this WEEK in HST

SAVE-THE-DATE: 2020 HST FORUM

This year's Forum will take place:

• Monday, April 6, 2020
• 1-4pm
• Tosteson Medical Education Center (260 Longwood Ave, Boston) on the Harvard Medical School campus.

The HST Forum is a wonderful opportunity to show your support for HST students and the program as a whole. Most importantly, newly accepted candidates to HST's MD and PhD programs will be invited to attend, providing a key opportunity for students, faculty and staff to actively recruit future HST students!

The schedule for the day is as follows:

• 1–2:45pm: HST student poster session
• 2:45–3:45pm: Plenary session with featured speakers – Christine E. Seidman, MD; Johnathan G. Seidman, PhD; Megan Jang, MD Candidate 2020
• 3:45–4pm: Presentation of Martha L. Gray prizes

RSVP by going to http://hst.mit.edu/go/forum (General or Others)

The Forum is a terrific venue for the sharing of ideas and connecting with other members of the HST community. We look forward to seeing you all there!

​SAVE-THE-DATE: 2020 HST GRADUATION CELEBRATION!

HST Graduation Celebration

• Wednesday, May 27, 2020
• 10am-1pm
• MIT Media Lab, E14, 6th floor

Please mark your calendars for the HST Graduation Celebration! All members of the community are invited to celebrate with our graduating students. More details to come in the spring for our expected graduates and the community. We look forward to seeing you there.

HST "REPORTERS" REQUESTED

We are always looking for fun photos of our students and community members doing things in groups (MEMP cohort hiking Acadia, MD’s during ICM in a hallway with hairnets, group striking a pose during public service events, etc…) If you are willing to share photos send them to hst-adms-team [at] mit.edu (hst-adms-team[at]mit[dot]edu), you could be HST famous appearing on web pages, brochures or bulletin boards!

We are also looking for leads on interesting HST community stories. Leads on stories can be sent to hst-news [at] mit.edu (hst-news[at]mit[dot]edu) and could become HST News Stories, Spotlights or more! For some examples of past highlights see https://hst.mit.edu/news-and-events/news, http://hst.mit.edu/people/students/student-highlights and http://hst.mit.edu/people/alumni/memp-alumni-profiles.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD – HST!

Are you traveling for any of the following reasons?

• Conference/workshop
• Giving a talk
• Visiting your alma mater

Can you help promote HST by talking to prospective students?

Contact Laurie Ward (laurie [at] mit.edu (l)aurie [at] mit.edu (aurie[at]mit[dot]edu)) for talking points and promotional materials to distribute.

UPCOMING GUEST LECTURES - HST.576 - TOPICS IN NEURAL SIGNAL PROCESSING

Here is info for upcoming guest lectures in Dr. Emery Brown's class - open to everyone even if not registered in the class!

• Monday, February 10, 2020
• 9:30-11am
• 46-3189

Demba Ba, PhD

Abstract: This talk will describe two approaches to modeling multivariate point processes (e.g. multiple neurons). The first approach precludes the occurrence of simultaneous events (spiking) in any two or more components of the process, while the second is able to handle simultaneous events in any two or more components. I will begin by introducing the likelihood functions for these processes. Then, I will introduce a multivariate generalized linear model of the likelihood functions. Finally, I will show two applications of the multivariate GLM.  The first is an application to the assessment of functional connectivity using data acquired from the cat motor cortex. The second is an application to the assessment of the importance of coincident firing in the barrel cortex of rats, using data recorded from pairs of thalamic neurons in response to periodic deflections.

Bio: Demba Ba received the BSc degree in electrical engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA, in 2004, and the MSci and PhD degrees in electrical engineering and computer science with a minor in mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA, in 2006 and 2011, respectively. In 2006 and 2009, he was a Summer Research Intern with the Communication and Collaboration Systems Group, Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, USA. From 2011 to 2014, he was a Postdoctoral Associate with the MIT/Harvard Neuroscience Statistics Research Laboratory, where he developed theory and efficient algorithms to assess synchrony among large assemblies of neurons. He is currently an Associate Professor of electrical engineering and bioengineering with Harvard University, where he directs the CRISP group. His research interests lie at the intersection of high-dimensional statistics, optimization and dynamic modeling, with applications to neuroscience and multimedia signal processing. Recently, he has taken a keen interest in the connection between neural networks, sparse signal processing, and hierarchical representations of sensory signals in the brain, as well as the implications of this connection on the design of data-adaptive digital signal processing hardware. In 2016, he was the recipient of a Research Fellowship in Neuroscience from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

