Nominations open for PDA Elections

The election of the 2022-2023 PDA officers will take place later this month, and all MIT-appointed postdoctoral scholars (Associates and Fellows) are invited to participate. Nominations are open from NOW till 15 August, while elections will be held online from 25-31 August 2022.

In the meanwhile, join current officers for a virtual coffee hour☕️☕️☕️ on TUESDAY, August 9 at noon where you can meet the current PDA Board and ask questions. (zoom link)

 

Connecting with Postdocs and the PDA

The PDA website is currently experiencing problems and is unstable. However, you can still reach the PDA and connect with many other postdocs using our Slack channel: https://mit-postdocs.slack.com/

 

Nominations open for Institute Committees

Are you interested in joining an Institute Committee? The committees listed below will be appointing postdoc members for the 2022-23 academic year, and nominations are open now through Monday, Aug. 8.

Please contact Ann Skoczenski with questions about any committees and fill out the application survey here.

Community Service Fund Board

Committee on the Use of Humans as Experimental Subjects

Family and Work, Council on

Intellectual Property, Committee on

Race and Diversity, Committee on

Women’s Advisory Group

 

General PDA meeting

This general meeting will be recurring on the ‘FIRST’ Tuesday of every month unless otherwise rescheduled. Participation of all postdocs across MIT is highly appreciated.

Next PDA meet: 09.06.2022, 12-1 pm. Find the zoom link. This meeting is open to ALL postdocs. Please attend to learn more about the activities of the PDA​.

After the general meeting, come and meet members of the PDA at the Muddy Charles from 5 pm onwards. Don’t forget to bring ID (US photo ID or foreign passport) and cash – looking forward to meeting you!

PDA DEI committee meeting

The next PDA DEI committee meeting will be first Tuesday of every month from 1-2 pm (right after our monthly PDA meeting). We will talk about the DEI efforts happening across campus and what we can do to support them. The next meeting will be on 09.06.2022.

 

Please find the Zoom link for the meeting.

Feel free to ask Katya ​for details.

 

MIT Postdocs Slack Space

We are happy to announce that as part of the effort to create more efficient communication throughout our Postdocs community, we have created a Slack space on the MIT corporate Slack named MIT Postdocs. We invite everyone to join us at this. This Slack space is meant to be a more efficient forum for all MIT Postdocs to interact and organize/attend events as well as communicate more efficiently. You may go through the channel #welcome_and_organization for a detailed description.

Feel free to reach out to Jonathan (cottet@mit.edu)  for any feedback/suggestions and also if you want to be involved in the MIT PDA Community Building committee.

 

MIT presidential search

MIT is searching for its 18th president since President L. Rafael Reif will step down at the end of 2022.Deborah Liverman, the Executive Director of MIT Career Advising and Professional Development, is collecting feedback from the Postdoc community about this critical search.

 

If you wish to share your perspectives on this critical task, contact directly Deborah Liverman, or write to the email pres-search-staff-input@mit.edu.   Additionally, you can also fill a general feedback form on the Presidential Search website, https://presidentialsearch.mit.edu/.

 

PDA & Other Events:

Call for Postdoc Initiative Grant (PInG) proposals

A message from Ombuds

-Social Events

MIT PDA Saturday Karaoke Night

​qtPhDs @ MIT for LGBTQIA+ Postdoc

MIT POWER – Postdoctoral Organization for Women Engaged in Research

MIT Postdoc Running Club-Weekend runs

   -Career and Professional Development

Career Advising for Postdocs

Turn your Tough Tech breakthrough into a Tough Tech startup

​ Free Webinars on US Immigration

Postdoctoral Pitch night: discover how to fund your research or create a startup.

Harvard Biostatistics & Funding Certificates

Funding Opportunities and Jobs

An extensive list of fellowship​ is available here

Miscellaneous

PDA & Other Events
Call for Postdoc Initiative Grant (PInG) proposals​

Do you have an idea for an activity or event that you think would benefit postdocs in 2022? The MIT-PDA is pleased to announce a call for a second (Spring/Summer) round of Postdoc Initiative Grant (PInG) proposals. The grant aims to financially support a range of activities, events, and projects. PInG activities should be open to all postdocs across MIT (e.g. an application cannot be made for a Biology lunch series). Example activities include but are not limited to Social gatherings, Recreational activities, Arts and cultural programs, Mental health, and stress support groups, professional development seminars and workshops, Groups to support postdoc women, parents, or minorities.https://pda.mit.edu/events/ping/.

Download application form here: PInG Application form. Send filled form to pda-ping@mit.edu.

We look forward to hearing your plans!​

 

A message from Ombuds

MIT Ombuds Office – Any Time, Any Reason!

During these uncertain times, everyone’s resilience is being tested in countless ways. From navigating the challenges of continuing to learn and work remotely with colleagues and peers under stress, to negotiating new ways of collaborating and communicating. The Ombuds Office is available to offer support and assistance to the MIT community in navigating these challenges and exploring constructive options for success. We are available for confidential phone or Zoom meetings and can also facilitate online sessions and group discussions to help teams’ function and support good communication skills during this challenging period.  Contact information: kalina_s@mit.edu or call 617-253-5921. More details here.

 

SOCIAL EVENTS

 

MIT PDA Saturday Karaoke Night  (every three weeks)

When: Saturday 4-7 pm, September 10, 2022.

Where:  Stage Karaoke Studios. 138 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA

Sign up now for a leisure Saturday Karaoke Night. Shouting out loud your favorite songs or singing with your deep gentle voices with a group of postdocs from various departments, learning new songs from postdocs with various backgrounds, cultures, let’s build happy memories at MIT with melodies! Don’t hesitate to reach out to Lingyan for details.

Sign up for free for a limited first come first serve basis for Saturday September 10!

 

qtPhDs @ MIT for LGBTQIA+ Postdocs​

Are you an LGBTQIA+ postdoc? Come join us at qtPhDs!

qtPhDs is a place for LGBTQIA+ postdocs at MIT to connect and find support, solidarity, and friends, as well as a group that can interface with other advocacy and equity efforts taking place on campus. We are a welcoming and inclusive space– however you identify, if you feel that qtPhDs is the right space for you, please reach out!

We hold monthly coffee events (every 1st Monday at 2pm) and after-work meetups (every 3rd Thursday at 6pm).

If you would like to learn more, check out our website, or email us to join our mailing list and Slack channel to keep up to date with all upcoming events!

 

MIT POWER – Postdoctoral Organization for Women Engaged in Research
MIT POWER’s goal is to provide professional and personal development support specific to women who want to pursue advanced careers in science and industry, and to support and advocate for women postdocs in all aspects of their professional training at MIT. We strive to provide a platform for MIT women postdocs to make new friends and professional connections, through various socio-cultural activities. MIT POWER hosts monthly Coffee Breaks on the 3rd Thursday of every month, and anAfter-Work social gathering on the 8th of every month (in honor of the International Women’s Day!).

To stay up to date with professional and social events organized by MIT POWER join our email list and slack space!

 

MIT Postdoc Running Club-Weekend runs​

Come join us for a run along the Charles!

The plan is to meet during the weekend, typically in the morning, at 77 Mass Ave for a warm-up and then we will go for a run around Charles river. All abilities are welcome. We will form groups ranging from beginners to experienced runners.​

Please join our Slack channel #running on the “MIT Postdocs” Slack Space and our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/261187805334152/ (day and time may change due to weather conditions)

 

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – advance your career

​Career Advising for Postdocs

Postdocs are eligible for virtual one-on-one career counseling appointments to talk about a wide range of topics including career exploration, conducting a job search (academic or non-academic), review of application materials, practice interviews, advice on job offers negotiations, and any other questions or concerns. Appointments are now available both in person (M-W) and virtually (M-F). Schedule an appointment directly via Handshake, and choose your preferred appointment medium. The CAPD office is located at Bldg. E17-294

In addition, look out for the CAPD Postdoc Career Newsletter email (opt-out, ~2/per month) for upcoming career and professional development opportunities.

Visit the CAPD website for a variety of resources, including the postdocs landing page, career interests pages, and affinity group pages. You can also sign up to receive automated emails with career content and updates based on your interests and preferences..

Email Simona Rosu with any questions.

 

Turn your Tough Tech breakthrough into a Tough Tech startup

The Engine is hosting an introductory session for Blueprint, a nonresident program for graduate students, postdocs, research scientists, faculty members, and their teams, to explore the commercial opportunities of their breakthroughs and startup projects. The event will include an informational walkthrough of the program, Q&A, and dedicated networking time with The Engine team, and other interested applicants.

Please register in advance: https://tinyurl.com/blueprint-ihq-reg

When: Aug 9, 4-6pm

Hybrid & In-person: Hacker Reactor in iHQ (E38, 7th floor) (food to be provided)

Zoom: https://engine-xyz.zoom.us/j/85827235585?pwd=SVhTa1JIbUM5bnEyOTdpY1lDN1dQZz09

 

Free Webinars on US Immigration

The YZ Law Group LLP is inviting students and postdocs to attend free webinars on US immigration.

This law firm represents and advises clients on all aspects of U.S. immigration matters. You are welcome to sign up for the coming free webinar scheduled for  8/10 at this link: https://forms.gle/CCvEnn9p5ujtnZ8u8

For more information contact  info@yzlawgroup.com

 

 

Postdoctoral Pitch night: discover how to fund your research or create a startup.

Pitch your idea and win a money prize. If you don’t know how to do it we can help. Jimmi Teng, Co-Managing Director of the 100 k, can guide you to create an effective pitch! Book a session here: LINK Or simply, participate to the event and find collaborations to fast-forward the process of transforming a research finding into a startup. During the evening, you can pitch your idea. Additionally, few selected startuppers will inspire the audience by talking about their experience. Finally, you will meet all the representatives of funds, venture capital, and officers within the MIT ecosystem to fund your research or create a startup. For more information, contact directly Davide Ciccarese, The Fundraising Chair of the PDA Association.

Location: MIT InnovationHQ; E38 at 292 Main Street Cambridge, Floor 7: Hacker Reactor

Date: 23 August, 4 PM – 7 PM

 

FREE BUFFET: PIZZA AND DRINKS OFFERED BY THE MIT POSTDOCTORAL ASSOCIATION (PDA)

RSVP: Whether you are interested in giving a pitch or to participate in the event apply here:

GOOGLE FORM

Pitch submission: before 11 August: LINK

 

Harvard Biostatistics & Funding Certificates

Applied Biostatistics Certificate: Methods & Applications

An online certificate program on the principles and methods of biostatistics.

Dates: September 12, 2022-March 31, 2023 OR July 1, 2023 (depending on the course track selected by the participant)

Apply by: August 19

Contact Anna Newton for more information

 

Grant Funding for Researchers Certificate

An online certificate program for those seeking grant funding from diverse sources.

Dates: September 14, 2022-June 7, 2023

CME credits offered: 17.25

Register by: August 31

Contact Anna Newton for more information

 

Funding Opportunities and Jobs
An extensive list of fellowships is available here

We would like to feature YOUR honors, awards, and accomplishments.

Send an email to contactpda@mit.edu

Miscellaneous
MLK Leadership Award

Details here

 Kaufman Teaching Certificate Program

Details here

Broadening Engagement through Engineering at MIT (BEEAM)

Details here

Simons Collaboration on Global Brain Boston Area Postdoc Meeting

Details here

MIT Creative Arts Council

Postdocs are invited to attend concerts and lectures on campus, Details here

MIT Spouses & Partners Connect

Details here

Career Advising and Professional Development

Schedule an appointment here

CAPD events

MIT Writing and Communications Centre

Details here

Peer-to-peer scientific communication resource: Comm Lab

Details here

MIT Work Life Centre

Details here

MIT Employee Resource Group

Details here

MIT Alumni Association’s Infinite Connection

Details here

MIT Alumni Job Board

MITAC

The MIT Activities Committee offers virtual and discounted tickets to the MIT community for local arts and culture, sporting events, and family activities. 

Free Membership to the National Postdoctoral Association

Details here

Access MIT Commuter Program

Details here

Discounts for the MIT Community

Details here

Thank you for reading through !