2012 Events

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OPF Holiday Party
When: Wednesday, December 19, 2012 | 4:00-6:00pm
Join us for food, refreshements and holiday cheer. Everyone will have a chance to win raffle door prizes.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Monday, December 17, 2012 | 4:00-5:00pm
Join us to learn more about a career path in Entrepreneurship and Non-profit management...
Speaker: Nina Dudnik, PhD, Founder & CEO, Seeding Labs
Nina Dudnik is the founder and CEO of Seeding Labs. Nina decided at a very early age to become a scientist; her interest in science, however, always had a humanitarian angle. After earning a Bachelor’s in biochemistry from Brown University she worked in agricultural development organizations in Italy and in the Ivory Coast where she was a Fulbright scholar. During this time she met scientists from every part of the world and visited labs on three continents. While pursuing her PhD in molecular biology at Harvard Medical School she founded Seeding Labs to help scientists like the ones she had met abroad. After finishing her degree in 2007 was awarded an Echoing Green fellowship to direct the expansion of the organization full time. Seeding Labs has provided resources for research to scientists in 16 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and India. The organization’s work has been featured in a wide range of publications including the NPR, The Boston Globe, The Kenyan Standard, and Chemical and Engineering News.

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, December 13, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 | 5:00-6:30pm
Featured Speaker: Jonathan Lowery, PhD, Rosen Lab, HSDM
"Loss of BMPR2 leads to high bone mass due to increased osteoblast activity"
The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Postdocs will have the opportunity to: engage in stimulating interdisciplinary 
scientific discussions; initiate new collaborations; and network with their colleagues across different departments.

The Academic Job Search Series: Acing the Interview
When: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 | 3:00-5:00pm
Come hear from our faculty panelists as they discuss:
- Interview etiquette and potential pitfalls -
- Job talk essentials -
- Demystifying the chalk talk -
- Following up & negotiations -
Workshop Led by:
Angela DePace, PhD, Assistant Professor of Systems Biology, HMS
Panelists Include:
Sandeep Robert Datta, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Judith Glaven, PhD, Associate Dean for Basic and Interdisciplinary Research, HMS
Stephen Liberles, PhD, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, HMS
Peter Sorger, PhD, Professor of Systems Biology, HMS

Getting the MOST from Your Mentors
When: Tuesday, December 11, 2012 | 1:00-3:00pm
Workshop Led by:
Melissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, HMS
Judith Glaven, PhD, Associate Dean for Basic and Interdisciplinary Research, HMS

Learn how to take pro-active steps toward successful mentorship and how to manage your mentors. Examine case studies that highlight strategies to effectively manage conflict and prepare for becoming a mentor.

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, November 29, 2012 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: The Dark Knight Rises

Career Discussion Hour
When: Thursday, November 29, 2012 | 3:00-4:00pm
Join us to learn more about a career path in Pharma, Non-Profit, Outreach, and Mentoring...
Speaker: Joanne Kames, PhD, Executive Director, Addgene
Dr. Kamens did her undergraduate work in Biology at the University of Pennsylvania. She received her Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard Medical School's Division of Medical Sciences. Executive Director of Addgene, a mission driven, non-profit plasmid repository dedicated to helping academic scientists around the world share high-quality plasmids.

Green Card & Visa Info Session
When: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 | 1:00-3:00pm
Session Led by an Experienced Immigration Attorney
An attorney with extensive immigration experience will present on the steps and pitfalls of securing a non-immigrant Visa or Green Card. There will also be an overview of the Green Card and the categories of application in that realm.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that the information below pertains only to postdocs who are working in a QUAD department. Postdocs working in (and receiving pay from) one of our hospital affiliates should contact their department administrator for information regarding orientation and getting settled.
The HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows organizes orientations every 6 weeks for new postdocs. The Postdoc orientation is an important opportunity for new postdocs to obtain the necessary resources they need for living and working in
and around the HMS/HSDM community. Postdocs learn about the administrative systems at HMS/HSDM and Harvard, research offices and policies, and receive a broad overview and explanation of the many benefits of working at Harvard.