• Wednesday, February 12, 2020
• 9:30 -11am
• 46-3189

Mark Richardson, MD, PhD

Abstract: At least 30% of patients with epilepsy cannot be adequately treated with medication. Many of these patients will be candidates for surgical therapy, the success of which depends on defining the correct brain location in which to intervene. Traditionally, epilepsy surgery in the United States has adhered to the concept of identifying and removing a single focus of seizure onset, employing the implantation of subdural recording grids to identify the seizure focus in cases where its anatomical substrate has not been demonstrated by noninvasive means. Stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) is an alternate intracranial monitoring approach, now increasingly being used after decades of refinement in Europe, which involves placing multiple depth electrodes to test hypotheses regarding the electroclinical seizure network. This talk with address the conceptual framework, indications, surgical technique, clinical analysis limitations, and research opportunities inherent to sEEG.

Bio: Dr. Richardson is a neurosurgeon-neuroscientist and Director of Functional Neurosurgery at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also the Charles Pappas Associate Professor of Neurosciences at Harvard Medical School and Visiting Associate Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at MIT. Dr. Richardson received his BA from the University of Virginia, his MD-PhD from the Medical College of Virginia, and neurosurgical residency training at the University of California, San Francisco. From 2011-2019, Dr. Richardson was Director of the Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Surgery Program at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he established a leading program combining clinical innovation and basic and clinical neuroscience research. Dr. Richardson has pioneered the use of intraoperative-MRI in functional neurosurgery, including deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, laser thermal ablation for epilepsy, and experimental gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease. His clinical expertise additionally includes awake brain mapping, robotic-assisted surgery for both stereo-EEG and DBS implantation, and Responsive Neurostimulation for epilepsy. Dr. Richardson also leads the Brain Modulation Lab, a human systems neuroscience lab studying motor control and cognition in patients undergoing intracranial recording and stimulation during DBS and epilepsy surgeries. His lab has been funded by the NIH BRAIN Initiative, including the study of cortical-subcortical speech networks and the development of novel approaches to closed-loop brain modulation for Parkinson’s disease. Unique contributions of the Brain Modulation Lab include the first characterization of simultaneous neural activity in the basal ganglia and cortex during speech, and the first discovery of electrophysiological biomarkers of therapeutic responsive neurostimulation in epilepsy. 

HST.590 SCHEDULE OF LECTURES & COURSE EVENTS

Topics in Product Development and Health Care Policy

• February 20, 2020: Ken Huttner – SVP & Head of Development, LogicBio; Upma Sharma - President, Arsenal Medical
• February 27, 2020: HST Admissions Weekend - Starts at 5 PM in E25-111 followed by pizza with applicants
  Carlos Migoya - CEO, Jackson Health Systems
• March 12, 2020: Jonathan Gruber - Professor, MIT Economics, ACA Architect; Rushika Fernandopulle - CEO Iora Health
• April 2, 2020: Brian Winey and Harald Paganetti - MGH Software Development; Jonathan Jackson - CEO, Dimagi Inc.
• April 6, 2020: HST Forum - HMS
• April 9, 2020: Amy Winslow - President, BioPorto Diagnostics; Kate Rumrill - CEO, Ablative Solutions
• April 16, 2020: Muhammad Zaman - Professor, BU Biomedical Engineering and International Health, Op-ed contributor to Huffington Post
• April 23, 2020: Ashley Mateus - VP, Akili Interactive; HST Alumna

SPRING 2020: SOME COURSES OF INTEREST

Spring 2020 (With links to course descriptions.)

