Weekly PDA Newsletter - January 15, 2017

Sun Jan 15 16:07:33 EST 2017



*Dear MIT Postdocs,Does your department or institute have its own postdoc
organization? Please respond to this email and let us know! The MIT-PDA is
looking for ways to help support other postdoc organizations on campus. And
don’t forget, if you want to organize your own event or activity for
postdocs, our call for postdoc initiative grants is open until January 31.
See below for detailsEnjoy 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 MEETINGMonday, February 13,
201712:00pm Rm E25-202 Lunch 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 Volleyball and
SoccerHosted by the MIT-PDAPlease join the PDA this Friday for post-doc
volleyball and 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/>!SoccerDate and Time
Friday, January 20, 6:00-8:00 PMLocation Zesiger Mac CourtVolleyballDate
and Time Friday, January 20, 7:30-9:00 PM, followed by pizza at the Muddy
at 9:30 PM.Location Zesiger Rockwell North CourtBPDA Ice Skating
NightHosted by the Boston Postdoc Association and MIT-PDAJoin the BPDA for
it's annual ice skating night at Community Ice Skating! Bring a friend or
your family to this kid-friendly event and enjoy a night of hot cocoa,
snacks and skating! Bring your own skates or rent them on site for $8.50
per person!Date and Time Sunday, January 29th 5:30-7pmLocation Community
Ice Skating @ Kendall, 300 Athenaeum Street in CambridgeRegistration
Register here: https://bpdaskating2017.eventbrite.com
<https://bpdaskating2017.eventbrite.com/>Call for Postdoc Initiative Grant
(PInG) Proposals!Do you have an idea for an activity or event that you
think would benefit the postdoc community? The MIT Postdoctoral Association
is pleased to announce the third annual call for Postdoc Initiative Grant
proposals.  The grant aims to financially support a range of activities,
events, and projects, including but not limited to: - Social gatherings-
Recreational activities- Arts and cultural programs- Mental health and
stress support groups- Professional development seminars and workshops-
Groups to support postdoc women or parentsPreviously funded PInG projects
include: Glimpse: the Postdoc Podcast, Yoga Classes, Postdoc Playdates,
POWER: Postdoctoral Women Engaged in Research, Postdoc Zumba, Postdoc
Jogging Club. So, think about what you’d like to do and send us a proposal!
For more information and for the application form check out
http://pda.mit.edu/ping <http://pda.mit.edu/ping>. The deadline for
applications is January 31, 2017 12:00 pm EST for events taking place from
mid-February to September. We look forward to hearing your plans!  Please
contact the PInG Committee Chair, Elizabeth Stewart (pda-ping at mit.edu
<pda-ping at mit.edu>), if you have any questions.  Call for Professional
Development Committee MembersDo you want to improve the postdoc training
framework and help to choose careers beyond their postdoctoral training?
Help develop and organize the unique Career Development programs which are
organized by MIT's Postdoc Association by joining the Professional
Development Committee!  This is a great opportunity to build your network
and your resume, as well as develop critical interpersonal and other "soft"
skills that are so critical to your own success. In the coming months, we
are starting two career development programs and are looking for several
driven and dedicated postdocs to co-develop these projects.  We are
currently recruiting committee members for assistance with: - Peer
Mentoring Program. This mentoring program is designed to help postdoctoral
scholars achieve career success following completion of      their academic
traineeships. This program is designed for postdocs interested in several
career tracks including         academic, R&D, technology and other career
tracks. - Share and Collaborate your Science. This program is designed to
help postdoctoral scholars to "Refine and Define" their research work by
sharing           with postdocs from other MIT & other institutes. This
program will provide the opportunity to collaborate and           get
feedback from peers.Please email to Professional Development Committee
Chair, Yogesh Dayma at pda-professional at mit.edu if you would like to join
this committee or learn more about the responsibilities.   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: January 23, February 6, 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 WeekBPDA Networking Pub Night at Lansdowne PubHosted by the
