Opportunity to study the epidemiology of arsenic exposure in Nova Scotia

Graduate student opportunity to study the epidemiology of arsenic exposure in Nova Scotia - M.Sc. Epidemiology - Dept of Health Management, UPEI, Canada

Pending final approval, a new MSc position in epidemiology will be available for the study of arsenic levels in drinking water and body tissues in Nova Scotians, and the associated genetic damage of arsenic on the body tissues. The project is the result of collaboration among researchers from UPEI, Dalhousie U, Mt Allison U, Acadia U, Health Canada, and Equilibrium Environmental Inc.

The student will be based at the Department of Health Management at UPEI, but should expect some traveling to other areas within Atlantic Canada, with the data collection being in Nova Scotia, and collaborators coming from outside PEI. The student will be involved primarily in the epidemiological aspects of the project, so laboratory skills (eg. sample processing, QA/QC) are assets but are not essential. As part of the research, the student will be conducting face-to-face surveys with participants on their drinking water and food habits. Because of confidentiality issues with participant’s identities, the student will undergo a reliability security check.

The student is expected to develop and write a thesis, take graduate courses in epidemiology and biostatistics, and present their results at regional, national and international meetings and publish (results) in high quality journals.

Applicants are expected to have a D.V.M. or B.Sc. degree in biological sciences with courses in biostatistics and biochemistry. Enthusiasm and ability to work in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of researchers are also important. A valid driver’s license is required.

Interested students should submit: i) a letter profiling their research interests, ii) experience in community health, health geography, cellular biology, toxicology, biochemistry, biophysics, water quality assessment, epidemiology and biostatistics; ii) university transcript(s): and iii) an updated curriculum vitae. The CV should include the name and contact information for three references. The position could possibly start as early as May 2009 and is for 2 years.

Submit questions and applications to:
John VanLeeuwen
Department of Health Management
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown PE, C1A 4P3
jvanleeuwen@upei.ca

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Young Voices in Research for Health 2009 essay competition

The Global Forum for Health Research and The Lancet invite researchers under age 30 years to submit an essay to the Young Voices in Research for Health competition.

The 2009 theme is "Innovating for the health of all."

The submission deadline is 3 May 2009.

Click here for more information, or contact: Susan Jupp (susan.jupp@globalforumhealth.org) or Udani Samarasekera (u.samarasekera@lancet.com).

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Distance learning course on HINARI

A six-week course on how to use HINARI (www.who.int/hinari) will be conducted online as a distance learning course on 6 April-18 May 2009. Registration deadline is 1 April 2009.
Participation is limited to 30 individuals.
For further information contact Lenny Rhine at rhinel@ufl.edu.
To register online, go to and click on 'register for courses' using POLHN37 as the course number.
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Milestone report on "Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention"

The World Cancer Reasearch Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research launched on the 26 February 2009 their new report on "Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention".
This landmark policy report highlights that 45% of colon cancer cases and 38% of breast cancer cases in the US are preventable through diet, physical activity and weight maintenance.

The overall message of the report, is that all sections of society need to make public health, and cancer prevention in particular, a higher priority.

As part of the evidence-based report, thought to be the most comprehensive ever published on the subject, two independent teams of scientists systematically examined the evidence for how policy changes can influence the behaviors that affect cancer risk.

Following this, a panel of 23 world-renowned experts made a total of 48 recommendations, divided between nine different but often overlapping sectors of society – called “actor groups” in the report. These actor groups are: multinational bodies; civil society organizations; government; industry; media; schools; workplaces and institutions; health and other professionals; and people.

Among the recommendations:

* Governments should require widespread walking and cycling routes to encourage physical activity.
* Industry should give a higher priority for goods and services that encourage people to be active, particularly young people.
* The food and drinks industry should make public health an explicit priority at all stages of production.
* Schools should actively encourage physical activity and provide healthy food for children.
* Schools, workplaces and institutions should not have unhealthy foods available in vending machines.
* Health professionals should take a lead in giving the public information about public health, including cancer prevention.
* People should use independent nutrition guides and food labels to make sure the food they buy for their family is healthy.

More information is available here

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Pre-Congress Meeting on: "Health behaviour and status in European adolescents"

An ECO 2009 Pre-Congress Meeting on: "Health behaviour and status in European adolescents" will take place on May 6th, 2009 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

More information is available here

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Assistant Professor Sensory Science and Food Technology

Vacancy: AFSG 09-016
Place: Wageningen, Division of Human Nutrition
Position: Assistant Professor Sensory Science and Food Technology

The new chair of Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour is strategically positioned between the Division of Human Nutrition and the Product Design and Quality Management group (PDQ) of the cluster Food Technology of Wageningen University. The chair focuses on the role of sensory signals for food choice and food intake. Three scientific staff members can be appointed, an experimental psychologist, a food technologist, and a biologist. Together with the chair holder, these three persons form the nucleus of a new group on this exciting field
The area of research and teaching of this position concerns the sensory perception and preference of food items in relation to physical-chemical properties of foods.

