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Archive for Scientific Societies: ASCB

ASCB Biotech Courses

Posted on February 26, 2020
by Rebecca Lopez
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ASCB is offering two week-long courses this summer for PhD students, graduate students, and postdocs in health, science, and medical programs who wish to explore opportunities to implement their expertise in a biomedical business career. Of 230 attendees in 2014-2018, 66% now have jobs in industry, regulatory affairs, or tech transfer; the remainder are still in training or in academia. The course fee is $875 and scholarships from $200-$400 are available, thanks to support from Biogen. The East Coast course, in partnership with Manning School of Business at University of Massachusetts Lowell, is May 31-June 6. The West Coast course, in partnership with Keck Graduate Institute in Claremont, CA, is July 12-18. Each course can accommodate up to 50 graduate students and postdocs (international and domestic).

The deadline to apply is March 31. The application stipulates that applicants must become an ASCB member once they are accepted. Click here for more information and to apply.

Please note – BGS can provide up to $1500 to support students participating in off-site courses. Find more information and access the BGS Course Fund Request Form on the following page, under, “Travel Funds.”

Announcements

ASCB: “Five ways to get involved in community science outreach”

Posted on June 17, 2019
by Rebecca Lopez
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The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) provides five key pieces of advice for graduate students looking to become more involved in science outreach. The skills one gains as an advocate for science (communication, organization, leadership, and more) are applicable to any number of careers. Of course, there are other great benefits to science outreach. The author explains:

Discussing science with friends and neighbors can give them a better sense of what you and other scientists really do—science can seem very technical and confusing to non-specialists. Finally, talking big picture science can also remind you, the specialist, that science is fun! It’s a reminder that many of us need after another day of troubleshooting experiments.

(Via ASCB)

Read more here.

Articles

ASCB: How to ignore good advice and postdoc in a newly opened lab

Posted on May 1, 2019
by Rebecca Lopez
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Image result for ASCB

The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) features one scientist’s reflections on the process of searching for a postdoc position as he neared the end of his PhD. The author ultimately decided to join a newly opened lab despite initial misgivings, and he shares honest insights on what he sacrificed and gained in the process (i.e. loss of built-in networks versus gaining an immediate impact on the lab’s research and culture.)

Read more here.

Articles

ASCB: “Trainee survival tips: the importance of self-care”

Posted on November 14, 2018
by Rebecca Lopez
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Acknowledging the difficulty of being a graduate student or postdoc, this ASCB article provides tips for self-care. Notably, the author recognizes that stressors can arise even when everything is going well, so self-care should be considered an ongoing priority. Five general tips include:

  1. Find something that you enjoy and try to incorporate it into your daily routine.
  2. Choose the right people to socialize with.
  3. Take a break when you need it.
  4. Take time to decompress each day.
  5. Love yourself.

The author provides further explanation and specific examples of each. Read more here.

Articles

ASCB: “The stranger in the lab: Staff scientists”

Posted on November 8, 2018
by Rebecca Lopez
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This ASCB article provides clarity on the often obscure role of staff scientists. The author asserts that although many students and postdocs are interested in these positions, openings and job descriptions can be difficult to find. The article then explores academic staff scientist positions, including a number of possible titles and responsibilities. When searching for these positions, word of mouth can play a critical role.

Overall, the author explains, “If you like the ‘doing’ part of science and not the writing /funding part of it, a staff scientist position may be a great fit for you. Furthermore, staff positions can be a great example of transitional careers—a place to learn new things and make you a better scientist for future endeavors.”

Read more here.

Articles

ASCB: “Advice for Early Graduate Students”

Posted on October 29, 2018
by Rebecca Lopez
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The American Society for Cell Biology has compiled a list of resources for early-stage graduate students. The sites listed contain information on a number of topics, including excelling in grad school, developing communication skills, and more.

Explore these resources here.

Online Resources

ASCB: “COMPASS Career Perspectives”

Posted on October 15, 2018
by Rebecca Lopez
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The American Society for Cell Biology’s Committee for Postdocs and Students (COMPASS) has compiled a list of career perspectives. These profiles are an excellent resource for students considering different industry careers; they provide detailed information on the various professionals’ current positions, their academic and research backgrounds, how they conducted their job search, and many other important topics. Featured interviewees encompass diverse positions, from audit assistant to bioinformaticist.

Online Resources

ASCB: “Mentoring undergraduates: all you need to know to help your summer student”

Posted on October 5, 2018
by Rebecca Lopez
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The American Society for Cell Biology has posted this insightful article about mentorship. It details the learning potential involved in mentoring undergraduates in the lab. Of course, it’s no secret that graduate students juggle numerous responsibilities. Still, they would be wise to view the opportunity to mentor as a teaching opportunity, rather than an additional task. The author emphasizes graduate students’ potential to strengthen undergraduates’ “scientific identity,” the extent to which they see themselves as scientists. Fostering scientific identity is crucial, especially for members of underrepresented minorities. The author makes a number of suggestions – allowing students to attend meetings with your PI, involving them in lower-stakes side projects, and more.

Articles

ASCB: “Writing as a scientist: a skill for life”

Posted on September 28, 2018
by Rebecca Lopez
No Comments

The American Society for Cell Biology provides an insightful article by Dr. Gaia Cantelli, lecturing fellow at Duke University. Cantelli writes about the importance of effective communication in science. The ability to explain science, whether to the public, to educate students, or to communicate with patient advocates is crucial, she asserts. Writing is perhaps even more important for those seeking nonacademic careers, as an in-demand transferrable skill. Cantelli provides insights on conventions for science vs scientific writing as well as general tips to hone your skills.

Articles

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