Weekly PDA Newsletter - February 19, 2017

[Meghan Huber]

*​Dear MIT Postdocs,Due to snow last week, our monthly meeting has been
rescheduled for this Tuesday. Make sure to also check out our sports
activities this week, as well as the Swing Dance night on Wednesday and
Coffee Hour on Thursday (see full details below).Stay warm and enjoy your
week!Cheers,Meghan-----Dr. Meghan HuberCorresponding SecretaryPostdoctoral
Association of MIT (PDA)Follow the MIT-PDA on social media!MIT-PDAwebsite
<http://pda.mit.edu/>Facebook
<https://www.facebook.com/groups/44093460815/>Twitter
<https://twitter.com/MITPDA>Instagram
<https://www.instagram.com/mitpda/>LinkedIn
<https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2506720/profile>Boston-PDAwebsite
<http://bostonpostdocs.org/>NEXT MIT-PDA MEETINGTuesday, February 21,
201712:00pm Rm 76-259Lunch will be provided!REGISTER HERE
<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-vT1gzgyik3JHFWaRgQwAVeVoiaoQFK7iP2MO4dtKwo/viewform>Please
join us for our monthly MIT-PDA meeting! Get involved with any of the
various committees (e.g., sports, advocacy, committee, community building)
and have your voice heard. This is a great opportunity meet your fellow
postdocs on campus! MIT-PDA NEWS AND EVENTSEventsPostdoc SoccerHosted by
the MIT-PDA Sports CommitteeInterested in playing soccer with your fellow
postdocs? Join the soccer mailing list
<https://groups.mit.edu/webmoira/list/soccer-pda> and the sports facebook
group <https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/> to stay
up-to-date with playing times! For soccer, it is critical that you check
the Facebook book group and note your availability on the poll. Events are
subject to cancellation if there is insufficient attendance.Date and Time
Tuesday, February 21, 5:30-7 PMLocation Zesiger Mac CourtSwing Dance
NightHosted by the MIT-PDA Community Building CommitteeMIT Postdoctoral
Association, in collaboration with MIT Lindy Hop Society, are happy to
present an evening of Swing Dancing with a live jazz band from Berklee -
Gabriel's Angels. Got Two Left Feet? NO PROBLEM! Have No Partners? NO
PROBLEM!! Never Danced Before? NO PROBLEM!!! We have you covered. There
will be a free St. Louis Shag lesson from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The band
starts playing after the lesson. Best Part? IT’S FREE!! (Tips welcome for
the band). Date and Time Wednesday, February 22, 7:30-11:00 PMLocation
Morss Hall, Walker Memorial (Building 50)Postdoc Coffee Hour - Theme:
International Scholars at MITHosted by the MIT-PDA Human Affairs
CommitteeThis month we are doing something a little different. We will be
hosting two advisors from the International Scholars Office for an open and
informal discussion on issues facing international Postdocs and helpful
resources available at MIT. All Postdocs are invited - please join us! Come
meet other Postdocs, and bring your questions and comments for our
discussion. We will have fresh coffee, fruit, and snacks for you to
enjoy.Date and Time Thursday, February 23, 4:00-4:45 PM (discussion with
ISchO) 4:45-5:30 PM (socializing)Location 56-614Postdoc VolleyballHosted by
the MIT-PDA Sports CommitteePlease join the PDA this Friday for soccer!!
Enter through the Vassar street entrance and the attendees at the gate
should let you through if you say you are with the PDA and present MIT ID.
There are bathrooms in the facility where you can change or come with
someone with a membership who can give you access to the locker rooms.
Spouses and significant others of postdocs are welcome free of charge.
Friends and colleagues may join only if they have an athletics membership
(otherwise you may need to pay a 1 time entrance fee that is around $15).
