2016 Events

Throughout the year, fellows have the opportunity to participate in a curriculum of workshops, panel discussions, and seminars designed to advance skills in lab management, grant writing and identifying funding opportunities, applying for academic and industry positions, interviewing and networking, scientifi c communication, and pedagogy. 

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)

-DECEMBER EVENTS-

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, December 16, 2016 | 12:00-2:00pm (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. Postdoc Office Hours will be held every other Friday. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/). Postdoc Office Hours will be held every other Friday. Appointment times are every thirty minutes: 12:00pm; 12:30pm; 1:00pm; 1:30pm.

Postdoc Holiday Party
When: Thursday, December 15, 2016 | 4:00-5:30pm (5:30-7:00 "after party")
Celebrate the season with the HMPA and the Postdoc office! Join us for food, drink, holiday cheer and raffle prizes.
Bring a new toy to win a raffle prize! Get extra raffle tickets for every toy you bring to the raffle. The more toys you bring the better your chances at winning!!
NEW AND UWRAPPED toys only. Donations will be delivered to Philips Brooks House Holiday Gift Drive. Sponsored by the Harvard Medical Postdoc Association (HMPA) and the HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Data Management
When: Wednesday, December 14 | 12:30-2:00pm
Facilitators:  Caroline Shamu, PhD, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Scientific Director, Research Cores and Technology, Massachusetts General Hospital
Description: The Center for Bioethics’ RCR Course is primarily restricted to post doctoral trainees working within Quad based, HMS Faculty laboratories. Please note, in general, we are not able to accommodate requests from the hospital institutions with respect to training their clinical trainees. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis and can depend on the the trainee’s primary funding source. Hospital administrators should look to their own institutions for RCR offerings.

Influence Without Authority: Getting Things Done When You're Not in Charge
When: Monday, December 12 | 11:00am-2:00pm
Eligibility: This program will be limited to 35 participants. Quad-based, HMS/HSDM postdoc will be given priority. Harvard and Hospital affiliate postdocs will be placed on a wait list. Please contact the Postdoc Office if you are uncertain of your eligibility.
Speaker: Gwen Acton, PhD, CEO, Vivo Group
Description: Do you need others to get things done, but they don’t report to you? That is an increasingly common situation in the life science and technology industries. The truth is that even when you do have “power”, you are often better off using influence first. The truly effective individual contributors, managers, and executives use influence skills to achieve results, regardless of their positional power within the organization or team structure. The workshop will provide you with key skills for getting things done whether or not you are in charge. You will improve your ability to manage “up”, get agreement from peers, and motivate reports that will enable you to work more effectively in project and cross-functional teams, collaborations, and matrixed organizations. 
This three hour workshop is highly interactive, and involves small-group discussions of case studies from the life science and technology industries, as well as group discussions, short role-playing exercises, and opportunities to gain perspective from and share best practices with other attendees. Participants are given theoretical background and overview of power and influence, as well as practical tools that can be implemented in the work place. Attendees in this workshop will practice identifying types of influence, recognizing the motivations of others, and developing a strategy for influencing others. Participants will receive hard-copy and electronic information, practical tools, tips and techniques to improve their ability to influence.
Bio: Gwen Acton, PhD, is an expert on the intersection of science and business. She is CEO of Vivo Group, a consulting firm that improves productivity and innovation in life science and technology companies through strategic leadership development. Prior to this, she served as Director of Scientific Development at the Whitehead Institute, where she established institute strategy for building long-term relationships with industry.

Green Cards, Entrepreneurship and Work Visas: What Do I Need to Know?
When: Friday, December 9 | 1:00-3:000pm
Description:The HIO is pleased to announce an informational session for students and scholars entitled "Green Cards, Entrepreneurship, and Work Visas: What Do I Need to Know?"  This year's session will be presented by attorney Dan Berger, a partner at the la w firm of Curran & Berger in Northampton, MA. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Cornell Law School. Bio
The workshop is intended for informational purposes only. It does not imply an endorsement for Mr. Berger or for Curran & Berger, LLC

Acing the Interview: Effective Strategies for Industry and Beyond
When: Thursday, December 8 | 3:00-4:30pm
Speaker: Lauren Celano, Co-Founder and CEO, Propel Careers
Workshop Description:  In this seminar, Lauren 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.
This event is part of the Demystifying the Job Search & Career Transitions
Speaker Bio: Lauren Celano is the co-founder and CEO of Propel Careers, a life science search and career development firm focused on connecting talented individuals with entrepreneurial life sciences companies. See more at: https://www.propelcareers.com/#/pages/about

How to Obtain and Conduct Informational Interviews
When: Monday, December 5
Speaker: Sarah Cardozo Duncan, Founder, Career Strategist
Workshop Description: Informational interviewing is the most effective tool in career exploration. Through a series of exercises and discussion, attendees will move through the creation of a value proposition, learn how to communication professional expertise, develop a marketing plan, learn Informational interview techniques, acquire networking expertise and gain an understanding of how to approach the market to obtain the next position.
You will learn to:
- Craft a compelling value proposition
- Create an effective marketing plan
- Develop a manageable networking plan
- Land informational interviews
- Conduct Informational Interviews
Speaker Bio: http://careerstrategist.com/about-sarah/

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, December 2, 2016 | 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.

HMS Research Cores Poster Showcase and Reception
When: Thursday, December 1 | 3:00-5:30pm
Please join us for the HMS Research Cores Poster Showcase and Reception.  Learn about new technologies and resources available via HMS Cores, meet with colleagues and enjoy some light refreshments.
The Research Core Facilities provide highly specialized services, equipment, and staff that would otherwise be too expensive for a single laboratory.  Refreshments will be served.
All are welcome.

 

-NOVEMBER EVENTS-

 

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Authorship
When: Wednesday, November 30
Facilitators:  Melissa Brodrick, HMS Ombuds and Dan Wainstock, PhD, Associate Director of Research Integrity at HMS
Description: The Center for Bioethics’ RCR Course is primarily restricted to post doctoral trainees working within Quad based, HMS Faculty laboratories.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, November 18,
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 Coffee House
When: Thursday, November 17, 2016
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.

Tax Workshop: Tax Implications for your Postdoc Life
When: Tuesday, November 15
Featured Speaker: David Gorman, E.A., Founder, Expert Tax Solutions, LLC
Description: In this workshop, accountant David Gorman will discuss tax planning and tax implications for postdocs who receive a W-2 versus a 1099. Bio: http://www.taxxpert.com/davidgorman.php
The workshop is intended for informational purposes only. It does not imply an endorsement for Mr. Gorman or Expert Tax Solutions, LLC.

Will I stay, or will I go? (and what if I don’t know?): Managing your post-doc experience when you do not know the location of your next career step
When: Monday, November 14
Description: One of the challenges of the post-doc experience is balancing medium and long-term plans and collaborations, with the uncertainty of not knowing the location of your next career step.  Should this prevent you from starting new projects and applying for grants? Are there any tips to preparing for a possible transition? How can continued collaborations be facilitated and maintained?
Speaker: Oren Shibolet, MD

Developing an Effective Job Search for Diverse Careers in Science
When: Monday, November 14
Speaker: Lauren Celano, Co-Founder and 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. This event is part of the Demystifying the Job Search & Career Transitions

LGBTQ in the Labs: Postdoc and PhD Mixer
When: Thursday, November 10
Speaker: Sean Whelan, Professor of Microbiology & Immunobiology and Head, Program in Virology at Harvard Medical School
Description: Please join other Harvard Medical School Post-docs, PhD students, faculty, trainees and staff for a short talk with Sean Whelan, PhD about his life and career and then stay for the mixer. All are welcome.

The Individual Development Plan: Maximizing Your Postdoc Training at HMS
When: Wednesday, November 9
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).

