Happy Birthday

Watt's Happening

more at
http://www.optics.arizona.edu/calendar/default.htm)

December 7, 2006 -- Reading Day

Students planning on a graduate teaching or research position for the Spring 2007 semester need to complete both the Graduate Account Authorization form and the correct Notice of Appointment form.  Both can be found online at http://www.optics.arizona.edu/payroll/grad.htm  Give the completed forms to Stella Hostetler in Meinel 421.

December 8, 2006 -- Physics Colloquium -- 3:00 p.m. -- PAS 220

Christian Tischer, FOM/AMOLF Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics, will present Quantitative Analysis of Microtubule Catastrophes in Fission Yeast.  Abstract:  Microtubules are stiff biopolymers that self-assemble from tubulin proteins. Inside cells, microtubules are typically several micrometers long and form networks that are organized in a functional way. Microtubules are essential for cell division and also play a key role in cell morphology. Importantly, individual microtubules are in general not stable but show dynamic (out-of-equilibrium) behavior, frequently switching between polymerizing and depolymerizing states (“catastrophes” and “rescues”). Quantitative knowledge on how these switching frequencies are regulated inside cells is essential to finally understand how microtubules function.  Here, we present quantitative investigations on microtubule catastrophes in fission yeast (/S. Pombe/). Fission yeast is an excellent model system because it has a well defined cylindrical shape and contains only few microtubules, whose dynamics can be readily followed with live-cell microscopy. We developed image analysis methodology for the fully automated catastrophe detection, allowing us to investigate microtubule dynamics with unprecedented statistical accuracy. Analyzing >30000 catastrophes in >400 cells, we find that microtubules hitting the cell ends experience an abrupt increase in catastrophe frequency. We show that this is partly due to compressive forces arising from growth of microtubules against the cell boundary. Interestingly, such an effect had already been found for purified microtubules, but its /in vivo/ significance was a matter of debate. Finally, we show how knowledge of the catastrophe frequency allows one to quantitatively predict the intracellular distribution of microtubules in fission yeast.

December 8 - 15, 2006 -- Final Exams

Coming Up:  December 15, 2006 -- Last Day to Correct your Address in UA files

December 15, 2006 -- Last Day to Join OSC's Gift to the Community Food Bank

Contribution boxes for gifts of cash and non-perishable food are set up on the 4th floor of our new West Wing.  Stella Hostetler in Meinel 421 and Cindy Robertson in Meinel 419 are receiving contributions and have arranged for food bank staffers to pick up your contributions on Monday, December 18 -- just in time for the holidays. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for anything you can give and for your very generous contributions so far.

December 15, 2006 -- OSC Winter Faculty Meeting -- Noon -- Location is TBA

December 16 -- UA Commencement

Employment Opportunities in Optics

more at

http://www.optics.arizona.edu/employment/nationalopenings.htm

 

College of Optical Sciences.  University of Arizona Links to employment opportunities within the College of Optical Sciences can be found at http://www.optics.arizona.edu/Employment/osc.asp  Complete  position descriptions and application procedures are included within each employment opening.

Electro-Optics Engineer TE3-4 (GBE1-07T252).  Draper Laboratory.  Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Draper Laboratory serves the national interest as an independent not-for-profit laboratory in applied research, engineering development, education, and technology transfer. Draper employs more than 750 engineers, scientists, and technicians on a broad array of programs for government and commercial sponsors among its 1,025 employees. Our sponsored work encompasses capabilities in Strategic Systems, Space Systems, Tactical Systems, Special Operations, and Biomedical Engineering. Descriptions & Responsibilities:  Electrical Enginer or Applied Physicist to design, analyze, build and test precision optical measurement systems using bulk optics, fiber-optics, and/or integrated optics for state of the art instruments and sensors. The candidate will assist in the development of innovative integrated optics devices and should possess hands on experience performing research and development in optics or designing and building fiber optic or optical components and systems. Applications include optical rotation sensing, optical readouts for sensors and communication components. Assignments will include the following areas: integrated optics, device design, fabrication and testing, optical system design and prototyping, noise analysis, instrumentation design, implementing modulation/detection techniques, integration of optical components into instruments.  Hands on laboratory experience as well as excellent written and verbal skills are required with the ability to give effective presentations. Must be able to work independently and as part of a diverse interdisciplinary team.  Education & Experience Required:   Requires an MS or Ph.D. or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Physics or related fields. A concentration in Electro-Optics or equivalent work experience including laboratory work is desirable. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years experience performing laboratory experiments or designing and constructing optical components or systems. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.   Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.  To apply send a resume to HR@draper.com

