Monday, September 25, 2006
Area Fellows: Kick off the Fall with KickBall!
The RTP EPA Networking and Leadership Training Organization (NTLO, their onsite postdoc and grad student group) is seeking members for a Co-ed kickball team as part of a local league.
Registration is approximately $40, and at least 14 committed individuals are needed to form a team.
Games would be on Tuesday nights at ~6:30-7:30.
If interested in registering, please email rtppostdocs@gmail.com by this Friday (9/29) if possible.
(but if it is Monday and you are just now reading this, email anyways!)
Thanks to Mary at the EPA for this info!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Introducing the Park Guide: RTP News and Events
The site for this quarterly magazine hosts a blog as well as 'Breakfast in the Park', an early AM seminar series featuring speakers from the life sciences and technology industries in RTP. If 7:30 is too early for you, they also post a podcast of the talk downloadable from their home page.
Previous speakers have included executives from local biotech companies and consulting firms.
Previous speakers have included executives from local biotech companies and consulting firms.
New RTP Interest Group: Chromosomal Biology and Epigenetics
Monthly meetings will feature two ~ 30 minute presentations from local scientists (presentations from postdoctoral fellows and graduate students are encouraged) including groups from UNC, Duke, and NIEHS. The first meeting will be Monday, October 30, 5:45 PM at the NC Biotech Center.
Their kick-off event is previously posted Atlantic Coast Chromatin Conference on 9/30 at UNC.
Contact Paul Wade at the NIEHS to be added to the mailing list.
Their kick-off event is previously posted Atlantic Coast Chromatin Conference on 9/30 at UNC.
Contact Paul Wade at the NIEHS to be added to the mailing list.
NIEHS Trainees Assembly Meeting, Friday September 29
NIEHS Fellows, Graduate students, and trainees (there are over 200 of you!):
As an NIEHS fellow, this is your chance to
Annual NTA Assembly Meeting
Friday, September 29th 2006
2-3pm, Rodbell 101 B
Friday, September 29th 2006
2-3pm, Rodbell 101 B
Agenda
- Presentation: Monica Horvath, NTA Chair and Debbie Swope, Office of Fellows' Career Dev.
- Comment period
- Visit NTA sub-committee tables
Raffle and Refreshments provided!
As an NIEHS fellow, this is your chance to
- Learn what services the NTA provides
- Communicate your needs to enrich your NIEHS experience
- Volunteer for committee work that covers a wide range of projects
PS: Show you initiative!
Participation looks fantastic on your CV/resume and builds your network!
Participation looks fantastic on your CV/resume and builds your network!
Carolina Student Biotechnology Network
You may have noticed that CSBN is featured on our links panel, and this group would like YOU to know more about their activities:
"The Carolina Student Biotechnology Network (CSBN) is a non-profit, student organization promoting career development, education, entrepreneurship, and industry outreach. Our mission is to host events and provide services that allow members to explore and pursue careers in the life science industry.
While based at UNC-Chapel Hill, membership is open students and postdocs at all regional universities/institutions, as well as industry professionals. CSBN hosts numerous events throughout the school year such as a monthly seminar series, lunch with industry professionals, social events, and much more. If you are at all interested in CSBN, we encourage you to visit our website ( www.carolinabiotech.org) and sign up to become a member (membership is free). As a member you will receive email updates regarding all CSBN events, as well as the CSBN Access newsletter featuring profiles of regional companies, news regarding relevant events in RTP, and more. Provided there is sufficient interest from students/postdocs at other area universities, we will attempt to host some future CSBN events at those schools."
Much thanks to Justin Brown, UNC, CSBN Executive Committee
"The Carolina Student Biotechnology Network (CSBN) is a non-profit, student organization promoting career development, education, entrepreneurship, and industry outreach. Our mission is to host events and provide services that allow members to explore and pursue careers in the life science industry.
While based at UNC-Chapel Hill, membership is open students and postdocs at all regional universities/institutions, as well as industry professionals. CSBN hosts numerous events throughout the school year such as a monthly seminar series, lunch with industry professionals, social events, and much more. If you are at all interested in CSBN, we encourage you to visit our website ( www.carolinabiotech.org) and sign up to become a member (membership is free). As a member you will receive email updates regarding all CSBN events, as well as the CSBN Access newsletter featuring profiles of regional companies, news regarding relevant events in RTP, and more. Provided there is sufficient interest from students/postdocs at other area universities, we will attempt to host some future CSBN events at those schools."
Much thanks to Justin Brown, UNC, CSBN Executive Committee
New Science Careers FAQ available
ScienceCareers.org hosts a popular and highly active forum moderated by Dave Jenson. This is an exceptional resource where one can ask specific questions from industry experts, get advice and perspective on work-related issues, and discuss science and education policy. Participants are exceptionally well-informed and have great passion for these issues.
Dave has recently composed a comprehensive FAQ that not only summarizes answers to some of the most common questions, but links the relevant discussion threads as well.
Some great entries include:
"My postdoc is not working out. My project does not seem to be going well, or I am not getting along with my PI. Should I leave?"
"How will my career be affected if I do a second postdoctoral fellowship?"
"Should I take a job as a research assistant professor?"
"What do I need to know to interview successfully by telephone?
"What do I do if they ask me about my salary expectations?"
"How do I work with a recruiter to advance my career? Who should pay a recruiter's fees?"
"How do I identify the hiring manager?"
"What other options are available if I have a PhD in the sciences but do not wish to work at the laboratory bench?"
The opinions are varied and included people from wide range of perspectives. With the data available forum-wide, Dave could really compose a fantastic book that should be put in the hands of every aspiring or practicing scientist.
Check it out!
Monica
Dave has recently composed a comprehensive FAQ that not only summarizes answers to some of the most common questions, but links the relevant discussion threads as well.
Some great entries include:
"My postdoc is not working out. My project does not seem to be going well, or I am not getting along with my PI. Should I leave?"
"How will my career be affected if I do a second postdoctoral fellowship?"
"Should I take a job as a research assistant professor?"
"What do I need to know to interview successfully by telephone?
"What do I do if they ask me about my salary expectations?"
"How do I work with a recruiter to advance my career? Who should pay a recruiter's fees?"
"How do I identify the hiring manager?"
"What other options are available if I have a PhD in the sciences but do not wish to work at the laboratory bench?"
The opinions are varied and included people from wide range of perspectives. With the data available forum-wide, Dave could really compose a fantastic book that should be put in the hands of every aspiring or practicing scientist.
Check it out!
Monica
Thursday, September 21, 2006
David Clayton, VP and CSO of Howard Hughes Medical Institute to Speak at NIEHS
"Mammalian Mitochondrial DNA Replication: What We Know"
David A. Clayton, Ph.D.
Howard Hughes Medical Institute
10:00 - 11:00AM
Rall Bldg. Rodbell ABC
Monday, September 18, 2006
September 30th is National Museum Day
On this day participating museums are teaming up with the Smithsonian Institution to provide free access. You can download your pass here and peruse the list of participating venues here.
Although the list of participants local to RTP is lackluster (I believe most of our local museums are free already!), perhaps you will be in another part of the country that day or could share this with friends and relatives.
Being from Pittsburgh, I could spend days as a college kiddo in the fantastic Carnegie Museums, but those were definitely not free. On the 30th, however, they will be.
Monica
Although the list of participants local to RTP is lackluster (I believe most of our local museums are free already!), perhaps you will be in another part of the country that day or could share this with friends and relatives.
Being from Pittsburgh, I could spend days as a college kiddo in the fantastic Carnegie Museums, but those were definitely not free. On the 30th, however, they will be.
Monica
Free SBIR/STTR Workshop in Raleigh on October 18th
Do you have an entrepreneurial attitude? Do you think you have what it takes to translate your science into a start-up company?
If so, SBIR/STTR grant workshops will be held in Wilmington, Charlotte, and Raleigh in October. These federal grants provide seed money for research-based businesses and have marked the beginning of many R&D companies. The workshop provides a program overview, information on forming a SBIR/STTR-eligible company, and practical advice from awardees.
The flyer can be found here.
You may not be aware that the State of North Carolina runs a program that will match 75% of phase I funding (feasibility research). In the past, NC has also created an incentive program where one could request reimbursement for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing a SBIR/STTR application. Although the incentive program has not been announced for the 2006-2007 application cycle, the website cryptically states:
"The Board has authorized the publication of a Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications under the North Carolina SBIR/STTR Incentive Program for FY2006-2007."
So perhaps that is a good sign.
Note: The above event is focused towards those applying to the DOD (Department of Defense) program. A workshop will be held on 10/24 at UNC Charlotte geared towards NIH applications, and it will feature Jerry Heindel, a Scientific Program Administrator at the NIEHS.
If so, SBIR/STTR grant workshops will be held in Wilmington, Charlotte, and Raleigh in October. These federal grants provide seed money for research-based businesses and have marked the beginning of many R&D companies. The workshop provides a program overview, information on forming a SBIR/STTR-eligible company, and practical advice from awardees.
The flyer can be found here.
You may not be aware that the State of North Carolina runs a program that will match 75% of phase I funding (feasibility research). In the past, NC has also created an incentive program where one could request reimbursement for a portion of the costs incurred in preparing a SBIR/STTR application. Although the incentive program has not been announced for the 2006-2007 application cycle, the website cryptically states:
"The Board has authorized the publication of a Notice of Solicitation for Grant Applications under the North Carolina SBIR/STTR Incentive Program for FY2006-2007."
So perhaps that is a good sign.
Note: The above event is focused towards those applying to the DOD (Department of Defense) program. A workshop will be held on 10/24 at UNC Charlotte geared towards NIH applications, and it will feature Jerry Heindel, a Scientific Program Administrator at the NIEHS.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Carolina Student Biotechnology Network Announces Speakers for Fall Seminar Series
The first speaker will be Lesa Mitchell of the Kauffman Foundation on 9/27, 3:00pm, at the Michael Hooker Research Bldg., BCBS Rm, UNC. Attendance is open to all.
From CSBN's website:
"Lesa Mitchell is a vice president with the Kauffman Foundation. The Kauffman Foundation was established in the mid-1960s by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman. The vision of the Kauffman Foundation is to foster a society of economically independent individuals who are engaged citizens, contributing to the improvement of their communities. In service of this vision, and in keeping with our founderÂs wishes, the Foundation focuses its grant making and operations on two areas: advancing entrepreneurship and improving the education of children and youth."
From CSBN's website:
"Lesa Mitchell is a vice president with the Kauffman Foundation. The Kauffman Foundation was established in the mid-1960s by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman. The vision of the Kauffman Foundation is to foster a society of economically independent individuals who are engaged citizens, contributing to the improvement of their communities. In service of this vision, and in keeping with our founderÂs wishes, the Foundation focuses its grant making and operations on two areas: advancing entrepreneurship and improving the education of children and youth."
Thursday, September 07, 2006
The PhD Glut
The Scientist has an excellent article on the job-seeking woes of postdocs that uses a mix of anecdotal stories and broad survey statistics to bolster the following viewpoints:- Universities produce PhD's at a rate that far exceeds the availability of jobs, and the academic culture clings to this status quo since it generates highly skilled hands available at low cost.
- Most graduate programs are completely ineffective in training students for alternative careers.
- Particularly problematic is the rise of 'superpostdoc' positions, funded by soft money, that are marketed with an unofficial promise of a tenure track position. When this later comes up short, these Research Assistant Professors can find themselves painted as 'too academic' for industry.
- The employment prospects of the average postdoc are tragically comic in light of the heavily bemoaned need for a fatter scientist pipeline.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Genetics and Environmental Mutagenesis Society (GEMS) 24th ANNUAL FALL MEETING, Thursday October 26th, 2006
“Oxidative Stress and Damage”
100 Friday Center Drive (off of Hwy 54 East), Chapel Hill, NC
So the interesting thing here is that there is a $1000 best talk prize as well as $250 for the best poster within the following participation groups: Technician, grad student, 1st or 2nd year postdoc. This money can be used to travel to a conference of your choice!
Early registration can be done until 9/25 and the fee is $10-$60 depending on your status.
NIEHS Information Technology Survey Still Available
(NIEHS login required)
If you have not done so already and you work at the NIEHS, *please* fill out this 5 minute survey on the effectiveness of your IT support. An outside reviewer is evaluating the cost and quality of computer services here at the NIEHS, and this is *the* time to get your comments heard.
Although I have heard some complain that no one will listen to the results which would make participation moot, it really takes only a few minutes and this gives you the structural foundation for your soapbox the next time you encounter aggravation.
If you have not done so already and you work at the NIEHS, *please* fill out this 5 minute survey on the effectiveness of your IT support. An outside reviewer is evaluating the cost and quality of computer services here at the NIEHS, and this is *the* time to get your comments heard.
Although I have heard some complain that no one will listen to the results which would make participation moot, it really takes only a few minutes and this gives you the structural foundation for your soapbox the next time you encounter aggravation.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Cool Site: PhD Career Clinic
This site provides a candid commentary on issues surrounding the search for an 'alternative' career that still embraces one's scientific core. Although it is a bit ad-heavy, it is regularly updated with a bevy of honest articles such as "Network Nerves: How Do You Actually Talk to People" and “How Do I Know What I Want to Do with My Life?”
Thanks to Becky for the link
Thanks to Becky for the link