-OCTOBER-

The Art of Scientific Storytelling: Transform Your Research Manuscript
When: Fridays October 28 & November 4 | 11:30am-1:00pm
Where:
Countway Library, Room 403, 10 Shattuck Street (MAP)
Speaker: Rafael E. Luna, PhD, Program Director, Office for Faculty Affairs, HMS | Instructor, BCMP, HMS | Author of The Art of Scientific Storytelling
PLEASE NOTE: This is a 2-part workshop that will meet on Friday, October 28 & November 4, 2016.
Description: Research manuscripts are written to have an impact on the scientific community and to be cited by others. However, there are thousands of research articles published in our respective fields each year. Is it possible to distinguish one’s research paper by communicating science in a clear and compelling fashion? This 2-part interactive course provides instruction on how to write a scientific manuscript using the structural aspects of storytelling, i.e. dramatic arc. We will explore the logic of narrative craft and adapt it to writing a scientific manuscript. Dr. Luna will introduce his Scientific Storytelling method for writing research manuscripts. During the first session (Friday, October 28), instruction will be provided on the implementation of the Scientific Storytelling method into the basic components of a research manuscript: Title, Abstract, Figures, Results, Introduction, and Discussion. During the second session (Friday, November 4), participants will then apply these concepts towards writing a title and an abstract for their own research, which will be critiqued and revised.
Assignment: After the first session, postdocs should prepare and submit a title and abstract of their current research. The title (115 character limit including spaces) and abstract (200-250 words) should incorporate aspects of the Scientific Storytelling method discussed in the first session. At the end of the second session, Dr. Luna will return comments on the titles and abstracts to each participant in the class.

Boston PDA Halloween Bash 2.0
When: Thursday, October 27 | 630-9:30pm
Where:
The North Star, 222 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114
Celebrate Halloween with your fellow postdocs from across Boston at Halloween Bash 2.0!
Come dressed up, there will be prizes for best costumes!  Some appetizers provided!
Use your .edu email to register for this event within your institution category.
Sponsored by the Boston PDA & supporting institutions

Postdoc Movie Night: Ghostbusters (2016)
When: Thursday, October 27 | 6:00pm
Where:
Cannon Room, Building C, 240 Longwood Ave.
Postdoc Movie Night is a fun social event with fresh popcorn, beer and soda.
October's movie is: Ghostbusters (2016)
Following a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Scientific Citizenship
When: Wednesday, October 19 | 12:30-2:00pm
Where:
TMEC 209, 260 Longwood Ave.
Facilitators: Rebeccah Lijek, PhD, Research Fellow in Microbology and Molecular Genetics, HMS, Jessica Polka, PhD, Research Fellow in Systems Biology, HMS, and David Riglar, PhD, Research Fellow in Systems Biology, HMS
Description: The Center for Bioethics’ RCR Course is primarily restricted to post doctoral trainees working within Quad based, HMS Faculty laboratories. Please note, in general, we are not able to accommodate requests from the hospital institutions with respect to training their clinical trainees. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis and can depend on the the trainee’s primary funding source. Hospital administrators should look to their own institutions for RCR offerings.

Successfully Networking in the Boston Biotech Ecosystem
When: Monday, October 17 | 3:00-4:30pm
Where:
NRB, Room 1031, 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur
Speaker: Lauren Celano, Co-Founder and CEO, Propel Careers
Workshop Description: In this seminar, Propel Careers will provide an overview of the various professional associations, groups, and other organizations that are active in the Boston area life sciences ecosystem.  The seminar will highlight some of the various networking events, conferences, and meetings happening in the Boston area as well as other resources to be aware of to learn more about the life sciences area and even potentially connect with people to learn about specific career paths. Propel will also cover news sources and websites useful to gain information about specific research areas and/or industry trends related to different areas of the life sciences sector. Lastly, Propel will discuss how to utilize these sources to identify organizations and people of interest and how to follow up with them to build a career network.
This event is part of the Demystifying the Job Search & Career Transitions
Speaker Bio: Lauren Celano is the co-founder and CEO of Propel Careers, a life science search and career development firm focused on connecting talented individuals with entrepreneurial life sciences companies.
- See more at: https://www.propelcareers.com/#/pages/about

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, October 14, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where:
Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 006
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/). Please email your materials to james_gould@hms.harvard.edu ahead of your scheduled meeting.
Postdoc Office Hours will be held every other Friday. Appointment times are every thirty minutes.

Academic Job Search Series: The Academic Package
When: Tuesday, October 11 | 12:30 – 1:30pm
Where:
TMEC Amphitheater, 260 Longwood Avenue
Description: Being a successful job candidate requires not only skills and knowledge, but also careful preparation. Faculty panelists will give a brief overview of their own professional job search, and will lead an open question and answer session. Come hear from our faculty panelists as they discuss:
- How and where to learn about open positions
- Interviewing for a position and job talk essentials
- What to include in the cover letter, CV, and teaching and research statements
- Managing the job search, application, and interview process
Panelists:
-Kate Baicker, C. Boyden Gray Professor of Health Economics
-Tamarra James-Todd, Mark and Catherine Winkler Assistant Professor,  of Environmental Reproductive and Perinatal Epidemiology
-Jay Mitchell, Associate Professor of Genetics and Complex Diseases
-JP Onnela, Assistant Professor of Biostatistics
Sponsored by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows

Path of Professorship for Postdoctoral Women
When: Friday, October 7, 2016 Time: Workshop: 9:00am - 5:30pm, Networking & Reception: 5:30-6:30pm
Where:
Waterhouse Room, Gordon Hall, 1st Floor, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston
Workshop Description: Path of Professorship workshop is designed to provide postdoctoral women from the HMS and Cambridge campuses, who are considering a tenure-track position in STEM, with information about academic scientific careers, and the application process. This one-day workshop will focus on skills and strategies necessary for female postdocs to not just obtain a tenure-track position, but to succeed and advance once they are there. Attendees will learn: characteristics of different types of universities; advice on maintaining a balanced life, key strategies for applying and interviewing for academic positions; insights about negotiating the offer; advice from faculty on things you can do now and during your hire to make your tenure-track years as smooth and successful as possible.
Application Information: This workshop is intended for female postdocs who work in Quad-based and Harvard (Cambridge) STEM departments. Registration is limited to 40 attendees.

Food for Thought: Managing Your Career & Professional Development
When: Wednesday, October 5, 2016 | 3:00-4:30pm
Where:
TMEC 447, 260 Longwood Ave.
Speaker: Rodolphe Barrangou, PhD, Todd R. Klaenhammer Distinguished Scholar in Probiotics Research, North Carolina State University and Co-recipient of the 2016 Warren Alpert Foundation Prize
Please join us for a talk by the co-recipient of this year’s Warren Alpert Foundation Prize, in recognition of his work on The CRISPR/Cas9 Revolution and Gene Editing.
Dr. Barrangou will discuss his career path and his perspective on attaining your career or professional development goals. A Q&A will follow the talk.

 

-SEPTEMBER EVENTS-

Grantcraft for Postdocs
When: Thursday, September 15 | 1:00-5:00pm
Where:
NRB 1031, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur (MAP)
Featuring: Donna Vogel, MD 
Workshop Description: Successful grant applicants are made, not born. In this detailed workshop, Dr. Vogel will cover the federal grant process and “grant culture”, mechanisms of funding for new investigators, choosing a “fundable” research problem, writing a competitive application, the NIH system of peer review. 
Speaker Bio: Dr. Donna Vogel specializes in professional skill-building for developing scientists. Her medical and research background are in endocrinology and developmental biology, with an interest in male infertility and reproductive medicine. She has extensive experience in basic and clinical research, directing grant programs, and higher education. Interestingly, she is also a four-day Jeopardy! winner and Tournament of Champions semifinalist. You can find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnavogel1

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, September 15, 2016 | 9:30-11:00am
Where:
Gordon Hall, Room 006 (MAP)
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.