Anyone can join for the Muddy afterwards (you just need to be with someone
who has MIT ID) providing you are 21 or over. Note the Muddy is cash only
if you want to buy drinks. Please also add yourself to our sports Facebook
group <https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/>!Date and Time
Friday, February 24, 7:30-9:00 PM, followed by pizza at the Muddy at 9:30
PM.Location Zesiger Rockwell North CourtWeekly Board Game NightsHosted by
the MIT-PDA Community Building Committee, MIT-GSC, and CSAILMIT-PDA, along
with GSC and the CSAIL departments, are happy to announce that we will be
having weekly board game nights on Friday evenings. Please contact Jon
Gjengset (jon at thesquareplanet.com) if you have any questions regarding the
venue or the time.Date  Friday, February 24, 6 PMLocation Stata Center,
32-D463 2017 MIT Postdoctoral Association Vendor FairHosted by the MIT-PDA
Fundraising CommitteeMark your calendars! On Tuesday, March 14th, 2017 the
PDA will host a vendor fair in the "student street" of the Ray and Maria
Stata Center. This is a great opportunity to meet sales representatives of
a wide range of companies (start-ups as well as the big players) where you
typically order goods and equipment for the laboratory. This is the chance
to meet the real people behind the products and not only the checkout
webpage of the eCatalog. Join us and get in touch with companies and your
fellow PostDocs. More details to come!Date and Time  Tuesday, March 14,
Time TBALocation  Stata CenterBattle of the Bands -- Call for
ApplicationsHosted by MIT-PDA and MIT-GSCApplications for the prestigious
MIT Battle of Bands is now open. You are a band? You have at least 50%
members that are at MIT? You know how to get a crowd going? All styles are
welcome, as long as they are not pre-recorded and can be performed live.
The Battle of Bands takes place on March 10th in Morss Hall. Professional
judges will elect and announce the winners, which can win great prices.
Musicians, apply!Apply online here <http://gsc.mit.edu/bands/> by February
19!  Postdoc Orientation SessionsThe 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 involvedThe sessions will be typically the 1st and
3rd Monday of each month at 12pm (45-60min) in E49-5145. Lunch will be
provided. The dates for the semester are as follows: February 27, March 6,
March 20, April 3, April 24, May 22. If you are interested in
participating, you can register via Atlas or here
<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>.GLIMPSE (PDA
PInG Initiative)              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
<glimpse.podcast at gmail.com>. For more information, please visit us at:
http://glimpse.mit.edu/ <http://glimpse.mit.edu/>OTHER MIT AND LOCAL
EVENTSThis WeekAcademic Interviews and Offers PanelHosted by MIT Global
Education & Career Development, the Graduate Student Council and Office of
the Vice President for ResearchFaculty panelists will address the process
of searching for academic positions, effective interview strategies, and
ways to successfully navigate this process. Academic job offer negotiation
will also be discussed. Date and Time Thursday, February 23,
2:00pm-3:30pmLocation 1-190Daimler and Mercedes-Benz Info SessionHosted by
MIT-Germany Program, MISTI, Center for International StudiesSelling over 3
million vehicles and employing more than 282,000 employees worldwide,
Daimler AG - which includes Mercedes-Benz - is one of the world's most
successful automotive companies. A pioneer of automotive engineering dating
back to 1886, Daimler continues to shape the future of mobility today,
focusing on innovative and green technologies. Come learn about the
company's cutting-edge research and discover opportunities to connect
through internships and full time jobs. Refreshments will be served.Date
and Time Friday, February 24, 5:00pm-7:00pmLocation E40-496, Lucian Pye
Conference RoomSwiss Sciences NightHosted by Swissnex BostonOn February 24,
the eve of the MIT European Career Fair, swissnex Boston is organizing a
career development evening event featuring several top Swiss universities
and research institutions looking to attract talented students and young
professionals to Switzerland. Employers available to meet interested
candidates during the night include: Disney Research, EPF Lausanne, ETH
Zurich, Swiss Re, University of Basel, University of Bern, University of
Zurich, Greater Zurich Area.Date and Time Friday, February 24,
6:00pm-9:00pmLocation Building E15Registration
https://swisssciencesnight.eventbrite.com
<https://swisssciencesnight.eventbrite.com/>21st MIT European Career Fair