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, November 15, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Wednesday, November 14, 2012 | 5:00-6:30pm
Featured Speaker: Viknesh Sivanathan, PhD, Hochschild Lab, MBIB
"E. coli-based system for generating amyloid"
The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Postdocs will have the opportunity to: engage in stimulating interdisciplinary 
scientific discussions; initiate new collaborations; and network with their colleagues across different departments.

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, October 25, 2012 | 6:00pm
Special: We will have Halloween treats for the kids and we encourage kids (or adults!) to wear Halloween costumes to the movie.

Featured Film: Madagascar 3

Put Your Science to Work
When: Friday, October 19, 2012 | 3:30-5:30pm
Featured Speaker: Peter Fiske, PhD
-Author of Put Your Science to Work: The Take-Charge Career Guide for Scientists-
Learn about and discuss the latest industry topics!
-Current and Future Employment Trends and Your Options
-Overview of Effective Career Planning and Job Hunting
-The TRUE Breadth of Career Opportunities for PhD’s
-Sought-after Skills and Experience
-Developing a Compelling CV, Resume and Cover Letter

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, October 18, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 | 5:00-6:30pm
Featured Speaker: Kristin Krukenberg, PhD, Mitchison Lab, Systems Biology
"The functional role and regulation of poly(ADP-ribose) in cancer cells"

The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Postdocs will have the opportunity to: engage in stimulating interdisciplinary 
scientific discussions; initiate new collaborations; and network with their colleagues across different departments.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Wednesday, October 17, 2012 | 1:30-2:30pm
Heather Sternshein, PhD, Sciences Content Manager, Boundless Learning
Heather Sternshein is the Sciences Content Manager at Boundless Learning. Boundless enables students to never have to touch an expensive and boring textbook again by curating the best openly licensed content from the web in a free learning platform.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, October 9, 2012 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that the information below pertains only to postdocs who are working in a QUAD department. Postdocs working in (and receiving pay from) one of our hospital affiliates should contact their department administrator for information regarding orientation and getting settled.
The HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows organizes orientations every 6 weeks for new postdocs. The Postdoc orientation is an important opportunity for new postdocs to obtain the necessary resources they need for living and working in and around the HMS/HSDM community. Postdocs learn about the administrative systems at HMS/HSDM and Harvard, research offices and policies, and receive a broad overview and explanation of the many benefits of working at Harvard.

Understanding the J-1 Visa Status
When: Thursday, October 4, 2012 | 2:30-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Joseph Chen, Advisor to International Students and Scholars, Harvard International Office
Most of the HMS international research scholars are in J-1 Research Scholar visa status. This visa permits a scholar to work in the U.S. for a maximum of five years. Since J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, it has some restrictions on a scholar’s mobility and long term plan in the U.S. This information session intends to help international scholars understand what the restrictions are, how to overcome these restrictions, what the next visa option is, and when to take necessary action to make a smooth transition. All J-1 scholars, J-2 dependents, and scholars on F-1 OPT are welcome to attend.

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, September 27, 2012 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: The Avengers

EMD Serono: Networking & Info Session
When: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 | 3:00-5:00pm
EMD Serono Panelists Include:
Joseph Tumang, PhD, Group Leader, ImmunoOncology Platform
Robert Hofmeister, PhD,Senior Director, ImmunoOncology & Head of Translational Immunotherapy
Postdocs will hear about industry careers from scientists and recruiters at EMD Serono as well as learn more about their new Immuno-Oncology Postdoctoral Program. Postdocs will also have the opportunity to network with the panelists and gain the necessary contacts and information to begin a career in industry.

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, September 26, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

NPAW: Reception and Award Ceremony
When: Thursday, September 20, 2012 | 4:30-6:00pm
Winners of travel awards for best poster presentation will be announced at the reception.

