September 18–22 is National Postdoc Appreciation Week
The fourteenth annual National Postdoc Appreciation Week will take place the third week of September this year. To learn more, visit the National Postdoc Association website, and don’t forget to show appreciation for your fellow NICHD postdocs!
Are you looking for teaching experience?
Many NIH postdocs are unaware of the resources available to them for gaining teaching skills and experience. Check out the upcoming online training through OITE and visit their Teaching and Mentoring website for additional insight and resources.
Are you curious about the fundamentals of effective teaching? Whether you're contemplating a career in education, seeking to understand modern pedagogical techniques, or eager to expand your knowledge in the field without formal training, this opportunity is designed for you.
These interactive workshops will be conducted ONLINE ONLY.
Please note: The same workshop is being offered on two different days, and attendees are invited to register for one session only. Choose the date that best fits your schedule:
Date: Thursday, September 7th, 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
OR
Date: Friday, September 8th, 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
Register: Click here to register for one of the sessions.
For more information on the Scientists Teaching Science program as well as other mentoring and teaching resources that OITE has to offer, please visit our Teaching and Mentoring webpage.
For postdocs and graduate students in the DIR, there are also opportunities for leading guest lectures and workshops as part of our Annual Postbac Seminar Series. Email Dr. Erin Walsh (erin.walsh@nih.gov) to discuss.
Due This Month: Intramural Research Fellowship (IRF)
Funding opportunity for all NICHD fellows
In 2017, DIR launched the Intramural Research Fellowship (IRF), a competitive research funding opportunity for NICHD postdoctoral, visiting, and clinical fellows. Its main objective is to promote grant writing among our intramural trainees, while enhancing awareness of the various components of an NIH grant application.
The IRF submission date is Friday, September 8, 2023 .
For more information on the IRF, please visit NICHD Intramural Research Fellowships or email Dr. Erin Walsh (erin.walsh@nih.gov).
Due This Month: PRAT Program Applications Due October 3
Fellows in the NIGMS Postdoctoral Research Associate Training (PRAT) program receive three years of stipend support to conduct independent, mentored research in an NIH intramural laboratory. The PRAT application process is like the F32 Postdoctoral NRSA, and applicants who are already in the NIH intramural program may apply if they began postdoctoral training on or after July 1, 2022, and are a US citizen or permanent resident.
If you plan to apply in this application cycle, please contact Dr. Erin Walsh (erin.walsh@nih.gov) as soon as possible, as your application submission will be through the NICHD Office of Education.
The PRAT program is especially interested in ensuring the applicant pool reflects the diversity of the biomedical PhD talent pool, and strongly encourages applications from scientists in groups underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. For more information about the program, eligibility, and the NIGMS mission, please visit the PRAT website.
NICHD Annual Postbac Seminar Series: Professional Development and Career Exploration
The next cycle of our Annual Postbac Seminar Series begins next month!
Currently there are approximately 80 postbacs conducting clinical and basic science research in our intramural laboratories. During your one or two years of training here at the NICHD, we want you to have an enriched research experience, while at the same time growing more prepared and excited about your chosen career path.
The year’s series will take place on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. The intent is to create a comfortable environment within a small group of peers to help postbacs improve their analytical skills as scientists, while expanding their knowledge of biomedical research and its relevance to human health.
This course also focuses on professional development:
- Learning how to present your science
- Exploring different career trajectories
- Meeting physicians and scientists from various clinical or research settings
- Preparing for the medical or graduate school application cycle (including interviews!)
Upcoming sessions (to take place from 1 to 2 p.m. unless otherwise indicated):
| Date | Speaker | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| To Be Announced | Public Speaking Coach, Scott Morgan | Speaking About Science: Giving Scientific Presentations |
| To Be Announced | Public Speaking Coach, Scott Morgan | Interviewing for Professional School |
Additional sessions will be announced in upcoming newsletter issues, and via email.
If you are interested in joining the class, please email Ms. Veronica Harker (veronica.harker@nih.gov) to receive the Google Doc link for registration.
Save the Date: 18th Annual Fellows Retreat
Our 18th Annual Meeting for Postdoctoral, Clinical and Visiting Fellows, Graduate Students and Postbacs will take place on Friday, October 27th. Do join us—this will be an in-person event !
The main feature of our event will be all of YOU! And there will be three different formats by which you can present your work. You can participate in all three if you’re interested.
- Traditional Scientific Poster (individual or group)
- Lab Showcase Presentation: fellows are invited to present an exhibit individually, or with other trainees in their lab, that showcases an exciting concept, development or overall research topic in the lab; or bring a model/device/equipment for a demonstration.
- Five-minute Talk Presentations: Oral presentations (with PowerPoint slides) appropriate for a broad scientific audience, in the spirit of the “elevator pitch” or the “science slam.”
Also featured in our program:
- Morning keynote presentation
- Exhibit booths from industry and NIH facilities/resources
- Career panel and roundtable discussions with professionals from academe, industry, teaching, government administration, science communications, science policy, and grants management.
Registration will be opening very soon, so keep an eye out for more emails to come. Feel free to begin planning, if you wish to present in any format.
NIH UNITE: Ending Structural Racism (ESR) Activities
The NIH UNITE initiative was established to identify and address structural racism within the NIH-supported and the greater scientific community.
The ESR Intranet includes various resources like the Toolkit, Newsletter, FAQs, and other information.
UNITE Milestones and Progress and the Co-Chairs Corner (public ESR webpages) are other avenues to stay informed on UNITE efforts.