MIT PDA Weekly Newsletter - 12th October, 2021

[Shubhra Jyoti Saha]

​

                                                   [cid:db5a207f-5556-499f-a0e1-87952a954ca6]

MITPDA Newsletter
October 12th, 2021 | pda.mit.edu<https://pda.mit.edu/>

"Do something that you've never done to accomplish something that you never had"

General PDA meeting
This general meeting will be recurring on the ‘FIRST' Tuesday of every month unless otherwise rescheduled. Participation of all postdocs across MIT is highly appreciated. Please take a step forward to grab the opportunities to get involved in the PDA this year.
Next PDA meet: 2nd November, 2021; Tuesday 12-1 pm. Find the zoom<https://mit.zoom.us/j/96956637192> link here.
This meeting is open to ALL postdocs. Please attend to learn more about the activities of the PDA.

Postdoctoral Mentoring Award
Nominations are invited for the proposed award to honor and acknowledge MIT PIs for excellent postdoctoral scholar mentoring, and to recognize both the value of quality mentoring and its impact on the career path of postdoctoral scholars. It will highlight the unique opportunities and challenges of mentoring postdoctoral scholars, who are poised to become the next generation of academic and scientific leaders. This award is seen as an effective way to spread the culture of awareness of the critical role the faculty play in the academic/career development of postdoctoral scholars, and further, to recognize the importance of postdoctoral scholars to MIT’s mission.
The nomination closes on 10.23.2021 at 11:59 PM EDT.  Submit your nomination here<https://forms.gle/aSbKoosbyURZnWW58>.
For any questions or concerns please contact pda-mentoringaward at mit.edu<mailto:pda-mentoringaward at mit.edu>

MIT Postdocs Slack Space
We are happy to announce that as part of the effort to create more efficient communication throughout our Postdocs community, we have created a Slack space on the MIT corporate Slack named MIT Postdocs<https://mit-postdocs.slack.com/>. We invite everyone to join us at this. This Slack space is meant to be a more efficient forum for all MIT Postdocs to interact and organize/attend events as well as communicate more efficiently. You may go through the channel #welcome_and_organization for a detailed description.
Feel free to reach out to Jonathan (cottet at mit.edu<mailto:cottet at mit.edu>)  for any feedback/suggestions and also if you want to be involved in the MIT PDA Community Building committee.

PDA & Other Events:
    Call for Postdoc Initiative Grant (PInG) proposals
    MIT Biotech Group’s UROP Mixer
    A message from Ombuds
    -Social Events
    MIT BE DEI Book Club Fall 2021
    Sunset Yoga Connect
    MIT Postdoc Cycling and Rock-Climbing Club
    MIT Postdoc Running Club-Weekend runs
   -Career and Professional Development
    U.S. Immigration and Employment Options for Postdocs
    Nucleate Bio Leadership Outreach
    Novartis Quantitative Sciences Academic-to-Industry Symposium 2021
    Career Advising for Postdocs
    Interested in making the move from academia to patent law?
    Check out the Catalyst 2021 webpage
    Future Leaders in Neuroscience Seminar
    Alpha Fellowship
    Science Rehashed
    More...
Funding Opportunities and Jobs
    Multiple assistant professor positions at TU Delft
    An extensive list of fellowships is available here<https://pda.mit.edu/resources/fellowships/>
    Sci-Founder Fellowship
Miscellaneous
Please scroll down for details

PDA & Other Events

Call for Postdoc Initiative Grant (PInG) proposals​
Do you have an idea for an activity or event that you think would benefit postdocs in 2021? The MIT-PDA is pleased to announce a call for a second (spring) round of Postdoc Initiative Grant (PInG) proposals. The grant aims to financially support a range of activities, events, and projects. PInG activities should be open to all postdocs across MIT (e.g. an application cannot be made for a Biology lunch series). Example activities include but are 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, parents, or minorities.
Current and previous PInG projects include Glimpse: the Postdoc Podcast, Yoga Classes, Postdoc Playdates, POWER: Postdoctoral Women Engaged in Research, Open Science Workshop, Postdoc Jogging Club, qtPhDs @ MIT: LGBTQ+ community of postdoctoral researchers. So think about what you’d like to do and send us a proposal! https://pda.mit.edu/events/ping/.<https://pda.mit.edu/events/ping/> Download application form here: PInG Application form<https://pda.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/2020-PInG-Application-2.docx>. Send filled form to pda-ping at mit.edu<mailto:pda-ping at mit.edu>.
We look forward to hearing your plans!