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 | 5:30-6:30pm
Featured Speaker: Pierre Stallforth, PhD, Department of BCMP
"Metabolomic Analysis of the Social Amoeba’s Bacterial Symbionts Reveals a Highly Adapted Mutualistic Association"
The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Postdocs will have the opportunity to: engage in stimulating interdisciplinary 
scientific discussions; initiate new collaborations; and network with their colleagues across different departments.

NPAW: Hot Talks
When: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 | 2:00-4:00pm
Join us for coffee and snacks and hear about the exciting, new research being done by your fellow postdocs. Featured Talks Include:
Dane Hazelbaker, BCMP - “Kinetic Competition between RNA Polymerase II and Sen1-dependent Transcription Termination”
Matthew Mattozzi, Systems Biology - “Engineering an Alternate Carbon Fixation Pathway”
Fatemeh Momen-Heravi , Clinical and Translational Science Center - “New approaches to isolate and characterize microvesicles in biomarker discovery”

NPAW: Postdoc Research Day
When: Tuesday, September 18, 2012 | 5:00-7:00pm
The OPF will be hosting the 2nd annual Postdoc Research Day. This poster session will feature the work of postdocs at HMS and HSDM. Outstanding poster presentations will receive $500 travel awards to be presented at Thursday's Reception and Award Ceremony.

NPAW: Peer-to-Peer Mentoring
When: Thursday, September 13, 2012 | 12:00-1:30pm
Workshop Led by:
Cyril Boyault, PhD, Staff scientist CR2, CNRS, Grenoble University & Former HMS Postdoc, Neurobiology
Panelists Include:
Laura Lande-Diner, PhD, Postdoc, Neurobiology, HMS
Jeanne Salje, PhD, Postdoc, Systems Biology, HMS
Peer to peer mentoring is an important means of soliciting feedback from colleagues. This workshop will outline the advantages of postdoc-to-postdoc peer mentoring and demonstrate the practicality of peer groups for promoting professional growth and theoretical discussion.

The Academic Job Search Series: Preparing the Academic Job Package
When: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 | 3:30-5:30pm
Come hear from our faculty panelists as they discuss:
- Application best practices and potential pitfalls -
- What to include in the cover letter, CV, and research proposal -
- How to manage the application process -
Workshop Led by:
Sandeep Robert Datta, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Panelists Include:
Angela DePace, PhD, Assistant Professor of Systems Biology, HMS
Judith Glaven, PhD, Associate Dean for Basic and Interdisciplinary Research, HMS
Stephen Liberles, PhD, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, HMS
Peter Sorger, PhD, Professor of Systems Biology, HMS

Poster Making 101: Designing Posters for Conferences and Symposia
When: Thursday, August 30, 2012 | 2:00-3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Beth Beighlle, Digital Imaging Coordinator, Harvard Medical School
Develop proper techniques for an efficient & pain-free way to construct posters. Maximize your message with images, illustrations & text by using PowerPoint & Photoshop to create large format documents that print properly.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that the information below pertains only to postdocs who are working in a QUAD department. Postdocs working in (and receiving pay from) one of our hospital affiliates should contact their department administrator for information regarding orientation and getting settled. 

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, August 23, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

The Academic Job Search Series: Professional Correspondence To Land the Job
When: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 | 3:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Kathy Brenner, Writing Consultant, Harvard School of Public Health
Scientists are not usually trained to efficiently and effectively communicate with colleagues and potential employers. However, these skills are crucial to setting yourself apart from a vast pool of qualified applicants. Brenner will outline proper email etiquette and provide tools for crafting sucessful cover letters and job applications.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 | 3:00-4:00pm
Zoe Fonseca-Kelly, PhD, Program Director, Office for Faculty Affairs, HMS
Zoe Fonseca-Kelly, Ph.D. joined the Office of Faculty Affairs as a Program Director for Faculty Affairs in June 2012.