Requirements:
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher, a person that feels strong responsibility for setting up a research line and teaching programme within the domain of Sensory Science and Food Technology.
•PhD within the field of Food Technology and/or Flavour Chemistry
•Knowledge and expertise in sensory science with publications in relevant scientific journals
•Proven ability for acquisition of funding of scientific research
•Ambitious and enthusiastic scientist
•Excellent communication skills
•Team player with good sense of political environment
•Didactic qualities and enthusiasm for teaching and working with BSc, MSc and PhD students

Additional information about the Division of Human Nutrition can be obtained through:
http://www.hne.wur.nl/
Additional information about the Product Design and Quality Management Group can be obtained through: http://www.pdq.wur.nl/uk

Information:
Additional information can be obtained from the chair holder Prof Kees de Graaf, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, + 31 (0) 317 484451; E-mail address: Kees.deGraaf@wur.nl
Information on the position: Dhr. R. van Meegen, HRM, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences Group, tel. 0317-485466, e-mail rob.vanmeegen@wur.nl

Applications:
Your letter of application, including CV and the position number, can be sent within two weeks after publishing of the advertisement to: WUR-AFSG, HRM, Mrs. I. Lamers, PO Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, or e-mail to afsg-vacatures@wur.nl

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Assistant Professor Sensory Science and Experimental Psychology

Vacancy: AFSG 09-015
Place: Wageningen, Division of Human Nutrition
Position: Assistant Professor Sensory Science and Experimental Psychology

Job description:
The new chair of Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour is strategically positioned between the Division of Human Nutrition and the Product Design and Quality Management group (PDQ) of the cluster Food Technology of Wageningen University. The chair focuses on the role of sensory signals for food choice and food intake. Three scientific staff members can be appointed, an experimental psychologist, a food technologist, and a biologist. Together with the chair holder, these three persons form the nucleus of a new group on this exciting field.
The area of research and teaching for this position concerns the formation of the sensory perception of and preferences for foods. One of the current biggest scientific challenges for the field of sensory science and psychology is the understanding of the psychological mechanisms that are important in the dynamics of food preferences and aversions after repeated exposure to foods. This understanding yields tools that help to design “healthy” foods, that stay attractive after repeated exposure.

Requirements:
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher, a person that feels strong responsibility for setting up a research line and teaching programme within the domain of Sensory Science and Psychology.
• PhD within the field of Experimental and/or Physiological Psychology
• Knowledge and expertise in sensory science with publications in relevant scientific journals
• Proven ability for acquisition of funding of scientific research
• experience with neuro-imaging is appreciated
• Ambitious and enthusiastic scientist
• Excellent communication skills
• Team player with good sense of political environment
• Didactic qualities and enthusiasm for teaching and working with BSc, MSc and PhD students

Additional information about the Division of Human Nutrition can be obtained through:
http://www.hne.wur.nl/
Additional information about the Product Design and Quality Management Group can be obtained through: http://www.pdq.wur.nl/uk

Information:
Additional information can be obtained from the chair holder Prof Kees de Graaf, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, + 31 (0) 317 484451; E-mail address: Kees.deGraaf@wur.nl
Information on the position: Dhr. R. van Meegen, HRM, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences Group, tel. 0317-485466, e-mail rob.vanmeegen@wur.nl

Applications:
Your letter of application, including CV and the position number, can be sent within two weeks after publishing of the advertisement to: WUR-AFSG, HRM, Mrs. I. Lamers, PO Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, or e-mail to afsg-vacatures@wur.nl

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Assistant professor Sensory Science and (Neuro-)biology

Vacancy number: AFSG 09-014
Place: Wageningen, Division of Human Nutrition
Position: Assistant professor Sensory Science and (Neuro-)biology

The new chair of Sensory Science and Eating Behaviour is strategically positioned between the Division of Human Nutrition and the Product Design and Quality Management group (PDQ) of the cluster Food Technology of Wageningen University. The chair focuses on the role of sensory signals for food choice and food intake. Three scientific staff members can be appointed, an experimental psychologist, a food technologist, and a biologist. Together with the chair holder, these three persons form the nucleus of a new group on this exciting field.
The area of research and teaching for this position concerns the (neuro)biology of sensory and metabolic signals that are involved in the regulation of food choice and food intake. One of the current biggest scientific challenges for the field of sensory science and (neuro-)biology is the understanding of the representation in the brain of food perception and food reward. This understanding yields tools to develop “healthy” attractive foods. For example, within the context of a current research project we work on the identification of taste and aroma profiles that induce satiation.

