Weekly PDA Newsletter-December 14th, 2020

Ahmed Alade Tiamiyu atiamiyu at mit.edu
Sun Dec 13 23:32:23 EST 2020 

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MITPDA Newsletter
December 14th​, 2020 | pda.mit.edu<https://pda.mit.edu/>

Contents

"It is never too late to be what you might have been.​"

NEXT PDA MEETING
January 8th, 11 am on zoom​<https://mit.zoom.us/j/92248667404?pwd=REF2aUNpUnQ5QVRBTHZ6ditYU2IrUT09>
This meeting is open to ALL postdocs. Please find time to attend to learn more about the activities of the PDA.


PDA & Other Events:

    MIT Climate Action Plan

    Join the PDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work

 ​   Sign your kids up for Afterschool-tastic!

    Join the I-Corps Spark Program at MIT (January and February 2021 edition)

      A message from Ombuds

    -Social Events

    Otamatone Zoom session

    ISO Zoom Breaks (December edition)

    Saturday morning run​

   -Career and Professional Development

    IAP course of interest (Biomechanics in everyday life)

    IAP Workshop Series: Fundamentals of Communicating with the Public

    Career Advising for Postdocs

    Check out the Catalyst 2021 webpage and program

    ​​​Call for Applications (Australia's Global Talent Program)

    Fund your event via PInG Grant

    Alpha Fellowship

    GLiMPSE Podcast

    More...

Funding Opportunities and Jobs

    An extensive list of fellowships is available here<https://pda.mit.edu/resources/fellowships/>

     ​BCG is currently accepting applications for Advanced Degree Candidates

    Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program is now accepting applications

    Biotech opportunity for postdocs

    Postdoc Position at TU Delft, The Netherlands

    Open Rank Faculty Positions at The University of Texas at Arlington

Miscellaneous

​

Please scroll down for details

PDA & Other Events

MIT Climate Action Plan
The MIT Climate Action Plan Committee (CAAC) and the Office of the Vice President of Research Dr. Maria Zuber is inviting postdoc and student organizations to provide ideas and feedback about what should be included in the next MIT Climate Action Plan. The summary of the feedbacks and ideas will be presented at the CAAC meeting beginning of next semester (TBD).
Please sign-up here<https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_94nwn-9bzEMd62eIvrOtbNq4x2NQqWnJqGLfq67T5k/edit#gid=0> if you would like to hear more.

Join the PDA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Work
All postdocs are invited to join the PDA’s DE&I C​ommittee<https://pda.mit.edu/resources/diversity/> monthly meeting to meet and work with other postdocs interested in the goals of DE&I. Our monthly meeting will be a place to discuss activities of the DE&I Committee, as well as share ongoing activities in different departments and outside of MIT. The next meeting will be held January 11th at 1:00. A zoom link will be sent after sign up on this form<https://forms.gle/7efDgM7Efgf8mebn7>. The committee runs ongoing diversity - focused book and journal clubs which can also be joined via the same form.

Sign your kids up for Afterschool-tastic!

MIT mentors will lead small group activities for sparking curiosity, exploring extracurricular interests, and building a fun "afterschool" community for kids!

Short-term activities!  ⋆ games ⋆ arts ⋆ science ⋆ design fun ⋆ and more!
Long-term projects! ⋆ coding ⋆ Dungeon & Dragons ⋆ art ⋆ and more!

When: (5-6pm on T and W) for 6 weeks, starting Tuesday, January 5th and ending on Thursday, February 11th.

Who:  9-14-year-olds (with a grownup at MIT) can join the IAP program!

Where: On Zoom!

Cost: Free!!

Sign-up: https://forms.gle/c2cz4uNtqCu6EmCN9 <https://tinyurl.com/afterschool-tastic>

Join the I-Corps Spark Program at MIT (January and February 2021 edition)
It is a free 3-week program organized to help researchers and engineers explore the potential applications of their new technologies. You will also learn how to apply for $50,000 from the NSF and increase your chances of receiving an SBIR/STTR award​. If you are interested, click here ​<https://form.jotform.com/90114841105950>to apply.