(ECF)Hosted by the MIT ECF Organizing CommitteeLooking for a career in
Europe? — Academia or Industry? Come and join the 21st MIT European Career
Fair (ECF). Registration and résumé upload are for free – we invite
everyone to sign up! Students, Postdocs, young professionals from all over
the US are welcome at the fair and can submit their résumé prior to the
fair to be selected for interviews. Meet company representatives, schedule
interviews, listen to information sessions, and improve your job
application in our CV workshop! These are just a few of the many exciting
companies that will be present at the fair: Boston Consulting Group, ETH
Zurich, ASML, Fraunhofer Institute, Bayer, Roche, Philips Healthcare,
Daimler, TU Munich, Swiss Re, Confederation of Danish Industry, European
Research Council, PSL Research University Paris, and High Tech NL.Date and
Time Saturday, February 25, 9:00am-4:00pmLocation W-34, MIT Johnson
TrackRegistration:
<https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fecf.fairsey.com%2F&h=ATP9p5RwYwuaBd4frSC-wsfZ7I9TL0-jZkw7Prj8i_aNZVtd32kCtgAOT71jkQsiiBoYGZa_gQHbuCy3QDun0JmbDwUloLS3awk8s4KI6XZLmHwy_3FYvKi3jOFWs4AaHIHipd8EWw&enc=AZN75pFeo5Kylqsl2sNXhAypYNGLDSr7a5iLLLAb3ZJ9bDDMK8o2T7CDKSo4ec2bzMESyV5HrWp-Us2n2oTNkixj8vaf6g5nl2AQNu4KG6WgGmjNIgVIxojrMIjtuRoXJU-xm_Vb3DzaUF45jv8TbPj_&s=1>https://ecf.fairsey.com/
<https://ecf.fairsey.com/>. Research in Germany - Information
SessionsHosted by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)On Sunday,
February 26, 2017, the German exhibitors will hold an informative and
dynamic workshop about the German research landscape, career paths and
funding opportunities in Germany. This features two interactive sessions
for (under-)graduate and postdoctoral students which will be open to anyone
interested in study and research in Germany. The Information Session will
start at 10 AM with a "Welcome and Introduction" highlighting new
developments and job opportunities in Germany for all participants.
Participants will then have the opportunity to meet our experts at various
round tables. The topics include: Funding Opportunities (PhD, Postdoc,
Junior Researcher), Junior Research Group Leaders, Opportunities for
Postdocs, Universities of Applied Science, Different Ways to a
Professorship, Research Careers in Industry, and Careers in Administration
and Management (Alt.-Ac).Date and Time Sunday, February 26, 10:00 AM -
12:30 PMLocation Boston Marriott Cambridge 50 Broadway, Cambridge, MA
02142, Salon 5-7Registration Participation is free of charge, but
registration is required: http://research-in-germany.org/ecf2017
<http://research-in-germany.org/ecf2017>Next WeekDisney Tech TalkHosted by
MIT Global Education & Career DevelopmentDISNEY IS COMING TO MIT! Join us
for a tech talk featuring Katie Bassett- Manager, Research & Development.
Katie will cover, in depth, some of the amazing projects developed by the
Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media's research & development team!
Pizza will be served.Date and Time Monday, February 27,
1:00pm-2:00pmLocation E19-202Registration Advance Registration is required
on CareerBridge <https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>Quiet Power:
Learning to Lead as an Introvert by Dr. Heidi KasevichHosted by MIT Global
Education & Career DevelopmentQuiet Power: Learning to Lead as an Introvert
Dr. Heidi Kasevich of Quiet Revolution will discuss our current
understanding of the introversion-extroversion spectrum and how we can use
self-awareness, along with existing data, to optimize our ability to lead
in todays world. In addition to the well-known connection of introversion
response to outside stimulus, Dr. Kasevich will also discuss biological
differences in decision making. Registered users will be provided access to
the Quiet Revolution assessment tool prior to the seminar. Snacks will be
served.Date and Time Monday, February 27, 3:00pm-4:00pmLocation
E25-111Discover Your StrengthsHosted by MIT MindHandHeartYou possess many
unique, natural talents, which represent the very best of you, they are
your greatest opportunities for success in college, your career and your
personal life.  The Clifton StrengthsFinder measures the presence of 34
talent themes. This session will allow participants to take the Clifton
StrengthsFinder and find out their top five talent themes and how to
capitalize on this knowledge in college, their lives and careers.
Participants will need to preregister for this session ahead of time and
take the Clifton StrengthsFinder.  Participants will receive a code and
directions to take the Clifton StrengthsFinder once they have registered.
