2014 Events

Past Events 2018Past Events 2017  | Past Events 2016 | Past Events 2015 | Past Events 2014 | Past Events 2013 | Past Events 2012 | Past Events 2011 | Past Events 2010  (coming soon) | Past Events 2006-2000 (coming soon)

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, December 19, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials. Postdoc Office Hours will be held every other Friday.

Postdoc Holiday Party & Toy Drive
When: Thursday, December 18, 2014 | 5:00-6:00pm
Celebrate the holidays with your fellow colleagues. There will be beer, appetizers, and raffle door prizes. You could win movie tickets, museum passes or other fun prizes.

Pathways to Entrepreneurship - Christoph Westphal, MD, PhD
When: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 | 4:00-6:00pm
Featured Speaker: Christoph Westphal, MD, PhD, Co-Founder and Partner, Longwood Fund
Workshop Description:
Exciting opportunities bridge academia and entrepreneurship; hear alumni discuss their individual journeys from training to careers in industry. Speakers will offer unique perspectives on how a solid educational and research foundation can act as a springboard to making global impact in the public sector.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, December 16, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that all of 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.

Industry Networking & Mentoring for Postdocs
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 | 4:30-6:00pm
Networking Mentors:
Business Development/Venture Capital: Christine Brennan, PhD – Principal, Novartis Venture Funds
Pharma Research: David Bauer, PhD – Principal Scientist, Amgen
Pharma Research: Ken Olivier, PhD - Senior Director of Toxicology, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals
Therapeutics Start Up: Kathleen McGinness, PhD – Director, Unum Therapeutics
Journal Editor: Milka Kostic, PhD - Senior Editor, Cell Press
Workshop Description:
Following the "How to Establish an Efficient Network & Stand Out" workshop, postodcs will have the opportunity to try out their new skills by networking with leaders from diverse careers in industry.

How to Establish an Efficient Network & Stand Out
When: Wednesday, December 10, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Lauren Celano, Founder & CEO, Propel Careers
Workshop Description:
In this seminar, Propel Careers will provide tips for how to network effectively to build your connections and develop meaningful relationships. Propel will provide tips to make a positive first impression, including the importance of an “elevator pitch”. Propel will provide advice for how to use opening lines to start conversations and how to navigate conversations. Propel will also cover how to work a room, strategies to meet people during an event, and the role that business cards and tools like LinkedIn play in networking. Lastly, Propel will provide advice for how to follow up after a great discussion including email etiquette, using LinkedIn, and other ways to keep the conversations going and the relationship growing. Following the talk, time will be allocated for Q&A to address additional topics. 

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, December 5, 2014 | 11:00am-2:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

Fostering Research Innovation with Boston Biomedical Innovation Center & Harvard Catalyst
When: Thursday, December 4, 2014 | 1:00-2:00pm
Where: TMEC 227
Featured Speakers:
Gary Gray, PhD, Director, Technology and Innovation, Harvard Catalyst
Cheryl Vaughan, PhD, Managing Director, Skills Development Center, Boston Biomedical Innovation Center
Workshop Description:
The key elements for success in clinical and translational research already exist at Harvard and the Longwood Medical Area, including the intellectual force, technologies, and clinical expertise necessary to reduce the burden of human illness. What is missing is a systematic way for investigators from disparate disciplines and institutions to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration that encourages the translation of ideas into practice. This workshop will guide particpants in:
- Finding each other and form teams
- Sharing tools and technologies
- Receiving advanced training and education in the principles and practice of clinical and translational science
- Obtaining seed funding to embark upon new areas of investigation

Career Discussion Hour
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2014 | 2:00-3:00pm
Where: Minot Room, Countway Library
Join us to learn about a career in scientific editing and major conference management...
Featured Speaker: Angela Messmer-Blust, PhD, Scientific Editor, Conferences & Special Content, Cell Press

Randox Laboratories Campus Visit
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2014 | 9:30-11:30am
Where: Minot Room, Countway Library
Workshop Description:
Randox is currently expanding and is seeking postdocs in the life sciences and engineering to help grow their company. Please join Mark Campbell, Senior Manager Randox, and Michael Heaney, Director of Services Donegal County Council, to learn more about Randox and about living in Ireland.
For more information about Randox, please visit: http://www.randox.com/

Presentation Skills for Scientists
When: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 | 1:00-3:00pm
Featured Speaker: Heather Duffy, PhD, Creative Innovation Consulting
Workshop Description:
Have you ever sat in a conference talk or workshop where you have wished you could be as good a public speaker as the people you see at the podium? I think we all have had butterflies in the stomach at the thought of public speaking and wish we were better at it! Public speaking is an important part of any career with the fastest career paths going to those that can effectively communicate in a public forum. This workshop on Public Speaking and Presentation Skills is designed to get rid of the nerves and make you the type of speaker that gets invited back again and again! The topics covered include how to make your Powerpoint presentations effective and clear, how to tell a great story and importantly, how to effectively communicate your main points in short talks, long talks and job talks. Everything from slide layout to body language cues can make a difference in how well you are perceived by the audience. This workshop will show you how to maximize your image on the podium.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, November 21, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, November 20, 2014 | 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.

The Individual Development Plan: Making the Most of Your Postdoc Training
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 | 1:00-2:30pm
Where: Waterhouse Room, Gordon Hall
Featured Speaker: James Gould, PhD, Director, HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows
Workshop Description:
The postdoc pursuit of independent investigation relies on getting the most out of their training. This seminar lays out tools and strategies for choosing the right research environment to thrive as a postdoc as well as planning, and executing, a successful postdoc tenure. This workshop will cover what you need know, and do, to efficiently advance in your early research career via an effective use of your individual development plan (IDP).

IDAC Fellow Seminar
When: Friday, November 14, 2014 | 12:00-1:30pm
**A Pizza lunch will be provided - please register below so we have an accurate head count.
Featured Speaker: Pontus Nordenfelt, M.S.Eng, Ph.D., Timothy A. Springer Laboratory & Image and Data Analysis Core
"Visualizing and quantifying intramolecular forces and alignment of integrins during T-cell migration"
Workshop Description:
Join us to learn more about the IDAC fellows program and to hear a scientific talk from a former IDAC fellow. The IDAC Fellows Program offers the opportunity for postdocs and graduate students who wish to dedicate their effort for a defined period to solving advanced image data analysis problems under the tutelage of IDAC staff. During this time IDAC fellows will be immersed in an environment dedicated to solving image and data analysis problems. This will provide unique peer-to-peer training that cannot be provided in individual labs.

