Weekly MIT-PDA newsletter - November 5, 2017
Sabrina Huber
smhuber at mit.edu
Sat Nov 4 10:40:32 EDT 2017
[cid:fec228d2-489e-43b7-9146-67ffa33bf351 at exchange.mit.edu]
Dear MIT Postdocs,
The Indoor Sports Season has started again. Join us for weekly volleyball (Friday evenings) and soccer (Tuesday evenings) in the Zesiger Center.
Add yourself to our sports Facebook group<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/> for more information!
Have a good week,
Sabrina
------
Dr. Sabrina Huber
Recording Secretary
Postdoctoral Association of MIT (PDA)
Follow the MIT-PDA on social media!
MIT-PDA
website<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-PDA
website<http://bostonpostdocs.org/>
NEXT MIT-PDA MEETING
Monday, November 13, 2017
12:00 pm
68-181
Lunch will be provided!
REGISTER HERE<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc14UZWlOC1pyKdrJsq-0ZOpvkQO89ISg4QtEHZC--OtKzSgg/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 EVENTS
Elections for MIT-PDA Corresponding Secretary & Orientation Committee Chair
Hosted by MIT-PDA
We are looking for postdocs to join our team as Corresponding Secretary and Orientation Committee Chair. Interested postdocs should email pda-board at mit.edu<mailto:pda-board at mit.edu> describing their qualifications and interest in the position.
Date and Time Monday, November 13, 12:00 PM
Location 68-181
Postdoc Volleyball and Soccer
Hosted by MIT-PDA Sports Committee
Join us for indoor volleyball and soccer! Never played before? Don’t worry! All abilities are welcome. If you are a beginner, we encourage you to show up early to learn how to play and improve skills. The courts are located in the Zesiger center. 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).
Please also add yourself to our <https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/> sports Facebook group<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/> for more information!
Volleyball
Date and Time Every Friday, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Location Rockwell Court (Zesiger Center)
Soccer
Date and Time Every Tuesday, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Location Johnson JAC TRACKINFIELD (Zesiger Center)
PDA and Strategic Games Society (SGS) Partnership
Hosted by MIT-PDA Community Building Committee
Thanks to an MIT-PDA partnership, MIT postdocs may join for free the weekly board games hosted by the MIT Strategic Games Society (MIT-SGS). Moreover, you can bring non-MIT friends for a small fee of $5 per year. SGS meets every Friday at 7PM in MIT Building 50-316 (Walker Memorial Hall, Floor 3, Room 16) for board games and card games. Gaming sessions typically go until around 12-2 AM. For more information about the board game branch of SGS, contact <mailto:sgs-officers at mit.edu> the officers<mailto:sgs-officers at mit.edu>.
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
You may register for a session via Atlas or here<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>. Orientation begins at noon (45-60 min) in the Atlas Service Center (E17) and lunch is provided. Dates for the semester are as follows (all Wednesdays): November 8, November 29, December 20.
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<mailto:glimpse.podcast at gmail.com>. For more information, please visit us at: http://glimpse.mit.edu/
Boston-PDA NEWS AND EVENTS
BPDA Careers Networking Pub Night at Meadhall
Hosted by Boston-PDA Careers
Please join the Boston PDA for a fun night of networking at Meadhall! Meet local postdocs and rub elbows with industry professionals from local Biotech and Pharma companies. We'll have hot and cold appetizers 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 come make some new friends and contacts! Availability is first come, first served and is filling up quickly!
Date and Time Wednesday, November 15, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location Meadhall (4 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142)
Registration Registration required on Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bpda-careers-networking-pub-night-at-meadhall-111517-tickets-39210405378>
OTHER MIT AND LOCAL EVENTS
This Week
Data Management for Postdocs and Research Scientists
Hosted by MIT Libraries
Are you creating or managing research data? This hands-on workshop will provide an overview of data management topics, including file organization and naming, data security and backups, tools for collaborating with others in the lab, and data publishing, storage and sharing. We'll also cover journal publisher requirements and writing the data management plans that are required by most funders, as well as data management issues related to closing out projects and moving between institutions. Geared towards those in postdoc or research scientist roles, but all are welcome.
