Spring 2015

LSCR Lawn Spring 2015


The 2014-2015 Career Beyond Academia Series is co-sponsored by the Office of Postdoctoral Services,  the Career Center, and the Graduate School.

Note: Most of the seminars will be recorded and may be viewed on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel.  As videos become available, the link will be added to the seminar descriptions below.

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Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math Seminars

Thurs Jan 22, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: “Career Choices for PhD Scientists in the Age of Biotech: How to Decide Which Path is Right for You” with Dr William Schrader, Deputy Scientific Director, NIEHS
WHERE: Rm 103 Bryan Research Bldg (corner of Research Dr and Coal Pile Dr)
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/2015PhDCareerChoices

William Schrader, PhD, is well equipped to explain the differences between academic, industry, and government jobs in the biotech era — since receiving his PhD in 1969, he has been a tenured research PI, an academic administrator, an industry executive, AND a US government official.

In this presentation, Dr Schrader will discuss the pros and cons of academic, industry, and government research. If you’re considering a career in academia, government, or industry, or you’re not quite sure which path to take, you won’t want to miss this informative workshop.

SPEAKER: Dr William T. Schrader is a biochemist and molecular endocrinologist. He received his PhD in Biology from Johns Hopkins University in 1969 and did postdoctoral research at Vanderbilt Medical School before joining the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine, where he became Assistant Dean of the Graduate School in 1991. He joined Ligand Pharmaceuticals in 1995 as Vice President for Endocrine Research, and in 2000 he co-founded XenoPharm, Inc, where he served as the company’s Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President for Research. Dr Schrader joined the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences as Deputy Scientific Director in 2003. In that role he deals extensively with postdoctoral training and career development. An author of over 100 scientific papers, he has served on numerous editorial boards, study sections and advisory panels for educational, governmental and for-profit organizations.

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

Slides from the presentation: Schrader Career Choices_ What are your options

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Mon Feb 23 through Fri Feb 27

WHAT: Careers in Informal Science Education
WHERE: Online at Versatile PhD
REGISTER: No registration required; click here for more information.

This free online panel discussion hosted by Versatile PhD will feature STEM Ph.D.s and A.B.D.s working in the informal science education field. Meet a biochemist who is now Director of Science and Integrated Strategies at a major science and industry museum, a neurologist who is now Public Outreach Manager at a scientific association, an electrical engineer who is now at the Department of Education, an oceanographer who is Citizen Science Coordinator at a major national museum, and a kinesiologist who now does Science Outreach for the NIH. Panelists introduce themselves on Monday and answer questions through Friday.

Visit the STEM forum to join the conversation. Registration at Versatile PhD is free. Use your Duke NetID to access premium content such as the Career Finder.

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Fri Feb 20, 9-10 am

WHAT: AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Info Session
WHERE: Gross Hall rm 270
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/2015AAAS

Please join Dr Charles Podolak, AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellow and former Duke postdoc, to learn about AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowships, an opportunity to gain valuable experience working in the federal government.  Since 1973, nearly 2,000 AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellows have bridged the divide between science and public policy, gaining significant knowledge about the federal government while helping promote science in the US and around the globe. Year-long opportunities are available in approximately 30 congressional offices and 15 federal agencies in Washington, DC.

Fellows select assignments in Congressional offices or federal agencies. This is a year-long opportunity, beginning September 1 and ending August 31. Most federal agencies offer Fellows the ability to renew for a second year. AAAS seeks candidates from a broad array of backgrounds and a diversity of geographic, disciplinary, gender, and ethnic  perspectives. Fellows have ranged in age from late 20s to early 70s. They represent a spectrum of career stages, from recent PhD graduates to faculty on sabbatical to retired scientists and engineers. Fellows also come from a range of sectors, including academia, industry, non-profit organizations, and government labs. AAAS partners with approximately 30 scientific societies that also sponsor fellowships. They conduct separate application and selection processes and provide different stipend and benefits support. Individuals interested in the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships are encouraged to apply with all scientific societies for which they qualify.