Acing the Industry Interview
When: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Lauren Celano, Founder & CEO, Propel Careers
Workshop Description:
In this seminar, Propel Careers will provide advice for how to succeed during an interview and will cover different interview formats including phone, skype, in person one-on-one and panel settings. Propel will provide insight on what hiring managers look for when conducting interviews as well as typical interview questions with examples of responses. Propel will discuss how to prepare for skills based questions (i.e. tell me more about your cell culture experience) as well as “soft skills” questions (i.e. tell me how you work in a team, or how you show initiative). Propel will provide insight on why companies use behavioral interviewing and the important role of culture fit and personality fit in an interview. Propel will also provide advice on research that a candidate can do to make sure they have relevant background information on the company and interviewers and advice on what questions to ask during an interview. Propel will provide guidance relevant for scientific, non-scientific, and consulting interviews. Following the talk, time will be allocated for Q&A to address additional topics.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Monday, November 10, 2014 | 1:00-2:00pm
Where: Waterhouse Room, Gordon Hall
Join us to learn about a career in commercializing and applying discovery-based and translational research to the clinic...
Featured Speaker: Cheryl Vaughan, PhD, Managing Director, Skills Development Center, Boston Biomedical Innovation Center

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, November 7, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

Green Cards, Entrepreneurship and Work Visas: What Do I Need to Know?
When: Thursday, November 6, 2014 | 1:00-3:00pm
Workshop Description:
The HIO is pleased to announce an informational session entitled Green Cards, Entrepreneurship, and Work Visas: What Do I Need to Know?  
Join local immigration law attorney Elizabeth Goss speaking about such topics as H-1Bs, TNs, O-1s, entrepreneurship, green cards and much more during this session sponsored by the HMS Office for Postdoctoral Fellows and the HIO.  Q & A to follow.  

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, November 4, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that all of 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.

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, October 30, 2014 | 7:00pm
Featured Film: ~"Psycho"~

Crafting Your CV & Resume: How to Concisely Summarize Your Entire Career
When: Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Jim Gould, PhD, Director, HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows
Workshop Description:
A CV/resume provides the first impression of a candidate to a potential employer. The content of your document should quickly grab the reader's interest, and the format must deliver information clearly and concisely. To make it even more challenging, you need to summarize the highlights of your career in just a few pages. This interactive workshop will cover the basics of crafting your CV and tips for tailoring your Resume to specific job opportunities. Please bring a copy of your most recent CV or resume (or both).

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, October 24, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

Career Discussion Hour
When: Wednesday, October 22, 2014 | 3:00-4:00pm
Where: Waterhouse Room, Gordon Hall
Join us to learn about a career in product marketing & innovation at a start-up biotech...
Featured Speaker: Jessica Tytell, PhD, Director for Life Science Innovation at Firefly BioWorks

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, October 16, 2014 | 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.

Developing an Effective Job Search Strategy
When: Wednesday, October 15, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Lauren Celano, Founder & CEO, Propel Careers
Workshop Description:
This workshop will provide advice on how to prepare and conduct an effective job search. This presentation will begin with a focus on questions that every job seeker should ask themselves before they begin their search to ensure a focused search on roles and companies aligned to the job seeker’s values, interests, and skills. The presentation will then provide tips on how to identify and research companies through on-line searching, LinkedIn, conferences, press releases, new sources, networking and other sources. Additional details will be discussed regarding how to create a job search checklist and the value of formally tracking your progress over time to maintain focus and accelerate the search. The presentation will discuss the “hidden job market” as well as how companies and recruitment firms use resume databases and LinkedIn to connect with talent. Lastly, the seminar will cover the importance of tailoring a resume and cover letter for each job; the value of a referral when applying for a job; and job search timeframes including when to start looking and how long you have to make a decision on an offer once you receive one. Following the talk, time will be allocated for Q&A to address additional topics.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, October 10, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

The Academic Job Search Series: Acing the Interview
When: Thursday, October 9, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
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
Rachel Wilson, PhD, Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Workshop Description:
Come hear from our faculty panelists as they discuss:
- Interview etiquette and potential pitfalls
- Job talk essentials
- Demystifying the chalk talk
- Following up & negotiations

Leveraging Your PhD: Mastering Business for Career Longevity
When: Wednesday, October 1, 2014 | 1:00-3:00pm
Featured Speaker: Isaiah Hankel, PhD, Founder, The Cheeky Scientist | Marketing Director, Expert Cytometry
Workshop Description:
The Mastering Business for Career Longevity seminar will focus on interpersonal skills and office politics. This seminar will cover topics like networking to get promoted, negotiating to get promoted, creating an online presence, public speaking, nad time management. The seminar will also cover the basics of industry hierarchies and structures, including an overview of Applications, R&D, Management, Sales, Marketing, Production, and more.

Leveraging Your PhD: Networking Lunch
When: Wednesday, October 1, 2014 | 12:00-1:00pm
Where: TMEC 447
Featured Speaker: Isaiah Hankel, PhD, Founder, The Cheeky Scientist | Marketing Director, Expert Cytometry
Workshop Description:
During lunch, Isaiah will discuss how to effectively and confidently communicate your scientific position and aspirations to your employers, your colleagues, and yourself.

Leveraging Your PhD: Transitioning to Industry & Demystifying the Interview
When: Wednesday, October 1, 2014 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Featured Speaker: Isaiah Hankel, PhD, Founder, The Cheeky Scientist | Marketing Director, Expert Cytometry
Workshop Description:
The Transitioning to Industry & Demystifying the Interview seminar will serve as a fast track to industry with lessons on creating the right résumé or CV, basic networking skills, finding the right job for you, how to identify and leverage your transferable skills. This seminar will also cover basic and advanced interviewing skills, how to negotiate a salary contract, how to create instant rapport with your boss once you're hired.

Pathways to Entrepreneurship with Alexis Borisy, PhD
When: Tuesday, September 30, 2014 | 4:00-6:00pm
Featured Speaker: Alexis Borisy, PhD, Partner, Third Rock Ventures
Workshop Description:
Exciting opportunities bridge academia and entrepreneurship; hear alumni discuss their individual journeys from training to careers in industry. Speakers will offer unique perspectives on how a solid educational and research foundation can act as a springboard to making global impact in the public sector.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, September 26, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
Where: Ware Room, Countway Library
- Please note that all of 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.

NPAW 2014: Postdoc Appreciation Brunch
When: Thursday, September 18, 2014 | 9:30-11:00am
Learn more about National Postdoc Appreciation Week.
Winners of travel awards for best poster presentation will be announced during brunch. There will be coffee, juice, breakfast pastries, and raffle prize giveaways.
GRAND PRIZE: Everyone in attendance will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a $200 travel award.

NPAW 2014: Postdoc Research Day
When: Wednesday, September 17, 2014 | 5:00-7:00pm
The OPF will be hosting its 4th Annual Postdoc Research Day. This poster session will feature the work of postdocs at HMS and HSDM . Come enjoy a beer and refreshments and network with your fellow colleagues. Poster winners will receive a $500 travel award to attend a conference of their choice. Poster winners will be announced at Thursday morning's Postdoc Appreciation Brunch.