    Below is the information about the next Program:

    Option 1:

    Program KickOff – January 26, 2021 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

    Final Presentations – February 18, 2021 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

    Option 2:

    Program KickOff – February 9, 2021 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

    Final Presentations – March 3, 2021 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

    Option 3:

    Program KickOff – February 23, 2021 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

    Final Presentations – March 18, 2021 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm

    Location for all options: Online Workshop via Zoom

For more information, contact: icorps at mit.edu

​
A message from Ombuds:
MIT Ombuds Office – Any Time, Any Reason
During these uncertain times everyone’s resilience is being tested in countless ways. From navigating the challenges of continuing to learn and work remotely with colleagues and peers under stress, to negotiating new ways of collaborating and communicating. The Ombuds Office is available to offer support and assistance to the MIT community in navigating these c​hallenges and exploring constructive options for success. We are available for confidential phone or Zoom meetings and can also facilitate online sessions and group discussions to help teams function and support good communication skills during this challenging period.  Contact information: email kalina_s at mit.edu<mailto:kalina_s at mit.edu> or call 617-253-5921. More details here<http://ombudsoffice.mit.edu/>​
SOCIAL EVENTS - stay connected

Otamatone Zoom session
Could you have been stressed out over this "crazy" year and you are looking for any bit of fun during this holiday period? We recently came across this instrument known as the Otamatone (https://otamatone.com) which looks really fun [here is a video of people playing it as a form of stress relief (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScM9_C029xM)] and we think you can agree that for this stressful year, the more laughter, the better.

We are intending to get 14 interested participants who wish to learn a new and fun instrument to join us in an Otamatone Zoom session as we learn a new skill while having fun! Since its almost Christmas season, we can teach each other caroling songs over Zoom and basically just for general stress relief. The best thing will be getting your own Otamatone FOR FREE (costing ~$30) kindly reimbursed by the MIT PDA! This is a great opportunity to make some new friends AND keep a free instrument, all while picking up a new skill. Interested participants must also be willing to join Zoom sessions (~1-1.5hr) twice a month and we will be selecting participants based on first-come-first-served basis, so do sign up NOW! Please email jacqtsj at mit.edu<mailto:jacqtsj at mit.edu> if interested.


ISO Zoom Breaks (December edition):

Zoom break is a time to socialize and connect with fellow internationals in the MIT community
Thursday, December 17
10:00 AM to 11:00 AMET (Cambridge, MA time)
*We will be playing Skribbl (similar to Pictionary)
Open to all international students and postdocs
Co-sponsored by ISO and Postdoc Association (PDA)
Sign up<https://tinyurl.com/y8m5hety> requested
*Zoom link will be provided by email (same Zoom link each time)


Saturday mor​​ning run

To increase our sense of community, we are excited to announce that we are starting a morning weekly running event for postdocs every Saturdays at 9am.

The plan is to meet at 9 AM at 77 Mass Ave for a warm up and then we will go for a run around Charles river. All abilities are welcome. We will form groups ranging from beginners to experienced runners.
After the run, for those of you willing to join us, we will go to Flour in Mass Ave to have at-a-distance breakfast and a coffee. Those will be provided to attendees.

Please join our Facebook group and mailing list to be updated:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/261187805334152/
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/postdoc-running

See you at the next morning run: December 19th, 9 am.

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – advance your career


IAP Workshop Series: Fundamentals of Communicating with the Public

Being able to communicate your research compellingly to a variety of audiences is a crucial skill for scientists and engineers and an invaluable tool for building public trust and engagement. In this 5-session workshop series, participants will learn and practice strategies for effectively communicating research to the public, including developing an understanding of an audience, setting a communication goal, crafting and shaping a clear message, developing a narrative, and choosing appropriate language.

This workshop is for MIT graduate students and postdocs in STEM fields. You must complete this application<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdtWhSkVGNgy8ocnU35HowkPamXx5uviGlYCVEDr5J1HRP3CA/viewform?usp=sf_link> by 11:59pm Eastern on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 to be considered for application in the workshop. The workshop will meet from 4:00PM - 6:00PM Eastern Time on Tuesdays 1/5/2020-1/26/2020 and Thursday 1/28/2020. For questions, contact Dr. Deanna Montgomery at dmont at mit.edu<mailto:dmont at mit.edu>


IAP course of interest (Biomechanics in everyday life)

We perform everyday tasks such as breathing and walking without having to pay attention to how they work or if they can be improved. In this course, you will see how motion capture, photogrammetry, EMG, and VR can be applied to understand more deeply how we achieve seemingly intuitive and easy tasks, and how these tools can be used in research, education, and athletic and artistic improvement. This course is sponsored by th​e MIT.nano Immersion Lab, and more detailed description can be found here<http://student.mit.edu/searchiap/iap-9289afec754ffaf201759a818e7a0035.html>. Interested postdocs can also register here<https://mitnano.mit.edu/form/mit-iap-biomechanics-in-everyday>.


Career Advising for Postdocs

Postdocs are eligible for virtual one-on-one career counseling appointments to talk about a wide range of topics including career exploration, conducting a job search (academic or non-academic), review of application materials, practice interviews, advice on job offer negotiations, and any other questions or concerns.

You can schedule an appointment<https://app.joinhandshake.com/appointments/new> via video or phone by using Handshake, under the Career Center tab. Email Simona Rosu, srosu at mit.edu<mailto:srosu at mit.edu>, with any questions.