Date, Time & Registration Monday, November 6, 3:00 – 4:00 PM, Register<http://libcal.mit.edu/event/3604632>
Location 14N-132 (DIRC)
Note If you register for a full session, you will be added to a waiting list
MIT Walk-in Flu Clinic at MIT Medical
Hosted by MIT Medical
MIT Medical's flu clinics are the fastest and easiest way to receive your shot — no appointment necessary! We encourage all eligible members of the MIT Community to attend a walk-in flu clinic and receive your annual vaccination. Please remember to bring your MIT ID.
Date and Time Tuesday, November 7, 6:30 – 10:00 AM
Location E23-009 (MIT Medical)
More information Visit the website<http://mit.edu/fluinfo>
Tips & Techniques for Time Management
Hosted by MIT Human Resources
Do you feel as though you can’t keep up with all of the requests, emails, and papers that come across your desk? Does it seem that you spend too much time getting too little accomplished? Are you struggling to balance your work and persona responsibilities? These are common experiences in our fast-paced, connected world. Fortunately, you can take greater control of your time by learning to adopt some basic time management tips and techniques.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
* Identify basic technique and strategies for managing time more effectively
* Organise your work to maximize productivity
* Avoid common pitfalls in managing time
Date, Time, and Registration Tuesday, November 7, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Register<https://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CL33010c>
Location NE49, 5145
Required Pre-Work Managing Your Time<http://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Managing-Your-%20Time/143455-2.html?org=mit.edu> (lynda.com<http://lynda.com> module; 11 minutes)
Fixing Our Broken Sleep
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
In this interactive seminar, attendees will learn techniques for overcoming common sleep problems; examine sleep from a scientific, historic, and traditional perspective; and learn the connections between sleep and health. This presentation has helped many people begin to get better sleep almost immediately. Some sleep concerns that will be addressed include:
* Trouble falling asleep
* Difficulty staying asleep
* Excessive thinking
* Waking too early
* Daytime sleepiness
* Sunday night insomnia
* Chronic insomnia
Date, Time & Registration Tuesday, November 7, 12 – 1:30 PM
Location 76-156
Registration Registration required on Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fixing-our-broken-sleep-registration-36747397455>
Beers and Gears
Hosted by MIT Museum
Grab a friend—and a beer—and enjoy an evening of tinkering and building a Rube Goldberg-esque device. We’ll supply the materials you’ll need to construct your link. Then, at the end of the evening all of the devices will be connected to set off one giant chain reaction. Novices and master builders are welcome. Throughout the evening, you will have the opportunity to sample beverages from local breweries while working on your link.
Date and Time Friday, November 10, 6:30 – 9:00 PM
Location MIT Museum
More information This is a 21+ event
Cost $15 in advance<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beers-and-gears-ii-tickets-37732989387?ref=ebtn>, $20 at the door
Next Week
Scientific Ethics Workshop
Hosted by the Harvard University Physics Department
Prof. Christopher Stubbs will give an interactive workshop on scientific ethics and professional integrity. The workshop goals are to identify the various ways in which ethically difficult situations can arise, and to provide some approaches one can use to deal with them, using a combination of case studies and exercise.
Date and Time Wednesday, November 15, 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Location Jefferson Laboratory 250 (17 Oxford St, Cambridge)
Registration Please email Bonnie Currier<mailto:bcurrier at fas.harvard.edu>
Engineering Career Fair Collaborative
Hosted by the career offices of Harvard University, Boston University College of Engineeering, Olin College, Tufts University, and MIT.
Meet representatives from small engineering firms across the area seeking engineering students for full-time and internship opportunities in innovative fields including robotics, energy, medical devices, and civil/environmental design. All levels of engineering students from the five sponsoring institutions are invited to attend.
Note: This event is open to MIT postdocs and graduate students, but is geared to undergraduates. You may wish to look at the company list and check their websites for information on openings.