HST.452 Statistical Physics in Biology

HST.500 Frontiers in (Bio)Medical Engineering and Physics

HST.504 Topics in Computational Molecular Biology

HST.514 Sensory-Neural Systems: Spatial Orientation from End Organs to Behavior and Adaptation

HST.524 Design of Medical Devices and Implants

HST.531  Medical Physics of Proton Radiation Therapy

HST.537 Fluids and Diseases

HST.538 Genomics and Evolution of Infectious Disease (NEW)

HST.539 Frontiers of Interdisciplinary Science in Human Health & Disease

HST.562 Pioneering Technologies for Interrogating Complex Biological Systems

HST.576 Topics in Neural Signal Processing

HST.582 Biomedical Signal and Image Processing

HST.590 Biomedical Engineering Seminar Series : Topics in Product Development and Health Care Policy

HST.723 Audition: Neural Mechanisms, Perception and Cognition

HST.916 Case Studies and Strategies in Drug Discovery and Development

HST.956 Machine Learning For Healthcare 

HST.962 Medical Product Development and Translational Biomedical Research (2^nd ½ of term)

HST.971 Strategic Decision Making in the Life Sciences

HST.972 Medicine for Managers and Entrepreneurs Proseminar

HST.978 Healthcare Ventures

Non-HST courses to consider

2.S988 Translational Engineering

15.618 Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Startups and the Law

15.622 Law and Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, and Other Digital Technology Hot Spots 

MAS.S63 Life Nanomachine Synergis

APPLICATION OPEN FOR SPI'S SPRING BREAK BOOTCAMP

SPI is excited to offer a 4-day, non-credit version of our popular Science & Technology Policy Bootcamp over MIT Spring Break, taught by David Goldston, the current director of the MIT Washington Office, David Goldston.

Tuesday, March 24 - Friday, March 27 at MIT. Non-credit only.
Application deadline is 11:59pm on Wednesday, February 19.
Contact: Jack Reid, jackreid [at] mit.edu (jackreid[at]mit[dot]edu)

Apply here!

Undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs from all programs are welcome to apply! Note this course is non-credit only.

This course will start with an overview of the origins and structures of federal science and technology policy in the U.S., and then will probe perennial and current issues that arise in the use of science in policy, and in the governance of science.  Topics will include the use of science in environmental policy, questions regarding conflicts of interest, and current debates on international competition in science and technology.  The course will be built around class discussions of a variety of readings, including of Congressional hearings, reports from think tanks, and perhaps court decisions and even a play.

UPCOMING EVENTS FROM THE TEACHING + LEARNING LAB (TLL)

Information about upcoming workshops for graduate students and postdocs can be found here.

If you have any questions about programs and resources available to graduate students through the TLL, contact Ben Hansberry, Asst. Director for Graduate Student Teaching, bhansber [at] mit.edu (bhansber[at]mit[dot]edu)

Subscribe here to the TLL Newsletter.

HARVARD INNOVATION LABS CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Information about the Harvard i-lab and it's upcoming events and activities can be found here.

COMMUNITY WELLNESS AT MIT OFFERINGS

Community Wellness at MIT Medical works with the entire MIT community to provide the resources and programs that can help you make healthy choices.

Offerings include: Koru Mindfulness, Creating the Healthy Life You Want, and many other wellness classes.

Visit the Community Wellness website for more information and sign up for their newsletter.

PKG COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

Have hurricanes, heatwaves, and the polar vortex left you wondering how you can tackle climate change?

Interested in improving health for all?

Join the PKG Center for:

1) Community Conversations: Health

• Wednesday, February 26, 2020
• 6-8pm
• MIT Campus, Cambridge (exact location TBD)

Register through Eventbrite

2) Community Conversations: Climate

• Thursday, March 5, 2020
• 6-8pm
• MIT Campus, Cambridge (exact location TBD)

Register through Eventbrite

Meet local agencies and innovators who are addressing these challenges.

Explore opportunities for jobs, internships, and collaborations.

Enjoy good food in good company!

Places are limited, so advanced RSVPs are required. Register through the links above.

