OPA Program

Monday, March 4, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, MSOB

What do we mean by ‘diversity’? How can understanding your mentee’s unique, complex identity inform your mentoring? Confidently navigating equity and inclusion can benefit you and your research group.

In this workshop, postdocs will develop an awareness of their own complex identities and consider how identity impacts mentoring relationships.

Facilitators: Emily Aster Jones and Joy McKenna, Postdoc Peer Mentoring Coaches

Monday, February 26, 12:00pm - 1:00pm, MSOB

Research integrity is essential in any discipline. What ethical principles guide your work? How can you model ethical awareness for your mentee?

In this workshop, postdocs will consider ethical issues in research groups and discuss the crucial role of power dynamics and its potential to influence behavior.

Facilitators: Emily Aster Jones and Joy McKenna, Postdoc Peer Mentoring Coaches

Mentoring Mondays are open to postdocs from all disciplines. Lunch will be provided.

Tuesday, February 27, 2:00pm-4:00pm, MSOB Courtyard

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is hosting a Winter treats get together for all postdocs!

Sign up and stop by for a Kara's mini cupcake (gluten free and vegan options available) and other sweet treats on us!

Winter treats will be provided until supplies run out -- we recommend stopping by on the earlier side if you can!

Tuesday, February 13, 1:00pm-2:00pm, LK130

Would you like to improve your mentoring? Are you interested in joining a community of postdocs who share your interest in mentoring?

Register for the new Postdoc Mentoring Certificate! Attend this session to learn more about the certificate program, ask questions, and meet our Postdoc Mentoring Coaches.

The Postdoc Mentoring Certificate is open to postdocs from all disciplines. Lunch will be provided.

Tuesday, February 13, 9:00am-11:00am, LKSC Herb Garden

The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA) is hosting a coffee cart, plus Trish’s Mini Donuts for all postdocs!

Sign up and stop by for some coffee and mini donuts on us!

Jessica Notini, Instructor, Stanford Law School

This 3-hour lecture will examine critical negotiation theory involving how to move from an adversarial, “fixed pie” orientation to a more collaborative and creative orientation. We will discuss how to probe beneath surface positions, demands and strategies to discover the underlying needs and motivators of the people involved in a challenging conversation. We will also analyze how to analyze potential negotiated agreements in terms of other alternatives.

Dr. John Boothroyd, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology

This lecture will examine the mechanisms of writing and assembling a grant. We will examine writing strategies and requirements for the research plan, the heart of the grant. Other topics will include the grant "surrounds" --budget and its justification, research environment, biosketches, etc.

Dr. Jody Puglisi, Professor of Structural Biology

Starting up your first lab can be an overwhelming project. This lecture focuses on equipment, space and other resources included in startup packages, setting up your laboratory, recruitment, preparing for your first grant submission and budgeting.

Dr. John Boothroyd, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology

This lecture examines the key requirements for a successful faculty job search, with detailed information about: finding faculty openings, application package contents, CV preparation, writing the research and teaching interest statements, considerations for each stage of the interview process, professional follow-up communications, what to include in the resources request and tips on negotiating salary and benefits.

Postdoc Writing Accountability Groups - New Pilot Program!

Are you currently writing and struggling to make progress? Would you benefit from the support of an accountability group?

OPA is piloting a new program to support postdocs in achieving their writing goals through small writing accountability groups and training to drive progress in their writing. These writing accountability groups will support each other through a 6-week writing sprint.