Summer Fun Event Series: Outdoor Movie Night
When: Thursday, Augut 16, 2012 | 8:30pm
Enjoy a movie under the stars on the HMS Quad. There will be FREE fresh popcorn, but bring your own beverages. And don't forget a blanket or lawn chair to lounge on. Come early to get a good seat; you don't want to miss it!
Featured Film: "The Hunger Games"

The Academic Job Search Series: Postdoc to PI Panel
When: Wednesday, August 8, 2012 | 3:00-4:30pm
Come hear from a panel of fellow postdocs who have been “on the market” discussing their experiences (both good and bad) on searching, applying, landing, and negotiating a faculty position. This is an informal event intended to provide you with the opportunity to learn from those who have gone before you! Hear what other postdocs think about the process, do’s and don’ts, blunders and successes - hopefully with a good dash of humor.
Panelists Include:
Patrick Allard, PhD, Dept. of Genetics
Amy Brock, PhD, Dept. of Systems Biology
Danny Ducat, PhD, Dept. of Systems Biology
Russell Ray, PhD, Dept. of Genetics

Career Discussion Hour
When: Thursday, July 26, 2012 | 1:30-2:30pm
Johanna Gutlerner, PhD, Associate Director of the Curriculum Fellows Program & Instructor in BCMP, Harvard Medical School
As a PhD student, Johanna characterized the mechanism of a new form of synaptic plasticity at excitatory synapses on dopamine cells in part of the brain critical for processing reinforcing stimuli. Johanna joined the Harvard Medical School’s Curriculum Fellows Program in 2008 to learn more about curriculum development and educational scholarship. Find out more about Johanna and the Curriculum Fellows at HMS: https://curriculumfellows.hms.harvard.edu/people

Summer Fun Event Series: George's Island Day Trip
When: Saturday, July 21, 2012
Must Arrive: 10:30am (Ferry to depart at 11:00am)
Ferry Departure Location: Long Wharf Boston (You are responsible for transportation to/from Long Wharf- Directions HERE.)
Cost to Attend: $5.00 per person
Details: The cost to attend will include a ferry ride to and from George's Island and a $5.00 food voucher to use at the snack stand on the island. Once we arrive on George's Island you are free to do as you please. The ferry back to Long Wharf will leave at 5:30pm, but you will also be able to go stand-by on an earlier departing ferry. George’s Island, one of twelve Boston Harbor Islands, is only a 20 minute ferry ride from downtown Boston. George’s Island is home to the historic Fort Warren, a Civil War-era fort known for its graceful granite archways and reputed ghost, the Lady in Black. Visit the new museum, picnic under a shade tree, or enjoy the spectacular views of the harbor. There is something for everyone!

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Thursday, July 19, 2012 | 5:00-6:30pm
Featured Speaker: Matt Mattozzi, PhD, Silver Lab, Department of Systems Biology
"Adventures in Metabolic Engineering"
The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Postdocs will have the opportunity to: engage in stimulating interdisciplinary 
scientific discussions; initiate new collaborations; and network with their colleagues across different departments.

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, July 19, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that the information below pertains only to postdocs who are working in a QUAD department. Postdocs working in (and receiving pay from) one of our hospital affiliates should contact their department administrator for information regarding orientation and getting settled. 

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, June 28, 2012 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: The Artist

Communicating Your Science Series: Exploring the Publishing Landscape
When: Wednesday June 27, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Boyana Konforti, PhD, Editor, Cell Reports
Boyana just launched Cell Reports, a new high-quality, open-access journal from Cell Press. Join us to learn more about recent trends in scientific publishing, the pros and cons of open-access, and where the peer-review process is headed in the not-so-distant future.
Learn more about Cell Reports on their website: http://cellreports.cell.com/

Communicating Your Science Series: Visualizing Your Data
When: Monday, June 25 | 3:00 - 4:30pm *Recption to follow
Featured Speaker: Angela DePace, PhD, Assistant Professor of Systems Biology, HMS
Join us for an author talk and book launch party as Angela introduces her recently released book, Visual Strategies: A Practical Guide to Graphics for Scientists and Engineers. Systems biologist Angela DePace demonstrates how small changes can vastly improve the success of a graphic image. She dissects individual graphics, shows why some work while others don't, and suggests specific improvements.
Read reviews and find out more about the book here: http://www.felicefrankel.com/felice-frankel-book/visual-strategies/