MIT SLOAN HEALTH SYSTEMS INITIATIVE (HSI) LUNCHTIME SEMINAR SERIES W/ STACEY CHANG

• Thursday February 20, 2020
• 11:45am – 1pm
• E62 - 450

Designing a Modern Health System

Stacey Chang, Executive Director of the Design Institute for Health at the University of Texas at Austin

We rarely get the opportunity to build modern health systems from scratch.  A large-scale effort in Austin, Texas has given rise to a model that is having influence both nationally and internationally, anchored in an approach that overlaps systems thinking and human-centered design. The emerging model features a few unique highlights:

• Clinical models designed to optimize outcomes instead of fee-for-service billing
• Community-based models that anchor on social and behavioral influences on health
• A regional effort to comprehensively remake the public mental health system
• A historical perspective on building health systems from first principles
• A set of tools for engaging in complex systems design

Stacey Chang serves as the Executive Director of the Design Institute for Health at the University of Texas at Austin. It is a first-of-its-kind institution, dedicated to applying design approaches to solving systemic health care challenges as an integrated part of an operating health system and a medical education and training program.

Working with invested stakeholders in the health ecosystem, and harnessing the resources of the university, the Institute is focused on creating human-centered solutions in clinical and community environments – all with the intent to improve people’s health outcomes and health care experiences. The Design Institute considers topics as broad as the design of health products and services, the built environment, and the structure and functionality of the health ecosystem itself, and is committed to sharing advances that define a new model for societal health. 

Until 2014, Stacey served as the Managing Director of the Healthcare practice at IDEO, the global design and innovation firm. Clients included governments, research institutions, hospitals, pharma, insurance, medtech, and all the upstarts trying to rewrite the script, in both established and emerging markets.

He graduated from MIT with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Lunch is provided. Please RSVP

BRAVE WOMEN OF COLOR IN ACADEMICS

• Monday, March 2, 2020
• 4pm
• 4-270

The new co-edited anthology, Counternarratives from Women of Color Academics: Bravery, Vulnerability, and Resistance contains essays and creative works by 28 women of color academics who redefine what it means to be successful in academia, who stand up against injustice in academia despite the risks, and who leverage their positions in university to advance diversity and inclusion in higher education. 

 Academic bravery challenges the status quo, crosses boundaries and breaks new ground. In essence, being a brave academic entails refusing to prioritize self-serving interests at the expense of knowledge production and social justice. Rather than avoiding risky endeavors to protect one’s position and status, a brave academic uses her position, status and expertise to effectively advance knowledge and equity, despite the risks.

 The anthology, and this panel, seeks to counter the discourse that women of color are solely tokens and victims of marginalization in academe. Women of color academics have leveraged their professional positions to challenge the status quo in their scholarship, teaching, service, activism, and leadership. By presenting reflexive work from various vantage points within and outside of the academy, contributors document the cultivation of mentoring relationships, the use of administrative roles to challenge institutional leadership, and more.

This event is free and open to the public. Please see our website for more information.

Panelists:

Alessandra Bazo Vienrich , Visiting Assistant Professor of Sociology, Davidson College
Eric Grollman, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Richmond
Manya Whitaker is an Associate Professor and Chair of Education at Colorado College.
Robbin Chapman , Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, Harvard Kennedy School

Moderator:

Saida Grundy, Assistant Professor of Sociology and African American Studies, Boston University

Cosponsored by: Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development; MIT Women's and Gender Studies; Tufts Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Boston University Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program; UMass Boston Africana Studies Department; UMass Boston Department of Anthropology; UMass Boston Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

HGWISEGUYS BIAS & BEVS

• Wednesday, February 19, 2020
• 6-7:30pm
• 20 Oxford St, Faculty Lounge (4th floor)

RSVP here   

Join HGWISE and HGWISEGUYS for the first Bias & Bevs meeting of the semester. We will be talking about the paper linked below. Please RSVP at the link above to help us get an accurate count for dinner and refreshments! Hope to see you there.

Holman, L., et al. (2018): “The gender gap in science: How long until women are equally represented?”

RADCLIFFE INSTITUTE SCIENCE LECTURE

Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement

Film Screening and Panel Discussion on Gene Editing and Disability

• Monday, February 10, 2020
• 5pm
• Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Harvard University, Knafel Center, 10 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138

From Botox to bionic limbs, the human body is more upgradable than ever. But how much can we alter and still be human? What do we gain or lose in the process?

The award-winning documentary Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement explores the social impact of human biotechnologies. Haunting and humorous, poignant and political, Fixed rethinks “disability” and “normalcy” by exploring technologies that promise to change our bodies and minds forever.