Date and Time Wednesday, November 15, 3:30 – 6:00 PM
Location Sheraton Commander Hotel (16 Garden Street, Cambridge MA)
Registration Registration required on CareerBridge<https://candidate.gradleaders.com/MITGECD/Candidates/Login.aspx?pid=3622>
Eating for High Energy
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
In this seminar, you will learn how your mitochondria affect your energy levels, what to eat to maintain high energy levels, and what to have on hand for a quick, healthy snack. You will also learn other tips to keep you at your best all day!
Date and Time Wednesday, November 15, 5:30 – 7:00 PM (Dinner available from 5:00 pm)
Location 46-3189
Registration Registration required on Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eating-for-high-energy-registration-36747050417>
Raising Children Who Care About Others and Their Communities
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
This presentation will share research about children’s social, emotional, and ethical development and will describe the skills that contribute to success in relationships, in school, and in life. Strategies will be shared for building empathy and perspective taking, and for helping children to be more compassionate in their everyday interactions.
Date and Time Thursday, November 16, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location NE49-5145
Registration Registration required on Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-children-who-care-about-others-and-their-communities-registration-36759578890>
Later in November
Student Loan Repayment Strategies
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
Student loan debt has an overwhelming impact on the lives of graduates and parents alike. This workshop will examine ways in which graduates and parents can manage education debt and guide borrowers’ successful transition from college to repayment. Attendees will learn:
* How to identify repayment responsibilities for each loan
* Methods for reducing monthly payments
* Strategies for identifying cash flow that can be used to prepay education debt
* Ways to avoid becoming delinquent and defaulting on education debt, even during times of personal economic hardship
* The best resources for managing and maintaining a repayment strategy
Date and Time Tuesday, November 28, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location 76-156
Registration Registration required on Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/student-loan-repayment-strategies-registration-36734432677>
UPCOMING DEADLINES
MIT IMPACT Program - New opportunity to sharpen your research and career focus!
* Gain a broader perspective on your research and career
* Heighten the potential of your research to achieve real-world impact
* Identify actionable opportunities to strengthen your work’s focus
* Express your research mission with clarity and power to attract collaborators and support
* Expand your professional network for lasting, valuable relationships
IMPACT combines interactive group and individualized instruction with professional mentors from academic, medical, and business sectors. The program challenges fellows to explore and defend the real-world impact of their research and helps them develop the skills and professional networks for successful careers inside and outside of academia.
More information and answers to FAQs Please visit the website<http://impact-program.org/> or email impact at mit.edu<mailto:impact at mit.edu>
Application Form http://bit.ly//impact18a
Application Deadline December 18, 2017
Eligibility Anyone in biomedical research with US citizenship or permanent residency
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://www.massawis.org/events/category/mass-awis-events/list/>
EVENTS FOR POSTDOCS WITH CHILDREN
Parents and Parents-to-be Group at Eastgate
Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Education and organized by MIT Spouses & Partners Connect
A peer-led weekly group for parents and parents-to-be to share information, support each other, and let the kids play together. Babies and kids of all ages welcome. Open to all parents in the MIT community.
For more information, contact Kate<mailto:07turnerk at gmail.com> and Margeux<mailto:margeux at gmail.com>.
Date and Time
Monday, November 6, 13, 20, 27,
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Monday, December, 04, 11,
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location Eastgate Penthouse, E55-29th floor
Toddler Play Group at Westgate
Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Education and organized by MIT Spouses & Partners Connect
All kids from 1.5-3.5 years old are welcome! You can bring siblings as well. On our first class we will paint pictures with animals, cars, nature, geometry shapes and etc. Contact Tatiana<mailto:angelgirl05 at mail.ru> to join the group.
Date and Time
Tuesday, November 7, 14, 21, 28, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday, December, 05, 12, 19, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Location Westgate Lounge, W85-Basement
Expecting and New Parents Group at Westgate
Sponsored by the Office of Graduate Education and organized by MIT Spouses & Partners Connect
Led by MIT moms Teresa and Ruby, this is a weekly group for parents-to-be and parents of infants to crawlers to share information and support each other. For more information, contact: Teresa<mailto:terecha27 at hotmail.com>
Date and Time
Wednesday, November 8, 15, 22, 29, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Wednesday
, December, 06, 13,
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location Westgate Lounge, W85-Basement
Choosing Quality Child Care
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
This introductory discussion is specially designed for expectant parents and those new to parenting or child care. This session addresses your different infant and toddler child care options, what child care costs, how to find and evaluate your child care choices, planning your parental leave, and the transition to parenting. Infants are welcome if alternative child care is unavailable.