To receive updates on career and professional development workshops and events, please subscribe<https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/3SJMNHN> to the CAPD Postdoc Career Newsletter sent every two weeks.

Check out the Catalyst 2021 webpage<https://catalyst.mit.edu/apply/> and program and consider attending an info session, and share this information with anyone who might be interested. We seek a multi-talented cohort of individuals with interest and willingness to spend time in research, innovation, and health including engineers, scientists, clinicians, designers, entrepreneurs, MBAs, early-stage professionals, postdocs, fellows, graduate students, clinical, and other professional degree candidates, etc.
Call for Applications (Australia's Global Talent Program)
Australia’s Global Talent Program seeks to support the international mobility of highly talented individuals, innovators and entrepreneurs. The program is designed to accelerate growth in seven future focused STEM target sectors. It offers a streamlined visa pathway with permanent residency on grant of visa!
Benefits include:
·         Priority processing – complete applications can be processed within one month
·         No age limit – the Distinguished Talent visa is flexible enough to allow for exceptionally talented people over the age of 45 years to be considered under the Global Talent Program
·         Live and work anywhere in Australia
·         Bring immediate family to live in Australia permanently
In addition to the flyer, more information about the program can be found here:  Global Talent Program​<https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visas-for-innovation/global-talent-independent-program>
For more information, you can contact Justine Miller at The Embassy of Australia, Washington DC via email Justine.Miller at dfat.gov.au<mailto:Justine.Miller at dfat.gov.au>​
<https://www.postdocacademy.org/>
Fund your event via PInG Grant
Got an idea to enrich our community? We have funds to help you put it to life. Apply here<https://pda.mit.edu/events/ping/>


<http://glimpse.mit.edu/>Alpha Fellowship

Alpha Fellowship<https://www.alphafellowship.com/?utm_source=direct-outreach&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=launch-planning> is an online education company that provides college students with accelerated, applied training programs in high-demand skills that companies are hiring for — then we connect students with those companies for remote externships during the winter term break.​ Check out their full range of courses<https://www.alphafellowship.com/courses>.


GLiMPSE Podcast<http://glimpse.mit.edu/>

Listen to GLiMPSE, a PDA-supported postdoc podcast, that hosts renown scientists.

Click here to view<http://glimpse.mit.edu/> recent podcasts.



more…<https://pda.mit.edu/events/calendar/>

Funding Opportunities and Jobs

An extensive list of fellowships is available here<https://pda.mit.edu/resources/fellowships/>

BCG is currently accepting applications for Advanced Degree Candidates.

BCG is currently accepting applications for Advanced Degree Candidates (PhDs, JDs, MDs, and Postdocs) interested in starting a full-time position with BCG between February 2021 and May 2021. If you are interested in a full-time role with BCG and can start within the date range above, we encourage you to submit your application here<https://www.bcg.com/en-us/careers/students/adc-application-process>. To learn more about BCG and opportunities for Advanced Degree Candidates, please visit our website<https://www.bcg.com/en-us/careers/students/advanced-degrees>. If you have any questions, please email adcrecruiting at bcg.com<mailto:adcrecruiting at bcg.com>.



Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program is now accepting applications January 4, 2021.

The Intelligence Community (IC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program offers scientists and engineers from a wide variety of disciplines unique opportunities to conduct research in a wide range of topics relevant to the intelligence community. The research is conducted by the postdocs, while working in partnership with a research advisor and collaborating with an advisor from the Intelligence Community. In partnership with the research advisor, the postdoc composes and submits a technical proposal that responds to a research opportunity identified here<https://orise.orau.gov/icpostdoc/current-opportunities.html?utm_source=oraulistserve&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ic_gen>.

Award Details:
·         Annual stipends range from $75,000 to $79,000, depending on research location.
·         Annual travel budget of up to $6,000
·         Appointments for two years, and option to extend for a third year
·         Host institutions receive an annual laboratory budget of up to $5,000.
·         Research advisors receive a $10,000 stipend and an annual travel budget of up to $2,000.

Postdoc Eligibility: U.S. citizenship required; Ph.D. received within five years of the application deadline

Application Deadline: February 26, 2021

Click here<https://orise.orau.gov/icpostdoc/#utm_source=oraulistserve&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=ic_gen> for additional program information.


Biotech opportunity for postdocs

Team CB2, founded by an MIT Alumnus, has become a semi-finalist in Activate Bio (see https://www.activate.bio). Team CB2 is in this competition based on a proposed plan to search for and identify CB2 agonists which may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions.



The team will be attempting to use computational pharmacology to find CB2 agonists. Based on the crystalline structures of CB2 recently published, we will be determining the binding affinity and molecular characteristics of the pharmacophore - using such software as PyRx and PyMol.

