The financial bailout, the appropriations situation, and the impending election have combined to push most other business off the table.  Unfortunately, this includes the NNI reauthorization bill.  At this point, it appears all but certain that the bill will be deferred until the next Congress convenes in January, when it will be reintroduced in both the House and the Senate. With the Public Policy Tour coming up in early 2009, the Alliance will be in an excellent position to push for rapid passage of this important legislation.  To find out how to get involved, contact the Alliance at 312-224-8319.

Insurer Excludes Nanotechnology from Policies

Beginning November 15, the Continental Western Insurance Group will no longer insure against bodily injury, property damage, or personal and advertising injury related to the actual, alleged, or threatened presence of or exposure to nanotubes or nanotechnology in any form. 

We believe the decision to exclude “nanotubes and nanotechnology” was not well thought out.  Treating nanotechnology as if it is monolithic makes no sense.  A technology itself does not have risks and benefits – only the embodiments of the technology in the form of products do.  Furthermore, the definitions were sufficiently broad that almost any business to be subject to the exclusion.  This is the first exclusion.  We hope that it will be reconsidered or pulled back altogether once the insurer understands the implications of the general purpose exclusion they created.  But, we must also educate insurers so that they do not make ill informed policy like this in the future.

The insurance group cited the “as of yet, unknown and unknowable risks” created by nanotubes and nanotechnology in general, and pointed to recent reports of health risks raising concerns about similarities between certain types of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and asbestos fibers.  Continental Western is believed to be the first insurer to exclude nanotubes and nanotechnology from its insurance policies.

New Centers for Environmental Implications of Nanotechnology Announced

Opportunity to Influence Tax Policy

While the financial crisis dominates the attention of Congress, the Alliance continues to work with allies on the Hill to develop targeted nanotechnology tax proposals for the coming year.  These incentives will help nanotechnology companies accelerate their research, development, and training.  They can directly impact the bottom line of nanotechnology companies – and can even benefit companies without revenue.  The Alliance is looking for input from members on these policies.  To participate in this effort and help maximize the value of the proposals for your company, please contact the Alliance at 312-224-8319.

Job Listings

We are adding a member news section in our next newsletter (thanks to Scott Rickert of Nanofilm for the suggestion), so send us your news and updates.

Washington Update

National Nanotechnology Initiative Reauthorization Bill Update
As Sean notes above, the NNI reauthorization bill is headed for the next Congress – a casualty, with many other bills, of the combined forces of the financial crunch, the election, and a handful of must-pass bills that have been left to the last moment. 

Although it is a shame to see it postponed after a year’s worth of work, the Alliance will be in an excellent position to promote the bill’s passage in early 2009.  The annual Public Policy Tour will provide a perfect opportunity to demonstrate broad support for the bill throughout the nanotechnology business community. 

Although we expect easy passage in the House again, the Alliance will still have work to do in the Senate, reminding key Senators of the importance of commercialization, workforce training, and solid EHS research in maintaining American nanotechnology competitiveness.  Alliance members make all the difference here.  To participate, please contact the Alliance at 312-224-8319.

Tax Policy Preparations Continue
The Alliance’s nanotechnology tax policy discussions continue, with the aim of preparing a set of policy proposals for the coming Congress.  To help ensure that the Alliance’s proposals will have the greatest possible impact on nanotechnology businesses, including pre-revenue businesses, the Alliance needs to hear from all of its members.  To take advantage of this opportunity to participate, please contact the Alliance at 312-224-8319.

Paul Stimers
K&L Gates

The NanoBusiness Alliance aims to inspire our most talented young mathematicians and scientists to become

Talent Fellows pictured from left to right: Nick Wieczorek (Questek), Andy Schneider (NanoInk), Ben Wilcox (NanoInk), Jimmy Fang (NanoSonix), Michelle Ran (Nanosphere).

the next generation of world-class scientists.  Our first ever Talent Fellowship Program gave advanced high school students hands-on experience with some of the most promising new technologies in the country as well as helped them forge relationships with the scientific and business leaders that are making these advancements possible.  Fortunately, Chicago has an impressive cluster of nanotechnology companies such as Nanosphere, NanoInk, NanoIntegris, Questek, and NanoSonix that were able to step up in the role of mentor to these students and help the United States maintain its scientific and technological leadership. 

Each company provided a mentor to guide the students in working on a variety of research topics that were important to the host company such as optimizing the effectiveness of a diagnostic kit or creating a manual and curriculum to teach students to use a nanotechnology tool.  We are looking for more companies that would like to mentor an outstanding high school student in the summer of 2009.  If you’d like to help inspire the next generation of scientists, please contact the NanoBusiness Alliance. 