NPAW 2014: Hot Talks
When: Tuesday, September 16, 2014 | 3:00-5:00pm
Learn more about National Postdoc Appreciation Week.
Join us for coffee and afternoon snacks and hear about the exciting, high profile research being done by your fellow postdocs.
-Featured Speakers-
Ivo Spiegel, PhD, Research Fellow in Neurobiology, HMS
Evangelos Papadopoulos, PhD, Research Fellow in Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, HMS
Chris Sham, PhD, Research Fellow in Microbiology & Immunobiology, HMS

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, September 12, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

Live Webinar: Introduction to Scientists Teaching Science
When: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 | 1:00-3:00pm
Instructor: Barbara Houtz, STEM Education Solutions, LLC
Workshop Description:
This 2-hour workshop provides an introduction to the basics of learning styles, active learning, and curriculum development. Developed especially for people who are planning on teaching at the university level in the sciences, this introduction to "Scientists Teaching Science" will provide some basic information about the science of effective teaching. Note: This workshop is meant as an introduction to and advertisement for the 9-week online"Scientsts Teaching Science" course that the HMS Postdoc Office is sponsoring this fall. 

Wolf Greenfield Info Session: IP and Patent Law
When: Friday, September 5, 2014 | 12:00-2:00pm
Featured Panelists:
Oona M. Johnstone, PhD, JD, Associate
Heather J. DiPietrantonio, PhD, Patent Agent
Jeanette A. Forgey, Recruitment Coordinator
Workshop Description:
Are you intrigued by the prospect of applying your scientific or engineering expertise to help companies and institutions protect their cutting edge innovations?
We invite you to learn more about the Technology Specialist program at Wolf Greenfield, a Boston-based intellectual property law firm. We currently seek candidates with backgrounds in: biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, chemistry, genetics, medical devices, mechanical engineering, neuroscience.

Applied Informatics for Postdocs: Introduction to Programming Perl and Bioperl (Two-Part)
DATES: *This is a two-part workshop, only register if you are able to attend BOTH dates.
Wednesday, September 3, 2014 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Thursday, September 4, 2014 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Course Instructor: Amir Karger, PhD, Senior Research Computing Consultant, HMS
Workshop Description:
This 2-part hands-on workshop gives an overview of Perl, with a quick introduction to Bioperl. Participants will learn to read and modify Perl scripts, as well as write small scripts of their own. Special focus is given to reading, filtering, and reformatting scientific data. Because the workshop lasts only six hours, we do not have time to introduce the basic concepts of programming, such as loops, conditions, and variables. Anyone who has programmed even a small amount in any programming language should be comfortable, but others are encouraged to take a more extensive class. The examples are all biology-related, but biology training is not needed for the class.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Wednesday, August 27, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

Postdoc Ice Cream Social & Lawn Games
When: Thursday, August 21, 2014 | 3:30-5:00pm
Join us to close out the summer with some fun and ice cream on the Quad! 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!

The Academic Job Search Series: Preparing the Academic Job Package
When: Monday, August 18, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
Workshop Led by:
Sandeep Robert Datta, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Panelists Include:
Chengua Gu, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Judith Glaven, PhD, Associate Dean for Basic and Interdisciplinary Research, HMS
Stephen Liberles, PhD, Assistant Professor of Cell Biology, HMS
Rachel Wilson, PhD, Professor of Neurobiology, HMS
Workshop Description:
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

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, August 15, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

Applied Informatics for Postdocs: Tools & Methods for Sequencing Analysis in a High-performance Computing Environment (Two-Part)
DATES: *This is a two-part workshop, only register if you are able to attend BOTH dates.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Thursday, August 14, 2014 | 11:00am-1:00pm
Course Instructors:
Lingsheng Dong, MD, Senior Research Computing Consultant, HMS
Nam Pho, Research Computing Consultant, HMS
Workshop Description:
Have data fresh off the sequencer and not sure where to start? Ever read a paper and want to take another look at that author’s data? We’ll show you how to pull down published sequencing studies from NCBI databases such as Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) or Sequence Read Archive (SRA) or using your own data, cover basics in common file formats for next-generation sequencing. You’ll get suggestions on how to how to get started looking at the data from quality control to basic sequence read alignment to a reference genome and subsequent visualization of reads. The tutorial will focus on leveraging the benefits of high-performance computing to parallelize sequencing analysis.

 *SPECIAL* Outdoor Movie Night:
NEW DATE: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 | 8:00pm
Where: HMS Quadrangle
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!
This event is open to the entire Harvard community, Hospital Affiliates and their families.
Featured Film: ~"The Wizard of Oz"~

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that all of 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. 
Applied Informatics for Postdocs: Intro to High Performance Computing for Computational Biology Research
When: Wednesday August 6, 2014 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Course Instructors:
BD Kim, PhD, Associate Director of Research Computing, HMS
Nam Pho, Research Computing Consultant, HMS
Workshop Description:
This introductory class provides beginners and intermediate users with basics of Linux/Unix user environment of high performance computing systems. In addition to the introductory review of Linux, the class will also emphasize common strategies and best practices in utilizing HPC resources at HMS, Orchestra supercomputer and high-capacity storage systems. This class will also provide hands-on session, and the audience will have a chance to log onto the system, check out its software stack and use the scheduler for job submission, etc.

Effective Manuscript Writing for Postdocs: Introduction & Abstract
When: Tuesday, August 5, 2014 | 12:00-1:30pm
Course Instructor: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer and Executive Director, Cell Decision Process Center, MIT
Workshop Description:
At the conclusion of the workshop series, participants will have a deeper understanding of the processes involved in composing a research paper. Participants may bring examples of their own work (single figure or 250 words of text).

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, August 1, 2014 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Make an appointment with the Director of the Postdoc Office for a 30 minute session of career coaching, networking & job search advice, interview assistance, or critique of your application materials.

The Academic Job Search Series: Postdoc to PI Panel
When: Thursday, July 31, 2014 | 1:00-2:30pm
PANELISTS:
Jenna Galloway, PhD
Formerly: Postdoc Fellow in Genetics, HMS
Currently: Assistant Professor, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Orthopaedic Surgery, MGH, Harvard Stem Cell Institute
Ayal Ben-Zvi, PhD
Currently: Postdoc Fellow in Neurobiology, HMS
Soon-to-be: Senior Lecturer, Developmental Biology and Cancer Research The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Matt Traxler, PhD
Currently: Postdoc Fellow in Microbiology and Immunobiology, HMS
Soon-to-be: Assistant Professor, Plant and Microbial Biology, UC Berkeley
Zeba Wunderlich, PhD
Currently: Postdoc Fellow in Systems Biology, HMS
Soon-to-be: Assistant Professor, Developmental and Cell Biology, UC Irvine
Workshop Description:
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.