Requirements:
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher, a person that feels strong responsibility for setting up a research line and teaching programme within the domain of Sensory Science and (neuro) Biology.
• PhD within the field of Physiology , Neuro-endocrinology, and/or Neurobiology
• Knowledge, expertise with respect the regulation of food intake and/or sensory science with publications in relevant scientific journals
• Proven ability for acquisition of funding of scientific research
• experience with neuro-imaging is appreciated
• Ambitious and enthusiastic scientist
• Excellent communication skills
• Team player with good sense of political environment
• Didactic qualities and enthusiasm for teaching and working with BSc, MSc and PhD students

Additional information about the Division of Human Nutrition can be obtained through:
http://www.hne.wur.nl/
Additional information about the Product Design and Quality Management Group can be obtained through: http://www.pdq.wur.nl/uk

Information:
Additional information can be obtained from the chair holder Prof Kees de Graaf, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, + 31 (0) 317 484451; E-mail address: Kees.deGraaf@wur.nl
Information on the position: Dhr. R. van Meegen, HRM, Agrotechnology and Food Sciences Group, tel. 0317-485466, e-mail rob.vanmeegen@wur.nl

Applications:
Your letter of application, including CV and the position number, can be sent within two weeks after publishing of the advertisement to: WUR-AFSG, HRM, Mrs. I. Lamers, PO Box 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, or e-mail to afsg-vacatures@wur.nl

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PhD studentships in Cardiovascular Epidemiology

Applications are invited from UK/EU nationals* for two PhD studentships hosted at the University of Cambridge in conjunction with GlaxoSmithKline.

Applicants will require a 2:1 degree or higher in a related quantitative subject. Support includes an annual MRC/GSK stipend (minimum £18,290), PhD registration fees at UK/EU student rate, research expenses and some travel costs.

*Before applying, check here your eligibility under MRC residency requirements

For further information contact Adam Butterworth at: asb38@medschl.cam.ac.uk

Application details are available here

Closing date: Friday 27th February

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Post-doctoral fellowship in Life Course Epidemiology

Opportunity for a post-doctoral fellowship in Life Course Epidemiology that is being jointly sponsored by the National Institute on Aging at the NIH and the Medical Research Council Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing (LHA) in the U.K.

This fellowship provides the trainee the opportunity to utilize one of the leading life course epidemiologic research studies in the world and to train with mentors who have extensive experience doing this kind of research.

Suitable candidates for this fellowship should have a PhD or an MD with an MPH or MS with training in epidemiology, demography or a related field. To qualify, their most recent degree should have been conferred in the past five years.

Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and a CV to Jack.Guralnik@nih.gov or write to Dr. Jack Guralnik at the address listed above.

Deadline for applications: March 31, 2009.

More information here

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PhD opportunities in a leading department - University of Bristol

Four studentships will be available in October 2009, to outstanding and highly motivated science graduates, with good honours or Masters degrees in relevant disciplines, wishing to pursue a career in molecular, genetic or lifecourse epidemiology.

More information available here

MRC funded Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Research (CAiTE)

4 year PhD studentships with a specific focus on causal analyses and translational epidemiology are available through the MRC funded Centre for Causal Analyses in Translational Research (CAiTE), which is also based in the Department of Social Medicine.
The programmes provide broadly based research training in molecular and clinical epidemiology, molecular and statistical genetics, bioinformatics and genetic laboratory skills. The initial year of training in each Programme involves seminars, taught modules and short projects with researchers attached to each of the Programmes’ themes. Students can then make an informed choice of their main PhD project and supervisor.
Tuition fees at the rate applicable to Home (EU) students are provided by the Wellcome Trust and MRC in support of the 4-year PhD Programmes. Overseas applicants (for Wellcome only) must be in confirmed receipt of an Overseas Research Scholarship award to cover the shortfall in funding.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 6th March 2009.
For further details about the Wellcome Trust or the MRC CAiTE studentships, potential topics and supervisors, and for application forms, contact: Susie Potts, University of Bristol, Canynge Hall, 39 Whatley Road, Bristol BS8 2PS (0117 928 7274). Email susie.potts@bristol.ac.uk

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"The World is Fat" - New book by Barry Popkin

Interesting reading on dietary evolution, the obesity epidemic, role of food industry, and the role of government.

