Weekly PDA Newsletter - Mar 20, 2016
Kathrin Graetz
graetz at mit.edu
Sun Mar 20 18:16:54 EDT 2016
[cid:image003.png at 01D114AE.CBB7CB20]
Dear MIT Postdocs,
It is Spring Break this week! So don't be surprised about empty (or emptier) hallways. This week, we are the youngsters at MIT :)
As you can see in the event section, this week is more quiet in terms of seminars and events. But for a little bit of anticipation of upcoming events, you find our April PDA event "Dessert Contest" already posted...yummy.
By the way, I promise to never again write about the weather. As this is my first "spring" in Cambridge, I was not aware that it is so moody.
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?>
Next PDA meeting: April 11, 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 Dessert Contest in April New
* From the PDA Committees
o From the Advocacy Committee - Overtime Pay in Massachusetts
* Postdoc Orientation Sessions
* From the PDA PInG Initiatives
o Glimpse New Episode
* Other Events at MIT
o Workshop on Research Reproducibility
o Crafting Your Story for Career Transition New
o "distant future" events - new events
o
Upcoming PDA Events:
Dessert Contest
Sponsored by MIT Postdoctoral Association and MIT Spouses and Partners Connect
Want to compete: Be prepared to bring your desserts to win !!! We will have two categories in which you can participate --Chocolate Desserts and Non-Chocolate Desserts. We are asking each contestant to prepare 20 dessert portions for judges. Contestants will get a $25 tech cash card at the event for their expenses.
If you are interested in preparing dessert, please register here: http://goo.gl/forms/w8CaVt6yvz.
Want some sweets: Besides, everyone will enjoy a special buffet of international desserts and coffee.
If you love sweets but don't want to compete, please register here to attend the event: https://signup.mit.edu:444/signup.php?id=531065117.
Date and Time: Friday, April 15 at 5:30pm
Location: W20-208 (Lobdell Room in Student Center)
PDA Sports: https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Sport%20Activities%20for%20MIT%20Postdocs
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>From the PDA Committees:
>From the Advocacy Committee - Overtime Pay in Massachusetts
We want to let you all know about this petition, which is related to the new overtime pay proposed rule that many of us supported in September last year (which would most likely cause a raise in starting salary for postdocs to $50K).
This summer, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to implement a new overtime rule, which would raise the overtime salary threshold from $23,660 to $50,440-strengthening the right of 13.5 million additional workers to receive overtime pay and the right to earn a fair living. As universities are unlikely to pay postdocs overtime, this would raise the effective postdoc minimum to $50,440.
However, some members of Congress are eager to prevent this deal by running out the clock on President Obama. The Congressional Review Act dictates that all "major" rules are delayed for 60 legislative days after they are submitted to Congress and are subject to a "fast track" process for repeal. That process has to end before President Obama leaves office to guarantee a veto of any Congressional resolution of disapproval.
If the Labor Department does not act soon, Congress will reverse this critical protection for millions of workers.
Please consider signing the petition, and then click on the confirmation email, so that we receive an official response from the White House.<http://kos.salsalabs.com/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=BWaBH5y6piKqEE8g5dKdecoUUrMUWVvX>
For more information contact your PDA advocacy chairs:
Martin Stewart martstew at mit.edu<mailto:martstew at mit.edu>
Murat Yildirim muraty at mit.edu<mailto:muraty at mit.edu>
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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: Mar 21, Apr 4, 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:
[[GLIMPSE logo]]Glimpse:
Episode 7: Dr. Christin Glorioso is a postdoc in Leonard Guarente's lab. We discuss how brains age, nootropics and Pittsburgh!
If you would like to be interviewed by GLIMPSE podcast or would like to help with the podcast (music, logo, artwork), please contact us at glimpse.podcast at gmail.com<mailto:glimpse.podcast at gmail.com>. For more information, please visit us at: http://glimpse.mit.edu/
Yoga Classes
If you are interested in yoga classes starting February 17th on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm, Marlar Lounge (37-252), a reduced rate for postdocs and their spouses/partners is offered for a 10 class session for $80.
The classes will take place at the following 10 dates:
Feb 17 and 24, March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, April 6, 13 and 20
If you are interested, please reserve your spots by contacting sarahsaf at mit.edu<mailto:sarahsaf at mit.edu>
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Other Events at MIT:
This Week:
Workshop on Research Reproducibility (organized by MIT Libraries and Center for Open Science)
Join the MIT Libraries and the Center for Open Science for a workshop on increasing openness and reproducibility in quantitative research. Learn easy, practical steps to work more effectively and incorporate good practices into your current workflows, including project documentation, version control, archiving data, and managing access and collaboration. The workshop will also show open source tools like the Center for Open Science's Open Science Framework<https://osf.io/>, which provides a way to implement these concepts while linking to commonly used tools like GitHub and Dropbox. The workshop will be hands-on: bring your laptop, or use one of our workstations. Using example studies, attendees will actively participate in creating a reproducible project from start to finish. All researchers are welcome; no specialized programming knowledge is required.
