Weekly PDA Newsletter - Apr 17, 2016

Sun Apr 17 19:17:54 EDT 2016

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Dear MIT Postdocs,

There are a couple of great networking opportunities with your fellow postdocs ahead this week. First, we have our weekly Sports & Pizza Thursdays here at MIT for you. And if you want to connect to your peers from other universities, the Boston Postdoctoral Association (to which we belong to) has that covered with the Science Pint Night on Thursday and the big Boston Postdoc Takeover & BPDA Website Launch Party at Royale on Saturday (free entrance if you arrive before 11pm).

Wish you all a great week!

Best,
Kathrin

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Dr.-Ing. Kathrin Graetz
Corresponding Secretary
Postdoctoral Association of MIT (PDA)
pda.mit.edu<http://pda.mit.edu/>                Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/groups/44093460815/>                Twitter (@MITPDA)<https://twitter.com/MITPDA>              Instagram (@mitpda)<https://www.instagram.com/mitpda/>                   LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/grps/MIT-Postdoc-2506720/about?>

Boston PDA: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1969262336632168/\<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1969262336632168/%5C>

Next PDA meeting:  May 9, 12pm @E25-202              register here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-vT1gzgyik3JHFWaRgQwAVeVoiaoQFK7iP2MO4dtKwo/viewform>          Lunch will be provided!

This Week's Topics:

*       Upcoming PDA Events

o   Sports & Pizza Thursdays, 6pm

o   Boston Postdoc Takeover & BPDA Website Launch Party at Royale on Saturday

*       Postdoc Orientation Sessions

*       From the PDA PInG Initiatives

*       Other Events at MIT

o   The Basics of Spending and Saving: Money Management for Your Lifestyle (Wednesday, 12pm)

o   Introduction to Citation Management Tools (Wednesday, 5pm)

o   Patent Searching Fundamentals (Thursday, 1pm)

o   Introduction to Python for GIS (Thursday and Friday, 2pm)

o   BPDA Science Pint Night (Thursday, 6:30pm)

o   Exploring Career Options in STEM: Speed Networking Event (Friday, 5:45pm)

o   "distant future" events - new events

o

Upcoming PDA Events:

PDA Sports:
IMPORTANT: Please bring your MIT ID. To enter the MIT Rec Center, inform the staff that you are a postdoc attending the scheduled PDA event. The entrance is free only during our events. The MAC Court is difficult to find for the first time, so come on time. Use Vassar street entrance!!! The 3rd floor door from the other side is locked most of the time.

[cid:image003.png at 01D198DD.CCE466D0]Sports & Pizza Thursdays
PDA weekly sports event continues! Join us for a friendly sports game and/or pizza at Muddy's. You don't have to play any sports to get a slice of hot pizza. But, if you do, we got free access to the MIT Rec Center for all postdocs during our events. We are continuing with soccer on Thursdays. For volleyball, there are additional events upcoming and we are working on basketball games and dance events. Recover, recharge and socialize after the games at Muddy's pub. Free, hot pizza will be served and drinks are available for purchase with a valid ID. Please, RSVP so we can order enough pizza. There is also space for your feedback in the form!
Date and Time: Thursday, April 21th               6:00-7:00pm Soccer,              7:30pm Pizza
Location:          MAC Court (3rd Floor of Zesiger Center, W35-375)
                             Muddy Charles Pub (MIT Building 50)
Register for Pizza at Muddy's here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1HxRuFOUZgzW9UmhQbTrJ4L3Jz1WuUZOPGexKCfoBf-U/viewform>

For all questions regarding the events, email the Sports Committee of PDA at jelenas at mit.edu<mailto:jelenas at mit.edu>
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Sport%20Activities%20for%20MIT%20Postdocs

Join the First Boston Postdoc Takeover & BPDA Website Launch Party at Royale!

[cid:image011.png at 01D198DD.CCE466D0]Celebrate the website launch of the BPDA (Boston Postdoctoral Association) in style at Royale with the BIGGEST postdoc party in the history of Boston! Postdocs from all 14 BPDA institutions are invited! Come dance the night away with your fellow postdocs from across Boston and make new friends!

Free admission before 11 pm! Make sure you arrive early - we are expecting this to be a massively popular event and the line will be long.
Date and Time: Saturday, April 23th, 10pm - 2am

Location: Royale Boston (279 Tremont St, Boston)

How to join this party:

1. Let BPDA know that you are coming by filling out this registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BXJ5S5L
2. Print free tickets here (note: you will have to pay $15 cover if you arrive after 11:00 pm):https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/mobile/index/1156551?utm_medium=bks
3. If asked at the door, tell them you there for the Postdoc night! Please bring your 21+ ID and your MIT ID.

Food arrangements: Appetizers will be provided by the postdoc associations.
Drink arrangements: Attendees may purchase drinks from the bar.

https://www.facebook.com/events/282522815412895/

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Postdoc Orientation Sessions:

The PDA offers Postdoc Orientation Sessions open to all postdocs at MIT. Topics covered include:
*       Data on postdoc population at MIT

  *   MIT oversight of postdocs
  *   Defining postdoc expectations
  *   Differences between fellows and associates
  *   PDA structure and initiatives
*       How to get involved
The sessions will be typically the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 12pm (45-60min) in E19-306. Lunch will be provided.
The dates for the next six months are as follows: Apr 25, May 2, May 16, June 6, June 20

If you are interested in participating, you can register via Atlas or using this link<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>.