Boston Postdoc AssociationPostdocs, join us for the first networking night
of 2017 and kickstart your job search!  Meet industry professionals from
local companies who are eager to meet you and share their experiences in
their respective fields.Date and Time Wednesday, January 18,
6:00-8:00pmLocation The Lansdowne Pub, 9 Lansdowne St, Boston, MA
02215Registration Register here: https://bpda1lansdowne.eventbrite.com
<https://bpda1lansdowne.eventbrite.com/>Academic Job SearchHosted by MIT
Global Education & Career DevelopmentWondering how to mount a successful
job search in this highly competitive academic job market? This workshop
presented by Bob Dolan will discuss important elements of preparing a
strong application package which includes a CV, Cover Letter, Research
Statement, Teaching Statement, and Diversity Statement.  This program is
targeted towards all PhD students and Postdocs who may prepare for the
faculty search now and in the future.  In addition, actual academic hiring
committee interview questions from 20 US and international universities
will be provided. Date and Time Tuesday, January 17th, 1:30pm –
3:00pmLocation 4-271Registration Pre-registration requested via
CareerBridge <https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>.Making the Most of
Your PresentationHosted by MIT Global Education & Career DevelopmentStrong
oral presentation skills are a key to success for engineers, scientists,
and other professionals, yet many speakers are at a loss to tackle the
task. Systematic as they otherwise can be in their work, they go at it
intuitively, sometimes haphazardly, with much good will but seldom good
results. Based on Dr Doumont's book Trees, maps, and theorems, about
"effective communication for rational minds" this lecture proposes a
systematic way to prepare and deliver presentations. Among others, it
covers structure, slides, and delivery, as well as stage fright. Dr.
Doumont holds an engineering degree from the Louvain School of Engineering
and a PhD in applied physics from Stanford. He specializes in professional
speaking, writing, and graphing, and incorporates a unique engineering
perspective. More at www.principiae.be <http://www.principiae.be/>. Date
and Time Thursday, January 19th, 2:00pm – 4:00pmLocation 10-250Registration
Pre-registration requested via CareerBridge
<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>.Building a Better Future - Boston
Biotech MixerHosted by the Friends of Boston’s HomelessAre you looking to
network with other young professionals in the Biotech community of Boston?
Do you want to help the homeless people in our city? Then come to our event
next Thursday, January 19th, "Building a Better Future | Boston Biotech"!
For a $25 donation you get access to the event, a complimentary glass of
champagne, free hors devours and unlimited opportunities to socialize with
CEO's, recruiters as well as like minded scientists and entrepreneurs like
yourself! The evening will culminate with a keynote address from the
internationally renowned Dr. George Church, Harvard geneticist, cofounder
of the Wyss Institute and author of "Regenesis". Also enjoy the musical
stylings of Ralph Peterson and the Berklee Musical Ensemble. Every single
dollar goes directly to the Friends of the Boston Homeless charity, which
is an organization dedicated to moving people out of shelters in Boston and
into permanent housing. Register today and we'll see you there!Date and
Time Thursday, January 19th, 5:30-8:30pmLocation Ned Devine's Parris, 1
Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA 02109Registration Register here
<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-a-better-future-boston-biotech-mixer-tickets-29234676705>Patent
Law Essentials: What Scientists, Engineers & Entrepreneurs Need to
KnowHosted by MIT Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science;
MIT Graduate Student Council; Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship;
MIT Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Graduate Students
AssociationPatent protection for inventions is a valuable component of
business strategy for startups and established companies. This workshop
covers the basics of U.S. patent law, including the patent application
process, prosecution, litigation, and licensing. Undergraduates, graduate
students, and post-docs in science, engineering, and business are welcome.