Optical Engineer/Product Engineer.  BioVigilant Systems, Inc.  Job Summary:  BioVigilant Systems, Inc. is the inventor of the instantaneous microbial detection (IMD-A).  The IMD-A is a revolutionary instrument that will be used by pharmaceutical manufacturers to monitor for microbial contamination in real time. Our core competencies include the design and refinement of laser-based particle detectors, analysis and programmable software tools, and business/marketing expertise to bring the product to market.  The Company is currently seeking to fill Optical and Product Engineer positions to assist in developing and the manufacture of optics-based biological particle detectors.  Primary Duties and Responsibilities:  Assembly, adjustment, and analysis of optical components in a laser-scattering-based particle sensor.  Refinement of manufacturing process flow towards a transition to production.  Investigation and analysis of next-generation detector technologies.  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  Hands-on experience in optical instrumentation and a working knowledge of laser based optical systems and detectors are necessary.  Individual is expected to work directly with other engineers on R&D and manufacturing assignments, and share results orally and in writing.  Good communication skills and the ability to excel in a small team are vital.  An understanding of microbiology as it applies to methods for detecting small biological particles is helpful.  A background in electronics and/or computer programming is desirable.  Credentials and Experience:  The candidate shall have a BS in Optical Engineering or a related field such as Mechanical/Electrical Engineering with a specialty in optics.  A background in electronics and/or computer programming is desirable.  Travel Requirements: Possible.  Reports to: CTO.  Location Tucson, Arizona.  Contact:  Scott Morris, Optical Engineer, BioVigilant Systems, scott.morris@biovigilant.com

Sales Engineer Associate.  Engineering Synthesis Design.  ESDI is recruiting several Sales Engineer Associates to capture rapidly expanding opportunities in the USA. The candidate should have experienced  (through internship, co-op, lab work, etc) with interferometers or other optical metrology instruments. Responsibilities will include customer account development, lead qualification, product demonstration, proposal generation, and closing sales.  Minimum qualifications:  • 2+ years experience working with optical instrumentation and/or metrology interferometry experience highly desired  • B.S. degree (minimum)  • Interpersonal and communication skills  • Travel 30% of the time for domestic sales  • Genuine interest in photonics/optical related research and development is required  • A dedication to job responsibilities plus the ability to work independently with minimal direction or supervision is required.  ESDI offers a comprehensive benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer. Please send your resume to Human Resources Department admin@engsynthesis.com  Engineering Synthesis Design, Inc.  310 South Williams Boulevard Suite 210, Tucson AZ 85711-4483, USA.  www.engsynthesis.com

Sales Engineer.  Engineering Synthesis Design.  ESDI seeks experienced Sales Engineer to capture rapidly expanding opportunities in the USA. The candidate should have a proven track record in consultation and selling of metrology instrumentation. Responsibilities will include customer account development, lead qualification, product demonstration, proposal generation, and closing sales.  Minimum qualifications: • 5+ years experience selling optical instrumentation and/or metrology interferometry experience highly desired  • B.S. degree (minimum)  • Interpersonal and communication skills  • Travel 50% of the time for domestic sales  • Genuine interest in photonics/optical related research and development, and industry are required  • A dedication to job responsibilities plus the ability to work independently with minimal direction or supervision is required.  ESDI offers a comprehensive benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer. Please send your resume to Human Resources Department admin@engsynthesis.com  Engineering Synthesis Design, Inc.  310 South Williams Boulevard Suite 210, Tucson AZ 85711-4483, USA.  www.engsynthesis.com