Weekly PDA Newsletter - January 22, 2017

[Meghan Huber]

*​Dear MIT Postdocs,Want to get involved with organizing professional
development activities for the PDA? Check out the details below on how to
join the professional development committee!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 MEETINGMonday, February 13,
201712:00pm Rm TBDLunch 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 Tuesday for volleyball
and 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/>!SoccerDate and Time
Tuesday January 24, 5-7 PMLocation Zesiger Mac CourtVolleyballDate and Time
Friday, January 27, 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/>Battle 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!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 postdocs learn
about different career options? 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 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 68-181How to Work a Career
FairHosted by MIT Global Education & Career DevelopmentMany students are
overwhelmed when attempting to navigate a career fair with many employers.
This workshop will provide tips and strategies on how be effective during
the upcoming Career Fairs. You will learn what to do in preparation for the
fair, what to do at the fair, and what to do after the fair. The fair is an
excellent opportunity to connect with employers -- create a strategy that
will help you in this competitive employment environment!  Date and Time
Thursday, January 26th, 1:30pm – 3:00pmLocation E19-202Registration
Pre-registration requested via CareerBridge
<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>.Harvard 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>Next WeekBiotechnology and
Pharmaceutical IndustryHosted by the MIT Biology DepartmentAre you
considering a job in industry? Join us for an exciting Q&A session with a
panel of scientists who belong to different areas of industry. Learn about
their day-to-day life, how they transitioned from academia to industry, and
find out whether industry is right for you. Panel features Eric Bell, Ph.D.
(Senior Scientist, Translational Biology, Mitobridge Inc.), Dan Denning,
Ph.D. (Investigator II in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, at the
Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR)), Ann Marie Faust, Ph.D.
(Investigator II in the Synthetic Biology group, Global Discovery Chemistry
department, NIBR), and Setu Roday, Ph.D. (Senior Scientist in the Materials
Discovery and Characterization department at Vertex Pharmaceuticals).  Date
and Time Tuesday, January 31, 1:00pm – 3:00pmLocation 68-181Helping PhDs
and Postdocs Identify SkillsHosted by MIT Global Education & Career
DevelopmentYou will have the opportunity to learn more about the skills you
have gained in your PhD and/or postdoc. This session will feature
activities to help you identify skills. It will also discuss research that
has been done to identify skills you have learned that employers desire in
various industries. Date and Time Wednesday, February 1, 2:00pm –
3:30pmLocation E19-202Registration Pre-registration requested via
CareerBridge <https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>.Finding and Managing
a Faculty PositionHosted by the MIT Biology DepartmentHear from a diverse
array of faculty members on their experience finding and thriving in a
faculty position. Panel features Mary Gehring (Associate Professor of
Biology; Member, Whitehead Institute. PhD, University of California,
Berkeley), Victor Hatini (Associate Professor of Developmental, Molecular &
Chemical Biology, Tufts University. PhD, Cornell University School of
Medicine), Anupama Seshan (Assistant Professor of Biology, Emmanuel
College. PhD, MIT), and Eliezer Calo-Velazquez (Assistant Professor of
Biology, MIT. PhD, MIT).Date and Time Friday, February 3, 1:30pm –
3:00pmLocation 68-180Upcoming 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>*
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.mit.edu/pipermail/mit-postdocs/attachments/20170122/d505d0d0/attachment-0001.html
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: pda.png
Type: image/png
Size: 45948 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://mailman.mit.edu/pipermail/mit-postdocs/attachments/20170122/d505d0d0/attachment-0002.png
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: Battle of Bands - Call for artists.png
Type: image/png
Size: 5928743 bytes
Desc: not available
Url : http://mailman.mit.edu/pipermail/mit-postdocs/attachments/20170122/d505d0d0/attachment-0003.png