Qualifications:
– U S citizenship is required.
– Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent degree (DVM, MD, etc.) in any physical, biological, medical/health, or social/behavioral science, any field of engineering or any relevant interdisciplinary field.
– A master’s degree in any engineering field plus 3 years of post-MS degree professional experience also qualifies.
– All degree requirement must be completed by the application deadline.

For more information, see http://fellowships.aaas.org

SPEAKER: Dr Charles “Chuck” Podolak received his PhD in fluvial geomorphology in 2012 from the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. He did his postdoc at the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University. His academic research focused on the allocation of water resources, especially in the western United States.  Chuck was also a major and a fighter pilot in the US Air Force. Chuck serves as a AAAS/AGU Legislative Fellow in the office of  Senator Jeff Flake, R-AZ.

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Tues Feb 24, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT:  Medical Writing Info Session with Whitsell Innovations: “Scope of Medical Communications”
WHEN: Tues Feb 24, 9:30-10:30 am
WHERE: Rm 103 Bryan Research Bldg
REGISTER: http://goo.gl/forms/llvrZXAqkc

Whitsell Innovations (WI), Inc., is a certified woman-owned, full-service medical and scientific writing company headquartered in Chapel Hill, NC. Robin Whitsell, Founder and President of WI, will be hosting an informational session entitled “Scope of Medical Communications.” This presentation will provide an overview of medical-writing careers and discuss the WI Internship Program, an 18-month, part-time, paid internship available to postdoctoral researchers in the life sciences who are interested in medical, scientific, and technical writing.

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Thurs Mar 12, 9-10 am

WHAT: Careers in Business and Consulting for Science and Engineering PhDs
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Mar2015BizConsulting

You don’t necessarily need an MBA to start a career in business or consulting! Join PhDs from the sciences and engineering to discuss their experience in business and consulting, and how they transitioned from PhD researcher to the private sector.

PANELISTS:

  • Geoffrey Banks, PhD,  is President and CEO of Nuventra Pharma Sciences. Nuventra Pharma Sciences provides clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacometric (population PK) consulting services to the pharmaceutical industry.  Dr Banks has extensive experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing Phase 1 through 3 clinical studies as well as cross-functional experience in strategic planning and execution of entire drug development programs with both small molecule compounds and biologics. Dr Banks’ first compound worked on in his pharmaceutical career was HUMIRA® (adalimumab) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and, during his work at Salix Pharmaceuticals, he lead the Xifaxan® (rifaximin) clinical program that won FDA approval for the Hepatic Encephalopathy indication.  Dr Banks received his PhD in Protein Biochemistry from Washington State University and held a postdoctoral appointment at NIH.
  • Sara Paisner, PhD, MBA,  is Director of Marketing at Portfolio Decisions Inc, where she focuses on marketing strategy and tactical execution for increasing sales. Portfolio Decisions is a software and consulting firm focused on helping companies address strategic decisions involving risk or uncertainty, in order to increase value, balance performance, and meet goals. Previously, she was Founder and Marketing Lead for Blue Ridge Lighting Solutions, and President of PN & S Consulting, a a marketing and business strategy consulting firm. Dr Paisner received her PhD in Chemistry from UC-Berkeley, an MBA from UNC Kenan Flagler Business School, and was a postdoctoral researcher at UNC.
  • Mary Beth Thomas, PhD, is Vice President of the Centers of Innovation Program, the NC Biotechnology Center’s funding program that targets the development of important new business sectors. She also co-leads the Center’s new initiative that is focused on fostering Bio Defense opportunities in the state. Dr Thomas formerly served as the statewide director of technology commercialization with the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) in Raleigh. Before working at the Small Business and Technology Development Center, Dr Thomas was the assistant director of the neurosensory program at Tranzyme Pharma in Research Triangle Park.  She also served as an assistant director of the neuroprotection program at Cogent Neuroscience in Durham. Dr Thomas holds a PhD in Developmental Biology from the University of Cincinnati (Ohio) and was a postdoc at the Duke Department of Neurobiology.
  • Melanie Trull, PhD, is Partner and Co-Founder of Bioscience Information Partners. She has more than twelve years experience consulting with clients in a variety of fields, including human healthcare and ag biotech. At Bioscience Information Partners, Dr Trull  has assessed the commercial potential of technologies for investors, analyzed markets and competition, prepared bioscience-related business plans, conducted surveys, and provided additional strategic business information in numerous life science fields. Prior to forming Bioscience Information Partners, Dr Trull was a senior research analyst at BioAbility, BIP’s predecessor consulting firm. At BioAbility, she led projects in regional development strategies, conducted market research, prepared business plans, and created targeted databases of technical information in Microsoft Access. She also authored several reports and books on biodefense markets and funding opportunities in biodefense. Dr Trull  holds a PhD in botany from the University of Georgia,  and was a postdoc at Penn State University.