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>From the PDA PInG Initiatives:

[cid:95222B00-F045-414B-A096-7C6A941BCEDB]Yoga Classes for Postdocs

We are conducting yoga class series regularly and the next one is starting on April 27, and will be taking place on Wednesdays, 7:30 pm on campus (building 37 or building 16). A rate for postdocs and their spouses/partners is offered for a 10 class session for $80. This is a gentle all-level relaxing yoga class and no prior experience is required.

The classes will take place on the following 10 dates:
April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18, May 25, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22, June 29

If you are interested, please reserve your spots by contacting Sarah Safieddine<mailto:sarahsaf at mit.edu> or the instructor <mailto:hadassahsegal at hotmail.com> Hadassah Segal<mailto:hadassahsegal at hotmail.com> directly.
Thank you!

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Other Events at MIT:

This Week:

The Basics of Spending and Saving: Money Management for Your Lifestyle (sponsored by MIT Work-Life Center)            New
Many millennials entered the workforce in the midst of the worst economic downturn in generations. As a result, many young professionals start their careers with concerns about budgeting and controlling debt. This workshop will help you develop the skills to manage your financial resources, stay ahead of monthly obligations, and plan for a solid financial future.
In this workshop, you will learn:

  *   How to evaluate existing and future financial resources
  *   Methods for developing and managing a realistic budget
  *   Tactics for smart money management
  *   Strategies for understanding, establishing, and maintaining a good credit history
  *   Tips for evaluating and planning for future saving needs
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 20th, 12:00-1:00pm
Location: E19-603
Register here<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-professional-workshop-the-basics-of-spending-and-saving-money-management-for-your-lifestyle-tickets-21011485920>

Introduction to Citation Management Tools (organized by MIT Libraries)
Citation management software can help you manage your references whether you're working alone or with a team. These tools alleviate the tedious aspects of research and provide features that can enhance your reading, writing, and citing experience. In this online session, we will go over the basic features and effective strategies for using commonly used citation management tools.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 20th, 5:00-6:00pm
Location: Online
Please register<https://mit.webex.com> with the session number 640 277 856

Patent Searching Fundamentals (organized by MIT Libraries)
This session will enable you to successfully find patent references from all over the world, and obtain patent text and diagrams. This hands-on session will help demystify the patent literature and show key resources for finding patents.
Date and Time: Thursday, April 21st, 1:00-2:00pm
Location: 14N-132
Register here<http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2515672>

Introduction to Python for GIS (organized by MIT Libraries)
Session 1: Learn just enough Python to work with it in ArcGIS.
Session 2: Learn to access ArcMap commands, attribute tables, and individual geometries using the Arcpy Python module.
Participants should attend both sessions of this workshop.
Date and Time: Thursday, April 21st and Friday, 22nd, 2:00-5:00pm
Location: 14N-132
Register here<http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2518569>

Science Pint Night (organized by Boston PDA)
Come enjoy a pint while hearing from scientists representing labs from MGH and Tufts University who will be showcasing their own cutting-edge work!  It will be an evening of 4-minute info-packed talks about current hot topics at the forefront of different scientific fields.  Come cheer on your favorite speaker! Prizes will be awarded by our judges at the end of the evening for the best talks! Come to listen to the talks, stick around for an opportunity to mingle!
Date and Time: Thursday, April 21st, 6:30-8:00pm
Location: Rattlesnake Bar and Grill (384 Boylston Street, Boston)

Exploring Career Options in STEM: Speed Networking Event (organized by Mass AWIS* and Cambridge Science Festival)
This event is for women and men within the scientific community (undergrad to early career), interested in exploring diverse career options in science. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with 10-15 experienced individuals who will give insights into their chosen professions and career trajectories. The event will be held in a speed-networking fashion with participants switching tables every 15 minutes for a total of 5 sessions. Please note this is not a career fair, you may exchange business cards.
Projected Career areas: Consulting, Patent Law, Research & Development, Publishing, Business Development, Project Management, Medical Science Liaison, Sales/Marketing, Academia, Statistics, Core Facility management.
Agenda:             5:45-6:00 pm  Registration and Networking over light fare
6:00-6:30 pm  Introduction and instructions
6:30-8:00 pm  Speed Networking (5-6 15 min sessions)
8:00-8:55 pm  General Networking, Desserts, Conclusion
Early Bird Special:  General Admission $20 * MASS AWIS members* $10   (please see footnote the end)    After April 1st: $25 and $12, respectively
Date and Time: Friday, April 22nd, 5:45-9:00pm
Location: MIT Building 46, 3rd Floor Atrium
Register: www.massawis.org/AltCareersSpeedNetworking2016<http://www.massawis.org/AltCareersSpeedNetworking2016>

In the "Distant" Future:

Managing Confidential Research Data (organized by MIT Libraries)
Join us for a class on research design and research methods related to confidential information. In this class, we'll discuss how to:

  *   Recognize sensitive information
  *   Prepare for IRB review
  *   Reduce risks in data collection
  *   Evaluate information threats and vulnerabilities
  *   Organize and store sensitive data
  *   Understand data use agreements, and
  *   Create data management plans
If you're a researcher - whether a late career grad student, faculty, or professional research staff - this class is for you.
Date and Time: Monday, April 25th, 12:00-3:00pm
Location: E25-401
Register here<http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2518268>

Plan Your Finances, Plan Your Life: Strengthen Your Relationship with Money (sponsored by MIT Work-Life Center)
Would you like to strengthen your relationship with money and learn to live within your means while continuing to spend on what matters most to you? Learn to eliminate financial overwhelm and instead powerfully manage money in your day-to-day life by designing a spending and savings plan (a.k.a. a budget) that allows you to have more freedom, choice, and peace in your life.
In this session, you will learn:

  *   The main reasons why most people aren't as powerful with their money as they could be
  *   The #1 way to positively shift your mindset around money instantly
  *   Three steps to a life of financial ease and flow
  *   Five steps to developing a new financial plan that works for your life
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 26th, 5:30pm dinner, 6:00-7:30pm seminar
Location: 46-3189
Register here<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plan-your-finances-plan-your-life-strengthen-your-relationship-with-money-registration-20974441118>

Research Data Management: File Organization (organized by MIT Libraries)
Do you struggle with organizing your research data? Wonder if there's a better way to arrange and name your data files to optimize your work? This workshop will teach you practical techniques for organizing your data files.
Topics will include: file and folder organizational structures and file naming. This session will include hands-on exercises to apply the concepts to your particular data project.
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 26th, 5:00-6:00pm
Location: 14N-132
Register here<http://libcal.mit.edu/event/2515567>

Simple Strategies to Resolve Conflicts with Difficult Supervisors and Coworkers (sponsored by MIT VPR)
Discover simple and practical strategies to resolve conflicts and work effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and collaborators in an academic environment. Participants will learn the basic principles of assertive communication in order to develop long-term professional relationships at the workplace and to mentor other researchers effectively.
The presenter, Dr. Dora Farkas, received her Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering and her Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, both from MIT. Dora won an NRSA research grant from NIH and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Tufts Medical School as a principal investigator on clinical trials. She also worked for several years in the pharmaceutical industry as a Senior Scientist in Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics. Dora is currently a thesis and career coach for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. She is also the founder of www.FinishYourThesis.com<http://www.FinishYourThesis.com>, a community site that has helped thousands of graduate students finish their theses since 2009.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 27th, 3:00-4:30pm
Location: 46-3002
Register here<http://goo.gl/forms/hpihBcciGf>

Networking Pub Night (organized by Boston PDA)    See end of newsletter
Meet your fellow postdocs and rub elbows with industry professionals from local Biotech and Pharma companies.  We'll have lots of excellent hors d'ouvres and our space will be staffed by bartenders eager to serve your favorite adult beverage from our cash bar.
Bring your friends, your business cards and make some new friends and contacts! Availability is first come, first served and is filling up quickly.  Postdocs from all institutions and Industry PhDs are welcome.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 27th, 6:00-8:30pm
Location: Rattlesnake Bar and Grill (384 Boylston Street, Boston)
Register here<http://redir.aspx/?REF=QEtFJZZyWJO29ACsqiBBhiOMXfbF32qteXcCuKtQJfuuJE27s1zTCAFodHRwOi8vYnBkYWNhcmVlci1hcHJpbC5ldmVudGJyaXRlLmNvbQ..>

Academic Career Panel and Speed Networking Event (organized by Boston PDA)
Meet junior faculty and tenured professors and learn about their path to the tenure track.  Listen to a panel discussion where faculty members discuss their time on the job market, interviewing, negotiating their starting packet, hiring and managing lab members, getting funding and getting tenure.  We'll have representatives from R1, undergraduate and teaching intensive institutions as well as a discussion on diversity in Academia.
Following the panel discussion, we will have a speed networking event where individuals can speak one-on-one to faculty members.
Invite your friends and your questions and come make some new friends and contacts!  Registration is free, but required.  Availability is first come, first served and is filling up quickly.
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 1st, 6:00-8:00pm
Location: Tosteson Medical Education Center (260 Longwood Avenue Atrium, Boston)
Register here<bpdacareers-academia.eventbrite.com>

Free affiliate membership with the National Postdoctoral Association: http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/?page=individual_members

*NOTE: MIT is a Collegiate Rep of AWIS, so the MIT community can attend Mass AWIS (http://mass-awis.org/) events at the member price.
First, apply for your free membership through the national AWIS website http://www.awis.org/ as a Collegiate Rep and select the Massachusetts Chapter. Do this prior to registering for any events.

Other helpful sites:
postdocs.mit.edu (Office VPR)
MIT GECD Events<https://gecd.mit.edu/mit-events>
MIT Spouses&Partners Events<http://spouses.mit.edu/mit-events>
MIT Events<http://events.mit.edu/>

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