MIT Biotech Group’s UROP Mixer
Are you a postdoc/grad student in the life sciences looking for opportunities to recruit passionate undergraduates for your lab this academic year?

Attend the annual MIT Biotech Group’s UROP Mixer on Thursday, October 14th, hosted jointly by the MIT UROP Office and the MIT Biotech Group! This in-person career fair-style networking event aims to facilitate connections between potential undergrad researchers interested in the life sciences and mentors seeking additions to their DLCs. Prior to COVID, this event was a yearly tradition, and based on student/mentor feedback, it was a great way for students to discover projects they’re passionate about in a low-stakes setting while simultaneously allowing supervisors to spread the word about their cool science!

Fill out this form<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFoPK8jt5Nwq2krzrXaLXz24W6ItpF5DHmidoDV71e4h_YjQ/viewform> today to register yourself or your group for the mixer! No additional preparation required! You might want to contact Sarah<http://sarahss@mit.edu> to learn more about the program.

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 challenges 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: kalina_s at mit.edu<mailto:kalina_s at mit.edu> or call 617-253-5921. More details here<http://ombudsoffice.mit.edu/>.
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BE DEI Book Club Fall 2021
The BE DEI Education Working Group is excited to invite you all to participate in our new DEI book club! We will be choosing one book per semester to read and discuss an effort to continue our education about inequalities, injustices, and other problems that exist in our society. We hope to identify actions we can think of to ethically shape our research. We would love to hear from more postdocs from across MIT!
This fall we will be reading “Algorithms of Oppression<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KLTpoTpkXo>” by Safiya Umoja Noble<https://safiyaunoble.com/>. If you are interested in participating this semester please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/tnptCmfaQJZCDCSj8

Sunset Yoga Connect
MIT PDA Yoga Event: 10/21-12/16, Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 pm ET.
This event includes weekly in-person yoga sessions and is free for MIT Postdocs and families who are inclined towards incorporating yoga in their lifestyle. This event would be led by 200 hour trained yoga instructor from MIT community. Refreshments (snacks and fruits) will be offered post sessions. One week before the event the venue details will be mailed out to participants. This event is free and open to all MIT postdoc community. Please register<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc_HzTA-rTwxrr_dooPO7eU0j1LcTOpKMn2M-2mt9ekU67auA/viewform> your participation for MIT contact tracing purposes.
Hoping these wellness events can bring together many MIT postdocs towards a happy and happening community. Please don't hesitate to reach Pallavi<http://bpallavi@mit.edu> if you have any queries.

MIT Postdoc Cycling and Rock-Climbing Club
The MIT postdoc cycling and rock-climbing club is an organization dedicated to encouraging the enjoyment of all types of cycling and rock climbing in the MIT community. We welcome members of the MIT postdoc community to our biweekly events, that alternate between cycling and rock climbing, Saturday evenings. After the events, we like to grab food together (sponsored by MIT PDA).
For cycling, we will start at MIT, head towards the Museum of Science, Boston University, Harvard University and finally back to MIT. All abilities are welcome, and the route is flexible enough to cut short at multiple points or extend, as needed. We will form groups ranging from beginners to experienced cyclists.
For climbing, we will head to Brooklyn Boulders Somerville. Climbers of all abilities are welcome; we will form groups ranging from beginners to experienced climbers. To maximize climbing time, please register, pay, and fill out the required safety forms on their website before the event.
For more information/ event specific details:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/842100149735521
Our event schedule: October 23rd (Climbing) 4 P.M.

MIT Postdoc Running Club-Weekend runs
Come join us for a run along the Charles!
The plan is to meet during the weekend, typically in the morning, 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 grab something and socialize next to the student center (weather permitting)
Please join our Slack channel #running<https://app.slack.com/client/T02CAHKGZ17/C02BH7V8H9D> on the “MIT Postdocs” Slack Space and our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/261187805334152/ (day and time may change due to weather conditions)
See you soon!

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – advance your career

U.S. Immigration and Employment Options for Postdocs

Led by Tom and Jim Arkell, the Arkell Immigration Team<http://www.nationalinterestwaivers.com/> at Dunn Law Firm possesses decades of experience filing successful applications for U.S. permanent residence ('green cards') as well as U.S. citizenship. The team has represented dozens of leading U.S. universities in highly complex U.S. immigration matters and helped thousands of researchers, scientists and professors.