Limited to 20 participants.  Date and Time Wednesday, March 1,
7:00pm-8:30pmLocation 10-105Registration Email mlparker at mit.edu to sign
upFinancial Life SkillsHosted by MIT MindHandHeartKen Davies, Retirement
Program Manager in MIT Human Resources, will lead a workshop addressing
financial questions faced by young adults. Discussion topics may include
(but not be limited to): When to pay off educational loans vs when to
invest in a retirement plan, When to buy a home vs when to rent, and Taking
out a car loan vs saving to purchase a car. Participating in this workshop
should help you feel more confident with your financial management skills
and may open your eyes to facts you had not considered.  Date and Time
Thursday, March 2, 7:00pm-8:00pmLocation 2-105Upcoming DeadlinesSloan EMBA
2017 Postdoc Lab ToursHosted by MIT Sloan The Executive MBA program at MIT
Sloan would like to invite you to share your research projects (via a Lab
visit) and exchange perspectives with the current class of Executive MBAs
(EMBA) at MIT’s Sloan School of Management – a group of mid-career leaders
from a range of sectors working full time but also doing an MBA. As part of
their curriculum, the EMBAs are learning about the MIT and Cambridge/MA
innovation ecosystem. Technical (science and engineering) communities are
clearly an essential part of this ecosystem and we would like to bring the
EMBA and research community together. This will give them a glimpse into
the real heart of MIT and give you the opportunity to make a personal
connection with highly placed executives in diverse fields: pharma and
biotech (Pfizer, Biogen Idec, Perkin Elmer, etc), energy and power
(Chevron, Schlumberger, etc), software and tech (Microsoft, Cisco, VMWare,
etc.), finance (Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Fidelity, etc.), the military, local
hospitals, and others. Here is our request: (1) Please host a group of EMBA
student for a lab tour on Friday, the 24th of February starting at 5:00pm.
We will leave it up to you how you want to structure your tour and how long
you want it to be. Talk about your research, technology, your dog, anything
really… (2) You are invited to a MIT Sloan networking event immediately
following your tour. At the reception, you can meet and mingle with the
rest of the EMBA classes as well as the Sloan Fellows class. The reception
will be at 7:00pm (Location TBA). If you are interested, please RSVP by
filling out this form <https://goo.gl/forms/YFVJufQ2j9ypIHmE2> by Tuesday,
February 21st by 11:59pm. Space is limited to 30. First come, first
served.  Please email with any questions (jdkim at mit.edu)Postdoc YogaHosted
by Instructor Hadassah SegalYoga for postdocs (and spouses/partners) is
being offered on an ongoing basis and the new session begins February 22,
2017. This open level, gentle yoga class is on Wednesdays, 7:30pm-8:30pm,
on the MIT campus (location tba). The rate for the 10 class session is $90
(no makeups or single classes). The dates are: Feb. 22, March 1, March 8,
March 15, March 22, March 29, April 5, No class April 12, April 19, April
26, May 3. If you are interested in joining, please email
hadassahsegal at hotmail.com to reserve your spot!Falling Walls Lab
BostonHosted by Falling Walls Lab BostonDo you have an idea? Come to
Harvard April 9th 2017 to pitch it in front of our panel of leading
business leaders and academics for a chance to change the world and win a
trip to Berlin to make it happen. Join the German American Conference for
the first annual Falling Walls Lab Boston hosted at Harvard. The Falling
Walls Lab is a platform for academics, entrepreneurs and professionals from
all disciplines to present their research, work, business model, innovative
project or idea. Each participant has 3 minutes to present their idea on
our stage and the winner will be invited to Berlin in November to pitch
their idea at the Falling Walls Lab finale in Berlin and is awarded a
ticket for the international Falling Walls Conference on November 9, 2017.
Applications can be submitted through the website www.falling-walls.com/lab
<http://www.falling-walls.com/lab>. The application deadline is February
28th. All are welcome to participate and to watch on the 9th. CHECK OUT
THESE SITES FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS postdocs.mit.edu
<http://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/>Boston PDA Events
<http://bostonpostdocs.org/events-calendar/>Mass-AWIS Events
<http://mass-awis.org/category/events-calendar/>**NOTE: Association of
Women in Science Massachusetts Chapter (http://mass-awis.org/
<http://mass-awis.org/>): Since MIT is a Collegiate Rep of AWIS, the MIT
community can attend Mass AWIS events at the member price.  First, apply
for your free membership through the national AWIS website
http://www.awis.org/ <http://www.awis.org/> as a Collegiate Rep and select
the Massachusetts Chapter. Do this prior to registering for any events.MIT
RESOURCES FOR POSTDOCSMBTA AccessAs a reminder, all postdoctoral fellows
and postdoctoral associates on MIT’s Cambridge campus are eligible for
free, unrestricted subway and local bus access. MIT is providing ID cards
with a special MBTA* chip inside that will provide this access.
