Monday, November 27, 2006
Postdoc Journal Competition from Nature Jobs
For several years Nature magazine has had an electronic graduate journal that featured commentary and stories from graduate student columnists. Finally, the Nature editorial staff has decided that postdocs need a dedicated voice as well and is accepting applications from postdocs who feel that they could be an engaging journal keeper. A one year commitment to a monthly column is required regardless of your future employment status.
This is of course a great opportunity to fuel your personal PR machine as well as build a portfolio as a budding science writer.
Monica
This is of course a great opportunity to fuel your personal PR machine as well as build a portfolio as a budding science writer.
Monica
Saturday, November 18, 2006
December CED Biotech Forum Announced
When: Monday, December 11th, 2006, 5:00-8:00pm
Where: Schiciano Auditorium of the Fitzpatrick Center at Duke University
Registration: $20 for CED members; $30 for non-members (on-site registration higher)
The goal of this month's forum is to discuss current venture capital investment trends in the biotechnology sector and to explain how the VC landscape has changed in recent years.
Speakers Include:
Where: Schiciano Auditorium of the Fitzpatrick Center at Duke University
Registration: $20 for CED members; $30 for non-members (on-site registration higher)
The goal of this month's forum is to discuss current venture capital investment trends in the biotechnology sector and to explain how the VC landscape has changed in recent years.
Speakers Include:
- Vipin K. Garg, Ph.D., President & CEO, Tranzyme Pharma
- Garheng Kong, Partner, Intersouth Partners
- Carol A. Marino, Vice President Venture Investments, Johnson & Johnson Development Corporation
- Sherrill Neff, Managing Partner, Quaker BioVentures
- Ed Torres, Principal, Lilly Ventures
NC Museum of Natural Sciences Science Cafe, 11/28/2006
Copied from the above link:
TUESDAY, November 28, 6:30–8:30 pm
TUESDAY, November 28, 6:30–8:30 pm
Science Café is a place where, for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore current topics in science and technology. Science Café programs take place in coffee shops, bars and restaurants around Raleigh.
Location: Zely and Ritz at 301 Glenwood Ave. Directions
Topic: Human Space Flight: Return to the Moon and Mission to Mars
Speakers: Dr. Fred Dejarnette and Dr. Andre Mazzoleni from NCSU Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
NASA's Vision for Space Exploration plans for a return to the moon by the end of the next decade to pave the way for eventual Mars colonization. After completing the International Space Station and retiring the shuttle fleet by 2010, humans and robotic explorers are set to work together on these new journeys.
This Science Cafe will explore the technical aspects of the human species next steps off planet earth. These steps may include following a wave of robotic probes that will prepare the way for a permanent human presence and garner the resources needed to secure the survival of our future generations.
To RSVP or for more information, contact Katey Ahmann at 919.733.7450, ext. 531. or katey.ahmann@ncmail.net
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Interviewing And Living Through It
Thanks to 'SS' at the sciencecareers.org forum for sharing this. Although it is chemistry-specific, I think the points mentioned are relevant to us biomedical folks as well.
(However, I do find the artwork at the head of the post very, very odd. Why is there a Rubenesque naked women in heels and men with swords and fezzes?)
Based on recent experiences, I would add the following thought:
Interviewers may ask you to interview them as their way of determining how prepared you are. This may be more likely to happen when speaking to upper management that you would not be working directly with in the job (i.e. CEO).
Trust me -- It can help to have this in mind ahead of time.
Monica
(However, I do find the artwork at the head of the post very, very odd. Why is there a Rubenesque naked women in heels and men with swords and fezzes?)
Based on recent experiences, I would add the following thought:
Interviewers may ask you to interview them as their way of determining how prepared you are. This may be more likely to happen when speaking to upper management that you would not be working directly with in the job (i.e. CEO).
Trust me -- It can help to have this in mind ahead of time.
Monica
Monday, November 13, 2006
New Link Added: Auerbach's Pharmacology and Toxicology Links
A potpourri of info is linked to one spot here, and I in particular enjoy the blogs section very much. Check it out next time you feel like taking a random stroll through the Pharma/Tox web.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Words That Weaken Your Resume
This article goes through a bunch of common resume words and explains how these either gum-up your resume with inefficient formulations or detract from your accomplishments.
I agree that highlighting accomplishments in the clearest way possible is a good move. But the article dissuades the use of 'responsible for' because it relegates your accomplishments to a laundry list of duties. I would argue that mentioning your responsibilities can show leadership, although I am not a hiring manager.
Additionally, as far as the word 'interface' goes, I think that is a perfect, compact word for one who works with interdisciplinary teams. In fact, many bioinformaticists in industry act as liaisons between the hardcore programmers and the bench biologists. Wait, sorry, 'liaison' is bad word too....
Of course Yahoo HotJobs does not have the last say on resume advice, but it seems that there is a ton of conflicting advice out there that can really fray the nerves of job seekers. After all, we always hear how our carefully crafted applications have <45 seconds to impress hiring managers, GSK has 20K+ resumes submitted via their website a week, and improper keyword usage can cause a database to hold your resume hostage.
So I do not have any solutions, but comments on the anti-keywords are appreciated.
Monica
Friday, November 10, 2006
Join the National Postdoctoral Association Marketing and Public Relations Committee
This is a unique opportunity to gain marketing experience, which is not something normally available to us as research scientists.
Due to the new affiliate membership category, everyone at the NIEHS, Duke, and UNC Chapel Hill is eligible to participate on NPA committees for free.
Individual membership for postdocs and graduate students at other locations is a low $35/year.
Having these business and leadership skills on your CV/resume can put your name to the top of the candidate list. This is a critical part of your training that is underdeveloped and underemphasized by most academic settings.
Marketing duties include:
Due to the new affiliate membership category, everyone at the NIEHS, Duke, and UNC Chapel Hill is eligible to participate on NPA committees for free.
Individual membership for postdocs and graduate students at other locations is a low $35/year.
Having these business and leadership skills on your CV/resume can put your name to the top of the candidate list. This is a critical part of your training that is underdeveloped and underemphasized by most academic settings.
Marketing duties include:
- Create and implement new ways to draw postdocs into the NPA, particularly if they do not have a postdoc office at their institution.
- Develop and implement an Annual Marketing Plan. The marketing plan will be derived from the NPA Business Plan and the NPA Strategic Plan.
- Monitor publications and other communication vehicles for coverage of issues affecting the postdoctoral community. Seek out opportunities to respond as appropriate.
- Cultivate relationships with members of the news media, especially those serving the above audiences. Maintain the NPA Press List.
- Maintain the NPA Press Room on the NPA website.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
RTP Postdocs Happy Hour!
Faithful readers: Let's meet up on for an informal happy hour at
Satisfaction Restaurant and Bar in Durham.
Look for the balloons that say 'NIEHS'. All are welcome.
Friday, November 17th 2006
5:30-7:30
Don't be shy! C'mon out and meet new people!
Organized by the NIEHS Trainees Association
Satisfaction Restaurant and Bar in Durham.
Look for the balloons that say 'NIEHS'. All are welcome.
Friday, November 17th 2006
5:30-7:30
Don't be shy! C'mon out and meet new people!
Organized by the NIEHS Trainees Association
Espresso Careers: Science Outreach and K-12 Education
Tuesday November 21st, 2006
UNC Chapel Hill
Registration required
Join PhD scientists working in the area of science education outreach and K-12 Education for a discussion about their careers and their career path. Enjoy gourmet coffee, pastries and bagels and a panel comprised of Carla Easter, PhD, Science Education Specialist at National Human Genome Research Institute; Rochelle Swartz Bloom, PhD, Professor Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Director Pharmacology Education Partnership at Duke University; Jory Weintraub, PhD, Science Education and Outreach Manager at the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center; Christine Muth, PhD, Instructor of Biology at North Carolina School of Science and Math.
Thanks to the UNC Postdoctoral Office
UNC Chapel Hill
Registration required
Join PhD scientists working in the area of science education outreach and K-12 Education for a discussion about their careers and their career path. Enjoy gourmet coffee, pastries and bagels and a panel comprised of Carla Easter, PhD, Science Education Specialist at National Human Genome Research Institute; Rochelle Swartz Bloom, PhD, Professor Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Director Pharmacology Education Partnership at Duke University; Jory Weintraub, PhD, Science Education and Outreach Manager at the National Evolutionary Synthesis Center; Christine Muth, PhD, Instructor of Biology at North Carolina School of Science and Math.
Thanks to the UNC Postdoctoral Office
