2025 Workshops for MIT Biology Postdocs Entering the Academic Job Market
Note: In these unprecedented times, there is considerable uncertainty that will impact the academic job market. However, the skills honed in these workshops are valuable beyond the immediate job market, to formulate and communicate your most exciting research.
Eligibility: Any postdoc affiliated with a MIT Biology Department lab.
Application deadline: May 20, 2025. If workshops fill to capacity, applicants will be accepted on a first-come basis.
Application process: Each workshop is a stand-alone unit that does not require participation in preceding workshops.
- To apply to workshops 1-3, email a statement of interest to djlew@mit.edu indicating which workshops you would like to attend, your scientific area, current lab, and whether you are thinking of applying this year or not yet. This email also constitutes a commitment to submit required materials by the deadline.
- To apply to workshop 4, use this form.
1. Research Vision Workshop: June 2-13 2025
This workshop is suitable for all postdocs interested in an academic career track, regardless of whether they plan to apply soon.
Your Research Vision is a concise summary of your overarching research focus. The ability to convey core concepts in a manner intelligible to a broad audience, and the generation of visual elements that can best deliver your message, will be useful for both job applications and interviews, and greatly enhance your success in the academic job market. Based on the model developed by the Leading Edge Fellows (https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(23)00220-9.pdf), this workshop will allow you to hone your Research Vision through interactive feedback and exposure to other applicants’ ideas and styles.
Format: On June 2, two postdocs transitioning to faculty will discuss how they arrived at their Research Vision, followed by interactive Q&A. The following week, June 9-13, participants will present their draft visions (10 min 1-slide talk, followed by 20 min discussion). Participants are encouraged to attend presentations by their peers. A wine-and-cheese mixer for participants and instructors will be held on June 13.
Required materials: You will need to upload an “Executive Summary” Figure and prepare a 10-minute talk using only that Figure (1 slide) by June 8. The talk and single Figure should provide a big-picture summary that answers the following questions:
- What is the knowledge gap I hope to fill or problem I hope to solve?
- Why is it important to the field that this problem be solved?
- Why am I the best person to answer this question?
- How is my work distinct from that of my advisor or others in the field?
- Which model systems and technologies will I use or adapt in my program?
Instructors: Gavin Schlissell, Michaela Bartusel, Daniel Lew, Alison Ringel, Hernandez Moura Silva, and Yadira Soto-Feliciano.
2. Research Statement Writing Workshop: June 20 – July 9 2025
This workshop is suitable for postdocs thinking of applying for an academic job in the coming years.
The Research Statement is a critical part of your application for many academic faculty jobs. A strong Research Statement introduces your track record and presents a readable, compelling, and feasible plan for your future independent research program. This workshop will allow you to hone your Research Statement using feedback from peers and experienced faculty.
Format: Participants will be given example Research Statements and advice on preparation in advance. 3-page draft statements are due on June 20. Instructors will meet individually with participants on June 26 or 27 to convey feedback on first drafts. Participants submit second drafts by July 1, to discuss with instructors on July 7 or 8. Final drafts are due July 11. A wine-and-cheese mixer for participants and instructors will be held on July 9.
Required materials: Please upload a draft statement (limit 3 pages including Figures but not references) by June 20: you are strongly encouraged to consult your PI in preparing that draft.
Instructors: Joey Davis, Michael Hemann, Rebecca Lamason, Daniel Lew, Peter Reddien, and Seychelle Vos
3. Chalk Talk Workshop: July 28 – August 13 2025
This workshop is suitable for postdocs thinking of applying for an academic job in 2025 or 2026.
The Chalk Talk is a common but variable component of the interview process. It focuses on your future plans, not what you have already done. In this workshop, you will first see a “mock” chalk talk on July 28 at 3pm, and then you will have the opportunity to present your own practice chalk talk and receive feedback from faculty and peers over the next two weeks. Please indicate whether you would like to present a practice chalk talk when you initially register.
Required materials: You will need to develop a chalk talk before the workshop.
Instructors: Jarrett Smith, Lindsay Case, Eliezer Calo, Mike Laub, Daniel Lew, Gene-Wei Li, Pulin Li, Francisco Sanchez-Rivera, Stefani Spranger, Brady Weissbourd, and Yukiko Yamashita.
4. Mentoring Workshop: August 20th, 2025 1-3pm.
Understanding the core competencies and effective strategies of being a mentor is an essential skill for any faculty position. This hands-on, skill-based workshop, will explore mentoring competencies and theories, strategies for effective mentorship, and tools to improve mentoring skills as a mentor. The workshop will help participants identify and develop their mentoring styles, give participants tools for successful mentoring relationships and create an action plan for mentoring in future roles. Please express interest by filling out this form by August 1st, 2025. Once completed, participants will receive confirmation from workshop facilitators.
Led by: Darcy Gordon and Hallie Dowling-Francisco