of you who haven’t heard, I recently joined the small but mighty and growing ranks of Second Genome, a microbiome company out in the San Francisco area as a Bioinformatics Scientist [Shameless plug: Second Genome Solutions provides microbiome profiling research services for industry, clinical, govt and academic partners outside of the other drug-discovery/biotech activities.]

Second, the company is hiring for a number of positions and is especially looking for someone who can tackle protocol development and optimization for microbiome research (Laboratory Scientist, Microbiome Assay Development).  Note, this is primarily a wet-lab position, but knowledge/understanding of data analysis/bioinformatics will be useful too.  Please pass along this info to any potential MS- or PhD-level candidates. A complete description is below and applications can be submitted via: http://secondgenome.com/about/careers/

Cheers,
Cheryl

~~~

Laboratory Scientist, Microbiome Assay Development
Location: South San Francisco, CADepartment: Second Genome
Type: Full Time
Min. Experience: Experienced

The Second Genome Solutions team is a group of passionate individuals driven to bringing insightful microbiome science to discovery research. We are seeking a motivated Laboratory Scientist ready to join a fast-paced work environment, with experience in a wide range of analytical and experimental techniques, to investigate microbial community composition and function.  The successful candidate shall be prepared to plan and execute initiatives to develop novel microbiome laboratory techniques and assays for advancing microbiome research in human health and disease.

The Laboratory Scientist shall also be responsible for:
Devising new microbiome applications through the stages of concept, feasibility, development, and commercialization to build a competitive advantage
On-going optimization of current assays and protocols to improve Second Genome’s overall microbiome profiling offering in terms of robustness, accuracy and scientific validity
Conducting detailed studies to validate new protocols and confirm process changes

This is an outstanding opportunity for an enthusiastic Scientist with the following key attributes and skills:
An MS (or higher) degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics or a related field
Minimum 3+ years experience working as a research associate or lab technician in a academic or industrial laboratory setting, preferably in microbiology research
Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a requirement, including operation of instrumentation (MiSeq, HiSeq, etc) as well as library preparation for a variety of applications (amplicon sequencing, shotgun sequencing, RNA-seq, etc)
Hands-on experience in a range of molecular biology techniques (e.g. DNA and RNA work; RT-PCR; qPCR; Sanger sequencing)
Experience in nucleic acid isolation techniques using manual and automated protocols
Custom assay development experience including concept design, optimization, and validation
Experience processing complex biospecimen samples, such as tissue, stool, swabs, soil and low biomass samples for molecular analysis work
Proven capacity to work independently in a startup environment, embracing cross-organizational collaboration with data analysts, project managers, sales, marketing and management
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively communicate with end-users, customers and vendors
Methodical with good attention to detail and exceptional documentation skills
A passion to move the field of microbiome science forward through innovation in lab techniques and applications of genomic technologies

Other highly desirable skills/experience:
Experience working in a CLIA/GLP laboratory environment
Experience with basic genomic analysis software and bioinformatics tools
Experience with complex microbial community analysis and interpretation
Experience developing assays under ISO quality system and design control practices
Experience working with genomic microarray and data analysis

Friday, June 10, 2016

UPC Bioinformatics Day - Workshops and User Event - June 20

As we are getting close to starting a bioinformatics service for the University Park Campus research community, the NML Bioinformatics Service is pleased to present the UPC Bioinformatics Day event on Monday June 20.  The event consists of two workshops on RNA-seq experiment design and data analysis AND gene study using powerful literature and data mining tools; as well as a user session over lunch to discuss about your bioinformatics needs and how our service can support your research now and in the future.

UPC Bioinformatics Day Agenda

Time: Monday June 20, 8:30 am to 1 pm
Location: Learning Center, Wilson Dental Library (DEN 21)

Breakfast and lunch are provided for all registered attendees.

8:45 AM   Breakfast
9:00 AM—10:30 AM   Workshop #1: RNA-seq experiment design and data analysis

Part One--“Key considerations in RNA-seq experimental design”.  
Covering some of the most important issues in RNA-seq experiment preparation, we will help you avoid making common and costly mistakes in designing RNA-seq experiments.  

Part Two--“Analyze RNA-seq data with Partek Flow”
We will provide an overview on RNA-seq data analysis, with live demo of Partek Flow.  It is specifically designed for USC researchers who are planning RNA-seq experiments and/or already have RNA-seq data to be analyzed.

10:40 AM—Noon   Workshop #2: Gene study using powerful literature and data mining tools

Part One--“Know more about your genes WITHOUT reading literature”.  
We will showcase how you can leverage our bioinformatics tools to dramatically reduce your time spent on literature study while stay better informed and carry out more efficient research on the gene of your interests.      

Part Two--“Beyond Literature: Knowledge Discovery with Public Data Mining”.  

We will showcase how you can leverage our bioinformatics tools to effectively search for pre-analyzed public datasets and extract relevant information to support/refine your research hypothesis and findings.

Noon—1 PM   Lunch session: User needs discussion, Q&A on NML Bioinformatics Service

Please come to our workshops or just join us for the lunch session and let us know your bioinformatics needs and how can we support your research.
             
Registration is mandatory as the seating for this event is limited to 40 attendees.

https://uschsl.co1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_78p9FVQCWVG8aTX

The UPC Bioinformatics Day is funded by USC Libraries Dean’s Challenge Grant.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Yibu Chen and Meng Li
Bioinformatics Service
Norris Medical Library
University of Southern California
nmlbio@usc.edu
nml.usc.edu/bioinformatics
323-442-3309 (Yibu)
323-442-3447 (Meng)

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Thesis and dissertation submission information sessions

The Graduate School will be hosting Thesis Center information Sessions this WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8TH, in THH 301 at 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM for students who will be submitting their thesis or dissertation. The sessions will be about 60 minutes long. Advisors are also welcome to attend.

Topics will include important information for both students and advisors, such as:
•         Thesis Center navigation
•         submission deadlines
•         required documentation
•         Finalizing publishing information with the USC Digital Library