Summer Fun Event Series: Ice Cream Social
When: Thursday, June 21, 2012 | 4:30pm
Chill out with some ice cream, toss around a frisbee, join in a game of Bocce Ball, or watch the kids get crazy with bubbles! No pressure, no expectations - just good old-fashioned family fun on a summer evening. Don't forget a blanket to lounge on!

Communicating Your Science Series: Navigating the Publication Process
When: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Judy Glaven, PhD, Associate Dean of Basic and Interdisciplinary Research, HMS
Judy Glaven, former Cell Editor, will give an informal presentation on managing publication of your research, providing insight on the role of the professional editor, some do's and don'ts for writing and submitting your paper and more generally on publication and advancing your career.

Communicating Your Science Series: Preparing Your Manuscript
When: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Becky Ward, PhD, Executive Director, Systems Biology, HMS

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, June 5, 2012 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that the information below pertains only to postdocs who are working in a QUAD department. Postdocs working in (and receiving pay from) one of our hospital affiliates should contact their department administrator for information regarding orientation and getting settled. 

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, May 31, 2012 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: The Woman in Black

Succeeding in a Global Workplace: Managing the Cultural Transition
When: Wednesday, May 30, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Anne Copeland, PhD, Founder and Executive Director, The Interchange Institute
After the honeymoon period when life in the US seems exciting and exotic, many people hit a wall. We’ll take a look at the reasons “culture shock” is a real phenomenon, and how people can manage the transition to a smooth adjustment. We will also discuss parenting in the US, and review the challenges parents of school children face.
Find out more about the Interchange Institute: http://www.interchangeinstitute.org/

Imaging Essentials: Preparing Your Images for Publication
When: Thursday, May 24, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Beth Beighlie, Digital Imaging Coordinator, Harvard Medical School
So you finally have a 'publication quality' image, now what?
Do you know the differences between raster, bitmap, pixel and vector? Can you determine correct file compression, color mode or bit depth? Join us as we cover the fundamentals of image preparation: working across multiple applications; and determining resolution and output strategies that impact the appearance of your data.

Succeeding in a Global Workplace: Understanding the American Socio-Political Landscape
When: Thursday, May 17, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Anne Copeland, PhD, Founder and Executive Director, The Interchange Institute
This session will provide an overview of the way US history and geography shapes cultural values and social issues (addressing questions newcomers ask, like “Why does each state get to decide about same-sex marriage?” “Why do we have the gun ownership laws we have?” and “Is there really separation of church and state in the US?”).
Find out more about the Interchange Institute: http://www.interchangeinstitute.org/

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, May 17, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 | 3:00-4:00pm
Bodo Stern, PhD, Director of Research Affairs, Harvard FAS Center for Systems Biology
Bodo Stern is the Director of Research Affairs at the Harvard FAS Center for Systems Biology since 2006. He joined Harvard from Cell Press, where he worked for 4 years as a Scientific Editor for Cell. He holds an MA in Biochemistry from the University of Tübingen, Germany, and a PhD from University College, London, the latter for his work with Paul Nurse on the fission yeast cell cycle. He did postdoctoral research on mitosis with Andrew Murray at the University of California, San Francisco and Harvard.

Networking in Academia
When: Wednesday, May 9, 2012 | 3:00 - 4:30pm
Featured Speaker: Laura Malisheski, PhD, Assistant Director, Graduate Student and Ph.D. Advising, Office of Career Services, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University
Networking is not just for those outside the ivory tower. In fact, you may already be networking and not even know it! Shatter the schmoozing stereotype and join us to learn about the many ways networking can advance your academic career, your research, research productivity, and recognition in the field.