Harvard Biotech Career Fair 2016
When: Wednesday, September 7, 2016 | 12:00-5:30pm
Where:
Joseph B. Martin Conference Center, New Research Building, 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston (MAP)
The career fair is open to all who are seeking jobs in various science-related sectors. This event places specific emphasis on assisting students, graduate students, medical students, and postdoctoral fellows finding jobs. While the fair is run by the Harvard Biotechnology Club, it is open to all Boston and Cambridge educational intuitions and the entire community as a whole.
Company check-in and attendee registration will be held on the 3rd floor in the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at NRB.
Sponsored by the GSAS Harvard Biotechnology Club

Identifying Careers Paths for PhDs in Science
When: Wednesday, September 7 | 9:30-11:00am
Where:
Modell Lecture Hall, Room 100A, 200 Longwood Ave. (MAP)
Speaker: Melanie V. Sinche, Director of Education at the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and Author of Next Gen PhD: A Guide to Career Paths in Science, recently published by Harvard University Press
Description: This workshop will provide an up-to-date assessment of the current career landscape facing science PhDs. Author Melanie Sinche will share proven strategies for landing the right occupation for advanced degree candidates, along with her research and profiles of science PhDs across a wide range of disciplines.
We will be holding a raffle to give away THREE copies of Melanie’s book. Additional copies will be available for purchase.  

-AUGUST EVENTS-

Wolf Greenfield Info Session: IP and Patent Law
When: Wednesday, August 24 | 12:00-2:00pm
Where:
Cannon Room, Building C (MAP)
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.

Making the Most of the Most of the Biotech Career Fair 2016
When: Tuesday, August 23 | 3:00-5:00
Where:
TMEC 250, 260 Longwood Ave.
Are you attending the Harvard Biotech Club Career Fair on September 7th? Make the most out of this great opportunity to meet with employers looking to hire PhDs!
Laura Stark, of the Office of Career Services for Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, will share tips on presenting yourself on paper and in person. In Part 1 of this workshop, learn how to craft your resume for different types of PhD-level nonacademic positions. Laura will offer specific guidelines and sample resumes to inspire you to create a great resume. In Part 2, you will learn how to effectively introduce yourself to potential employers and make the most of your time at the HBC Career Fair.
Refreshments will be provided.
Cosponsored by the GSAS Harvard Biotech Club and the Harvard FAS Office of Career Services.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, August 18, 2016 | 9:30-11:00am
Where:
Gordon Hall, Room 006 (MAP)
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: Zootopia
When: Thursday, August 11 | 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: ~ "Zootopia " ~
This event is part of the 2016 Summer Fun Event Series for Postdocs.

-JULY EVENTS-

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, July 29, 2016 | 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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/).

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Conflict of Interest
When: Wednesday, July 27 | 12:30-2:00pm
Facilitators: 
Gretchen Brodnicki, J.D., Dean for Faculty and Research Integrity, HMS
Description: The Center for Bioethics’ RCR Course is primarily restricted to post doctoral trainees working within Quad based, HMS Faculty laboratories. Please note, in general, we are not able to accommodate requests from the hospital institutions with respect to training their clinical trainees. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis and can depend on the the trainee’s primary funding source. Hospital administrators should look to their own institutions for RCR offerings.
The first 80 people registered for each session will receive a detailed email including location and how to access readings at least ONE WEEK prior to each session. (Priority will be given to those who attended sessions last year and need to complete their training this year.)
The course is designed to run as a graduate-style seminar. Each session will be co-facilitated by the course director, research faculty, and administrative deans. This course is meant to provide an opportunity to openly and critically reflect with your peers and others about what responsibility and integrity should mean to the professional scientific community. To that end, you will be expected to have done the readings prior to class and you will be expected to participate in discussion.

Postdoc Happy Hour - HMPA & School of Public Health
When: Tuesday, July 26 | 4:30-6:00pm
Join postdocs from HMS and the School of Public Health at a joint Happy Hour.
Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and light snacks will be provided!
Co-sponsored by the HMPA and The Harvard Chan School of Public Health Postdocs

The Teaching Institute: Theory, Practice, & Navigating STEM Higher Ed
When: Monday - Thursday, July 25-28, 2016 | 9:00am - 5:00pm Daily*  (*subject to final schedule)
We are offering a 4-day intensive Teaching Institute in conjunction with the Center for Excellence in Teaching at Simmons College.
Eligibility: This program will be limited to 30 participants. You must be a quad-based, HMS/HSDM postdoc, graduate student, or faculty to apply. Please contact the Postdoc Office if you are uncertain of your eligibility.
Women and minorities underrepresented in STEM professions are STRONGLY encouraged to apply.
Workshop Description:
This four-day Institute on college teaching is designed to equip postdoctoral fellows in the STEM professions with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare them to teach and design undergraduate courses in a PUI or teaching-focused institution. The curriculum integrates a discussion of theory and current research related to teaching in higher education with actual practice. Participants will be actively engaged in designing and delivering multiple lessons using best pedagogical practices, including theory and application in their particular discipline. Participants will work collaboratively throughout the Institute to discuss readings, provide peer feedback, reflect on their experiences and course content, and build a teaching toolkit through hands-on experiences. 
Each day will conclude with co-facilitators and guest STEM faculty leading a mentored discussion on the evolving life of the academic that introduces participants to the broad landscape of higher education today and its impact on career advancement. The participants will hear from leaders in the field and build a tool kit that will help trainees successfully navigate an academic appointment in STEM Higher Education. This institute will provide the knowledge and skill set needed to succeed and advance in a tenure-track position. Individual participants will gain confidence and leadership that will allow them to transform the culture as they advance through academia. 
All course activities and materials are incorporated into a resource book that participants can use throughout their teaching careers.
For complete details visit: http://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/events/teachinginstitute2016.html
The Teaching Institute is made possible through a grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund -

Georges Island Day Trip
When: 
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Must Arrive: 10:30am (Ferry to depart at 11:00am)
Details: The cost to attend will include a ferry ride to and from Georges Island and a $5.00 food voucher to use at Rita's Cafe snack stand on the island. The ferry will depart the Long wharf in Boston at 11:00am. Attendees will be expected to provide their own transportation to and from the Long Wharf and MUST arrive no later than 10:30am to ensure their space is reserved on the ferry. 
Once we arrive on George's Island you are free to do as you please. The ferry back to Long Wharf will leave at 5:00pm, but you will also be able to go stand-by on an earlier departing ferry. 
This event is part of the 2016 Summer Fun Event Series for Postdocs.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, July 21, 2016 | 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.

Social Intelligence
When: Monday, July 18 | 2:00-4:00pm
This is part of the Building Relationships for Professional Success series
Featured Speaker: Sabrina Woods, Associate Director Career Services, Northeastern University and Holistic Career Coach & Linkedin Trainer
Workshop Description: In this workshop participants use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to gain self-awareness and better understanding of their unique strengths and potential areas of growth, as well as how personality differences can impact the way we work.
In this highly engaging and eye-opening workshop you will:
--Learn what your Myers-Briggs type is and what that means for you especially related to your work
--Gain heightened awareness of your own work style and preferred ways of working with others
--Increase understanding about how you prefer to receive information and make decisions
--Recognize normal personality differences and develop flexibility during workplace interactions to work more effectively with coworkers and supervisors. 
--Understand how personality type impacts communication, collaboration and conflict
--Learn how to get your own work-related needs met by adapting your style to different situations and circumstances
During the session you will confirm your preferences to determine your 4-letter MBTI type and learn more about the tool through exercises and case studies.

*SPECIAL* Outdoor Movie Night: Star Wars - The Force Awakens
When: Wednesday, July 13 | 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.
This event is part of the 2016 Summer Fun Event Series for Postdocs.


Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, July 1, 2016 | 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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/). Please email your materials to james_gould@hms.harvard.edu ahead of your scheduled meeting.

-JUNE EVENTS-

Postdoc Ice Cream Social
When: Thursday, June 30 | 3:00-4:00pm
Where:
NRB Zen Garden, 2nd Floor, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur
Please join us for the HMPA special social event in June: Ice Cream Social. Postdocs will have the opportunity to learn more about fellow postdocs and network with one another. 
We'll have free and yummy ice cream!
Thank you and looking forward to seeing you at the event! 
Website: https://hmpa.hms.harvard.edu/event/hmpa-social-event-ice-cream-social/
Sponsored by the HMPA and HMS/HSDM OPF

Dynamic Writing Strategies: Synthesizing Resources
When: Thursday, June 30 | 10:00am-12:00pm
This interactive workshop is part of the Scientific Writing series, participants should bring a copy of a work in progress to the workshop.
Featured Speaker: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer II, MIT
Description: MIT Lecturer Leslie Ann Roldan will lead a series of highly interactive workshops designed to explore the processes of creating effective and impactful writing for science. Workshop participants should bring a copy of their own work to be guided through various stages of effective writing, from predrafting, visual communication techniques, and best practices for incorporating sources. The Dynamic Writing Strategies programs are interactive, and each can be taken as a stand-alone workshop

The Academic Job Search Series: Academic Teaching Careers 
When: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 | 2:00-4:00pm
Faculty Panelists: 
Katherine Berry, PhD, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, Mount Holyoke College
Rich Gurney, PhD, Professor Department of Chemistry and Physics, Director, Simmons Mentored Assistantship Research Training (SMART) Program, Simmons College
Vanja Klepac-Ceraj, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, Wellesley College
Celeste Peterson, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biology, Suffolk UniversityWorkshop 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.