Date and Time: Monday, March 21st, 1-4pm
Location: 14N-132
Register here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SRmrpByr0UerxFsOAU-Xv4Kc5QtAxfLm3D-gWCBeGJA/viewform?c=0&w=1>
Crafting Your Story for Career Transition (organized by Mass AWIS*) New
Come learn how to craft your story for career transition with James Gould (Bio<http://mass-awis.org/webapp/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Jim-Gould-Bio-MASS-AWIS-2016.pdf>), Ph.D. Director, HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellow
A critical part of transitioning careers is letting others know that you are capable of doing it successfully. Effectively communicating your career story is an often forgotten step in career exploration and the job search. This workshop will provide tips and tricks on crafting a career story, effective communication, and developing lasting professional relationships.
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 23th, 5:30-6:00pm Light Refreshments and Registration, 6:00-7:30pm Seminar
Location: Cannon Room, Building C, Harvard Medical School, 240 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA
Register here<http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ec70jviq970b6d4d&llr=fkq6htlab>
MASS AWIS at members* (please see footnote the end), HMS/HSDM and BSC postdoc** $8 * Non-members $15
**Must bring valid ID to event
In the "Distant" Future:
Sanofi Event - Directed Innovation: An Industry Perspective on Desired Innovations in Drug Delivery, Connected Medical Systems, and Information from Medical Devices (sponsored by MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation)
Paul Jansen, Associate Vice President and Head of Device Research, IP and Early Stage Development of Sanofi's Medical Device Development Group, will talk about areas where they see the need for innovation. Discover the pressing challenges of medical device technology to improve patient care in a pharmaceutical environment. (For questions, contact Michelle M. Grdina <mgrdina at mit.edu><mailto:mgrdina at mit.edu>)
Date and Time: Monday, March 28th, 4:00-5:30pm
Location: 3-270
Register here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1XmdiSiNkFeO8tEAecFD_EJqKq6MdlvPhbCiU0Ez7Ps4/viewform>
Taking a Mindful Approach to Your Career (organized by MIT Work-Life Center)
Discover how mindfulness can be a powerful tool in your career. Learn techniques to relieve stress, improve focus, and revive your energy and motivation on the job, as well as strategies to reflect on who you are, what's important to you, and the meaning and purpose in your work. In this seminar, you'll practice mindfulness exercises that can help you drop into the present moment and connect more deeply with yourself and your career. Presenter - Jennifer Earls, M.Ed.; Assistant Director, Prehealth Advisor, MIT
Date and Time: Tuesday, March 29th, 5:30pm dinner, 6-7:30pm seminar
Location: 4-349
Register here<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taking-a-mindful-approach-to-your-career-registration-21010180014>
Changing How You Respond to Stress (organized by MIT Work-Life Center)
Kids pushing your tolerance? Commuting getting to you? A new project keeping you up at night? Stressful situations can be seen as obstacles in your life that can cause you to be overwhelmed, reactive, sleep deprived, lacking energy, or worse. Your response to stress can make it hard to think or problem solve at work and at home. In this seminar, you will learn about what stress is and what stress isn't. You will learn about your own ability to identify situations that may increase your stress and, most importantly, you will practice how to monitor your stress response and decrease its negative impact.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 31st, 12:00-1:30pm
Location: 46-3189
Register here<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/changing-how-you-respond-to-stress-registration-20974321761>
On the Front Lines of Promoting Innovation: From MIT to Washington, D.C. (sponsored by MIT SPI and MIT VPR) New
Speaker: Michelle K. Lee, Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Date and Time: Thursday, March 31st, 3:00-4:00pm
Location: 10-250, Huntigton Hall
More information on our website at http://spi.mit.edu/
Spring Career Fair (organized by MIT GECD)
GECD organizes the MIT Spring Career Fair to provide opportunities that correspond to the needs of MIT students seeking full-time jobs and summer internships at the time of the fair in April. This "just in time" concept matches employers who are still hiring with students still seeking opportunities later in the semester. Students can register here<https://springcareerfair.mit.edu/#%21/candidate%22>. Student Registration will begin March 16,2016. You must register with your MIT email address.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 6st, 12:00-4:00pm
Location: Johnson Athletic Center
Pathways to the Life Science Industry Webinars
Many PhDs could use practice in the development of advanced cognitive skills and broadened perspectives to effectively contribute in the life science industry. In this webinar series, we present examples of career pathways as we emphasize the integration and application of knowledge regarding products, processes, the regulatory environment, intellectual property, the markets, and financial matters.
Don't miss these unique opportunities to learn about the careers in the life sciences industry that leverage your unique scientific training and place you on a trajectory to leadership.
April 6, 12:00 - 12:00 pm-1:00pm
Professional Development for Scientists: Tacit Knowledge and Current Events
James Sterling, Ph.D., Director of the Postdoctoral Professional Master's Program
Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, CA
Register Now: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2121804926099112962
Diverse Careers in Science Speed Networking Event (organized by Mass AWIS* and Cambridge Science Festival) New
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>
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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