Lesley Meade Hamming
Program Director
NanoBusiness Talent Fellowship

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCIENTIST   
DANVILLE, VIRGINA

Luna Innovations develops and manufactures new-generation products for the healthcare, telecommunications, energy and defense markets.  Our products are used to measure, monitor and improve critical processes in the markets we serve. Through its disciplined commercialization business model, Luna has become a recognized leader in transitioning science to solutions. Luna is headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia.

Luna Innovations, a NASDAQ-listed public company, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Scientist in its nanoWorks Division, Danville, Virginia to conduct experiments examining the in vitro and in vivo effects of novel composite nanomaterials in various models of disease. Several NIH-sponsored programs for developing and testing nanomedicines for inflammatory disease as well as glioblastoma are underway. The position entails extensive hands-on laboratory work and data analysis under the guidance of a Principal Investigator.  The candidate must have the following:

• Ph.D. in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or similar field; extensive industrial or post-doctoral experience in a directly related field will be considered as an alternative. Significant hands-on laboratory experience in an academic research or development environment is required.
• Prior experience with carbon nanomaterials or MRI contrast agents is a strong plus.

• Experiments revolve around cell biology and involve issue culture, cell isolation, microscopy and biochemical and immunological techniques.
• Experience with nanotechnology/nanomedicine and mouse models of human inflammatory disease and/or MRI imaging is advantageous.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• U.S. citizenship is a firm requirement.

Resume submissions must state citizenship status. A cover letter outlining previous laboratory experience as related to the job requirements will enable a more thorough evaluation of the candidate. 

We offer an outstanding compensation and benefits package.  If interested, email resume to wesself@lunainnovations.com at Luna Innovations, 1 Riverside Circle, SW, Suite 400, Roanoke, VA  24016 Attn:  HR Dept.
EOE / AA

Nanofabrication Facility Operations Manager

The Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (Gaithersburg, MD) operates a new, shared-use nanofabrication and nanomeasurement facility (the NanoFab) open to both internal and external users.  Descriptions of the CNST and its NanoFab are available at http://cnst.nist.gov.  The NanoFab Operations Manager is responsible for the management and operations of the facility, including the internal and external user programs; selection, purchase, and installation of new tools; and outreach and coordination with external academic, industrial, and government organizations.  We seek a scientist or engineer with a demonstrated high level of organizational ability, the ability to communicate persuasively, technical knowledge of a broad range of nanofabrication tools, experience in the development of baseline processes, and familiarity with the diverse research that occurs in a nanofabrication facility.  The successful candidate should have at least five years experience related to nanofabrication technology and five years experience in supervising personnel.  A Ph.D. degree or equivalent educational level is desirable.  US citizenship is required.

Base salary is currently $82,961 - $149,000.  More detailed information about compensation and benefits programs at NIST can be found at http://www.nist.gov/hrmd/benefits/summarychart.htm.

We invite expressions of interest.  Please send your resume to nanofab@nist.gov at your earliest convenience.
The Department of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Donna Lauren
Senior Management Advisor
Center for Nanoscale Science & Technology
National Institute of Standards & Technology

Email: lauren@nist.gov
Phone:  (301) 975-3729

Job Listings by reXorce

ABOUT THE COMPANY:
reXorce Thermionics, Inc. is a fully funded startup applying new materials and modified thermodynamic cycles to the energy and alternative energy industry. As a result of collaborations with several Global multinationals, we are seeking multiple positions for individuals interested in making a direct impact within our company and on the long-term environmental health of the world. Our ideal candidates will join us in continuously developing and refining our cutting-edge power generating systems as the most viable solution to global energy demand. As a company with global partners and a high growth industry, reXorce offers you all of the technical challenges and career opportunities you desire and the ability to
make significant contributions to our mutual long-term success. reXorce is leading the next generation of energy technology where you will be participating in the commercialization of a sustainable and alternative energy solution to greatly reduce the world’s CO2 footprint. And yet, reXorce is all about
building a company culture that values team work and recognizes individual contributions. Our vision to transform alternative energy into the most cost effective solution to meet the global energy demands will be achieved by encouraging openness - in terms of both employee interaction and technical analysis.