Working in a Startup/Biotech: Panel Discussion and Networking
When: Wednesday, June 22 | 6-8pm
Description: 
The HMPA is organizing a panel discussion with people from startups and biotech so you can ask questions and learn more about this career path! 
You will also have opportunity to network with the panelists and the other postdocs following the discussion.
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Panelists:
-Pete Rahl, Senior Scientist at Syros Pharmaceuticals
-Lauren Pepper, Senior Scientist at Jounce Therapeutics 
-Shomit Sengupta, Senior Scientist at Navitor Pharmaceuticals
-Alexandra Grassian, Senior Scientist at Epizyme
-Brian Fiske, Biotech Entrepreneur and VC at Flagship Ventures
-Rami Rahal, Senior Scientist at Blueprint Medicines
-Robin Friedman, Senior Scientist at VL34, Inc.
-Alexandra Gardino, Scientist at Blueprint Medicines
Sponsored by the Harvard Medical Postdoc Association (HMPA)

Cultural Aspects of Writing
When: Friday, June 24, 2016 | 2:00 - 4:00pm
Course Instructor: 
Kathy L. Brenner, Writing Consultant, Harvrd T.H. Chan School of Public Health & Instructor at Friedman School of Nutrition/Tufts University
Workshop Description: Writing is cultural - so come join a workshop that will focus on the contrastive rhetoric that will provide explanations for why you write the way you do when dealing with a new language, a new culture, and new expectations. Targeting a specific discourse community (postdoctoral fellows) and a particular writing genre (journal publication), we will look at common writing problems for non-native speakers of English. Aspects such as strength of claim and lexical nuance will be discussed in more depth. Using a PLOS ONE research article, we will touch upon the writing processes of content, context, and form, looking more closely at how language and structure are used to produce selected components from the introduction, methods, results, and discussion sections.
NOTE: Though this workshop is designed for non-native speakers of English, it is relevant to everyone and all are welcome to attend.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, June 17, 2016 | 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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/).

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, June 16, 2016 | 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.

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Scientist as Responsible Member of Society
When: Wednesday, June 15 | 12:30-2:00pm
Facilitators: Rebeccah Lijek, PhD, Research Fellow in Microbology and Molecular Genetics, HMS, Jessica Polka, PhD, Research Fellow in Systems Biology, HMS, and David Riglar, PhD, Research Fellow in Systems Biology, HMS
Description: The Center for Bioethics’ RCR Course is primarily restricted to post doctoral trainees working within Quad based, HMS Faculty laboratories. Please note, in general, we are not able to accommodate requests from the hospital institutions with respect to training their clinical trainees. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis and can depend on the the trainee’s primary funding source. Hospital administrators should look to their own institutions for RCR offerings.The first 80 people registered for each session will receive a detailed email including location and how to access readings at least ONE WEEK prior to each session. (Priority will be given to those who attended sessions last year and need to complete their training this year.)
The course is designed to run as a graduate-style seminar. Each session will be co-facilitated by the course director, research faculty, and administrative deans. This course is meant to provide an opportunity to openly and critically reflect with your peers and others about what responsibility and integrity should mean to the professional scientific community. To that end, you will be expected to have done the readings prior to class and you will be expected to participate in discussion.

Effective Graphical & Visual Communication: Making Your Scientific Ideas Easy to Understand
When: Wednesday, June 15 | 2:30-4:30pm
Workshop Description: This workshop will teach you how to create effective graphical abstracts
During this workshop you will:
-learn the most useful graphic design and visual perception principles for communicating science,
-use them to draw your own graphical abstracts for your research papers (project proposals …).
Graphical abstracts (also known as visual abstracts, TOC figures, visual summaries) are concise graphics used to visually summarize the contents of a research paper. Although they have been in use for decades in certain scientific fields, we have only recently experienced an explosion of their use in life science and medical journals. After this workshop, you will understand how people intuitively read graphics and how to prepare graphics for your papers and other communication in a way that they will be intuitively and clearly understood.
Workshop Facilitator: Dr. Jernej Zupanc, Founder, Seyens Ltd

Bioinformatics Bootcamp: June 7 - August 30 -
(Please note: Registrations for these courses are currently full, please visit the Countway Library's Bioinformatics website for information about future courses)
When: Sessions begin on Tuesday, June 7 and run through Tuesday, August 30 
Where: HMS - Countway Library - Lower Level 2, Room 025, 10 Shattuck Street
The c3 Bioinformatics team, in conjunction with theHMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows, is offering 2016 Summer Bioinformatics Bootcamp.
The hands-on workshops will be held between June 07 and Aug 30, 2016. Each session can be taken individually, certificate will be offered for those who attend at least 70% of the workshops.
Workshops: Introduction to Bioinformatics, Introduction to Amazon Cloud and UNIX basics, Analyzing NGS Data: Standard data processing and workflow analysis on high powered computing environment, Introduction to ChIP-Seq and data analysis using Galaxy, mRNA-seq analysis using JMP Genomics Software, Affymetrix / Illumina Microarray data analysis using R/Bioconductor, Making the Most of the UCSC Genome Browser, Navigating and Using NCBI BLAST & Gene Expression Omnibus, Functional Analysis of Genomic data using Metacore, Introduction to R Programming, Ensembl Genome Browser Workshop, Geneious Pro Genomic Analysis Software Platform, Analysis of MicroRNA Expression and Function by a variety of Techniques and Biobase Proteome/TRANSFAC for genomic data and Human Genome Mutation database analysis.
Bootcamp completion certificate is awarded for those who attend at least 70% of the workshops.Registration is required and is limited to Quad-based postdocs.

Mentoring in Science: Dealing with Challenges & Achievements
When: Tuesday, June 7 | 11:00-1:00pm
Description: What do you do if an undergraduate wants to switch projects or mentors or seems to have lost motivation?
This science mentoring workshop focuses on handling challenging situations and celebrating achievements. A facilitated discussion of several case studies will explore these topics in more detail. Participants are encouraged to reflect on and share any challenging and/or successful situations they have faced.
This interactive workshop will set you up for success if you are currently mentoring or would like to mentor an undergraduate in the laboratory or pursuing a faculty job at a primarily undergraduate institution.Workshop Facilitator: Margaret A. Lynch, PhD, Associate Director of Science Education, Division of Science, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Harvard University

Professional Correspondence for Scientists
When: Friday, June 3, 2016 | 2:15-3:45 pm
Featured Speaker: Kathy L Brenner, Writing Consultant, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health & Instructor at Friedman School of Nutrition/Tufts University
Workshop Description: Scientists are not usually trained to efficiently and effectively communicate with colleagues and potential employers. However, research as well as your career can not progress without gaining familiarity with the best practices in professional correspondence for scientists. Join us as Kathy Brenner describes proper email etiquette along with crafting cover letters for manuscript submissions and job applications.

BPDA Careers: Academic Career Panel and Speed Networking
When: Wednesday, June 1 | 5:30-8:30pm
Where: TMEC Atrium, 2nd Floor, 260 Longwood Ave.
Description: Please join the Boston PDA for an evening of learning about life on the tenure track.
Meet junior faculty and tenured professors and learn about their path to the tenure track. 
Listen to a panel discussion where faculty members discuss their time on the job market, interviewing, negotiating their starting packet, hiring and managing lab members, getting funding and getting tenure. 
We'll have representatives from R1, undergraduate and teaching intensive institutions as well as a discussion on diversity in Academia.
Following the panel discussion, we will have a speed networking event where individuals can speak one-on-one to faculty members.