More information available here

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Obesity and the Economy : From Crisis to Opportunity

Interesting article/ comentary published in the Journal of the American (JAMA. 2009;301(5):533-535), abstract pasted below

David S. Ludwig, MD, PhD; Harold A. Pollack, PhD

"The onset of a major recession places the economic correlates of obesity into sharp relief. Even in good economic times, obesity imposes great financial burden on society in the form of higher medical costs and lower worker productivity. The economic downturn can be expected to reduce nutrition quality and physical activity, worsening obesity prevalence when society is least able to bear the escalating financial burden. Yet this crisis also offers unprecedented opportunity. The economic stimulus under consideration in Washington could help launch a comprehensive national obesity initiative with immediate public health benefits, while laying the foundations for economic well-being into the 21st century."

Vacancy - Action Against hunger

Closing date: 31 Jan 2009
Location: Spain - Madrid

Action against Hunger is looking for a NUTRITION AND HEALTH TECHNICAL ADVISER , who, under the supervision of the Technical Director will be:

• Responsible for ACF-E Nutrition technical strategy concerning quality, appropriateness, design, justification and finance.
• Responsible for implementation of the Nutritional technical strategy in each ACF-E mission.
• The focal point representing the organisation externally on ACF-E Nutrition technical strategy (ACFIN and international institutions)

Requirements

• Obligatory: Health background (nurse, doctor), strong competence in health and nutrition with a minimum of 3 years in humanitarian work.
• Some knowledge in the area of food security
• Capacity of analyse and synthesis. Adaptation and creativity.
• Strong capacity for training,
• Interested for team work and integration with other technical expertise.
• Rigor and autonomy in the work,
• Capacity for representation.
• Ability to launch research and pilot projects
• Experience in the capitalisation process
• Good written and spoken English, French and Spanish
• Important: strong affiliation with HIV/AIDS and nutrition and food security subjects
• The candidate must have availability for frequent trip to the missions

How to apply

Conditions

Interested persons should send their CV, details of 2 persons who can provide references of the last two posts occupied or 2 letters of recommendation written by the same two people, letter (necessary) to clear reference before. Ref: INTER NUT/09 on 31/01/09Estimated date; Because of the urgency to cover certain position the selection process can be completed before the date specified)
Address: achsede-candidaturas@achesp.org

The department RRHH respond only to those pre-selected for an interview. Thank you very much.
For more information on updating posts to be covered, thank you visit our website www.accioncontraelhambre.org.
If the position is no longer present, it means that the trial selection is closed.
Reference Code: RW_7NHMPN-

UN/WHO e-discussion on global public health

Participants are invited to join an e-discussion on global public health which will be held 29 January-26 February 2009.

The discussion is organized by UN Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (www.un.org/ecosoc/newfunct/amr2009.shtml).

The e-discussion is open to all stakeholders. To subscribe, send a blank message (without any attachments, signatures and/or logos) to join-mdg-amr-2009@groups.dev-nets.org by 28 January 2009.

The purpose of the moderated online forum is to bring together experts, practitioners, and policymakers from within and outside the UN system to discuss strengthening health systems and emerging and future health challenges.

The discussion will be hosted on MDGNet (www.undg.org/index.cfm?P=99).

Expert Guest Moderators will guide participants through these questions:

Part I Strengthening health systems (29 January - 11 February) How can we overcome inequities in access to health services and achieve universal primary health care (PHC)? What specific initiatives can the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) launch in July 2009?

Part II Emerging and future health challenges (12 - 26 February) What are the essential elements of national strategies to address the growing magnitude of noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes) and their modifiable risk factors (tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol) and social determinants? What sectors besides the health sector must be involved in designing and implementing the strategies? In the wake of the financial crisis, how can we maintain and enhance the favourable policy and resource trends for global health of the recent past?

The outcome of the forum will contribute towards the 2009 Annual Ministerial Review (www.un.org/ecosoc/newfunct/amr.shtml) on the same theme, to be held in Geneva in July 2009 during the Substantive Session of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The 2009 Annual Ministerial Review (AMR), held during the high-level segment of the annual session of the Economic and Social Council (6-9 July 2009) at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, will focus on "Implementing the internationally agreed goals and commitments in regard to global public health". It provides an opportunity to:

* Assess the state of implementation of the United Nations Development Agenda;
* Explore key challenges in achieving the international goals and commitments in the area of global public health;
* Consider recommendations and proposals for action, including new initiatives.

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