Topic: MIT Postdoctoral Association Immigration Presentation
Time: December 2nd, 2021; 5:00 PM ET; Zoom link for the presentation is here​<https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84222590676>!

Topics include:

  *   Applications for Permanent Residence (‘green cards’)
  *   NIW (National Interest Waiver) petitions for researchers and entrepreneurs
  *   Extraordinary Ability (EB-1A) petitions
  *   Transitioning from F-1 OPT or J-1 to H-1B and issues related to the ‘H-1B cap’
  *   Recent changes in immigration, Executive Orders and related issues

If you wish to have a free review of your credentials regarding U.S. permanent residence, please email your CV and Google Scholar profile to Dunn Law Firm Immigration, Paralegal Kayla Clark<http://kayla@dunnlaw.com/>.

Nucleate Bio Leadership Outreach
Are you a graduate student or postdoc interested in building life science start-ups? Are you passionate about therapeutics, synthetic biology, or sustainability? Nucleate is a student-run entrepreneurship program that facilitates the formation of new life science ventures. They tackle some of the biggest challenges in human health and sustainability. Nucleate operates in partnership with the GSAS Harvard Biotech Club and MIT Biotech Group. They are currently seeking applications into the Nucleate leadership team and you can apply here<https://nucleate.typeform.com/to/kc6mscUF?typeform-source=nucleatebio.typeform.com>.
More details about Nucleate Bio can be found here<https://www.activate.bio/>.

Novartis Quantitative Sciences Academic-to-Industry Symposium 2021
Symposium dates: October 12-13th, 2021
The Novartis Quantitative Sciences Academic-to-Industry Symposium is a virtual two-day event designed to introduce academic students (primarily grad students and postdocs) to the quantitative sciences opportunities at Novartis. This includes topics such as Biostatistics, Data Science, Machine Learning, Modeling & Simulation, Bioinformatics, and Data Visualization. The Symposium will kick off with a keynote address from the Global Head of the AI Innovation Center at Novartis, Dr. Iya Khalil, followed by interactive presentations, case studies from quantitative researchers, and career development Q&A sessions with Novartis associates. Come see the opportunities available through industry research at Novartis through two fun days of talks!
Additional details can be found on the Symposium website (https://www.novartis.com/careers/novartis-quantitative-sciences-hackathon). Register at bit.ly/NVSHack21<https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=dGla839g1EeC1_8x19xTpX62zLTFeLFBn4bwqu2l-0BURjFXQ01KWUpWNlo4QU9IUEUwNlhSMkdMMS4u>. For questions about the symposium, please contact here​<http://hack.innovation@novartis.com>.

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 offers negotiations, and any other questions or concerns. You will find many useful resources readily available, including the postdocs<https://capd.mit.edu/channels/postdocs/> landing page, career interests<https://capd.mit.edu/channels/career-interests/> pages, and affinity group<https://capd.mit.edu/channels/affinity-groups/> pages.
Sign up for automated updates: The website will feature dynamic content from across CAPD and partners - you can register to receive automated emails with career content and updates based on your interests and preferences: https://capd.mit.edu/account/signup/
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.

Interested in making the move from academia to patent law?

The GSAS Harvard Biotech Club is organizing an event focusing on Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Law careers. Join to learn about how Alan J. Morrison became a lawyer and what the job as a biotech lawyer looks like!

Alan J. Morrison, M.Phil. / J.D,
Founder, Law Offices of Alan J. Morrison
Lecturer, Columbia University

Thursday, October 21th​; 4:00pm-5:00pm ET. RSVP here​<https://harvardbiotechclub.typeform.com/to/uB7LVnVy>

Future Leaders in Neuroscience Seminar
­Nominations are open for monthly seminar series called “Future Leaders in Neuroscience” at the Brain and Mind Research Institute at Weill Cornell Medicine. Interested postdocs should fill out the nomination form at https://weillcornell.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9XMYiELJPpzSgC2.
The goal of this initiative is to provide senior postdocs in neuroscience with a platform to present their research, discuss with peers, and network with faculty and trainees from the BMRI. We are particularly interested in featuring postdocs from underrepresented backgrounds as well as those who will be entering the job market soon. Selected speakers will also receive an honorarium for their efforts, if eligible.
Any questions can be directed towards Dr. Monica Santisteban at mms2012 at med.cornell.edu<mailto:mms2012 at med.cornell.edu>

Alpha Fellowship
Alpha Fellowship<https://alfafellowship.org/> 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.
The deadline to apply for the 2022-2023 program year is December 1, 2021.