 -MAY EVENTS-

Dynamic Writing Strategies: Visual Communication
When: Thursday, May 26 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Countway Library, 403 Computer Lab
This interactive workshop is part of the Scientific Writing series, participants should bring a copy of a work in progress to the workshop.
Featured Speaker: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer II, MIT
Description: The fifth workshop of the series focuses on visual communication. Please come prepared to revise your drafts by bringing a pencil and two (2) hard copies of at least three (3) illustrations for whatever document you are working on (e.g., slides, research article, proposal) - one illustration (with legend, if applicable) per page.

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Data Management
When: Wednesday, May 25 | 12:30-2:00pm
Where: TMEC 227, 260 Longwood Ave.
Facilitators:  Caroline Shamu, PhD, Assistant Professor of Radiology and Scientific Director, Research Cores and Technology, Massachusetts General Hospital
Description: The Center for Bioethics’ RCR Course is primarily restricted to post doctoral trainees working within Quad based, HMS Faculty laboratories. Please note, in general, we are not able to accommodate requests from the hospital institutions with respect to training their clinical trainees. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis and can depend on the the trainee’s primary funding source. Hospital administrators should look to their own institutions for RCR offerings.The first 80 people registered for each session will receive a detailed email including location and how to access readings at least ONE WEEK prior to each session. (Priority will be given to those who attended sessions last year and need to complete their training this year.)
The course is designed to run as a graduate-style seminar. Each session will be co-facilitated by the course director, research faculty, and administrative deans. This course is meant to provide an opportunity to openly and critically reflect with your peers and others about what responsibility and integrity should mean to the professional scientific community. To that end, you will be expected to have done the readings prior to class and you will be expected to participate in discussion.

Mentoring in Science: Developing Research Projects
When: Tuesday, May 24 | 11:00-1:00pm
Where: TMEC 250, 260 Longwood Ave.
Description: Are you a postdoctoral fellow, graduate student, or researcher who mentors or would like to mentor an undergraduate in the laboratory?
This science mentoring workshop focuses on developing undergraduate research projects. Mentoring an undergraduate can be both rewarding and challenging. In this workshop, you will learn how to design undergraduate-friendly research projects, set appropriate expectations, and foster effective communication. We’ll discuss several cases studies to explore these topics in more detail.
coffee and beverages will be provided, please feel free to bring a lunch.
Workshop Facilitator: Margaret A. Lynch, PhD, Associate Director of Science Education, Division of Science, Faculty of Arts & Sciences, Harvard University

Harvard Medical Postdoc Parents’ Social
When: Monday, May 23 | 3:00-4:00 pm
Where: New Research Building Zen Garden (77 Avenue Louis Pasteur; the garden is located on the 2nd floor, just outside the doors across from Body Scapes Fitness).
Are you a Postdoc and a Parent? Take this opportunity to meet and chat with other “postdocs with kids,” enjoy the warm weather, share parenting tips and ideas, and even network (for playdates and babysitting swaps, that is). 
Snacks included! We look forward to seeing you there!
sponsored by the HMPA

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, May 20, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 006
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/).

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, May 19, 2016 | 9:30-11:00am
Where: 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.

Postdoc Happy Hour
When: Wednesday, May 18 | 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: NRB building 1031 (New research building), 77 Avenue, Louis Pasteur, 10th floor
Please join us for the HMPA happy hour. Postdocs will have the opportunity to learn more about fellow postdocs and network with one another. We’ll have appetizers and drinks! Sponsored by the HMPA and HMS/HSDM OPF

Naturejobs Career Expo Boston
When: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 | 9:00am-5:00pm
Where: Back Bay Events Center, 200 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116
The Naturejobs Career Expo 2016, hosted for the third time in Boston, Massachusetts, offers talented researchers an excellent opportunity to meet a diverse selection of national and international employers from academic institutions and scientific industries, such as pharmaceutical organizations, digital technology companies, science publishing and more.
This year’s free one day event will be held on May 18, 2016 and offers you a chance to:
- Attend exclusive conferences and workshops
- Meet employers face-to-face
- Networking with leading scientific institutions of your interest
- Benefit from free one-to-one Resume checking at our Resume & CV Clinic
- Learn how to enhance your employability
- Maximize your career prospects.

Networking Like a Pro
When: Monday, May 16, 2016 | 2:15-4:00pm (please note revised start time)
Where: Minot Room, 5th Floor, Countway Library
Featured Speaker: Sabrina Woods, Associate Director Career Services, Northeastern University and Holistic Career Coach & Linkedin Trainer
Description: What’s so important about networking or building career connections?  People land jobs through people. It is estimated that when it comes to job search, 70% or so of people landed a position through their network. In this workshop we’ll explore what that means to you and give you practical tips that you can use now to continue to strengthen and build your career connections. We’ll help you to answer these questions:
·         What kinds of networking should I be doing?
·         What’s an informational interview, how can this help me?
·         I’ve made my way to a “networking event,” now what?
·         Do I need a pitch or elevator speech?  How do I share "my story"?
·         Is networking on social media beneficial for someone in my field?
If you want to enhance your job search with more networking, join us for a dynamic and interactive session with guest speaker Sabrina Woods, an experienced career development specialist who has a passion for both networking and teaching lively workshops.

The Individual Development Plan: Maximizing Your Postdoc Training at HMS
When: Wednesday, May 11, 2016 | 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Ballard Room, Countway Library, 5th Floor (MAP) **Please note change of location
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).

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, May 6, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 006
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/). 

-APRIL EVENTS-

Research and Professional Development with Boston Biomedical Innovation Center and Harvard Catalyst
When: Friday, April 29 | 12:00-1:30pm
Where: Countway Library, Room 403, 10 Shattuck Ave. 
Featuring: Gary Gray, PhD, Director, Technology and Innovation, Harvard Catalyst, The Harvard Clinical and Translational Science Center
Cheryl Vaughan, PhD, Managing Director, Skills Development Center, Boston Biomedical Innovation Center (B-BIC)
Description: The key elements for success in research already exist at HMS and the Longwood Medical Area, including the intellectual force, technologies, and expertise necessary to not only enhance research but also to enrich investigators professionally. BBIC and Catalyst provide a systematic way for researchers from across disciplines and institutions to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration that encourages the translation of ideas into practice. This workshop will inform participants about: 
Finding each other and forming teams
Sharing tools, technologies, and resources
Receiving advanced training and education in the principles and practice of science and communication
Obtaining seed funding to embark upon new areas of investigation

Communicating Science: Distilling your Message
When: Thursday, April 28 | 3:30-5pm
Where: Waterhouse Room, 1st Floor, Gordon Hall, 25 Shattuck Street
We are excited to welcome Evonne Kaplan-Liss, MD, MPH, FAAP, as our featured presenter.
Dr. Kaplan-Liss is the Medical Program Director for the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University.
In this role, Dr. Kaplan-Liss develops and teaches innovative curriculum for medical, nursing and other health students, leads workshops and speaks nationally on the Alda Center’s behalf.
Sponsored by the HMS Office for Academic and Clinical Affairs and theHMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellow

Dynamic Writing Strategies: Structure & Style
When: Thursday, April 28 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Countway Library, 403 Computer Lab
This interactive workshop is part of the Scientific Writing series, participants should bring a copy of a work in progress to the workshop.
Seating is limited to 30 and registration is REQUIRED.
Featured Speaker: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer II, MIT
Description: In the fourth workshop of the series, we will practice editing our drafts. Therefore, please come prepared by bringing a pencil and two (2) hard copies of whatever you're working on (e.g., literature review, slides, poster). Drafts that are mostly text should be typed and double-spaced; drafts of slides should be printed out 6 slides per page.

