gradLEAF
Jun. 26, 2014—Developed by the Vanderbilt University Graduate School, gradLEAF was created by pooling together all available professional development resources for graduate students at Vanderbilt University. This project is run out of the Peabody Office of Professional and Graduate Education (POPGE) and led by Dr. Craig Anne Heflinger, Associate Dean for Graduate Students. gradLEAF is designed to be a...
Landing Your First Academic Job
Jun. 26, 2014—Follow the series at Inside Higher Ed about landing “Your First Academic Job” by William Helmreich. The first article in the series gives helpful insights on 14 ways to get the interview, and the second article highlights how to excel in the interview. Be sure to follow the article for more advice on your academic job search.
What’s the Secret to Getting Grants?
Jun. 25, 2014—What is the secret to getting grants? Cutting edge science and collaborative projects both play a role, not to mention luck. This article from The Chronicle of Higher Education highlights more.
Tips on How to Improve Email Communication
Jun. 24, 2014—For goodness sake, please stop with the subject line of “Question.” A majority of our communication is done over email, but surprisingly, we’re not that great at it! The GradHacker blog through Inside Higher Ed gives, “7 Tips for Writing Better Emails.” The tips are good reminders as well as new insights on how to make email communication concise,...
Polite Persistence
Jun. 24, 2014—At a recent CV/Resume Drop-In Clinic, a postdoc asked us about the correct procedure for following up with an alumnus who had agreed to look at his resume. The postdoc felt the in-person interaction was worthwhile, but the alumnus had not responded to the email. Should he email again if he doesn’t hear anything? “Polite...
How to Get the Most out of a Scientific Conference
Jun. 24, 2014—During your scientific conference or the BRET Career Symposium you wrote a bunch of notes in the program, heard some interesting advice, and maybe even made some connections. But now what? This is a great time to make some plans! Write out four different goals that you hope to achieve and when you hope to achieve...
Teaching at a Community College
Jun. 24, 2014—One career option that many trainees may not think about includes teaching at a community college. In fact, it is a viable career path, and the The Chronicle of Higher Education explains why in the following article. Here is a snippet from the article: “It’s a different career path from that of a researcher. But it...
Time Management Skills
Jun. 23, 2014—It seems, especially in the fall semester of the academic year, there are numerous new seminars, classes, and opportunities that are just too good to pass up. The programs usually have a lot to offer in terms of learning, self-assessment, and – let’s be honest – free snacks! While taking advantage of all the awesome...
Journal Editors Get Twitter-Savy
Jun. 21, 2014—Journal editors… on Twitter? Check out this interesting article onScienceCareers that discusses the challenges and changing roles of science journal editors aligning with social media, specifically an unlikely source: Twitter.
“Essential Steps to Conducting an Informational Interview”
Jun. 20, 2014—Our career development colleagues at the Georgia Tech Center for Career Discovery and Development have a great online resource on the “essential steps to conducting an informational interview.” Their list is very informative, including how to locate contacts, the steps to make an appointment, examples of what to say during an initial contact, the actual...
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program
Jun. 16, 2014—The competition for academic year 2015-2016 launched in February, and this year Belgium is offering a Postdoctoral-Junior Research Award in Cancer Clinical and Translational Research. My organization, the Council for International Exchange of Scholars, administers the Fulbright Scholar Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. We would appreciate...
Job Opportunity: Tenure-Track Faculty, Molecular Biology/Systems Biology
Jun. 13, 2014—POSITION DESCRIPTION: The position requires skill, demonstrated expertise (by publications), and ability to provide scientific leadership in laboratory and intellectual aspects of molecular and systems biology. Work involves contributing to and development of research programs to investigate aspects of systems biology focusing on illnesses of military relevance, psychological and physiological health, host and immune responses, pathogenesis,...
Job Posting: Senior Staff Fellow, Pathogenesis of Enteric Diseases, FDA
Jun. 13, 2014—Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation & ResearchOffice of Vaccines Research and ReviewDivision of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Allergenic Products FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research, Office of Vaccines Research and Review, seeks a Senior Staff Fellow (Tenure Track equivalent) within the Laboratory of Enteric and Sexually Transmitted Diseases...
Illegal Interview Questions – What They Are and How to Handle Them
Jun. 12, 2014—“Illegal Interview Questions – What They Are and How to Handle Them,” NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education, OITE Careers Blog “In the United States, federal and state laws prohibit prospective employers from asking certain questions that are not related to the job for which they are hiring; however, most interviewers are not deliberately trying...
Job Posting: Associate Director, iBiology
Jun. 10, 2014—iBiology is seeking a full-time Associate Director who will be involved in overseeing the production of science videos and engaging in communication/outreach with the scientific and educational communities. The Associate Director’s responsibilities include: Working closely with the Director on video production pipelines, including identifying seminar topics, working with speakers, and creating educational materials to accompany...
VersatilePhD Update: New Vanderbilt log-in and Careers in Data Science panel
Jun. 6, 2014—Concerned about the academic job market? Thinking about non-academic careers? We subscribe to a resource that demystifies non-academic careers and reveals many professions that can utilize the skills you are developing in graduate school: Versatile PhD. Navigate to our VPhD portal – http://vphd.info/go_Vanderbilt – and authenticate yourself as directed. Once you reach the Versatile PhD...
Volunteer with the Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach
Jun. 6, 2014—The Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach (CSO) is dedicated to enhancing literacy in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the establishment of unique partnerships between University scientists, K-12 educators and students, and the local and global science community. There are many opportunities for volunteers in several of their programs. Please read about all of...
Summer Internship, US Senate Campaign
Jun. 6, 2014—We are seeking summer interns for Alexander For Senate 2014, in the Nashville area. This is an incredible opportunity to gain experience for a statewide election. As an intern, you will complete traditional fieldwork and learn about modern campaign operations. The support of dedicated and enthusiastic interns is crucial to the success of Senator Alexander’s...
Data Management/REDCap Free Online Training
Jun. 6, 2014—A new online course offering free online training in Data Management and REDCap starts June 2, 2014. The course is available to anyone at no cost (regardless of location or institution affiliation) and will run approximately 5-weeks. This course is designed to teach important concepts related to research data planning, collection, storage and dissemination. We...
KGI Webinar: Transitioning from Academia to Industry
Jun. 6, 2014—The KGI — Keck Graduate Institute School of Applied Life Sciences — is leading a webinar series on “Transitioning from Academia to Industry.” Listen to members of the KGI’s Advisory Council who have completed the transition. Listen to their path and recommendations they have for today’s graduate students and postdocs. On Tuesday, June 10, Gino...