How To Be an Effective Mentee
When: Tuesday, May 8, 2012 | 1:30 - 3:30pm
Featured Speakers:
Melissa Brodrick,HMS Ombudsperson
Judith Glaven, Associate Dean for Basic and Interdisciplinary Research, HMS
Come hear from our featured speakers about what goes into forging successful mentoring relationships. Learn how to take pro-active steps toward successful mentorship and how to manage your mentors. Examine case studies that highlight strategies to effectively manage conflict and prepare for becoming a mentor.

The Polished Postdoc: Getting Ready for the Next Step
When: Friday, May 4, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:00pm
Featured Speaker: Derek Haseltine, M.Ed., Director of Research Career Development & Co-director of the Office of Postdoctoral Scholars, University of Maryland School of Medicine
In today's tough job market you have to set yourself apart from other jobseekers to acheive success. Join Derek as he illustrates the importance of presenting yourself in the best possible light.
Discussion topics include:
-Fine-tuning your CV/resume
-Developing new skills
-Polishing your professional image
-Taking advantage of career development opportunities
-Enhancing your visibility

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Thursday, May 3, 2012 | 4:00-5:30pm
Featured Speaker: Keiji Nishida, PhD, Silver Lab, Department of Systems Biology
"Playing with and learning from magnetic yeast"
The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Postdocs will have the opportunity to: engage in stimulating interdisciplinary 
scientific discussions; initiate new collaborations; and network with their colleagues across different departments.

Science Policy Careers Symposium
When: Wednesday, May 2, 2012 | 9:30am - 6:00pm
This full-day symposium will introduce graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to a wide range of careers in the field of science policy. Attendees will leave the symposium with a better understanding of how to transition from scientific research to policy work, and of opportunities for science policy internships, fellowships and careers in government, non-profits and the private sector.


Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, April 26, 2012 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: The Adventures of Tintin

Succeeding in a Global Workplace: Working in a Multicultural Lab - Part 2
When: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Anne Copeland, PhD, Founder and Executive Director, The Interchange Institute
Part II will complete our look at core cultural values then discuss how these affect relationships in the multicultural lab and department, including relationships between lab directors and staff, decision-making about publication authorship, work commitment, and other topics suggested by attendees.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that the information below pertains only to postdocs who are working in a QUAD department. Postdocs working in (and receiving pay from) one of our hospital affiliates should contact their department administrator for information regarding orientation and getting settled. 

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, April 19, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

Succeeding in a Global Workplace: Working in a Multicultural Lab - Part 1
When: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 | 2:00 - 3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Anne Copeland, PhD, Founder and Executive Director, The Interchange Institute
Part I will start with an overview of what culture is, the importance of avoiding judgments based on misguided stereotypes, and how to identify cultural differences (as opposed to personality idiosyncrasies). We will then begin an examination of several core cultural values that exist around the world, using tools to examine our own values, cross-national research comparisons, and case studies.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 | 3:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Pia Kasperkovitz, PhD, Scientist, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
Pia Kasperkovitz Ph.D. is a Scientist and leader of immunogenicity research at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. In this role, she coordinates multidisciplinary internal research efforts and outside collaborations with academia and industry. Prior to joining Alnylam in July 2011, she was a Research Fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and served on the board of the postdoc association (MGPA) to support career development.

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Thursday, April 5, 2012 | 4:00-5:30pm
"Bridging the theorist/experimentalist divide: how can we work together to do better biology?"
All postdocs are invited to join us for this open discussion, in which we will explore how to combine the contributions of both theoretical and experimental approaches to make new discoveries in biology. We will have a panel of postdocs who have theoretical backgrounds, or who have transitioned between theoretical and experimental approaches. We will discuss the difficulties of communication between scientists of very different backgrounds, and look at concrete examples of how theory has been used to increase our understanding of a biological system. We hope these discussions will lead to a better understanding of what theory can do for biology, and may even help to establish some new collaborations.
About the Forum: The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Postdocs will have the opportunity to: engage in stimulating interdisciplinary 
scientific discussions; initiate new collaborations; and network with their colleagues across different departments.