Imaging Solutions for Scientific Communication: The Scientific Poster Process
When: Wednesday, April 27 | 2:00-3:30pm
Where: Minot Room, Countway Library
Featuring: Beth Beighlie,  Digital Imaging Coordinator, Information Technology, HMS
James Gould, PhD, Director, HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows 
Workshop Description: This workshop will cover the poster making process from conception to presentation and beyond. Join us to learn more about:
- Best practices and common pitfalls of poster design and execution - 
- How to manage the poster process from layout to presentation -
- Tips, tricks, and advice on effectively communicating your research -

Pathways to Entrepreneurship: Ivana Magovcevic-Liebisch, PhD, JD
When: Tuesday, April 26 | 5:00-7:00pm
Where: TMEC 246 Walter Amphitheater, 260 Longwood Avenue
Presentation Title: What Does It Take to Commercialize Academic Innovation?
Description: This Pathways to Entrepreneurship seminar series is part of OTD’s ongoing effort to build and nurture a culture of entrepreneurship at HMS.  The concept of this series is to have Harvard-trained entrepreneurs return to campus to present regarding their transition from the academic practice of science to the commercialization of science.  The Harvard roots of these entrepreneurs make them uniquely able to connect with our audience to share their stories and suggestions for individuals contemplating a career path with an emphasis on entrepreneurship, or a path that weaves translational science into an academic career.
Featured Speaker: Ivana Magovcevic-Liebisch, PhD JD, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Business Development, Teva Pharmaceuticals
This event is part of the "Scientific Entrepreneurship Series" and is co-sponsored by Harvard OTD and HMS OPF.
5:00pm Presentation & Discussion
6:00pm Networking & Refreshments
Hosted by Harvard Office of Technology Development and the HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows.

Research Talk: 'Investigating signaling pathways of oncogenic K-Ras and PIM kinases as molecular targets in pancreatic cancer'
When: Tuesday, April 26 | 3:00-4:00pm
Where: NRB 1031, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, 10th Fl.
We welcome Dr. Baines who will present a talk on his cancer research at the Cancer Research Program at North Carolina Central University. All are welcome. Light refreshments will be provided.
Speaker: Antonio T. Baines, PhD, Associate Professor of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Program, JLC Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute, North Carolina Central University.
Co-sponsored with the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Career Discussion Hour with Antonio T. Baines, PhD
When: Tuesday, April 26 | 11:00am-12:00pm
Where: TMEC 227, 260 Longwood Avenue
Join us for this dicussion and learn about Dr. Baines' career path, his rola as an Associate Professor of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at North Carolina Central University and his research at the Cancer Research Program, JLC Biomedical/Biotechnology Research Institute.
Introduction by: Joan Y. Reede, MD, MS, MPH, MBA, Dean for Diversity and Community Partnership, HMS
Co-sponsored with the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute


Experimental Design
When: Friday, April 22 |10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Minot Room, Countway Library, 5th Fl.
Featured Speaker: David Glass, MD, Executive Director, Muscle Diseases, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research and Lecturer, Department of Cell Biology, HMS
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 
Based on elements from Glass' book and Cell Biology Course entitled "Experimental Design for Biologists". Dr. David Glass is Executive Director, Muscle Diseases for Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, and Lecturer in the Department of Cell Biology at HMS. Prior to joining Novartis, he was Vice President for Muscle Diseases at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, where he worked for 14 years. He holds an M.D. from New York Medical College and conducted postdoctoral work at Columbia University. He is the co-author of more than 50 peer-reviewed research articles on cell signaling mechanisms in neuromuscular disease, obesity, and cancer.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, April 21, 2016 | 9:30-11:00am
Where: 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.

Postdoc Forum: Rafael Polidoro Alves Barbosa, BCH, HMS
When: 5:15pm, Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Where: Folin Wu Room, Building C, 240 Longwood Ave .
Speaker: Rafael Polidoro Alves Barbosa, Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, BCH, HMS
Talk title: “Generation and use of recombinant influenza and adenoviruses as vaccine vectors against parasitic diseases”
Please join the Harvard Medical Postdoctoral Association (HMPA) for the Postdoc Forum for a science talk on April 19, 2016.  The HMPA Forum enables postdocs to get feedback on their talks, hear about diverse science outside their department, and network with postdocs from across HMS. Pizza and beer will be provided.

Beyond the Bench: Careers for Science PhDs
When: Thursday, April 14 | 3:30-5:00pm
Where: Cannon Room, Building C
Description: Do you love science, but wish to contribute to the scientific enterprise outside of the lab? Consider the many exciting possibilities and learn from biomedical science PhDs about how you might take your science beyond the bench into consulting, venture capital, and more!
Panelists:
· Maurice Butler – VP, Medical Director, BGB group
· Anne Cherry - Consultant, ClearView Healthcare Partners
· Concetta Marfella – Director, Medical Writing, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
· Jacqueline Rosains – Scientific Program Manager, Seven Bridges Genomics
· Megan Talkington - Science Writer and Editor, Broad Institute
This event is co-sponsored by the FAS Office for Career Services, the Harvard Graduate Consulting Club and the HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows

LinkedIn for Scientists: Navigation & Profile Building
When: Tuesday, April 12 | 2:00-4:00pm
Where: New Research Building 1031, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur (10th Fl.)
This is part of the Building Relationships for Professional Success series
Featuring: Sabrina Woods, Associate Director Career Services, Northeastern University and Holistic Career Coach & Linkedin Trainer
Workshop Description: 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 1 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. 
In Part 2 we will work on 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.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, April 8, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 006
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/).

Imaging Solutions for Scientific Communication: Figures for Journals
When: Wednesday, April 6 | 2:00-3:30pm
Where: Minot Room, Countway Library
Featuring: Beth Beighlie,  Digital Imaging Coordinator, Information Technology, HMS
Jim Gould, PhD, Director, Office for Postdoctoral Fellows, HMS
Workshop Description: Easily prepare figures for scientific journals with familiar tools & a foolproof workflow that eliminates any chance of rejection for guideline violations.
RIS skills training is based on the unique ways that researchers use proprietary scientific applications, Microsoft Office and a variety graphics programs to create, acquire and edit images that are included in grant applications, journal articles and presentations to the scientific community.

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Collaborative Science
When: Wednesday, April 6 | 12:30-2:00pm
Where: TMEC 227, 260 Longwood Avenue
Facilitator: Stephen Buratowski, PhD, Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, HMS
Description: NIH is placing new emphasis on promoting greater collaboration across research disciplines in hopes of productively translating different kinds of scientific expertise and knowledge into socially useful end-products. Collaboration needs encouragement not only because it brings together a variety of informed perspectives on solving a particular problem, it also has the potential to reduce inefficiency. We will also discuss how the practice of scientific investigation operates within a culture of fierce professional competition that can, at times, seem at odds with a goal of promoting partnerships.

 -MARCH EVENTS-

Dynamic Writing Strategies: The Revision Process
When: Thursday, March 31 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Countway Library, 403 Computer Lab
This interactive workshop is part of the Scientific Writing series, participants should bring a copy of a work in progress to the workshop.
Seating is limited to 30 and registration is REQUIRED.
Featured Speaker: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer II, MIT
Description: In this workshope we will practice revision strategies, then apply one or more of them to our own writing. Please come prepared by bringing a pencil, pad of paper, and two (2) hard copies of whatever you're working on (e.g., literature review, slides, poster). You are encouraged to bring *very* rough drafts (e.g., stream-of-consciousness writing). Drafts that are mostly text should be typed and double-spaced; drafts of slides should be printed out 6 slides per page.

The Postdoc Life Cycle: Exit Strategies that Won't Kill Your Career
When: Wednesday, March 23, 2016 | 12:00-1:000pm
Where: Countway Library, 403 Computer Lab
This workshop is part of "The Postdoc Life Cycle" series.
Featuring: Melissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, Ombuds Office for HMS/HSDM/HSPH
Workshop Description: Don’t get along with your boss in a big way? Know that your lab or clinic wasn’t the best fit for you?  This workshop will help you consider best practices for transitioning as gracefully as possible out of a difficult work situation.  Topics for discussion include how to maintain a cordial and productive relationship with your mentor while seeking letters of recommendation and help with networking, how to protect your authorship on a not-yet-submitted manuscript and how to leverage the support of other allies in your efforts to move on when you don’t have your mentor’s support.  