CONTACT:
Carol Wagner
cwagner@rexorce.com

Senior Scientist - Ceramics

LOCATION: Chicago Metropolitan Area

SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Technical Requirements

• The position requires technical excellence and innovative thinking in the fundamental theories, concepts, and current-state-of-the art research and/or technology development in materials science including but not limited to heat exchanger materials including core competency in ceramics, and knowledge in high temperature metals and corrosion resistance

General Requirements

• Enthusiasm and proven ability to solve application specific problems; develop new concepts or new projects
• Experience in applying fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to complex, multidisciplinary problems
• Experience in material science strategy development resulting in the formulation and initiation of new research activities and proposals
• Outstanding ability to develop next generation materials and evaluate new technologies with respect to current and future products

Commitment to Individual Achievement and Team Success

• Ensure delivery of projects to agreed research objectives and work programs, on time, within budget and to the stake holder’s satisfaction
• An intellectual curiosity / interest in different disciplines or the ability to apply fundamental concepts of one discipline to a variety of problems in other disciplines
• An ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and collaborators
• An ability to communicate research outcomes in both oral and written form including technical specifications, patent applications, and engineering reports
• An ability to apply scientific results with engineering and manufacturing teams to rapidly integrate the materials and concepts into commercial products

PRE-REQUISITE: A Masters or PhD in Materials Science, or Chemistry preferred. Exceptionally talented and experienced individuals with a Bachelors degree will be considered. The successful candidate will have proven experience in applying technical expertise to solve industry / engineering applications. U.S. Citizenship is
preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION: reXorce Thermionics offers a competitive salary and benefits package, plus the opportunity to qualify for stock options.
RELOCATION: reXorce Thermionics will partner with the successful candidate to offset costs of relocation.

Senior Scientist - Chemistry

LOCATION: Chicago Metropolitan Area

SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Technical Requirements

• The position requires technical excellence and innovative thinking in the fundamental theories, concepts, and current-state-of-the art research and/or technology development in materials science including but not
  limited to chemistry, including knowledge in adsorption, absorption and thermophysical properties

General Requirements

• Enthusiasm and proven ability to solve application specific problems; develop new concepts or new projects
• Experience in applying fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to complex, multidisciplinary problems
• Experience in material science strategy development resulting in the formulation and initiation of new research activities and proposals
• Outstanding ability to develop next generation materials and evaluate new technologies with respect to current and future products

Commitment to Individual Achievement and Team Success

• Ensure delivery of projects to agreed research objectives and work programs, on time, within budget and to the stake holder’s satisfaction
• An intellectual curiosity / interest in different disciplines or the ability to apply fundamental concepts of one discipline to a variety of problems in other disciplines
• An ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and collaborators
• An ability to communicate research outcomes in both oral and written form including technical specifications, patent applications, and engineering reports
• An ability to apply scientific results with engineering and manufacturing teams to rapidly integrate the materials and concepts into commercial products

PRE-REQUISITE: A Masters or PhD in Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry preferred. Exceptionally talented and experienced individuals with a Bachelors degree will be considered. The successful candidate will have proven experience in applying technical expertise to solve industry / engineering applications. U.S. Citizenship is
preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION: reXorce Thermionics offers a competitive salary and benefits package, plus the opportunity to qualify for stock options.
RELOCATION: reXorce Thermionics will partner with the successful candidate to offset costs of relocation.

Senior Scientist - Coatings

SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Technical Requirements

• The position requires technical excellence and innovative thinking in the fundamental theories, concepts, and current-state-of-the art research and/or technology development in materials science including but not
  limited to nanoscale materials including core competency in coatings and knowledge in composites

General Requirements

• Enthusiasm and proven ability to solve application specific problems; develop new concepts or new projects
• Experience in applying fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to complex, multidisciplinary problems
• Experience in material science strategy development resulting in the formulation and initiation of new research activities and proposals
• Outstanding ability to develop next generation materials and evaluate new technologies with respect to current and future products

Commitment to Individual Achievement and Team Success

• Ensure delivery of projects to agreed research objectives and work programs, on time, within budget and to the stake holder’s satisfaction
• An intellectual curiosity / interest in different disciplines or the ability to apply fundamental concepts of one discipline to a variety of problems in other disciplines
• An ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals\
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and collaborators
• An ability to communicate research outcomes in both oral and written form including technical specifications, patent applications, and engineering reports
• An ability to apply scientific results with engineering and manufacturing teams to rapidly integrate the materials and concepts into commercial products

PRE-REQUISITE: A Masters or PhD in Material Science, or Chemistry preferred. Exceptionally talented and experienced individuals with a Bachelors degree will be considered. The successful candidate will have proven experience in applying technical expertise to solve industry / engineering applications. U.S. Citizenship is
preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION: reXorce Thermionics offers a competitive salary and benefits package, plus the opportunity to qualify for stock options.
RELOCATION: reXorce Thermionics will partner with the successful candidate to offset costs of relocation.