We will discuss what recent developments in patent law mean for inventors,
and draw examples ranging from the computer software to the pharmaceutical
industries. All members of the MIT community (including alumni) are
welcome. Refreshments will be served!Date and Time Two identical sessions
are being heldSession 1: Friday, January 20, 2017, 2pm-6pmSession 2:
Saturday, January 21, 2017, 2pm-6pmLocation 32-124Registration
https://goo.gl/forms/r7Km1xmLMzJSe8ej1
<https://goo.gl/forms/r7Km1xmLMzJSe8ej1> Limited to 60 participants in each
session. Walk-ins allowed, but advance sign-up preferred.Next
WeekStructuring  Your Scientific PapersHosted by MIT Global Education &
Career DevelopmentPapers are one of the few deliverables of the work of
researchers. Well-designed, they efficiently allow each reader to learn
only what he or she needs to. Poorly designed, by contrast, they confuse
readers, fail to prompt decisions, or remain unread. Based on Dr. Doumont's
book Trees, maps, and theorems, about effective communication for rational
minds, the lecture shows how to structure scientific papers, theses, and
technical reports effectively at all levels to get the readers' attention,
facilitate navigation, and, in this way, get the message across optimally.
Dr. Doumont holds an engineering degree from the Louvain School of
Engineering and a PhD in applied physics from Stanford. He specializes in
professional speaking, writing, and graphing, and incorporates a unique
engineering perspective. More at www.principiae.be
<http://www.principiae.be/>. Date and Time Monday, January 23th, 2:00pm –
4:00pmLocation 10-250Registration Pre-registration requested via
CareerBridge <https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>.Negotiating Job
OffersHosted by MIT Global Education & Career DevelopmentThis workshop will
examine the many variables that exist during the evaluation and negotiation
process of Job Offers. How do you know if this job is right for you? Salary
vs. Total Compensation will be looked at. Strategies on the negotiation
process will be discussed along with should you negotiate and "What Can"
and "What Can Not" be negotiated. These strategies are used throughout your
career.Date and Time Tuesday, January 24th, 1:30pm – 3:00pmLocation
E19-202Registration Pre-registration requested via CareerBridge
<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>.Scientific CommunicationHosted by
the MIT Biology DepartmentIf you enjoy talking about and explaining
science, come learn about the diverse career paths in scientific
communication including journal editors, medical writers, and journalists.
Panelists will explain how a PhD can be advantageous in their field and how
to transition from science to science writing. Panel features Joseph
Caputo, MSc (Media Relations Manager, Cell Press),Julie Sollier, PhD
(Scientific Editor, Cell Press), Megan Thielking (Reporter and Lead Writer,
STAT), Lisa Welch, MSc (Medical Writing, DynaMed/EBSCO)Date and Time
Tuesday, January 24th, 1:30pm – 3:00pmLocation 68-181Harvard Biotech Club
Winter Networking EventHosted by Harvard Biotech ClubThe Harvard Biotech
Club is starting a new series of networking events where you get the chance
to network with industry professionals (biotech/pharma, consulting, law,
venture, and more) in an informal setting. Appetizers provided. Cash bar.
Space is limited, so sign up soon! Open to Greater Boston postdocs and grad
students.Date and Time Wednesday, January 25th, 6:00pm – 8:00pmLocation The
Lansdowne Pub, 9 Lansdowne Street, Boston MA 02215Registration Please RSVP
here:  https://goo.gl/forms/f3PsoINcI3agXHOB3
<https://goo.gl/forms/f3PsoINcI3agXHOB3>Upcoming Deadlines2017 L’Oréal USA
For Women in Science Fellowship ProgramApplications for the 2017 L’Oréal
USA For Women in Science fellowship program are now open. The application
and more information about the L¹Oréal USA For Women in Science program can
be found at www.lorealusa.com/forwomeninscience
<http://www.lorealusa.com/forwomeninscience>. Applications are due on
Friday, February 3, 2017. Please see the website page for information.NU
Grant Writing Coaching Group @ Boston CollegeHosted by the The National
Research Mentoring Network Both coach and mentee applications are now being
accepted for the Boston Grant Writing Coaching Group. Mentees will enhance
their grant writing skills and knowledge by working closely with successful
researchers who know what it takes to obtain NIH grant funding. Group
sessions will be held at a Boston College and online throughout the Spring
2017. Visit their website
<https://nrmnet.net/grantwriting-coaching-groups/trainee-programs/nu-grant-writing-coaching-group-for-mentees-at-boston-college/>
for full details on the program and how to apply.Priority deadline for
applications January 17, 2017Final deadline for applications January 30,
2017CHECK 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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