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 | 12:30-3:30pm
Where: Waterhouse Room, Gordon Hall, 1st Floor
PLEASE READ: 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. 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 Wine & Cheese Hour
When: Thursday, March 17, 2016 | 5:30-7:30
Where: NRB 1031, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur
Sponsored by the HMPA, BWH postdoc association, and HMS/HSDM OPF
The HMPA and BWH postdoc association social committee cordially invite you for an evening savoring the delights of Wine & Cheese.
Come raise your glass and join in the cheers  as we toast to networking and collaboration.

 Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, March 17, 2016 | 9:30-11:00am
Where: 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.

Not Networking 101: Building Relationships for Success
When: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 | 3:30-4:300pm 
Where: Cannon Room, Building C, 240 Longwood Ave.
Speaker: Joanne Kamens, PhD, Executive Director, Addgene
Description: Networking has gotten a really bad name these days. I take your card, you take my card and then we don’t call each other. This workshop is designed to reintroduce you to how strong professional relationships can be necessary for most people to succeed in their careers. It will provide practical tools for meeting people and for nurturing new and established connections.

Take Control of Your Career - Discover Your Hidden Skills: For Biomedical Scientists
When: Monday, March 14, 2016 | 3:00-5:00pm 
Where: TMEC, Room 250, 260 Longwood Avenue, Boston
Speaker: Laura Stark, Ph.D. Director of Career Advising and Programming for Master’s and PhD Students, Office of Career Services, Harvard University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Description: You might be thinking about your career options beyond academia. Which of your skills do you really enjoy using? How and where can you apply them? What can you offer employers besides your field-specific expertise? In this workshop, we will engage in interactive career self-assessment exercises to help you discover your skills, interests, and values. Then, we will discuss a variety of careers of interest to PhDs in the biomedical sciences, along with ways to explore them. Leave with a plan to discover, explore, and pursue career options based on your unique self-assessment…and maybe even identify your dream job! This event is organized by the Harvard Office for Career Services and co-sponsored by the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, March 11, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 006
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/).

Making the Most of Your Postdoc
When: Thursday, March 10, 2016 | 3:00-4:00pm 
Where: Cannon Room, Building C, 240 Longwood Ave.
This event is co-sponsored by the FAS Office of Career Services
Speaker: James Gould, PhD, Director, HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows
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. Designed for current and future postdocs, the session will cover what you need know, and do, to efficiently advance in your early research career. 

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Authorship
When: Wednesday, March 9 | 12:30-2:00pm
Where: TMEC 250, 260 Longwood Ave.
Facilitators: Sad Sayeed, JD, MD
Description: The Center for Bioethics’ RCR Course is primarily restricted to post doctoral trainees working within Quad based, HMS Faculty laboratories. Please note, in general, we are not able to accommodate requests from the hospital institutions with respect to training their clinical trainees. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis and can depend on the the trainee’s primary funding source. Hospital administrators should look to their own institutions for RCR offerings. The first 80 people registered for each session will receive a detailed email including location and how to access readings at least ONE WEEK prior to each session. (Priority will be given to those who attended sessions last year and need to complete their training this year.)
The course is designed to run as a graduate-style seminar. Each session will be co-facilitated by the course director, research faculty, and administrative deans. This course is meant to provide an opportunity to openly and critically reflect with your peers and others about what responsibility and integrity should mean to the professional scientific community. To that end, you will be expected to have done the readings prior to class and you will be expected to participate in discussion.

Scientists at the Interface of Policy and Research Affairs
When: Tuesday, March 8 | 12:00-1:30pm
Where: Cannon Room, Building C, 260 Longwood Avenue
Co-sponsored by the Office of Academic and Research Integrity
Description: Join us for a panel discussion to learn how a Ph.D. serves as an asset outside of the traditional laboratory environment.  Our panelists will discuss the value of postdoctoral and laboratory research experience as they diversified their careers to pursue exciting opportunities in the science and research policy landscape.  This lunch session will include opportunities to connect with the panelists through a Q&A session and a little networking time after the panel.
This event is open to Harvard-affiliated postdocs, graduate students, researchers and faculty. Lunch will be provided.
Speakers:
Maryanne Fenerjian, PhD, JD, Director of Technology Transfer Policy, Office of Technology Development, Harvard University
Ella Hinson, PhD, Senior Scientific Editor, Cell Host & Microbe 
Bethany Westlund, PhD, Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs, Office of Faculty Affairs, Harvard Medical School

Postdoc Forum
Speaker: Daniela Silva, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, HMS
Talk title: “Characterization of the translation strategy “stop and go” exploited by members of the Totiviridae family”
Where: Folin Wu Room, Building C
When: 5:15pm-6:15, Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Please join us at the Postdoc Forum for an exciting science talk on March 1, 2016. The Harvard Medical Postdoctoral Association (HMPA) Forum enables postdocs to get feedback on their talks, hear about diverse science outside their department, and network with postdocs from across HMS.  
Pizza and beer will be provided.

  -FEBRUARY EVENTS-

Elements of Teaching: Preparing for a Teaching Career in STEM
When: Monday, February 29 | 1:00-2:30pm
Where: TMEC 306, 260 Longwood Avenue
Seating is limited and registration is REQUIRED for attendance.
Featured Speaker: Jennifer Herman, PhD, Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching, Simmons College
Course Objective: In this session, participants will reflect on and discuss previous teaching experiences and career goals related to teaching, brainstorm and analyze knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to secure a position and thrive as a faculty member in a teaching-centered institution, and identify areas in which they would most benefit from further professional development. Participants will create an action plan in the session for their own continued professional development around postsecondary teaching, and they will experience and reflect on several active learning techniques that will be modeled throughout the session. Finally, participants will learn about a variety of professional development opportunities to help them meet their teaching career preparation goals, including a four-day July Teaching Institute at Simmons College.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, February 26, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 001
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/).

Postdoc Movie Night
When: Thursday, February 25, 2016 | 6:00-8:00pm 
Where: Cannon Room, Building C
Postdoc Movie Night is a fun social event with fresh popcorn, beer and soda. Featured Movie: The Martian

Dynamic Writing Strategies: Drafting & Ideation
When: Thursday, February 25 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Countway Library, 403 Computer Lab
This interactive workshop is part of the Scientific Writing series, participants should bring a copy of a work in progress to the workshop.
Seating is limited to 30 and registration is REQUIRED.
Featured Speaker: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer II, MIT
Description: In the second workshop of the series, we will practice various prewriting strategies, then apply one or more of them to our own writing. Please come prepared by bringing materials needed for your own work, e.g., lab notebook, laptop, pencil & paper, examples of writing you wish to do (e.g., slides, grant proposal, conference abstract).
Please note: each workshop in this series can be taken as a stand-alone workshop.

The Postdoc Life Cycle: Negotiating Your Way to Nirvana
When: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 | 12:00-1:000pm
Where: Countway Library, 403 Computer Lab
This workshop is part of "The Postdoc Life Cycle" series.
Featuring: Melissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, Ombuds Office for HMS/HSDM/HSPH
Workshop Description: Effective negotiation skills will help you to both land the job offer you covet and to be successful once you arrive.  This 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 how to prepare for a successful job negotiation.

Research Irreproducibility: The Seven Deadly Selection Biases
When: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 | 12:00-1:30pm
Where: Cannon Room, Building C, 240 Longwood Avenue
Speaker: Xiao-Li Meng, PhD, Dean, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Whipple V.N. Jone Professor of Statistics, Harvard University
Description: This talk provides a statistical perspective on the roles the seven S’s (sins?) play in increasing the amount of irreproducible research, in medical and life sciences and beyond: 

  1. Selections in hypotheses (e.g., subgroup analysis);
  2. Selections in data (e.g., deleting “outliers” or only using “complete cases”);
  3. Selections in methodologies (e.g., for goodness of fit);
  4. Selections in due diligence and debugging (e.g., triple checking only when the outcome seems undesirable);
  5. Selections in publication (e.g., only when p-value <0.05);
  6. Selections in reporting/summary (e.g., suppressing caveats);
  7. Selections in understanding and interpretation (e.g., our preference for deterministic, “common sense” interpretation).