Senior Scientist - Electrochemistry

SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Technical Requirements

• The position requires technical excellence and innovative thinking in the fundamental theories, concepts, and current-state-of-the art research and/or technology development in materials science including but not
  limited to electrochemistry, including electrostatics and electroplating on a range of substrates

General Requirements

• Enthusiasm and proven ability to solve application specific problems; develop new concepts or new projects
• Experience in applying fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to complex, multidisciplinary problems
• Experience in material science strategy development resulting in the formulation and initiation of new research activities and proposals
• Outstanding ability to develop next generation materials and evaluate new technologies with respect to current and future products

Commitment to Individual Achievement and Team Success

• Ensure delivery of projects to agreed research objectives and work programs, on time, within budget and to the stake holder’s satisfaction
• An intellectual curiosity / interest in different disciplines or the ability to apply fundamental concepts of one discipline to a variety of problems in other disciplines
• An ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and collaborators
• An ability to communicate research outcomes in both oral and written form including technical specifications, patent applications, and engineering reports
• An ability to apply scientific results with engineering and manufacturing teams to rapidly integrate the materials and concepts into commercia products

PRE-REQUISITE: A Masters or PhD in Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry preferred. Exceptionally talented and experienced individuals with a Bachelors degree will be considered. The successful candidate will have proven experience in applyin technical expertise to solve industry / engineering applications. U.S. Citizenship is preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION: reXorce Thermionics offers a competitive salary and benefits package, plus the opportunity to qualify for stock options.
RELOCATION: reXorce Thermionics will partner with the successful candidate to offset costs of relocation.

Senior Scients - Ionic Liquids

SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Technical Requirements

• The position requires technical excellence and innovative thinking in the fundamental theories, concepts, and current-state-of-the art research and/or technology development in materials science including but not
  limited to ionic liquids, with experience in design and functionalizing ionic liquids for desirable thermophysical/chemical properties

General Requirements

• Enthusiasm and proven ability to solve application specific problems; develop new concepts or new projects
• Experience in applying fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to complex, multidisciplinary problems
• Experience in material science strategy development resulting in the formulation and initiation of new research activities and proposals
• Outstanding ability to develop next generation materials and evaluate new technologies with respect to current and future products

Commitment to Individual Achievement and Team Success

• Ensure delivery of projects to agreed research objectives and work programs, on time, within budget and to the stake holder’s satisfaction
• An intellectual curiosity / interest in different disciplines or the ability to apply fundamental concepts of one discipline to a variety of problems in other disciplines
• An ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and collaborators
• An ability to communicate research outcomes in both oral and written form including technical specifications, patent applications, and engineering reports
• An ability to apply scientific results with engineering and manufacturing teams to rapidly integrate the materials and concepts into commercial products

PRE-REQUISITE: A Masters or PhD in Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry preferred. Exceptionally talented and experienced individuals with a Bachelors degree will be considered. The successful candidate will have proven experience in applying technical expertise to solve industry / engineering applications. U.S. Citizenship is
preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION: reXorce Thermionics offers a competitive salary and benefits package, plus the opportunity to qualify for stock options.
RELOCATION: reXorce Thermionics will partner with the successful candidate to offset costs of relocation.

Physical or Inorganic Chemistry / Material Science Optimization of Thermophysical Properties

SCOPE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Requirements

• The position requires technical excellence and innovative thinking in the fundamental theories, concepts, and current-state-of-the art research and/or technology development in Physical or Inorganic Chemistry, Materials Science including but not limited to core competency in adsorption, chemisorption, absorption, and desorption, thermodynamics and knowledge in material science
• Enthusiasm and proven ability to solve application specific problems; develop new concepts or new projects
• Experience in applying fundamental scientific and/or engineering concepts to complex, multidisciplinary problems
• Experience in materials development resulting in the formulation and initiation of new research materials, activities and proposals
• Outstanding ability to develop and formulate next generation materials and evaluate new technologies with respect to current and future products
  

Commitment to Individual Achievement and Team Success

• Ensure delivery of projects to agreed research objectives and work programs, on time, within budget and to the stake holder’s satisfaction
• An intellectual curiosity / interest in different disciplines or the ability to apply fundamental concepts of one discipline to a variety of problems in other disciplines
• An ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently to meet programmatic milestones and scientific goals
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues and collaborators
• An ability to communicate research outcomes in both oral and written form including technical specifications, patent applications, and engineering reports
• An ability to apply scientific results with engineering and manufacturing teams to rapidly integrate the materials and concepts into commercial products

PRE-REQUISITE: A Masters or PhD. in Material Science, Physical or Inorganic Chemistry, or Mechanical Engineering is preferred. Exceptionally talented and experienced individuals with a Bachelors degree will be considered. The successful candidate will have proven experience in applying technical expertise to solve
industry / engineering applications. U.S. Citizenship is preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION: reXorce Thermionics offers a competitive salary and benefits package, plus the opportunity to qualify for stock options.
RELOCATION: reXorce Thermionics will partner with the successful candidate to offset costs of relocation.