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

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Tues Mar 24, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: Managing Your Research Career Using an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER:  https://gradschool.duke.edu/professional-development/programs/responsible-conduct-research/rcr-forums/2015-spring-rcr-forum-series

For better or for worse, your experiences and the training you receive as graduate students and postdoctoral researchers can greatly impact the rest of your career.  However, there are strategies and resources that can enhance your chances of getting what you came for. During this program participants will learn how to develop clear and specific goals and objectives, along with a plan for executing them. Topics covered in this RCR module include:

  • The importance of setting goals and developing an IDP
  • Introduction to the SMART goals model
  • Resources for crafting and executing your IDP
  • Strategies for establishing expectations and effectively communicating research and career goals with your mentor/PI

SPEAKER: Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC is Associate Director of the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over fifteen years experience providing career management education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Mon Jun 8 through Fri Jun 12

WHAT: Careers in Marketing for STEM PhDs
WHERE: Online at Versatile PhD
REGISTER: No registration required; more information at http://versatilephd.com/upcoming-panel-discussions/.

Free online panel discussion about featuring STEM PhDs who have used their science background and knowledge to make a career in marketing. Panelists introduce themselves on Monday and answer questions through Friday; visit the Versatile PhD STEM forum to join the conversation. Registration at Versatile PhD is free.

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Tues May 19, 9:30-10:30 am

WHAT: Careers in Grant Writing
WHERE: Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER:http://tinyurl.com/ntw35nr

Grant writing is often the first step to a career beyond the traditional tenure track for many postdocs and graduate students. Grant writers secure funding for nonprofits (eg, NC Biotech Center, National Humanities Center), businesses (eg, local start-ups and mid-sized biotech firms), and government agencies. Increasingly, research universities employ grant officers to help faculty and staff secure funding. Consequently, skilled grant writers are typically able to find employment in an otherwise tough job market. As a bonus, grant writers often set their own hours and can work remotely.

In this session, two PhD grant writers and the CEO of an emerging life science company will describe this career, its possibilities for advancement, and local job opportunities in grant writing.

PANELISTS:

  • Dr. Eva Garland provides expertise in securing resources and leading teams to develop innovative technologies that span the biological and physical sciences.  As Vice President of Research & Development for Agile Sciences in Raleigh NC, Dr. Garland was awarded over $6M in grant funds and led development of a new class of antibiotics for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. Dr. Garland is the founder of Eva Garland Consulting, LLC (EGC).  EGC assists small businesses in obtaining the resources they need to accelerate development of innovative technologies. The company specializes in developing strategies to secure grant funding; preparing high-quality grant applications; and effectively managing grant awards.  Dr. Garland has recently published a book entitled “Winning SBIR/STTR Grants: A Ten Week Plan for Preparing Your NIH Phase I Application“, which is available on Amazon.com.  She also serves as a regular member on a NIH Study Section that reviews SBIR/STTR grant applications from small businesses. Dr. Garland holds a BA in Chemistry from Columbia University and a PhD in Chemistry from Caltech, and was formerly a faculty member in the Chemistry department at NC State University.
  • Sam Tetlow is the CEO of EpiCypher, Inc. EpiCypher is pioneering the science of epigenetics, the study of health and disease caused by factors other than DNA. Mr. Tetlow has successful experience as an investor and entrepreneur in such companies as ILS Genomics, Immunologix, Gentris Corporation, and Tranzyme Pharma, among others, and has generated 5.1x return on invested capital as a result of last 13 years of investing track record. Mr. Tetlow holds an MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School (Beta Gamma Sigma) in 2003 and a BS in Aerospace Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Honors) in 1993. Mr. Tetlow is an aspiring golfer, a former triathlete, and a strong proponent of community service.
  • Nick Trotta completed his graduate and post-doctoral training at Vanderbilt University and Duke University, respectively. A neurobiologist by training, Dr Trotta is an independent consultant, working with small and start-up phase biotechnology companies to build grant funding pipelines, gather market knowledge and advance strategic partnerships. As Associate Director of Market Development for Advanced Liquid Logic, Inc, recently acquired by San Diego-based next generation sequencing leader Illumina, Inc., he identified new product opportunities in life science and applied markets, developed market research and commercialization strategies including distribution pathways, competition and pricing. Previously, Dr. Trotta led Affinergy’s small business grant writing efforts, culminating in over $10M in research support from various agencies within the National Institutes of Health.