The Big Data Paradox and Simpson’s Paradox will be used to demonstrate that the problem of irreproducible research is getting BIGGER with Big Data. A cocktail treatment approach together with a selfish/blowfish test is suggested to combat this problem.

Postdoc Happy Hour
When: Thursday, February 18, 2016 | 5:30-7:00pm
Where: New Research Building (NRB), Room 1031, 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur
The HMPA social committee is organizing the first happy hour session of the year! Please join us for the HMPA happy hour. 
Postdocs will have the opportunity to learn more about fellow postdocs and network with one another. 
We'll have appetizers and drinks!
Sponsored by the HMPA and HMS/HSDM OPF
For more information contact the HMPA: hmpa@hms.harvard.edu

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, February 18, 2016 | 9:30-11:00a
Where: 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.

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Research Misconduct
When: Wednesday, February 17 | 12:30-2:00pm
Where: TMEC 227, 260 Longwood Ave.
Facilitators: Sad Sayeed, JD, MD
Description: The Center for Bioethics’ RCR Course is primarily restricted to post doctoral trainees working within Quad based, HMS Faculty laboratories. Please note, in general, we are not able to accommodate requests from the hospital institutions with respect to training their clinical trainees. Exceptions may be considered on an individual basis and can depend on the the trainee’s primary funding source. Hospital administrators should look to their own institutions for RCR offerings. The first 80 people registered for each session will receive a detailed email including location and how to access readings at least ONE WEEK prior to each session. (Priority will be given to those who attended sessions last year and need to complete their training this year.)
The course is designed to run as a graduate-style seminar. Each session will be co-facilitated by the course director, research faculty, and administrative deans. This course is meant to provide an opportunity to openly and critically reflect with your peers and others about what responsibility and integrity should mean to the professional scientific community. To that end, you will be expected to have done the readings prior to class and you will be expected to participate in discussion.

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, February 12, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 001
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/).

The Individual Development Plan: Maximizing Your Postdoc Training at HMS
When: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 | 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Countway Library, Minot Room, 5th Floor
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).

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, February 9, 2016 | 12:30-3:30pm
Where: Ballard Room, 5th Floor, Countway Library
*A pizza lunch will be served.
PLEASE READ: 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.

 -JANUARY EVENTS-

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, January 29, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 001
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/).

Dynamic Writing Strategies: Process, Rhetoric & Purpose
When: Thursday, January 28 | 10:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Countway Library, 403 Computer Lab
This interactive workshop is part of the Scientific Writing series, participants should bring a copy of a work in progress to the workshop.
Seating is limited to 30 and registration is REQUIRED.
Featured Speaker: Leslie Ann Roldan, PhD, Lecturer II, MIT
Description: MIT Lecturer Leslie Ann Roldan will lead a series of highly interactive workshops designed to explore the processes of creating effective and impactful writing for science. Workshop participants should bring a copy of their own work to be guided through various stages of effective writing, from predrafting, visual communication techniques, and best practices for incorporating sources. The Dynamic Writing Strategies programs are interactive, and each can be taken as a stand-alone workshop.

HMS Postdoc Forum
When: Tuesday, January 26 | 5:15-6:15pm
Where: Folin-Wu Room, Bldg C
Speaker: Aaron Goldman, PhD, Research Fellow, Department of Medicine, HMS
Title: “Understanding and targeting tumor heterogeneity using bioengineering approaches”
Description: 
Postdocs will have the opportunity to:
-Engage in stimulating interdisciplinary scientific discussions
-Network with their colleagues across different departments
-Initiate new collaborations
-Eat pizza and beer!
Sponsored by the HMPA and HMS/HSDM OPF. No registration necessary.

The Postdoc Life Cycle: Conflict Resolution Skills for the Successful Mentee
When: Tuesday, January 26 | 12:00-1:00pm
Where: Countway Library, 403 Computer Lab
This workshop is part of "The Postdoc Life Cycle" series. Lunch will be provided.
Featuring: Melissa Brodrick, Ombudsperson, Ombuds Office for HMS/HSDM/HSPH
Workshop Description: Want a mentor who will help you to succeed?  This highly interactive and relevant workshop is designed to provide you with practical skills in working effectively with your mentors.  By considering proactive and preventive steps that build supportive and collaborative relationships and strategies for dealing with conflicts that can arise, you will engage in exercises and case study discussions that will provide opportunities to strengthen the skills needed for your most important career relationships. Lunch will be provided.

Postdoc Ice Skating Social Event
When: Sunday, January 24th | 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Where: Kendall Ice Rink (300 Athenaeum Street, Cambridge).
Sponsored by the HMPA and Boston Post Doc Association (BPDA)
Enjoy FREE HOT CHOCOLATE to stay warm! Friends and family welcome, but space is limited. 
Skate rentals are a mere $8 for adults, $5 for children (please bring cash).
We hope to see you on the ice rink! Please note that ice-skating can be dangerous, and by registering for this event, you confirm that you undertake this activity at your own risk.

Postdoc Coffee House
When: Thursday, January 21, 2016 | 9:30-11:00am
Where: Folin-Wu Room, Building C (next to Cannon Room)
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.

Opening the Black Box: Understanding Industry Resume Scanning Systems
When: Wednesday, January 20, 2016 | 3:00-4:00pm
Where: Waterhouse Room, 1st Floor, Gordon Hall
Featuring: 
James Hu, Co-Founder & CEO, Jobscan.co
Michael Lee, Technical Co-Founder & CTO, Jobscan.co
Workshop Description: 
Why does the resume black hole exist? Would you like to increase your chances to land an interview? Come learn the answers from the founders of Jobscan (www.jobscan.co), an innovative web tool that helps job seekers get past resume screeners. James and Mike will explain why resume screening systems are used and what they look for while providing real world examples and solutions. Please be sure to bring your laptops with your resume/cv and a job posting if you'd like to try the service on the spot! Attendees will receive free bonus scans.
http://www.jobscan.co/blog/2014/07/19/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-applicant-tracking-systems/ 

Postdoc Office Hours
When: Friday, January 15, 2016 | 12:00-3:00pm (30 min. appts.)
Where: Postdoc Office, Gordon Hall, Room 001
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. It is helpful to visit myIDP on Science Careers website (http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/). 

Pathways to Entrepreneurship: Randall King, MD, PhD
When: Thursday, January 14 | 5:00-7:00pm
Where: TMEC 246 Walter Amphitheater
This event is part of the "Scientific Entrepreneurship Series" and is co-sponsored by Harvard OTD and HMS OPF.
5:00pm Presentation & Discussion
6:00pm Networking & Refreshments
Description: What does it take to commercialize academic innovation?
Join us for a discussion of translational research in academia and biotech, followed by networking and refreshments. This event is open to Harvard-affiliated faculty, researchers, postdocs, and graduate students.
Featured speaker: Randall King, MD, PhD, Harry C. McKenzie Professor of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School.
About the Pathways to Entrepreneurship series
Exciting entrepreneurship opportunities originate in academia. The Pathways to Entrepreneurship series lets you hear guest speakers offer their unique perspectives on how a solid education and research foundation can act as a springboard for the commercialization of academic innovation. Join in a discussion with a like-minded community as our guests share their personal stories and journeys as scientific entrepreneurs.
Hosted by Harvard Office of Technology Development and the HMS/HSDM Office for Postdoctoral Fellows.

RCR-Responsible Conduct of Research: Peer Review
When: Wednesday, January 13 | 12:30-2:00pm
Where: Armenise Amphitheater
Facilitators: Sad Sayeed, JD, MD; Dennis Selkoe, PhD
Description: Peer review has its loud advocates and its even louder detractors.  And, as is typical in these situations, both sides make valid observations. It is, no doubt, an imperfect system - but one that has served on more than a few occations to encourage and promote high quality science that has impacted out knowledge and welfare.
All HMS postdocs are required to complete 8 contact hours of the RCR course. This course is meant to provide an opportunity to openly and critically reflect with your peers and others about what responsibility and integrity should mean to the professional scientific community. The overall RCR course description can be found here: http://bioethics.hms.harvard.edu/rcr-responsible-conduct-research.

New Postdoc Orientation
When: Tuesday, January 5, 2016 | 12:30-3:00pm
PLEASE READ: 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.

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