[see https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.01.008  and  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2018.12.011 ]



The team is seeking 3-4 enthusiastic and energetic students/Postdocs for Team CB2 to work with the Alumnus (Robert Weinberg) in this competition and share all awards, prizes and/or equity in any start-up to arise from our efforts. The team is especially seeking students/Postdocs with: PyRx or PyMol experience, coding experience, medicinal chemistry knowledge and skills, receptor-ligand binding, along with some business background. If interested, please send your letter of interest along with a resume to: rweinber at mit.edu


Postdoc Position at TU Delft, The Netherlands

This posting is for a 2-year postdoc position in the field of selective ion removal from water​. See details here<https://www.academictransfer.com/en/295572/postdoc-capacitive-deionization/#.X6sLhrTqdd8.linkedin>. The advertised postdoc position will be co-supervised by two former MIT Postdocs, Dr. Burak Eral (experiments) and Dr. Remco Hartkamp (simulations).


Open Rank Faculty Positions at The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) would like to reach out to let you know that the University is pursuing a University-wide endeavor to recruit the best talent from a wide variety of disciplines, from liberal arts to STEM. UTA is seeking 15 individuals from diverse backgrounds and who will commit to mentoring our diverse student body.  The Biology Department at UTA is a dynamic, growing department with a diverse range of research interests. The Department has had much success in obtaining grants from numerous agencies, including the NIH and NSF.

Because this search is University-wide for all disciplines, the Biology Department will evaluate our own applicants and make suggestions to the search committee, which is composed of individuals from across campus. If you decide to apply, please also send a copy of your application materials to the Biology Department at: mkfujita at uta.edu. The link to the job posting and instructions for applying is below:
https://uta.peopleadmin.com/postings/12931<https://nam05.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Furldefense.proofpoint.com%2Fv2%2Furl%3Fu%3Dhttps-3A__uta.peopleadmin.com_postings_12931%26d%3DDwMFAw%26c%3DJeTkUgVztGMmhKYjxsy2rfoWYibK1YmxXez1G3oNStg%26r%3Dczh7v9lsi4EdqVtoagNSWVOnGM1kEORv_kwEo2ZQVww%26m%3DM5bV2a8qEzUrixdBwfo2VGN89OaeZVMoMK8nwK8yezA%26s%3Dga6lfUcpTVmiu6hUCS-iFjdqJbC5Q-QNRBD42dGS178%26e%3D&data=04%7C01%7Cpiya.ghose%40uta.edu%7Cca9c8aeb379a47463ade08d885b3e604%7C5cdc5b43d7be4caa8173729e3b0a62d9%7C1%7C0%7C637406355089521761%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=YWKuU6X5AWp3mMyrDB%2F%2F0wOzvKf23hno7WVtuPc%2BPAs%3D&reserved=0>

Get to Know Each Other
We would like to feature YOUR honors, awards and accomplishments. Send an email to atiamiyu at mit.edu<mailto:nbarbour at mit.edu>

Miscellaneous

A new book by Matteo Tardelli for PhDs/Postdocs transitioning to the industry or academia
Order here​<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H6QDX3M>

Broadening Engagement through Engineering at MIT (BEEAM)

Details here<https://pda.mit.edu/broadening-engagement-through-engineering-at-mit-beeam/>



Simons Collaboration on Global Brain Boston Area Postdoc Meeting

Details here<https://www.simonsfoundation.org/collaborations/global-brain/events/>



MIT Creative Arts Council

Postdocs are invited to attend concerts and lectures on campus, Details here<http://calendar.mit.edu/calendar?event_types%5B%5D=102755>



MIT Spouses & Partners Connect
Details here<https://spouses.mit.edu/>


Career Advising and Professional Development

Schedule an appointment here<https://capd.mit.edu/explore-careers/services-alumni-and-postdocs>

CAPD events<https://capd.mit.edu/events>


MIT Writing and Communications Centre
Details here<https://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/>

Peer-to-peer scientific communication resource: Comm Lab
Details here<http://mitcommlab.mit.edu/find-comm-labs/>

MIT Work Life Centre
Details here<https://hr.mit.edu/worklife/center>

MIT Employee Resource Group
Details here<https://hr.mit.edu/diversity-inclusion/ergs>

MIT Alumni Association’s Infinite Connection
Details here<https://pda.mit.edu/resources/career-after-mit/alumni/>
MIT Alumni Job Board<https://alum.mit.edu/careers/jobs>


MBTA Access: Visit the Atlas Service Center (E17-106)



Free Membership to the National Postdoctoral Association

Details here<https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/general/register_member_type.asp?regkey=B87D7B9B-5C95-48F6-9ECA-A5014531B05D>



MIT Postdoctoral Association
Contact us<https://pda.mit.edu/about/contact/> | Get involved!<https://pda.mit.edu/about/get-involved/>




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