Data Management in the Digital Age: Practical tips and high-tech solutions to managing bioresearch data
When: Wednesday, July 30, 2014 | 1:00-3:00pm
Presentation by:
John Bachman, Graduate Student, HMS Systems Biology
Jay Copeland, Research Technology Coordinator, HMS Systems Biology
Ed Huttlin, Postdoctoral Fellow,HMS Cell Biology
BD Kim, Associate Director, HMS Research Computing
Craig Mak, Editor of Cell Biosystems, Cell Press
Mason Miranda, IT Manager, HMS Research IT Group
Stephanie Mohr, DRSC/GEPG Director, HMS Genetics
Michelle Ocana, Senior Imaging Specialist, HMS Neurobiology
Caroline Shamu, Director, ICCB-Longwood Screeening Facility
Workshop Description:
Ever lose track of an image file, receive a gene list with confusing names or IDs, or return to analyzed data months later and struggle to remember what statistical rules you applied? If so, you’re not alone.
Proper data management can be simple and easy to implement in the moment but all too often does not get done right, leading to inefficiency, confusion, errors, and/or data loss down the line. Learning to keep data organized and associated with the right information can have a significant positive impact—not just on your own research but also on your ability to run an efficient lab, work with bioinformaticians and statisticians, collaborate with other researchers, publish your data, and re-analyze or integrate data published by others.
In the workshop, we will (a) introduce key aspects and pitfalls related to data management; (b) present practical solutions for setting up projects, appropriately labeling and managing various types of data; (c) discuss aspects of data storage and backup; (d) present some of the specialized systems available for organizing, storing, and sharing data; and (e) facilitate a broader discussion of data management issues, including how large data sets are becoming an increasingly important part of bioresearch and what it means to share data openly.
During the workshop, you will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share your own successful strategies.
Who should attend?
(a) Anyone interested in learning practical tips and strategies for labeling, organizing, storing and sharing small or large data sets in digital formats.
(b) Researchers who are good at one or more aspect of data management already and willing to share tips and strategies with others.

Effective Manuscript Writing for Postdocs: Discussion & Impact
When: Tuesday, July 29, 2014 | 12:00-1:30pm
Course Instructor: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer and Executive Director, Cell Decision Process Center, MIT
Workshop Description:
At the conclusion of the workshop series, participants will have a deeper understanding of the processes involved in composing a research paper. Participants may bring examples of their own work (single figure or 250 words of text).

Early Careers in Consulting: Exploring Your Options
When: Thursday, July 24, 2014 | 3:30-5:00pm
Featured Speakers:
Samuel Murphy, PhD, Vice President, IMS Health Capital, Inc.; Senior Principal, IMS Consulting Group
Thomas Yang, PhD, Senior Manager, Monitor Deloitte, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Jon Weber, PhD, MBA, Consultant, Putnam Associates (Recently at Simon-Kucher & Partners)
Xun Wang, PhD, Senior Analyst, PriceSpective

Applied Informatics for Postdocs: Navigating and Using NCBI BLAST & Gene Expression Omnibus
When: Wednesday, July 23, 2014 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Course Instructor: David Osterbur, PhD, Director of Public & Access Services, Countway Library, HMS
Workshop Description:
Learn how to use BLAST as an experimental tool. We will cover the use of filters as BLAST tools and contrast them with the use of PHI-BLAST. We will learn about substitution matrices and how the PSSM relates to PSI-BLAST. We will discuss how to avoid doing a BLAST search and still obtain the relevant information and Blast Variations for structure/function search  The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) is a public repository that archives and freely distributes microarray, next-generation sequencing, and other forms of high-throughput functional genomic data. Learn how to navigate the GEO interface to retrieve data to inform your experiments.  This workshop will acquaint attendees with NCBI blast tool for comparing nucleotide or protein sequences to sequence databases and calculates the statistical significance of matches. Attendees will also learn how to query and download experiments that are MIAME-compliant.

Effective Manuscript Writing for Postdocs: Illustrations & Results
When: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 | 12:00-1:30pm
Course Instructor: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer and Executive Director, Cell Decision Process Center, MIT
Workshop Description:
At the conclusion of the workshop series, participants will have a deeper understanding of the processes involved in composing a research paper. Participants may bring examples of their own work (single figure or 250 words of text).

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, July 17, 2014 | 9:30-11:00am
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 006
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.

*SPECIAL* Outdoor Movie Night
When: Thursday, July 10, 2014 | 8:30pm
Where: HMS Quadrangle
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!
This event is open to the entire Harvard community, Hospital Affiliates and their families.

Applied Informatics for Postdocs: PubMed: Searching Biomedical Literature
When: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Course Instructor: David Osterbur, PhD, Director of Public & Access Services, Countway Library, HMS
Workshop Description:
This tutorial concentrates on advanced aspects of searching biomedical literature and learning how to refine your search to get the most precision, or how to do a broad but comprehensive search to find as much as possible on your topic; using PubMed, the National Library of Medicine interface to MEDLINE. Topics covered include search field qualification and selection; MeSH database, Journals database; saving searches with Cubby; creating alerts with BioMail.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, July 1, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that all of 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.

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, June 26, 2014 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: ~"American Hustle"~
A con man, Irving Rosenfeld, along with his seductive partner Sydney Prosser, is forced to work for a wild FBI agent, Richie DiMaso, who pushes them into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia.

Pathways to Entrepreneurship
When: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 | 4:00-6:00pm
Featured Speaker: Kevin Bitterman, PhD, Partner at Polaris Partners
Workshop Description:
Exciting opportunities bridge academia and entrepreneurship; hear alumni discuss their individual journeys from training to careers in industry. Kevin will offer unique perspectives on how a solid educational and research foundation can act as a springboard to making global impact in the public sector. Reception to follow.

Applied Informatics for Postdocs: mRNA-Seq analysis using JMP Genomics software
When: Tuesday, June 24, 2014 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Course Instructor: Reddy Gali, PhD, Bioinformatics Educator, CBMI, Catalyst, Countway Library, HMS
Workshop Description:
Next-Generation sequencing is quickly becoming the platform of choice for genomic analysis. JMP Genomics has incorporated a number of functions for working with mRNA-seq data. This workshop will focus aligning reads to reference sequences and generating sequence read counts. Also learn how to import mRNA-seq data, Filter, Normalize and ANOVA analysis using JMP genomics software.  This workshop will acquaint attendees with common steps when working with mRNA-seq data on the Orchestra cluster and JMP Genomics software.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, June 19, 2014 | 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.