Science Rehashed
Science Rehashed Inc. podcast is partnering with ReadCube Papers<https://www.papersapp.com/>. They are offering 6 months of free membership to Science Rehashed listeners, check this webpage out: https://www.papersapp.com/sciencerehashed/.
Science Rehashed<https://www.sciencerehashed.com/> is a non-profit podcast co-founded by Mehdi Jorfi, Ph.D. (MGH/HMS) and Shen Ning (MED’23) with the mission to make life science research more accessible to students and early career scientists around the world. Many students outside of first-world countries have limited resources when it comes to accessing the most current scientific research and journals. Through podcast interviews with researchers, Science Rehashed is making this information more available to science enthusiasts everywhere.
·  28 episodes; about 7.5K downloads
·  In addition to its primary episodes that rehash recently published research directly with researchers/authors, they also have series that focuses on legendary researchers including Dr. Bob Langer (MIT), Dr. George Church (MIT, Harvard), and a 360 Perspective series that provides a broad, comprehensive view of disease, serving as a platform to disperse diverse but accurate information regarding immediate public health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
·  The team is well connected to the science/medical communities in Boston and was recently featured by MGH’s Bench Press Blog<https://www.sciencerehashed.com/press-media/mgri-blog-feature>, Harvard Brain Initiative<https://brain.harvard.edu/hbi_news/science-rehashed-when-change-is-possible/>, BostInno<https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/inno/stories/profiles/2020/10/16/science-rehashed-podcast-harvard-mgh-bu-research.html>, Boston University Innovate<http://www.bu.edu/innovate/5-things-to-know-before-launching-a-podcast/>, Life Science Cares<https://lifesciencecares.org/science-rehashed-wins-the-2020-life-sciences-healthcare-nonprofit-pitch-challenge/>, The Brink from BU<http://www.bu.edu/articles/2020/science-podcast-cohosted-by-bu-neuroscientist-brings-research-to-listeners-around-the-world/>, Harvard Gazette<https://www.sciencerehashed.com/press-media/harvard-gazette-feature>
·  The mission has been awarded for the 2020 MassBio Life Sciences & Healthcare Nonprofit Pitch Challenge<https://massbio.microsoftcrmportals.com/event/?event=2020_Life_Sciences_Healthcare_Nonprofit_Pitch_Challenge2744142020>, Podcast Movement Scholarship<https://www.sciencerehashed.com/press-media/podcast-movement-virtual-scholarship-winner> and ranked in the “Top Life Sciences Podcast” on Apple Podcast
more…<https://pda.mit.edu/events/calendar/>

Funding Opportunities and Jobs

Multiple assistant professor positions at TU Delft

TU Delft is hiring assistant professors. Many of the departments are going through a big hiring spree and these could be of value to current postdocs. Please find the detailed description here<https://www.tudelft.nl/en/tpm/about-the-faculty/a-career-at-tpm/career-at-tpm/join-tpm?searchCriteria[0][key]=keywords&searchCriteria[0][values][]=TBMVacanciesDelft&searchCriteria[1][key]=Resultsperpage&searchCriteria[1][values][]=10>.
Closing date for application: 04-11-2021

An extensive list of fellowships is available here<https://pda.mit.edu/resources/fellowships/>
Get to Know Each Other
We would like to feature YOUR honors, awards, and accomplishments. Send an email to Shubhra Jyoti Saha (saha_sj at mit.edu<mailto:saha_sj at mit.edu>)

Miscellaneous

MLK Leadership Award
Details here<https://diversity.mit.edu/mlk-programs/mlk-leadership-award>

Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program
Details here<https://tll.mit.edu/programming/grad-student-programming/kaufman-teaching-certificate-program/>

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>

MITAC
The MIT Activities Committee offers virtual and discounted tickets<https://mitac.mit.edu/w/sitepages/Home.aspx> to the MIT community for local arts and culture, sporting events, and family activities.

Free Membership to the National Postdoctoral Association
Details here<https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/general/register_member_type.asp?regkey=B87D7B9B-5C95-48F6-9ECA-A5014531B05D>

Access MIT Commuter Program
Details here<http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/accessmit/index.html>

Discounts for the MIT Community
Details here<https://vpf.mit.edu/discounts-for-mit-community>


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



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