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

 

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Humanities and Social Sciences Seminars

Mon Jan 26 through Fri Jan 30

WHAT: Careers in Technology for Humanities and Social Science PhDs
WHERE: Online at Versatile PhD
REGISTER: No registration required; more information at http://versatilephd.com/upcoming-panel-discussions/.

Free online panel discussion featuring Humanities and Social Science PhDs who have technology-centered careers in a wide variety of organizations. Meet a Web Developer for a major business publication, the Director of User Experience at a healthcare communications agency, a Software Programmer/Analyst in an insurance company, Director of Technology at an urban newspaper, and Director of Digital Experience at an art museum. Panelists introduce themselves on Monday and answer questions through Friday; visit the Versatile PhD HSS forum to join the conversation. Registration at Versatile PhD is free.
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Tues Feb 10, 3-4:30 pm

WHAT:  Careers in Non-Profits
WHERE: Perkins 218
REGISTER: https://duke.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_1G4prxrRQuYBkHP

Humanities and social sciences scholars with graduate degrees may find good fits for their research, analysis, writing, grant-writing, and quantitative skills in nonprofit contexts. This panel will feature several successful professionals, some of whom hire PhDs, leveraging their graduate degrees in a variety of nonprofit settings.

PANELISTS:

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

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Fri Feb 13, 12-1 pm

WHAT: A Humanities PhD’s Career in Arts Management
WHERE: Friedl 225
REGISTER: https://duke.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0xi7SLGFOr3B76d

After completing her PhD in Musicology at Duke, Jenny Woodruff was a visiting assistant professor at Bates College for two years, before beginning her current position as the education director for the Savannah Music Festival. In her current position, Dr. Woodruff guides the educational vision and directs all education programs of the Savannah Music Festival, including Music for Our Schools (sponsored by Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.), Acoustic Music Seminar, and Swing Central Jazz.

This limited-enrollment event offers an opportunity for informal conversation over lunch with Dr. Woodruff about her career in the arts and education.

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Thurs Feb 19, 3-4:30 pm

WHAT: Careers in Business and Consulting for Social Science and Humanities PhDs
WHERE: Perkins 218
REGISTER: https://duke.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_7TygcmbGWs325W5

This panel discussion features PhDs who have found rewarding professional lives working in business settings or who have started their own businesses. Join us to learn how to translate the skills you’ve developed in pursuing your humanities or social sciences PhD to demonstrate value in the business world.

PANELISTS:

Watch on the Duke Postdoctoral Services YouTube Channel

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Fri Feb 20, 3:30-4:30 pm

WHAT: A Humanities PhD’s Career Path in Arts Development and Academic Administration
WHERE: Friedl 225
REGISTER:  https://duke.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bsawoiMnQtq0B4V

Since completing her PhD in Musicology at Duke, Camille Crittenden has worked in corporate and foundation relations for the San Francisco Opera, then in Development and Public Relations for the University of California Press. At UC Berkeley, she has served as an assistant dean for development and as executive director of Berkeley’s Human Rights Center, and she is currently deputy director for CITRIS (Center for Information Technology in the Interest of Society). She is also the author of Johann Strauss and Vienna: Operetta and the Politics of Popular Culture, published by Cambridge University Press in 2000. This limited-enrollment event offers an opportunity for informal conversation with Dr. Crittenden.