The Academic Job Search Series: Academic Teaching Careers
When: Wednesday, June 11, 2014 | 4:00-5:30pm
Featured Speakers:
Judah Axe, PhD, BCBA-D, Associate Professor of Education, Simmons College
Vanja Klepac-Ceraj, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College
Celeste Peterson, PhD, Assistant Professor of Genetics, Suffolk University
Workshop Description:
Come hear from our faculty panelists as they discuss:
- Identifying opportunities to build your teaching credentials
- What to include in the cover letter, CV, and teaching statement
- How to manage the job search, application, and interview process

Applied Informatics for Postdocs: Standard NGS data processing and workflow analysis
When: Tuesday, June 10, 2014 | 1:00-4:00pm
Course Instructor: Reddy Gali, PhD, Bioinformatics Educator, CBMI, Catalyst, Workshop Description:
The Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies have the potential to dramatically accelerate biomedical research by enabling comprehensive analysis of genomes and transcriptomes to become inexpensive, routine, and widespread tools. This workshop will focus on methods for base-calling and variant-calling, for aligning reads to reference sequences (e.g. genomes), and for de novo assembly of short reads into longer sequences. The following tools will be covered on Orchestra (HMS shared research cluster); quality reports of FASTQ files, trimming and filtering of reads, alignment and coverage objects such as SAM/BAM files using bowtie/bwa, calling SNPs with Samtools, and De novo Assembly using Velvet.   This workshop will acquaint attendees with common steps when working with NGS data on a high throughput environment.

Applied Informatics for Postdocs: Genome analyses using UCSC & Ensemble browsers
When: Thursday, June 5, 2014 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Course Instructor: Paul Bain, PhD, Reference & Education Librarian, Countway Library, HMS
Workshop Description:
Students will learn how to quickly locate gene information, genomic features, regulatory information and variation data in both browsers as well as how to download sequence and track information using the UCSC and Ensembl genome browsers. The following topics will be covered with hands-on tutorial. A. Find and explore genes and navigate genomic regions.  B. Find and display annotations and data tracks.  C. Export data from the browser.  D. Mine and retrieve data in bulk with the UCSC Table Browser and Ensembl’s BioMart.

Applied Informatics for Postdocs: Microarray data analysis using R/Bioconductor
When: Friday, May 30, 2014 | 10:00am-1:00pm
Course Instructor: Reddy Gali, PhD, Bioinformatics Educator, CBMI, Catalyst, Countway Library, HMS
Workshop Description:
This workshop is a general introduction to microarrays and how to carry out stepwise analysis to generate statistically significant differentially expressed genes using Affymetrix and Illumina microarray technology platforms. Following an introduction, the workshop starts with the installation of R and Bioconductor packages. Different ways of analyzing data for Affymetrix and Illumina technology will be covered. At the conclusion of the workshop attendees will be able to carry out the following: Quality control, Normalization, Statistical analysis and Differential expression of microarray data.

Research Imaging Essentials: Drawing Tools & Illustration Features of PowerPoint
When: Thursday, May 22, 2014 | 2:00-3:00pm
Featured Speaker: Beth Beighlie, Digital Imaging Coordinator, Information Technology, HMS
Workshop Description:
Most scientists have a working knowledge of PowerPoint along with a need to create compelling figures and diagrams. This seminar will combine the two and aid in unlocking the secrets of PowerPoint’s sophisticated drawing tools. Participants will discover how to draw complex shapes, edit Bezier curves, produce high-resolution images, create pdf files & prepare complex images for presentations and journal submissions.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, May 21, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
Where: Waterhouse Room, Gordon Hall
- Please note that all of 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.

Naturejobs Career Expo - Boston 2014
When: Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Where: Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA
The inaugural Naturejobs Career Expo Boston aims to promote global career opportunities in science, be it in industrial research, research organizations or academia. It presents the best opportunities from the best organizations: public, private, national and international. Jobseekers can meet with potential employers offering hundreds of genuine vacancies. In addition, the conference plenary and workshop sessions will provide a unique opportunity to meet high profile scientists and gain careers information and advice and allow attendees to learn about their career development from speakers active in a range of disciplines, organizations and countries. The program includes sessions for graduates and postdocs, skills workshops and talks on careers in a range of industries.
Naturejobs Career Expo Boston follows on the continued success of the Naturejobs Career Expo in London, now in its seventh year; the Naturejobs Career Expo is the UK's largest career fair and conference focused exclusively on the scientific world. Attendance to the Naturejobs Career Fair and Conference is FREE, but registration is required to attend.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, May 15, 2014 | 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, May 14, 2014 | 5:00-6:30pm
Featured Speaker:
Jeanne Salje, PhD
"Measuring adaptation of bacteria to long-term growth in cultured mammalian cells.”
Workshop Description: This event is hosted and organized by the HMS/HSDM Postdoc Association.
The HMS Postdoc Forum is a postdoc-driven event series to promote interdisciplinary scienitific discussion. Come for a chance to hear about some cool research, discuss science over pizza and beer, and meet other postdocs from around Longwood. 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, May 14, 2014 | 3:00-4:30pm
Join us to learn about a career in executive management at a small/mid-size company...
Featured Speaker: Colin White, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Parcell Laboratories  

Communicating Information Effectively
When: Thursday, May 8, 2014
Featured Speaker: Robin Maxfield, Communications Trainer
Workshop Description:
Through a combination of lecture, group exercise, and individual practice participants will acquire tools to help them communicate their research to others and leave with a better understanding of their individual strengths and weaknesses as communicators and presenters.
Participants will learn how to: Organize materials most effectively; Use visual aids effectively; Deal with nervousness comfortably; Control body language confidently; Handle questions and/or challenges effectively; Sound both competent and confident; Practice productively.

Essential Writing for Scientists - The Cover Letter
When: Tuesday, May 6, 2014 | 12:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Kathy Brenner, Writing Consultant, Harvard School of Public Health
Workshop Description:
In this workshop you will experience small peer writing groups, peer and instructor feedback, computer lab revisions, and reflection on the writing process. Participants will leave with a model for future use. These workshops are open to postdocs at all writing levels but will be especially helpful and appropriate for non-native speakers of English.
Session 1 - NIH Biosketch: The Personal Statement
Session 2 - Statement of Purpose: The Personal Philosophy
Session 3 - Cover Letter: The Job Application

Essential Writing for Scientists - Statement of Purpose: The Personal Philosophy
When: Thursday, May 1, 2014 | 12:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Kathy Brenner, Writing Consultant, Harvard School of Public Health
Workshop Description:
In this workshop you will experience small peer writing groups, peer and instructor feedback, computer lab revisions, and reflection on the writing process. Participants will leave with a model for future use. These workshops are open to postdocs at all writing levels but will be especially helpful and appropriate for non-native speakers of English.
Session 1 - NIH Biosketch: The Personal Statement
Session 2 - Statement of Purpose: The Personal Philosophy
Session 3 - Cover Letter: The Job Application

Conflict Resolution & Negotiation Skills: Case Study and Feedback Session
When: Tuesday, April 29, 2014 | 12:00-1:30pm
Featured Speaker: Melissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, Ombuds Office for HMS/HSDM/HSPH
Workshop Description:
Effective conflict resolution and negotiation skills are key to both getting what you want and building positive relationships with others. This highly interactive workshop is designed to provide postdocs with feedback on their skills in negotiation and conflict resolution. We will use case studies, role-playing, and real-time feedback to discuss communication styles, elements of principled negotiations and to prepare for a difficult conversation. 

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, April 24, 2014 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: ~"Inside Llewyn Davis"~

Essential Writing for Scientists - NIH Biosketch: The Personal Statement
When: Thursday, April 24, 2014 | 12:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Kathy Brenner, Writing Consultant, Harvard School of Public Health
Workshop Description:
In this workshop you will experience small peer writing groups, peer and instructor feedback, computer lab revisions, and reflection on the writing process. Participants will leave with a model for future use. These workshops are open to postdocs at all writing levels but will be especially helpful and appropriate for non-native speakers of English.
Session 1 - NIH Biosketch: The Personal Statement
Session 2 - Statement of Purpose: The Personal Philosophy
Session 3 - Cover Letter: The Job Application
Career Discussion Hour
When: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 | 12:30-1:30pm
Join us to learn about a career in academic/clinical research management...
Featured Speaker: Dorothy Pazin, PhD, Research Program Manager - Obesity, Metabolism, and Nutrition Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, April 17, 2014 | 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.

Storytelling and The Elements of Effective Communication
When: Tuesday, April 15, 2014 | 3:00-5:00pm
Featured Speaker: Robin Maxfield, Storyteller & Communications Trainer
Workshop Description:
Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of human communication. It is an advanced communication skill that can help you network, educate, inspire and persuade more effectively. In the first half of this workshop, Robin will share proven techniques for effectively organizing and delivering a story. In the second half of the workshop, members of the audience will have a chance to share a real-life story in five minutes around one of five selected themes during a story slam.
We selected five themes in academic science to guide our storytelling. Come prepared with a story about one of the following themes: Reviews, Collaborations, Serendipity, Late night in the lab, Non-academic significant others.


Behind the Scenes of Scientific Publishing
When: Thursday, April 10, 2014 | 12:30-2:30pm
Featured Speaker: Katherine Brown, PhD, Executive Editor, Development
Workshop Description:
The process of scientific publishing can feel like a bit of a ‘black box’, and authors (particularly early in their career) may find successfully navigating the process a challenge. In this talk, I will provide insight into the editorial and review process at Development and beyond, discuss some of the important ethical considerations of scientific publishing, and give some perspective on where I believe the academic publishing world is moving.

Professional Development for Life Scientists Series: Made You Look! Making Your Research Visually Accessible
When: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 | 2:00-3:30pm
Featured Speaker: Felice C. Frankel, MIT
Workshop Description: This event is part of the "Professional Development for Life Scientists" series.
Graphics, images and figures — visual representations of scientific data and concepts —are critical components of science and engineering research. They communicate in ways that words cannot. They can clarify or strengthen an argument and spur interest into the research process.
But it is important to remember that a visual representation of a scientific concept or data is a re-presentation and not the thing itself –– some interpretation or translation is always involved. Just as writing a journal article, you must carefully plan what to “say,” and in what order you will “say it.” The process of making a visual representation requires you to clarify your thinking and improve your ability to communicate with others.
Communication, however, is a two-way enterprise. The viewer must first choose to look. This talk will include examples of my own attempts at creating various representations, some more successful than others. I will discuss the iterative process of getting from "here" to "there," in order to create representations that are more than good enough.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, April 8, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that all of 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.

Professional Development for Life Scientists Series: Take Control of Your Career - Session 2
When: Thursday, April 3, 2014 | 3:00-5:00pm
Featured Speaker: Laura Stark, PhD, Director, Career Advising & Programming for Master’s and PhD Students, Office of Career Services, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University
Workshop Description: This event is part of the "Professional Development for Life Scientists" series.
Sometimes, climbing the academic ladder feels like you’re climbing into the clouds. You know what’s up there, but you can’t really see it. Do you KNOW you want to keep climbing this ladder? What are your other options? How can you even get started? Come learn how to take on some of these big career questions!
In the 1st session, you began a series of career self-assessment exercises to identify and better understand your skills,
interests, and values, and left with a plan to explore a variety of career options based on your unique self-assessment!
In today's session, prepare for brainstorming! We will discuss a great variety of careers beyond academia and take advantage of all the brains in the room! You’ll be amazed by the ideas, experiences, and connections that will help you get started in taking control of your career.

Professional Development for Life Scientists Series: Take Control of Your Career - Session 1
When: Monday, March 31, 2014 | 3:00-5:00pm
Featured Speaker: Laura Stark, PhD, Director, Career Advising & Programming for Master’s and PhD Students, Office of Career Services, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University
Workshop Description: This event is part of the "Professional Development for Life Scientists" series.
Sometimes, climbing the academic ladder feels like you’re climbing into the clouds. You know what’s up there, but you can’t really see it. Do you KNOW you want to keep climbing this ladder? What are your other options? How can you even get started? Come learn how to take on some of these big career questions!
In this session, engage in interactive career self-assessment exercises to better understand your skills, interests, and values. Leave with a plan to discover and explore a variety of career options based on your unique self-assessment!

MassBio Info Session: Your Connection to Boston Biotech
When: Wednesday, March 26, 2014 | 2:00-3:30pm
Featured Speakers:
Lauren Perna, Manager, Member Outreach, Massachusetts Biotechnology Co
Julie Deschenes, Director, Learning Center, Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation
Lauren Celano, Founder and CEO, Propel Careers, Member of the Board, MassBio
Workshop Description:
As a postodc from Harvard Medical School and its affiliate hospitals, YOU are already a MassBio member! Come and learn how to maximize your membership and get access to networking, professional development, and training opportunities. MassBio has over 600 members across Massachusetts covering research, tech development, biotech, pharma, and more.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, March 20, 2014 | 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, March 18, 2014 | 3:00-4:00pm
Join us to learn about a career in informatics and information support of drug development research at big pharma ...
Featured Speaker: Mehran Sam, PhD, Information Science & Analysis Lead, AstraZeneca

Overview of Biotech/Pharma Landscape in Greater Boston
When: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Lauren Celano, MBA Founder and CEO, Propel Careers
Workshop Description:
This comprehensive seminar provides an overview of the Boston area biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device landscape including industry trends and career opportunities. Both research and non-research career paths such as consulting, product development and business development are discussed with emphasis on the various skills, aptitudes, competencies, and personalities that thrive in these sectors. Lauren will discuss the importance of transferable skills and how to highlight these for specific roles. Lauren will also provide advice on networking to identify career opportunities, ways to utilize informational interviewing and tips on resumes and cover letters.

