Quarterly NEWSLETTER
February 2011 VOL. 6

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USDA Scientists and Collaborators Complete
More Comprehensive Genetic Analysis of
Domesticated Grape
—usda.gov

WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have completed the most comprehensive genetic analysis to date of the domesticated grape, applying new technology to uncover a surprising degree of genetic diversity and fine-tune genetic markers that may lead to grapes better equipped to resist pests and pathogens that now prompt repeated spraying of grape crops.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that although wine and table grapes (Vitis vinifera) were domesticated up to 8,000 years ago in the Near East, they still have enough genetic diversity to offer untapped potential for developing desirable traits, according to lead author Sean Myles, now a postdoctoral research scientist at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
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Try Before You Buy
The advantages of temporary to permanent hiring
—careerbuilder.com

More than two million people work as temporary employees in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This includes independent contractors, on-call candidates, freelance, and temporary or part-time workers.

Temporary to permanent hiring has been employed by recruiting and staffing firms for ages, but is quickly becoming a method small to medium sized businesses are using as a way to "test-drive" potential full-time staff. A temporary worker is brought in when a position becomes available and works for a period of time before they are either offered a full-time position or let go.

Using the temporary to permanent arrangement can be a win-win situation for both the candidate and your company. The advantage of temporary to permanent hiring is that the person in charge of hiring makes a more informed decision about offering the candidate a full-time slot, while covering all key functions in the meantime.
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Shaila Green
Lab Support
Senior Account Executive

Shaila has been with Lab Support for 17 years and is a Senior Account Executive at our Philadelphia office. Prior to joining Lab Support, she spent three years working in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Penn State University.

Shaila primarily serves clients in the Greater Philadelphia area. Her previous experience as a contract employee at other staffing agencies has made her confident that Lab Support is foremost in the staffing industry. This is seen day in and day out as Shaila, along with her team members, make the best employment matches for the long-term success of our clients and employees.

"Knowing that I've personally helped professionals take that next step in their career is a great feeling of accomplishment," stated Shaila. "When I get the opportunity to visit clients who have Lab Support alumnus in their office—some who are still on contract and others who have converted to permanent positions—I know that Lab Support has helped make a difference in the organization and many individuals‘ career."

Shaila has represented Lab Support at national trade shows, including Pittcon, BIO, and IFT, and has also been involved with ASQ, BioStrategy Partners, SHRM, and PA BIO. Her tenacity and contributions have earned her the honor of being a President‘s Club winner several times—in 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Aside from her accomplishments at Lab Support, she’s also proud that she’s been able to juggle the demands of a job and raising 3 daughters, ages 15, 12, and 9. Her husband Paul, who she met at Penn State and has been married to for 18 years, has made it possible to do it all. She’s also managed to fit into her busy schedule being the elementary school’s PTL Treasurer for the past 7 years and the Chair of the school’s major fall festival for the past 6 years.

Federal Research Center Will Help Develop Medicines
nytimes.com
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British Engineer Designs Own Heart Valve Implant, Saves Own Life
popsci.com
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Atmosphere cleans itself more efficiently than previously thought
insciences.org
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Food Makers Devise Own Label Plan
nytimes.com
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Blocking a gene stops cancer cells spreading
bbc.co.uk/news/
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The Carotenoid Market: Beyond Beta-Carotene
nutraceuticalsworld.com
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The following Industries expect to have an increase in projects that may result in additional contract staff* within the time frames below:

4-6 months:
Coatings and Polymers
Contract Testing Lab
Materials Science
Medical Device
Pharmaceutical

6-9 months:
Biotechnology
Chemical
Industrial Manufacturing

6-9 months:
Environmental
Food and Beverage
Petrochemical

*This insight is based on our comprehensive January 2011 survey of contract staffing buyers. The full report is entitled, "Lab Support Index." The points above are from the report and are related to buyers' strategies for managing staffing resources.

In 2010, On Assignment enhanced its Life Sciences offerings in two key areas:

Clinical Research
The Cambridge Group, acquired in April 2010, joined On Assignment Clinical Research to focus on placing skilled professionals at all career levels in areas such as clinical data, clinical monitoring, medical writing, biometrics, and regulatory affairs.

Retained Executive Search
Sharpstream, acquired in July 2010, is an international retained search company with a focus on securing executive and middle management candidates for work in discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, medical, and commercial.

For complete Life Sciences staffing solutions:

For recruiting services in Europe: