Rutgers OPA
Weekly Newsletter | March 1, 2018
Exceptional Faculty Mentor | March 2018
Dr. Paul Copeland
"Mentoring is one of those things you do not necessarily realize you need until you get it. I think once the power of good mentoring is realized, it is quite addicting, so I like to think of good mentoring practices as a beneficial communicable disease..." - Dr. Paul Copeland
"Paul is a great mentor because he lets you learn and grow in the course of research. You learn to not only enjoy research but challenge your every experimental plan and improvise on design. His constructive criticisms both at the weekly meetings and journal clubs guides us constantly. Honestly, its under his guidance that I have truly learnt to appreciate and evaluate research." - Dr. Sumangala Shetty (former Postdoc)
The OPA team wants to congratulate Dr. Paul Copeland, Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School on being nominated by Dr. Sumangala Shetty (former postdoc) as the Exceptional Faculty Mentor of the Month.
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs recognizes with these nominations, the positive impact and importance of Rutgers' faculty members, who as mentors, have made a real difference in the lives of their postdoctoral trainees and lab members.
To promote effective faculty-postdoc mentoring relationships at Rutgers, we will feature the Exceptional Faculty Mentor of the Month who is nominated by our postdoctoral community, on both our website and weekly newsletter with the hope of inspiring others.
Again, congratulations Dr. Paul Copeland for your dedication to the postdoctoral community.
Itzamarie
OPA, Associate Director
Is your faculty mentor exceptional? Contact us. We would love to hear from you!
Thank You For Your Support!
The OPA Team wants to thank everyone who attended the "Rutgers Faculty Networking Receptions" in New Brunswick and Newark, and the "Improvisational Techniques for Effective Communication" workshop, and everyone who made it possible.
Special thanks to the Director of Mentoring & Career Development and Lead of the Rutgers Connection Network (RCN) Mentoring Program, Yvonne Gonzalez, for making these events open to postdocs, and to Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Barbara Lee, for sponsoring these events.
There will be one more "Rutgers Faculty Networking Reception" in Camden, next week on March 7. For more information click here.
We hope to see you then!
Itzamarie
Things you should know...
Dear Rutgers Postdoc community,
This newsletter includes upcoming events and general announcements. Scroll down for more information.
Check also our website for a collection of previous OPA weekly newsletter.
Register Now! | Rutgers Connection Network (RCN) Mentoring Program Writing Retreats (2-Day Retreats) | Monday, March 12 & Tuesday, March 13 | 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
The goals of these two-day writing retreats are to 1) provide space and dedicated time to make progress on writing goals, 2) provide optional breakout sessions and individual support on topics such as the writing process and grant writing, and 3) enable participants to identify and develop habits for more productive writing year-round. All writing retreats will be open from 8am to 8pm.
Retreat #1 (Newark):
- Dates: Monday, March 12 & Tuesday, March 13
- Time: 8 A.M - 8 P.M
- Breakout Sessions start at 1: 30 PM
- Location: NJMS-Medical School Building, Rosemary Gellene Room, 185 South Orange Ave., Newark
- Register for the Writing Retreat in Newark, March 12 and 13.
Retreat #2 (New Brunswick):
- Dates: Tuesday, March 13 & Wednesday, March 14
- Time: 8 A.M - 8 P.M
- Breakout Sessions start at 1: 30 PM
- Location: Douglass Campus Center, 100 George St., New Brunswick
- Register for the Writing Retreat in New Brunswick, March 13 and 14.
Breakout Sessions' Topics:
- Those other Pages of a Grant Application: Making Sure Your Whole Package is a Good Representation
- Using the RFP to Organize the Proposal Process
- How Blogging Can Benefit your Career
- Getting Started on a Writing Project
- Tackling the Personal Statement
- Specific Aims and Key Elements for Scientific Writing
- Publishing in Scholarly Journals
- Behind the Scenes of Editorial Review
These writing retreats are sponsored by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
*Coffee and light breakfast will be available starting at 8am. Lunch and dinner will also be served. You do not need to sign up for breakout sessions ahead of time. However, we do ask you to Register for lunch each day. Wi-fi will be available, bring your laptop. Agendas for the retreats will be sent prior to event dates.
Scroll down to find the schedule for Newark and New Brunswick writing retreats along with the description and timing of each breakout session.
Rutgers Postdoctoral Association Events
Register by March 23| Prepare for Your Next Career Step | 9th Annual Rutgers Postdoctoral Research Symposium | April 13
This year the Rutgers Postdoctoral Association will celebrate its 9th Annual Postdoctoral Symposium!
The event is organized by Rutgers postdoc volunteers, for you!
Take a break from your experiments,
think about your next career step and meet your colleagues!
Everyone is welcome to attend, postdocs and graduate students especially.
The event is free.
The symposium will feature:
- Three career panels: International PhDs in the US: Challenges and Advice, Research Careers and Non-Research Careers.
- Interview and Negotiating Skills for PhDs Workshop
- Research Poster Session (award will be given for the top two posters)
- The Science Art Show (award will be given for the best artwork)
- Keynote address by Dr. Adam Ruben, scientist, writer and comedian
Registration for the Symposium, Poster and Science Art Show submissions are now open. Click here to register before March 23. We ask you to please make an effort to attend if you register.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Date:
Friday, April 13, 2018
Location:
Great Hall and Main Auditorium
RWJMS Research Tower (Busch Campus)
675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ 08854
Schedule:
9:45-10:30 Check-In, Registration, Poster and Artwork setup
10:30-12:00 Career Panel: International PhDs in the US: Challenges and Advice
11:45-12:45 Lunch/Vendor Session
12:45-2:15 Career Panels: Research Careers. Non-research Careers.
2:15-3:00 Poster Session and the Science Art Show. Coffee and Snacks.
3:00-4:20 Workshop: Interview and Negotiating Skills for PhDs
4:30-5:40 Plenary Session: Introduction to the Postdoctoral Association and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Keynote Address by Dr. Adam Ruben.
6:20 – Onward Happy Hour, Networking. Location TBA.
Contact rutgerspda@gmail.com for more details and questions.
We are looking for volunteers!
Sponsored by Rutgers Postdoctoral Association, Rutgers Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Rutgers AUUP-AFT,Rutgers Global, SAPA, Rutgers iJOBS, & USA Scientific
Scroll down to see and download flyer!
OPA Events
Drop-in Coffee Hour | Tomorrow! Friday, March 2 (Weather Permitting)
If you are a postdoc interested in learning more about how to make the most of your time at Rutgers, prepare for life after Rutgers, or just want to share some coffee or tea in a safe space, come by and visit.
Location:
Office of Postdoctoral Affairs, Nelson Biology Laboratories, Room D354.
Registration is not required.
Friday, Mar 2, 2018, 02:00 PM
604 Allison Road, Piscataway Township, NJ, United States
Rutgers iJOBS Events
iJOBS Career Panel: Life After Graduate School
Come hear from recent Rutgers graduate school alumni who have successfully navigated the workforce both beyond academia and within research institutions including the NIH. Learn about the requirements, challenges and core competencies required for non-faculty positions. Career panel will be followed by a networking session.
Register here.
Location:
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
675 Hoes Lane West
Research Tower, Deans Conference Room 123
Piscataway, NJ 08854
iJOBS offers transportation. Limited spaces are available. Registration is required.
Have questions about this iJOBS event? Contact Rutgers iJOBS Program Directors:
Janet Alder; janet.alder@rutgers.edu
Susan Engelhardt; engels@soe.rutgers.edu
Doreen Badheka; badhekdk@gsbs.rutgers.edu
Friday, Mar 16, 2018, 03:30 PM
675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway Township, NJ, USA
iJOBS Career Panel: Women in Academic Biology
Come hear from a representation of the many female faculty at Rutgers who are successfully running biology research labs, teaching, performing university service and keeping a balanced life. They will share their stories and advice. It can be done! Approximately 52% of PhD students the life sciences are women, but only about 40% of postdocs, 36% of assistant professors, and 18% of full professors in biology are women (Sheltzer and Smith 2014). We will discuss the leaky pipeline and how to encourage more women to pursue tenure track positions in the biological sciences. We will also discuss unconscious bias against women in STEM. Come be inspired by the panelists and contribute to this important conversation!
Register here.
Location:
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
675 Hoes Lane West
CABM 010
Piscataway, NJ 08854
iJOBS offers transportation. Limited spaces are available. Registration is required.
Have questions about this iJOBS event? Contact Rutgers iJOBS Program Directors:
Janet Alder; janet.alder@rutgers.edu
Susan Engelhardt; engels@soe.rutgers.edu
Doreen Badheka; badhekdk@gsbs.rutgers.edu
Tuesday, Mar 27, 2018, 03:30 PM
675 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway Township, NJ, USA
Other Events
Deadline Today! | Paving the Way for STEM Women Entrepreneurs | March 8 & 9 |Register by March 1
*On behalf of Dr. Natalie Batmanian, Director of The Office for the Promotion of Women in Science, Engineering and Mathematics (SciWomen/WiSEM):
Are you curious about new funding opportunities?
Do you know how to protect your intellectual property?
Do you want to know about the path from discovery to commercialization?
Do you want to find out about training opportunities to improve entrepreneurship skills?
To find out join the WE STEM event, a two-day workshop: in the afternoon of Thursday March 8th, and in the morning of Friday March 9th.
Location:
Busch Student Center
Room 174
Here is the link for event details and registration: https://rutgers.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_885MdVQCngPjpkh
We look forward to seeing you!
Scroll down to see flyer.
Science Career Fair at Harvard University | March 14, 2018
A Day of Job Opportunities and Career Seminars
JOB SEEKERS! Science Careers has partnered with Harvard University to produce a unique career fair open to all. Join us for a chance to meet with top scientific organizations and get important advice from career experts. The combination of valuable career development seminars, company presentations, and exciting career opportunities makes this a free "must-attend" event for scientists.
For more details and to register, visit sciencemag.org/careers/jobfair.
Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Location: Northwest Science Building, B100, Harvard campus, Cambridge, MA
Time: 11:00 am – 5 pm EST
Learn More
Free Webinar: Are You an Inventor, or Are You an Entrepreneur? | March 20
Are You an Inventor, or
Are You an Entrepreneur?
Presenter: Russell Thomas
Co-Founder and CEO, NIRvana Sciences
Inventors are critical to the success of any new venture. This session addresses the various roles inventors play in great start-ups, and the qualities you bring to bear.
From the Entrepreneur's perspective, what are the traits that help you identify a collaborative inventor, and what models can help discoveries and emerging technologies realize their full potential? more
Date & Time: March 20, Noon-1:00 EST
Networking and Mentoring Event |Rutgers Women in Energy | April 4 Register by March 15
*On behalf of Beatrice Birrer, Senior Program Coordinator of Rutgers Energy Institute:
The Rutgers Energy Institute (REI) is sponsoring a new multidisciplinary networking group called Women in Energy (WIE). WIE is aimed at increasing the presence of women in the energy sector, and over the mid to long term, the presence of women in senior and management roles across the energy space - energy and environmental research and policy.
WIE is planning a networking and mentoring event to be held on Wednesday, April 4th from 6:00-8:00pm in the Cove of the Busch Student Center. Our focus is on female leadership in the STEM and energy sector, with participants sharing their experiences, career paths, and advise. Attendees will be provided the opportunity to network and/or mentor with female faculty, alumni, government and corporate leaders, post-doctoral fellows, and undergraduate students both during the speed networking and reception portion of the evening.
1. We would be very happy if any female postdocs would be interested in being a "mentor" for the speed mentoring activity on April 4th . Please contact the REI by March 15th.
For the speed mentoring activity, “mentors” would be expected to talk to a group of approx. 6-8 women (group size will depend on the number of attendees) for approx. 8-10 minutes. The first few minutes will be to introduce yourself and give a short version of your background. Then the students will have a chance to ask questions. After the 8-10 minutes, the group will rotate to another “mentor.”
If interested please contact Johanna Bernstein at jrbernst@global.rutgers.edu or Beatrice Birrer at bea@marine.rutgers.edu.
2. If you are interested in networking with other women within the energy or STEM arena, please follow the link to a survey:
https://rutgers.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6gKhzPD7tSS3y7z?Q
The survey for postdoctoral researchers and graduate students will assist the REI in gathering data on what you would like WIE to focus on.
Thank you in advance for your interest and for completing the survey. The WIE seeks to empower women to realize their full potential, building a thriving community of professional women - we hope to hear from you.
If you are interested in participating as a mentor or have any questions please contact Johanna Bernstein at jrbernst@global.rutgers.edu or Beatrice Birrer at bea@marine.rutgers.edu.
Many thanks,
Beatrice Birrer
Senior Program Coordinator
Rutgers Energy Institute
Environmental Biophysics and Molecular Ecology Program
Marine and Coastal Sciences, Rutgers University
http://rei.rutgers.edu/
Regular OPA Events
Welcome & Information Session | Friday, March 30 | Registration Required
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs offers Welcome and Information Sessions to help orient new and current postdocs. If you are a postdoc who is new to Rutgers, or just curious about the resources that are available to you, we strongly encourage you to register for an upcoming one-hour session.
Next session will be, March 30th. Please register today as space is limited.
Time: 9–10 a.m. or 11 a.m.–noon
Where: Office of Postdoctoral Affairs with Dr. Itzamarie Chevere-Torres located at Busch Campus, Nelson Biology Laboratories, Room D354. Registration is required.
For more information about sessions at Newark, contact Dr. Doreen Badheka badhekdk@gsbs.rutgers.edu on Newark Campus: Medical Science Building, Room H645.
Friday, Mar 30, 2018, 09:00 AM
604 Allison Road, Piscataway Township, NJ, United States
Individual Career Advising Sessions
If you're a postdoc looking for perspective on how to navigate your career path or career transition, contact Itzamarie Chevere-Torres to schedule an appointment.
For Newark postdocs, contact Doreen Badheka to schedule an appointment. Individual career counseling sessions for Newark postdocs will be at the Medical Science Building, Room H645.
Fellowship Advising Sessions for Postdocs
Do you want additional feedback or guidance on your grant or fellowship proposal? Do you want to learn about grants and fellowships to support your postdoctoral training at Rutgers?
Schedule an appointment with Ben Arenger, Senior Fellowship Adviser, for an individual fellowship advising session.
Ben is available every Tuesday at our office by appointment only.
Is your faculty mentor exceptional?
Do you have a faculty mentor who has made a real difference in your life? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us opa@oq.rutgers.edu
Would you like to be our featured postdoc of the month?
Rutgers is proud to be home to a vibrant and growing community of over 600 postdocs! Would you like to highlight your research or your career goals on our website?
Contact us opa@oq.rutgers.edu
Deadline Tomorrow, Friday March 2 | Science: The Perfect Postdoc
*Thanks to Dr. Martha Soto for sharing this information with us?
Science magazine is looking to answer the question "What is the purpose of a postdoc?" To help address this question, it is soliciting job advertisements (link only available for subscribers) for the 'ideal postdoc position' from the scientific community, which should "describe the responsibilities and benefits of the job as well as the skills a qualified candidate should have." To submit a 100 word advertisement by March 2, go to the NextGen VOICE survey.
Best responses will be published in Science on April 6.
2018 National Postdoctoral Association Conference | Cleveland, Ohio | Register by March 23
NIAID FOA: Physician-Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) | May 12, 2018
NIH's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) announced a new funding opportunity, the Physician-Scientist Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00 Clinical Trial Required). The objective of this award is to support postdoctoral physician-scientists' transition to independent, tenure-track or equivalent faculty positions. Applications open May 12, 2018, and standard application due dates apply. This announcement is a companion funding opportunity to the new award NIAID Physician-Scientist Pathway to Independence Award announced last July.
NSF Releases Data on Trainees in STEM and Federally Funded R&D Centers
The National Science Foundation (NSF) posted data on trainees in STEM and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs). The survey data on graduate students and postdoctorates includes data from 1975 through the newest update, fall 2016, sorted by various characteristics. An Infobrief on FFRDCs shows that research and development (R&D) spending continued to increase in FY 2016 to $19.2 billion, an increase of just over 4% from the previous year.
Reading Material
Crowdsourcing goes academic with platforms for reviewing advisers
*Article published on Science
The value of a crowdsourced PI review website is an easy sell to rising scientists. Graduate and postdoc supervisors are important and long-lasting connections in a scientist’s career. The more information available to help choose a mentor, the better. Read more.