HMS Postdoc Forum: Practice Chalk Talk
When: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 | 5:00-6:30pm
Featured Speaker:
Dhvanit Shah, PhD, Instructor, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, HMS
“New Genes and Mechanisms Regulating Blood Formation”
Workshop Description: This event is hosted and organized by the HMS/HSDM Postdoc Association.
If you are applying for faculty jobs and want some pointers on giving a chalk talk or are just curious as to how a chalk talk works, come to the Postdoc Forum Chalk Talk event. Dhvanit Shah will be presenting a shortened version of a Chalk Talk entitled "New Genes and Mechanisms Regulating Blood Formation". 

Professional Development for Life Scientists Series: Making the Most of Your Postdoc
When: Monday, March 10, 2014 | 3:00-4:30pm
Featured Speaker: Jim Gould, PhD, Director, Office for Postdoctoral Fellows, Harvard Medical School
Workshop Description: This event is part of the "Professional Development for Life Scientists" series.
Postdocs are faced with many obstacles in their pursuit of being an independent investigator, none more frustrating than getting the most out of their training. This seminar lays out strategies for choosing the right research environment to thrive as a postdoc as well as planning, and executing, a successful postdoc tenure. Designed for current and future postdocs, the session will cover what you need know, and do, to efficiently advance in your early research career.

The Ins and Outs of an Impressive Chalk Talk: Panel Discussion
When: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 | 4:30-6:00pm
PANELISTS:
Eric Rubin, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health
Elizabeth Bradshaw, PhD, Instructor, Center for Neurologic Disease, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Jena Pitman-Leung, PhD, Career Consultant, Propel Careers
Workshop Description: This event is hosted and organized by the HMS/HSDM Postdoc Association
Chalk talks are becoming an essential component of interviews for both academic and industrial positions.
Have you ever wondered...
-What are the unique challenges of a chalk talk compared to a traditional powerpoint presentation?
-What makes a good chalk talk?
-What are helpful tips and suggestions for putting together a chalk talk?
-What do interviewers look for?
Come and learn about the ins and outs of an impressive chalk talk from our panelists who have successfully delivered and/or evaluated many chalk talks. There will be opportunities for attendees to practise their own chalk talks by signing up to be a speaker at one of the postdoc forum's events.

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, February 27, 2014 | 6:00pm
Featured Film: ~"Dallas Buyers Club"~

Professional Development for Life Scientists Series: Longwood CV & Resume Reviews
When: Thursday, February 27, 2014 | 1:30-4:30
Workshop Description: This event is part of the "Professional Development for Life Scientists" series.
Bring a printed draft of your CV, resume and/or cover letter for a critique or ask a quick career question! These 15-minute appointments require advance registration.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, February 25, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that all of 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.

Social Media for Scientists Series: Navigation & Profile-Building in LinkedIn
When: Monday, February 24, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Sabrina Woods, Associate Director of Career Services at Northeastern University; Holistic Career Coach & Linkedin Trainer
Workshop Description: This event is the second offering in our "Social Media for Scientists Series."
Social media. Personal Branding.  Your Online Presence.  These are phrases that you now hear on a regular, if not daily, basis.  And it has dramatically changed the landscape of networking and the job search process.  So now the question is: what does your digital footprint say about you?  Do you have a strong presence; are you building a reputation within your field?  In this workshop we’ll dive into this topic and help you to be more strategic with your social media and online presence.  First, we’ll discuss savvy networking strategies for Linkedin.  Next we’ll introduce you to other ways you can build your online presence ranging from using social media to personal websites, online bios, visual resumes, blogs, Google Scholar, and Academia.edu.  This will be a highly interactive, hands-on session where you’ll be working and learning about these tools right on your own laptop or tablet. 

How to Find a Job in Tough Times: Session 3 - Career Transitions
When: Thursday, February 20, 2014 | 1:30-3:00pm
Featured Speaker: Sarah Cardozo Duncan, Career Strategist
Workshop Description: Special three-part series: "How to Find a Job in Tough Times: Secrets of a Successful Job Search"
Through a series of exercises and discussion, attendees will move through the creation of a value proposition, learn how to communicate their career story and understand how to develop a marketing plan. Additionally, there will be an introduction on how to develop networks and a deeper look at the process of an informational interview. In these interactive workshops, attendees will acquire networking skills and gain an understanding of how to approach the market to obtain their next position.
Utilizing the techniques of active discussion, role playing, critique of personal materials and practice sessions, participants will have a set of personally-tailored tools to ensure success. These tools are immediately useful in the career development process and can be utilized today and in the future- wherever participants happen to be in their career.


Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, February 20, 2014 | 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 19, 2014 | 1:00-2:00pm
Join us to learn about a career in big pharma...
Featured Speaker: Tooba Cheema, PhD, Scientist, Momenta Pharmaceuticals

Effective Negotiation Series: Dealing with Power Differentials
When: Tuesday, February 18, 2014 | 12:00-1:30pm
Featured Speaker: Melissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, Ombuds Office for HMS/HSDM/HSPH
Workshop Description: This event is the second workshop in the "Effective Negotiation Skills" series.
Building on the content provided in the Basic Skills and Principles seminar, this highly interactive workshop will increase your awareness of the types of power and attitudes towards power that impact negotiations. This session is designed to provide postdocs with skills to enhance your relationships with your PI and others in positions of real or perceived power. Prior participation in the first session is highly recommended though not required.

Professional Development for Life Scientists Series: The Scientist's Conundrum: CV, Resume or Something In-Between?
When: Thursday, February 13, 2014 | 3:30-5:00pm
Featured Speaker: Laura Stark, PhD, Director, Career Advising & Programming for Master’s and PhD Students, Office of Career Services, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University
Workshop Description: This event is part of the "Professional Development for Life Scientists" series.
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.

Social Media for Scientists Series: Navigation & Profile-Building in LinkedIn
When: Monday, February 10, 2014 | 2:00-4:00pm
Featured Speaker: Sabrina Woods, Associate Director of Career Services at Northeastern University; Holistic Career Coach & Linkedin Trainer
Workshop Description: This event is the first offering in our "Social Media for Scientists Series."
Linkedin has become an incredibly powerful tool for professional networking and job search. In fact, 94% of recruiters use social media in their recruitment efforts, with Linkedin being their number one choice. This tool is too important to ignore. Join us for this hands-on lab session where you will gain the big picture overview as well as tactical tips and strategies on how to build a strong profile. Part of our session will involve having you think about your professional strengths, areas of focus, and where you are headed next, so that you can have a more targeted approach to building your online profile. Additional topics will include: building your summary, customizing your profile to include publications, asking for recommendations, adding links and documents to show samples of your work, reviewing privacy settings, connecting with others, and the overall navigation for this tool.