(*Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). If you received a new MIT ID
card on or after June 21 (or after August 9, in the case of many
postdoctoral fellows), check the back of your ID card. If “Charlie INSIDE!”
is written on it, you are all set, and already have access. If not, you can
visit the Card Office (W20-020) with your current MIT ID card to swap it
for one with the MBTA chip inside it. The Card Office is open between 8:30
a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.FREE Mindfulness and Meditation Classes
from MIT MedicalFind Some Om Under the DomeMIT Libraries is offering
drop-in meditation and relaxation sessions. Please join us for silent
meditation in the Barker reading room. Sit for a minute, or 30. Beginners
welcome - no experience necessary. Every Monday at noon in the Barker Dome
of Barker Engineering Library (10-500). Please arrive promptly.
Registration is required.
<https://medical.mit.edu/community/wellness/classes/mindfulness-meditation>Meditation
for your WellbeingCommunity Wellness at MIT Medical offers drop-in
meditation and relaxation sessions. Sit back and relax - no experience
necessary. Please arrive promptly. A short talk and guided meditation
begins at 12:10 pm. This class is held every 2nd Wednesday of the month,
12:10 pm-12:40 pm. Led by Seth Monk. Registration is required.
<https://medical.mit.edu/community/wellness/classes/mindfulness-meditation>MIT
Writing & Communication CenterThe Center provides free professional advice
about all types of writing and speaking/oral presentations, including
specialized help for non-native English speakers. See their website for
more details: http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/
<http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/>MyLife
ServicesMyLife Services
<http://o6os.mj.am/link/o6os/xlkt8jnnqpg8/1/-kBne3WjUT8Ww6LEA98gxw/aHR0cDovL2hyd2ViLm1pdC5lZHUvd29ya2xpZmUvbWl0bXlsaWZlc2VydmljZXM>
is a free, confidential, 24/7 counseling, consultation, and work-life
referral service provided by KGA, Inc., a trusted external provider of
employee assistance programs. Postdoc Associates and Fellows are eligible
for services provided by KGA, Inc. through the MIT Work-Life Center and
MyLife Services. You can now access a network of experts who can help with
the challenges of life and work, such as: - Financial planning, debt
management, and legal issues- Personal and work relationships- Sleep and
nutrition- Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional concerns- Child
and elder careThis includes 5 FREE confidential mental health counseling
sessions, as well as access to 24/7 confidential counseling services. We
encourage you to learn more about MyLife Services by calling 1-844-405-LIFE
(1-844-405-5433) or going online
<http://o6os.mj.am/link/o6os/xlkt8jnnqpg8/2/y46EmaQ0aMF6d85vixaLTg/aHR0cDovL2hyd2ViLm1pdC5lZHUvd29ya2xpZmUvbWl0bXlsaWZlc2VydmljZXM>.
For more information or to provide feedback, please contact the MIT
Work-Life Center. MIT Spouses&Partners Connect Offers social and
career-related groups and events for your spouse/partner/family. For more
information and event listings, visit http://spouses.mit.edu/
<http://spouses.mit.edu/>. MIT Employee Resource GroupsJoin an Employee
Resource Group (ERG) at MIT!ERGs are employee-led groups formed around
common interests, issues and/or a common bond or background. ERGs host
activities such as lectures, socials, dinners, etc. Both Postdoctoral
Fellows and Associates are invited to join. Current ERGs include: -
African, Black, American, Caribbean @MIT (ABAC at MIT) ERG- Asian Pacific
American ERG- Latino ERG,- Lesbian, Gay, ,Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) ERG-
Millennials ERG- Women in IT ERGCheck out the link for more information and
upcoming events: http://hrweb.mit.edu/diversity/ergs/current
<http://hrweb.mit.edu/diversity/ergs/current>OTHER RESOURCESFree Membership
for the National Postdoctoral AssociationThe National Postdoctoral
Association (NPA) is a member-driven organization that provides a unique,
national voice for postdoctoral scholars. Since 2003, we have taken on the
ambitious agenda to enhance the quality of the postdoctoral experience in
the United States. We have assumed a leadership role in addressing the many
issues confronting the postdoctoral community that are national in scope
and requiring action beyond the local level. Get your free affiliate
membership with the National Postdoctoral Association here:
http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/?page=individual_members
<http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/?page=individual_members>*
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