2009/5

Dear Subscriber !

Welcome to the May issue of EVISA's Speciation Newsletter.

Scientists say they now understand how high levels of mercury can accumulate in ocean fish, despite relatively low levels in seawater. The new study suggests surface-level algae absorb the mercury before sinking to mid-level depths where they decompose, releasing toxic methylmercury (see the news below).

Another working group from Münster developed methods to investigate the metabolic pathway of gadolinium compounds used as MRI contrast agent for medical diagnostics. The researchers hope that their methodology will help to find the cause of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a severe side-effect of the treatment for renal impaired patients (see the news below).

These are only two examples of the information value provided by speciation analysis. 

Such and other questions related to chemical species will be discussed at the 12th Workshop on Progress in Analytical Methodologies for Trace Metal Speciation (TraceSpec 2009) that will be held September 15-18 in Mainz, Germany. Please recognize that the deadline for submitting abstracts ends May 31 !! You should not miss this very special event totally dedicated to speciation analysis.

TraceSpec 2009 Homepage


NEWS | EVENTS | VACANCIES |
NEWS

EVISA is keeping you updated  with what is going on in speciation analysis. In this section you will find news about the most current research results, about trends, legal issues and informations from manufacturers in the field of speciation analysis.

With all the links to further information and publications the News archive is a valuable collection of "hot topics" in speciation analysis. We continuously update even former news with new links and information so that all news are actual all the time.


Gadolinium speciation analysis in search for the cause of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF)
Researchers from the University of Münster have developed analytical methods for the simultaneous determination of gadolinium-based contrast agent Magnevist (Gd-DTPA) and its transmetalation products in complex clinical samples.
more

Ocean mercury on the rise
Mercury levels in the Pacific Ocean are rising, a new study suggests. The increase may mean that more methylmercury, a human neurotoxin formed when mercury is methylated by microbes, accumulates in marine fish such as tuna.
more


EVENTS

With a list of about 50 current entries EVISA is informing you about interesting events and keeps you updated with their deadlines. By consulting our list of deadlines you won't miss the opportunity for early registration at reduced fee or the chance to submit your contribution in time.
 more infos...
 
Please do not hesitate to inform us in case that your conference related to speciation analysis is missing in our Agenda.

Please also recognize that deadlines for submitting contributions to some conferences will end this month. e.g.

EUROANALYSIS XV
TraceSpec 2009: 12th Workshop on Progress in Analytical Methodologies for Trace Metal
IMA'09: 6th International Conference "Instrumental Methods of Analysis
RAFA 2009: 4th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis


Spectr'Atom 2009
Location: Pau, France
Date: 11.05.2009 - 14.05.2009
more

PRIMO15: 15th International Symposium on Pollutant Responses in Marine Organisms
Location: Bordeaux, France
Date: 17.05.2009 - 20.05.2009
more

CanBIC: 2nd Georgian Bay International Conference on Bioinorganic Chemistry
Location: Stockey Centre, Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada
Date: 27.05.2009 - 29.05.2009
more

SETAC Europe 19th Annual Meeting
Location: Convention Centre in Göteborg, Sweden
Date: 31.05.2009 - 04.06.2009
more

9th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP)
Location: Guiyang, China
Date: 07.06.2009 - 12.06.2009
more

iSM 2009: International Symposium on Metallomics
Location: Cincinnati, OH USA
Date: 07.06.2009 - 10.06.2009
more



VACANCIES

EVISA provides information about open positions for Ph.D. students, PostDocs and permanent staff in the field of speciation. Looking to fill a vacancy or needing a new career challenge? Either way this service is FREE. Many laboratories and research facilities (from Greenland to Crete) have already found their highly educated stuff through this service by EVISA. If you would like to post an open position here, please contact us at info@speciation.net !


Doctorates

Trent University: Mechanisms of arsenic leaching and transport in abandoned gold mine tailings
The Metalloid Speciation & Geochemistry research group at Trent University is looking for a graduate student to conduct a Ph.D. or M.Sc. thesis project investigating the geochemical mechanisms of arsenic leaching and transport in abandoned gold mine tailings. Through funding from the National Science and Engineering Research Council, we will determine dissolved and colloidal As speciation in mine tailings (via ion chromatography or field flow fractionation coupled to ICP-MS), both in field studies (Nova Scotia) and in controlled laboratory experiments using Trent’s new Microenvironment Facility. The goal of the project is to quantify the individual physical and chemical forms of arsenic that contribute to its emission from abandoned gold mine tailings, determine environmental factors that influence these processes, and study the effectiveness of treatment technologies in reducing these emissions.

more


Postdoctoral


Other

LGC Ltd, Teddington, Middlesex, UK: Science Leader, Speciation Analysis
This is an excellent development opportunity for a candidate looking to build their career in analytical science, working with recognised experts. The role requires an able scientist who will contribute to the successful delivery of R&D analysis projects. You will be expected to promote your achievements with appropriate scientific publications, reports and presentations
more

University of Bremen (Germany): Analytical Geochemistry
The Geochemistry and Hydrogeology Group at the University of Bremen (Germany) seeks a to fill a position in analytical geochemistry (TV-L E 13). The position is somewhat comparable to that of an Assistant Professor in the US system. The successful candidate should have expertise in metal speciation using plasma-mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography. Experience with magnetic sector ICP-MS is a plus, since we plan to couple an Element 2 to LC.


more

Trent University: Senior ICP-MS Scientist
The Worsfold Water Quality Centre at Trent University is seeking applications for a Senior ICP-MS Scientist. This is a full time permanent staff position, and is available immediately. Salary will be in commensurate with qualification and experience.
more

Nestlé Research Center (NRC), Lausanne, Switzerland: Project Manager / Inorganics analytical scientist
Nestlé, a food, nutrition, health and wellness company aims to work with the best scientists in the world. To support its research strategy, the Quality & Safety Department at the NRC is seeking a:
Project Manager / Inorganics analytical scientist who will drive the research and external collaborations in inorganics analytical sciences. He/she will also define analytical strategies to ensure an appropriate application and implementation of international norms, as well as manage recommendations to partners and follow them up.
more



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No responsibility is assumed by the publisher for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein. The Newsletter represents only the opinion of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Community. The European Community is not responsible for any use that might be made of the information provided.