How to Find a Job in Tough Times: Session 2 - Informational Interviewing
When: Monday, February 3, 2014 | 1:30-3:00pm
Where: Ballard Room, Countway Library
Featured Speaker: Sarah Cardozo Duncan, Career Strategist
Workshop Description: Special three-part series: "How to Find a Job in Tough Times: Secrets of a Successful Job Search"
Through a series of exercises and discussion, attendees will move through the creation of a value proposition, learn how to communicate their career story and understand how to develop a marketing plan. Additionally, there will be an introduction on how to develop networks and a deeper look at the process of an informational interview. In these interactive workshops, attendees will acquire networking skills and gain an understanding of how to approach the market to obtain their next position.

Professional Skills Development for Career Advancement: Full-Day Workshop for Postdocs
When: Wednesday, January 29, 2014 | 10:30am-5:00pm *Lunch will be provided for attendees.
Workshop Facilitator: Randall K. Ribaudo, PhD, Co-founder, SciPhD Training Programs and President & CEO, Human Workflows, LLC
SCHEDULE:
10:30am-12:00pm | Group Session I
12:00-1:00pm | Lunch Break
1:00-3:00pm | Group Session II
3:00-3:15pm | Break
*3:15-5:00pm | Individual Q&A (*Optional - see below for details.)
Workshop Description:
Being competitive and successful as a professional scientist, regardless of whether in an industry or academic setting requires mastery of scientific, business and social skills. Running an effective laboratory operation is like running a small business, and can benefit from applying best practices that have been developed by industry. In this hands on workshop, we will look at how your scientific/technical skills combined with your business and social skills make up the three identities that define your brand. The same competencies that industry requires in order to be successful are equally important in developing and coexisting in a high-performing team in academic settings.


Effective Negotiation Series: Basic Skills & Principles
When: Tuesday, January 28, 2014 | 12:00-1:30pm
Featured Speaker: Melissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, Ombuds Office for HMS/HSDM/HSPH
Workshop Description: This event is the first workshop in the "Effective Negotiation Skills" series.
Effective negotiation skills help people to both land the job offer they want and to build positive relationships with others. This highly interactive workshop will give you a chance to consider what you bring to informal and formal negotiations that may help or hinder you. We’ll discuss negotiation styles, elements of principled negotiations and what to consider to be well-prepared going into a job negotiation.


Career Discussion Hour
When: Friday, January 24, 2014 | 2:00-3:00pm
Join us to learn about a career in scientific liaison to the medical/scientific community... Featured Speaker: Limor Yahalom, PhD, Regional Medical Liaison - Diabetes, US Medical Affairs, Sanofi

How to Find a Job in Tough Times: Session 1 - Marketing Yourself
When: Thursday, January 23, 2014 | 1:30-3:00pm
Featured Speaker: Sarah Cardozo Duncan, Career Strategist
Workshop Description: Special three-part series: "How to Find a Job in Tough Times: Secrets of a Successful Job Search"
Through a series of exercises and discussion, attendees will move through the creation of a value proposition, learn how to communicate their career story and understand how to develop a marketing plan. Additionally, there will be an introduction on how to develop networks and a deeper look at the process of an informational interview. In these interactive workshops, attendees will acquire networking skills and gain an understanding of how to approach the market to obtain their next position.
Utilizing the techniques of active discussion, role playing, critique of personal materials and practice sessions, participants will have a set of personally-tailored tools to ensure success. These tools are immediately useful in the career development process and can be utilized today and in the future- wherever participants happen to be in their career.


Managing Teams: Setting Goals & Resolving Conflicts
When: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 | 11:00am-2:00pm *Lunch will be provided for attendees.
Featured Speaker: Alice Sapienza, MBA, DBA, Professor Emerita, Simmons College School of Management
Workshop Description:
One of the most challenging aspects of leading people in research (as said by the scientists themselves) is dealing with conflict—which can also be linked to goal-setting in the lab. This session will address several key aspects of leading teams effectively, in a process based on your actual experiences:
Diagnosing potential sources of conflict
Applying the most effective technique to resolve conflict
Incorporating evidence-based approaches to setting goals and (ideally) preventing conflict:
Active listening
Appreciative inquiry
Holding difficult conversations successfully.
At the conclusion of the session, you will have discussed and practiced several techniques that will be helpful not only in managing your team the next day but also throughout your career as a leader. 

The Individual Development Plan: Strategically Navigate Your Scientific Career
When: Thursday, January 16, 2014 | 12:00-2:00pm
Featured Speaker: Cynthia Fuhrmann, PhD, Assistant Dean of Career & Professional Development, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Workshop Description:
Navigating toward your future can be daunting. Whether pursuing the tenure track or another career path, today’s scientist faces a competitive job market that rewards productivity in the lab, stellar communication skills, a strong professional network, and professional confidence. Creating an Individual Development Plan (IDP) is one way to help you strategically work toward these goals. In September 2012, AAAS’s Science Careers launched myIDP, an online tool for helping you create an IDP. In this workshop, you will use the results from your myIDP self-­-assessments to (a) evaluate your career options, (b) customize your professional networking strategy to learn more about your top-­-choice careers, and (c) engage your mentors in career-­-related discussions. You will then learn practical strategies for how to set goals tailored to your own skills development and career advancement needs. Taught by myIDP co-­- author Cynthia Fuhrmann, this interactive workshop will propel you toward the next step along your career trajectory.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, January 16, 2014 | 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: Postdocs on the Front Lines: The Future of the Scientific Enterprise
When: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 | 5:00-6:30pm
Special Guests:
Judith Glaven, PhD, Associate Dean for Basic and Interdisciplinary Research
Rebecca Ward, PhD, Executive Director of the Department of Systems Biology
David Cameron, Director of Science Communications
Workshop Description:
The landscape of scientific research and funding is in flux, affected by proposed regulatory changes, tight budgets, and questions about current practices regarding training and career advancement. Postdocs are front and center in determining how the culture and practice of science must adapt to these changes. We are holding a special Forum to discuss these issues, with an eye towards organizing a larger event in several months time to get postdocs involved in the national discussion.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, January 14, 2014 | 12:30-4:00pm
- Please note that all of 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.

Experimental Design for Postdocs
When: Friday, January 10, 2014 | 10:00am-2:00pm
Featured Speaker: David Glass, MD, Executive Director, Muscle Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research and Lecturer, Department of Cell Biology, HMS
Workshop Description:
Before generating publication quality data, researchers must focus on proper experimental design. In this half-day course, postdocs will be reintroduced to the concepts of asking when, how, and whether hypotheses or questions should be used to frame experiments, and how these frameworks may perturb experimental design and interpretation.
This half-day course will cover the following topics:
I. Experimental Frameworks
II. System Validation
III. Experimental Controls
IV. Data Gathering, Interpretation & Model Building