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Seminars for All Postdocs and Graduate Students

Mon Feb 2, 12-2 pm

WHAT: Grad School workshop: “Developing Your Personal Leadership Brand”
WHERE: Perkins Library rm 217
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/mf4s5fd

Differentiate yourself from the competition! In this workshop, you will learn how to define who you are to others, draw from your experiences to connect with team members, and effectively use your core values and principles in a leadership role. Learn why you need a leadership brand and what it can do for you.

SPEAKER: Duke alumnus George L. Grody (class of 1981) spent 26 years at Procter & Gamble in Sales, Marketing, and General Management across the globe. His last assignment prior to retiring was as Director for Global Strategic Alliances, which entailed working with other companies and governments on co-technology and co-marketing deals. He currently teaches in the Markets & Management Studies program at Duke University.

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Tues Feb 3, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: Converting Your CV to a High-Impact Resume
WHERE:  Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/Spring2015CVto-Resume

Are you considering a career outside of academia?  If so, you will need to convert your curriculum vitae (CV) into a resume, and this session will show you how. In addition to learning the differences between an academic CV and a resume, you will learn specific steps and strategies to help you craft a resume that effectively promotes your qualifications in a way that appeals to a broad audience. Topics include:

  • Describing your skills and experiences in a way that translates across disciplines, industries, and career fields.
  • Tailoring and organizing your information with the reader in mind.
  •  Choosing the right format, layout, and style.
SPEAKER:  Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC  is Associate Director of the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over 15 years experience providing career management education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Tues Mar 3, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: Networking: A Tool for Exploring Careers & Building Professional Relationships
WHERE:  Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER:  http://tinyurl.com/Spring2015Networking

Networking is one of the most effective approaches to getting your career on the fast track. Yet, for a variety of reasons (e.g., shyness, negative perceptions), most of us fail to make networking an active part of our ongoing career development. In this workshop, participants will learn the keys to tactful networking along with easy-to-use strategies for face-to-face networking, corresponding via email, and the appropriate use of social media.

SPEAKER:  Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC is the Associate Director of the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over 15 years experience providing career management education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Thurs Apr 9, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: Behavior-Based Interviews: What to Expect and How to Prepare
WHERE:  Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/2015Behavioral-Interviews

Are you planning to pursue a non-academic career path? If so, you will need to prepare for a style of interviewing that is quite different than the academic interview process – from the interview structure to the types of questions asked. Special attention will be given to a common Human Resource / Organizational method of interviewing called behavior-based interviewing.

SPEAKER:  Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC is Associate Director of the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over 15 years experience providing career management education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.

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Tues Apr 21, 9:30-11 am

WHAT: How to Avoid Self-Sabotage and Win at Salary Negotiations
WHERE:  Rm 143 Jones Bldg
REGISTER: http://tinyurl.com/2015SalaryNegotiation

 Let’s face it, for most of us, the negotiation process is one of the most stressful parts of the job search. Not long after the initial excitement of receiving an offer comes panic followed by dread.
  • Do I negotiate for more money and risk seeming pushy or ungrateful?
  • Will I lose this opportunity if I negotiate for too much?
  • What should I ask for?

If one or more of these thoughts swirl through your head when you think about salary negotiations, you are not alone! This workshop is a step-by-step guide to navigating the negotiation process, especially when it comes to managing your emotions.

SPEAKER:  Dara Wilson-Grant, LPC is Associate Director of the UNC-Chapel Hill Office of Postdoctoral Affairs and a National Certified Career Counselor. With over 15 years experience providing career management education and counseling, Dara’s mission is to help individuals develop a framework for choosing a meaningful and rewarding career path, plus develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of career success.