Stanford University
Postdoctoral Scholars

Postdoc Academic Chats 2014-15


From Postdoctoral Scholars to Your First Years as a Professor: The Strategies You Need to Get There

Recognizing the uniqueness of the postdoc experience, the Postdoc Academic Chats are monthly lunch-time seminars for postdocs across the University who are considering academic careers. These sessions are led by Dr. Rick Reis.

Prior to each Chat, attendees will be sent three short Tomorrow's Professor eNewsletters postings (total reading time for all three articles is no more than 15 - 20 minutes) on the specific topic under discussion.

Note: The eNewsletter and the Academic Chats are for postdocs from all disciplines.

Academic Chat Photo
 
Academic Chats Schedule for 2014-15
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bullet 09/23/14

Topic:

The Academic Landscape - Different Schools Offer Different Opportunities

Guest(s):

Julia Miyaoka, Associate Professor, Decision Sciences Department, San Francisco State University


Bob Rawle - SJSU and Stanford Chemistry

Description:
Not everyone wants to teach at a major research university. But getting teaching jobs at other types of institutions is not a slam-dunk and applicants have to demonstrate that they understand what is expected of them and that they really want to have careers in such places. Some ideas on how to do all of this will be the subject of this academic chat with two professional guests who have experiences at such institutions.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm (lunch included)
Location: Bechtel Internation Center Conference Room
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE
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bullet 10/21/14

Topic:

Differences Across the Disciplines - How Teaching and Research Vary Across Departments and Schools

Guest(s): Charles Kruger, Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Michele Marincovich, Senior Advisor, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Description:
Salaries, undergraduate and graduate teaching "loads," number of graduate students, sources of research support, and number of authors per publication all vary considerably across disciplines at the same institution. Understanding why this is and how it impacts faculty success will be the subject of this academic chat with two professional guests who have gained a university-wide perspective on the issues involved.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: LKSC Room 102
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE
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bullet 11/18/14

Topic:

Negotiating Strategies to Get the Resources You Need

Guest(s):

Suzanne Pfeffer, Professor, Biochemistry

Risa Wechsler, Professor, Physics

Description:
Negotiating the right start-up package is not like buying a house or car where you don't expect to have a long-term relationship with the seller. It is about getting the resources you need to be successful in an environment with what could well be life-time colleagues. Some great tips on how to do this will be discussed with two professional guests who have been on both sides of the negotiating table.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: Clark S360
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE
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bullet 01/27/15

Topic:

Teaching As A Postdoc - Why It Really Matters

Guest(s):

Ellen Woods, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, Stanford Introductory Studies

Sofie Kleppner, Assistant Dean, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

Description:
Teaching experience beyond a TAship can do two things for you. It can tell you if this is something (hopefully) that you want to do going forward, and it can tell a prospective employer that this is something you have already tried. We will discuss how to make all this happen and still give you time to do your postdoc research and keep your supervisor happy.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: Clark Center Room 363
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE
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bullet 02/17/15

Topic:

Designing Your First New Course

Guest(s):

Jack Baker, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Rita Popat, Clinical Assistant Professor, Health Research and Policy-Epidemiology

Description:
There are time-tested processes that can help you most effectively design a new course and we will look at several of these with two professional guests that have done it themselves many times and who have also taught workshops on the important lessons they have learned.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: LKSC 102
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE
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bullet 03/17/15

Topic:

Generating Research Ideas Most Likely to Lead to Research Funding

Guest(s):

Paula Welander, Professor, Environmental Earth System Science

Tom Kenny, Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Description:
Identifying a compelling and doable problem is the key to generating the funding you need. Two professional guests with considerable experience doing just that will discuss their ideas and suggestions.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: LKSC 102
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE
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bullet 04/21/15

Topic:

Managing A Research Program - Insights For Beginners

Guest(s):

Jeff Koseff, Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering

Jonathan Payne, Professor, Geological & Environmental Sciences

Description:
Managing your own research program is a huge step for beginning professors. What can you learn and do now as a postdoc that will help you start out right in your first academic position? Insights from our two professional guests will be very helpful in this regard.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: LKSC 102
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE
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bullet 05/12/15

Topic:

Successful Start-Up Strategies For New Professors

Guest(s): Beth Pruitt, Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Description:
Your first 1-2 years as a professor can be critical to your future success and knowing what to DO, and NOT do can make all the difference. With our two professional guests we will look at what "quick starters" have learned about making the experience both productive and enjoyable.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: Medical School Office Building, Room x303
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE
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bullet 06/16/15

Topic:

How To Enjoy Your Academic Job - And Get Tenure In The Process

Guest(s):

Merritt Maduke, Associate Professor, Molecular and Cellular Physiology

Ashby Morrison, Assistant Professor, Biology

Description:
Everyone is talking about work-life balance but what does it really mean and what are some specific approaches you can apply right now and in the future that will make a real difference to your personal and professional enjoyment? Two professional guests who have thought a great deal about this topic will join us for a lively discussion.
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 pm
Location: Medical School Office Building, Room x303
Reading: Download HERE
Registration: To register, click HERE

Previous Postdoc Academic Chats:


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