2024 Workshops for MIT Biology Postdocs Entering the Academic Job Market
Eligibility: Any postdoc affiliated with an MIT Biology Department lab.
Application deadline: July 1, 2024. 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 applying this year or not yet.
To apply to workshop 4, fill in this form.
1. Research Vision Workshop: July 16-26, 2024
This workshop is suitable for all postdocs interested in an academic career track.
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, this workshop will allow you to hone your Research Vision through interactive feedback and exposure to other applicants’ ideas and styles.
Format: On July 16, two postdocs transitioning to faculty after successful searches will discuss how they arrived at their Research Vision, followed by interactive Q & A. That afternoon there will be a wine-and cheese mixer for participants and instructors. The following week, 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. Another mixer will be held on July 26.
Required materials: You will need to upload an “Executive Summary” Figure and prepare a 10-minute talk using only that Figure (1 slide) by July 21.
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: Alicia Darnell, Alireza Ghanbarpour, Daniel Lew, Alison Ringel, Hernandez Moura Silva, and Yadira Soto-Feliciano.
2. Research Statement Writing Workshop: July 26 – August 9, 2024
This workshop is suitable for postdocs thinking of applying for an academic job in 2024 or 2025.
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 July 26. That afternoon there will be a wine-and cheese mixer for participants and instructors. Instructors will meet individually with participants on July 31 to convey feedback on first drafts. Participants submit second drafts by August 4, to discuss with instructors on August 6. Final drafts are due August 9. Another mixer will be held on August 9 at the end of the workshop.
Required materials: You will need to upload a draft statement (limit 3 pages including Figures but not references) by July 26, and you are strongly encouraged to consult your PI in preparing that draft.
Instructors: Michael Hemann, Rebecca Lamason, Daniel Lew, Peter Reddien, and Yukiko Yamashita
3. Chalk Talk Workshop: September 2024
This workshop is suitable for postdocs thinking of applying for an academic job in 2024 or 2025.
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 September 3 at 3 pm, and then you will have the opportunity to present your own practice chalk talk and receive feedback from faculty and peers. Please indicate whether you would like to present a practice chalk talk when you initially register. In case of excess demand, practice slots will be allocated based on participation.
Required materials: You will need to develop a chalk talk before the workshop.
Instructors: Stefani Spranger, Eliezer Calo, Iain Cheeseman, Joey Davis, Becky Lamason, Daniel Lew, Pulin Li, Sara Prescott, Alison Ringel, Francisco Sanchez-Rivera, Hernandez Moura Silva, and Brady Weissbourd.
4. Mentoring Workshop: September 17th, 2024, 1PM – 3PM
Understanding the core competencies and effective strategies of being a ment3or 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.
Instructors: Hallie Dowling-Huppert and Darcy Gordon