Date, Time & Registration
Wednesday, November 8, 12 – 1:30 PM, Register<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/choosing-quality-child-care-registration-36761795520?lang=en-us&locale=en_US&last_touch=1501866955&view=domo>
Wednesday, December 13, 12 – 1:30 PM, Register<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/choosing-quality-child-care-registration-36761796523?lang=en-us&locale=en_US&last_touch=1501866975&view=domo>
Location NE49-5000
Raising Bilingual Children
Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center
How might being bilingual benefit your child? What is the best way to go about raising a bilingual child? Whether you are anticipating or already raising a multilingual child, this workshop will help guide you through that process. The discussion will include a review of the research on the effects of bilingual experiences on children’s language development, as well as the social factors that can help children acquire and maintain fluency in more than one language.
Date and Time Tuesday, December 5, 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location 76-156
Registration Registration required on Eventbrite<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-bilingual-children-registration-36734319338>
MIT RESOURCES FOR POSTDOCS
New Atlas Course on Responsible Waste Disposal Practices
Curious what to do with old packing peanuts, used light bulbs, oily pizza boxes, batteries, and more? Take this new 10-minute course on the Atlas Learning Center to learn how to sort most items you would want to dispose of while at MIT. Own your actions and become a recycling expert today! Developed by the GSC Sustainability Subcommittee and IS&T, with support from the Office of Sustainability, Department of Facilities, and the Environmental Solutions Initiative.
URL https://www.goo.gl/DxJns9
Contact recycling-course at mit.edu<mailto:recycling-course at mit.edu>
Career Counseling Services for Postdocs
In Collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research, the GECD provides career guidance and strategies for both industry and academic tracks. You can discuss your career plans or concerns and receive support on developing your Resume, CV, Research and Teaching Statements, Cover Letters, and LinkedIn profile. 45 minute individual sessions are available and tailored to your needs. You can also conduct a mock interview to help strengthen your interview skills including the delivery of your presentation. Schedule appointments online using the CareerBridge system https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student or by phone at 617-715-5329. Appointments are held in E25-143G.
MyLife Services
MyLife 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 care
This includes some FREE confidential mental health counseling sessions, as well as access to 24/7 confidential counseling services. We encourage you to learn more about the program<http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/mitmylifeservices> (including frequently asked questions), and to call MyLife Services directly at 1-844- 405-LIFE (1-844- 405-5433).
FREE Mindfulness and Meditation Classes from MIT Medical
Find Some Om Under the Dome
MIT 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 Wellbeing
Community 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 Center
The 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/
MIT Spouses&Partners Connect<http://spouses.mit.edu/>
Offers social and career-related groups and events for your spouse/partner/family. For more information and event listings, visit http://spouses.mit.edu/.
MIT Employee Resource Groups
Join 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 ERG
Check out the link for more information and upcoming events: http://hrweb.mit.edu/diversity/ergs/current
MBTA Access
As a reminder, all postdoctoral fellows and postdoctoral associates on MIT’s Cambridge campus are eligible for free, unrestricted subway and local bus access. MIT provides this benefit through a special MBTA* chip embedded in the MIT ID card. (*Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). Check the back of your ID card. If “Charlie INSIDE!” is written on it, you are all set. Questions? Visit the Atlas Service Center (E17-106).
OTHER RESOURCES
Free Membership for the National Postdoctoral Association
MIT is a Sustaining Member of the NPA, which means you can become an affiliate member for free. This will help you network with other postdocs across the country and gain access to members only resources that can help further your career. To join, click on this Affiliate Memberships direct link for MIT<https://npamembers.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp?regkey=B87D7B9B-5C95-48F6-9ECA-A5014531B05D> and follow the registration process, using your MIT email address. Once you click “submit,” the NPA will review your request and confirm your membership by email about a week later.
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