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, March 29, 2012 | NEW TIME: 6:00pm
Featured Film: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

English Language Conversation Tables
When: Thursday, March 22, 2012 | 12:00 - 1:30pm
Presented by the Harvard Bridge Program
Join us for this relaxed and social activity, designed to help non-native English speakers strengthen the way they speak about their research! Following a luncheon, small groups of postdocs will speak about their work for 3-5 minutes and then receive feedback from a native English speaker, as well as fellow postdocs.

Resumes, Interviews, and Networking: A three part primer on successful job searching
When: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 | 10:00 - 11:30am
-Networking Luncheon to follow-
Featured Speaker: Kathy L. Brenner, Writing Consultant, Harvard School of Public Health

Networking Etiquette (with GSAS Dean Margot Gill)
When: Monday, March 19, 2012 | 3:30 - 5:30pm (Reception to follow)
We all know networking is important, but what does it really mean in practice? GSAS Dean Margot Gill and Laura Malisheski from OCS will help demystify networking and review critical skills for success as well as share their own personal effective techniques. This interactive workshop will include activities to practice these skills in a relaxed, fun environment. Bring your questions about networking and come develop your schmoozing skills! Registration is required. Please email ocsgsas@fas.harvard.edu and include your Harvard affiliation (GSAS student, postdoc) and your department.

Drop-in Resume and CV Reviews
When: Monday, March 19, 2012 | 1:00 - 3:00pm
Are you planning to be on the academic or non-academic job market soon, or will you be applying for fellowships or post-docs? Bring a draft of your resume, CV, and/or cover letter for a critique and get ready for your next career step. Drop in for a 15-minute review of your documents.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 | 3:00-4:00pm
Jeffrey R. Scott, PhD, Manager, Preclinical Affairs, C.R. Bard, Inc.
Dr. Scott currently leads the Preclinical Affairs group at C.R. Bard, Inc. (Davol) (a global medical device company), and is directly responsible for managing all divisional in vivo and experimental pathology activities related to new soft tissue reconstruction/repair product development. Dr. Scott began his medical device career as a Research Scientist with C.R. Bard, Inc. (Davol) in 2006, and has assumed increase levels of responsibility into his current role over time.

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that the information below pertains only to postdocs who are working in a QUAD department. Postdocs working in (and receiving pay from) one of our hospital affiliates should contact their department administrator for information regarding orientation and getting settled. 

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Thursday, March 1, 2012 | 4:00-5:30pm
Introductions to:
*Synthetic Biology and potential applications
*Microbial cell biology
*Noise in Biology
"Brief Introductions: Three very short primers to three scientific fields"
This month we will be running a 'brief introductions' session in which three scientific fields will be introduced. Come along and learn about what's going on in fields outside your own! Talks will include both a general introduction as well as broader discussions such as what are the big unsolved questions, challenges and exciting new directions?

Biomedical Science Writing: For Non-Native English Speakers
When: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 | 9:00am - 12:00pm
Featured Speaker: Kathy L. Brenner, Writing Consultant, Harvard School of Public Health
For those people who are non-native speakers of English, writing is a difficult skill to master, and writing for journal publication can be a daunting task. This writing workshop for international postdoctoral fellows will focus on English language usage, linguistics and cross-cultural issues involved in Western journal publication. The session will be interactive and participants will leave with an expanded awareness and knowledge of what is expected in journal publication writing.

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, February 23, 2012 | NEW TIME: 6:00pm
Featured Film: Moneyball

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, February 16, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 | 3:00-4:00pm
Han Joo Lee, PhD, Field Application Scientist, GE Healthcare
Dr. Han Joo Lee currently works as Field Application Scientist (Pre-clinical Protein Imaging, Detection, and Analysis) at GE Healthcare. He earned a DPhil (PhD) in Virology and Genomics from University of Oxford, UK in 2001. From 2001 to 2005, he was a research fellow at the laboratory of Dr. Jack W. Szostak at Genetics, Harvard Medical School/MGH, where he focused on developing mRNA display based applications.

Drop-in Resume and CV Reviews
When: Monday, February 13, 2012 | 1:00 - 4:00pm
Are you planning to be on the academic or non-academic job market soon, or will you be applying for fellowships or post-docs? Bring a draft of your resume, CV, and/or cover letter for a critique and get ready for your next career step. Drop in for a 15-minute review of your documents.

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Thursday, February 9, 2012 | 3:30-5:00pm
Featured Speakers:
Kristin Krukenberg, Systems Biology 
Sabine Akabayov, BCMP
Bill Robins, MBIB
"The Ins and Outs of Exotic Experimental Technique"
Your fellow postdocs will describe their expertise with specialized experimental technique, with particular attention to easy-to-trip-over pitfalls, critical tricks that don't show up in the user manual, and the sorts of problems for which the techniques are particularly suited. Presenters are encouraged to walk us through an example experiment from their research. This week we'll be embarking on a voyage through RNA-Seq, NMR, and Mass Spectrometry.


Just for Scientists: CV, Resume, or Something in Between?
When: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 | 4:00 - 5:30pm
Every scientist needs a CV, whether you are planning to pursue a post-doctoral research position, a faculty position, or a position outside academia. Using sample documents that helped scientists land positions in academia and beyond, we will discuss how to optimize the presentation of your relevant skills and experiences in an aesthetically pleasing style that is most appropriate for different types of PhD-level positions.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, January 31, 2012 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that the information below pertains only to postdocs who are working in a QUAD department. Postdocs working in (and receiving pay from) one of our hospital affiliates should contact their department administrator for information regarding orientation and getting settled. 

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, January 26, 2012 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: Kung Fu Panda 2 - The Kaboom of Doom

Exploring NIH Careers: Taking Your PhD to the NIH: Postdoctoral and Full-time Positions
When: Friday, January 20, 2012 | 10:00-11:30am
This session will cover ways to utilize your PhD at the NIH in both bench and non-bench jobs, from staff scientist, tenure track PI, grant management, tech transfer, science policy and more. Additionally, we will discuss postdoc opportunities at the NIH, including providing an understanding the emphasis on both science and career planning.

Exploring NIH Careers: Careers in Science Education and Outreach: A "How To" Workshop
When: Thursday, January 19, 2012 | 3:00-4:30am
This workshop highlights the critical skills necessary for a career in science education and outreach. We will explore what these jobs entail and how you can prepare yourself now for this career step. You will need an understanding of science, a knowledge of the education, communication skills, people and management skills and more. We will discuss how employers measure these skill qualifications, how to find jobs in these areas, and more job specific information. These sessions are intended to augment your career informational interviewing with experts in the field.

Postdoc Lounge: Donut & Coffee Morning
When: Thursday, January 19, 2012 | 9:30-11:00am
Stop by the Postdoc Office on the third Thursday of every month to enjoy fresh coffee and donuts and to learn more about the opportunities available for postdocs.
Bring a copy of your CV for a quick critique by the OPF Director.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 | 2:00-3:00pm
Phill Jones, PhD, Business Development Consultant, Former Editorial Director, Journal of Visualized Experiments
Dr. Jones began his scientific career working with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, during which time he obtained a Ph.D. from Imperial College, London in plasma and atomic physics. Shortly after graduating, Dr. Jones moved to Massachusetts to begin a post-doctoral fellowship, leading to a junior faculty position in biophysics and bioengineering at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Thursday, January 12, 2012 | 1:30-3:00pm
Featured Speaker: Daniel Ducat, PhD, Department of Systems Biology 
"Harnessing Cyanobacterial Photosynthetic Potential" 
The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Postdocs will have the opportunity to: engage in stimulating interdisciplinary 
scientific discussions; initiate new collaborations; and network with their colleagues across different departments.