Join us for a discussion about the ethics of gene editing and disability.

To register, visit www.radcliffe.harvard.edu/event/2020-fixed-film-screening-and-discussion.

Speakers:

• Lydia X. Z. Brown, disability justice advocate
• Joseph A. Stramondo, San Diego State University
• Michael Ashley Stein, Harvard Law School

This event is free. Registration is required. We welcome students (of all levels and institutions) to attend our events.

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University is dedicated to creating and sharing transformative ideas across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Learn more about the people and programs of the Radcliffe Institute at www.radcliffe.harvard.edu.

PROBLEM SOLVING WORKSHOP ON SYSTEMS MODELLING IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

The Fields Institute and the Centre for Quantitative Analysis and Modelling at Toronto University will host a one-week Industrial Problem Solving Workshop "2020 Systems Modeling in the Pharmaceutical Industry" from July 13-17, 2020.

http://www.fields.utoronto.ca/activities/20-21/systems-modelling

This workshop aims to equip graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in mathematics and related disciplines with the tools necessary to solve common problems encountered in the pharmaceutical industry. The focus will be on development of pharmacometric skills to approach questions on drug discovery, development and dose/therapy optimization using a variety of state-of-the-art quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) methodologies. Participants will receive training in QSP approaches and the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), from academic and industrial researchers, and will apply these techniques in groups to solve a set of problems brought by industry partners. At the end of the week, participants will be able to identify the main components of a pharmaceutical problem through a QSP lens, translate these elements mathematically, analyze/numerically implement and solve the resulting mathematical model, and deliver results (visually and textually) to non-mathematicians. Ultimately, participants will gain understanding into the factors that are key to mathematical modelling in the pharmaceutical industry and be trained in modern QSP approaches.

The workshop is open for upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs only.

Interested potential participants can now submit an application for funding (cover letter and CV as a single PDF) at the workshop's website:

http://www.fields.utoronto.ca/activities/20-21/systems-modelling

Applications are due March 30, 2020

ENTREPRENEURSHIP SERIES 2 - HARVARD GSAS BUSINESS CLUB EVENT

How to make the founding team?

• Wednesday, February 12, 2020
• Panel: 6-7pm; Networking : 7-8pm
• Harvard Science Center, Hall E, 1 Oxford Street, Cambridge
• RSVP HERE

Do co-founders with complimentary skill sets work better when forming a founding team?
Will all founders with scientific or technology background work out?

Come to see what established company founders have to offer.
Refreshments and soft drinks will be provided!

APPLY FOR ATHACK 2020

Do you like to code? Do you like to build? Do you want to help people with disabilities live more independently?

Register for ATHack,  MIT's Assistive Technology Hackathon!

At ATHack, teams of students are matched with co-designers from the Greater Boston area who live with disabilities. Each student team works together with their co-designer to design an assistive technology solution to help them live more independently or do something they were previously unable to do. Learn more about past years' hackathons here.

Timeline:

• Thursday, February 13, 2020: Meet the Co-Designers Dinner. Hacker teams meet the co-designers and choose who they want to work with.
• Saturday, February 29, 2020: ATHACK!!! All-day hackathon with machine shop, 3D printers, food, and industry judges! 

Questions? Email at-hack-core [at] mit.edu (at-hack-core[at]mit[dot]edu)

MIT'S SCIENCE POLICY INITIATIVE (SPI) 2020 CONGRESSIONAL VISIT DAYS APPLICATION OPEN

Are you interested in meeting with your congressional representatives in DC to advocate for federal science funding? Apply for MIT’s Science Policy Initiative Congressional Visit Days (CVD) 2020! This year’s trip to DC is scheduled for March 23rd and 24th. Through a seminar series here at MIT in advance of the trip and a one-day science policy crash course with the MIT Washington Office on March 23rd, you will learn how to schedule and lead constituent meetings with your Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill to discuss the future of science and science funding with our nation's lawmakers. Your constituent meetings will take place on March 24. No prior experience with policy or advocacy is required.

SPI will support you with accommodation for the night of March 23th, a group evening meal/event, and travel expenses (flight and Metro) reimbursed up to $250. 

Apply now - space is limited! The trip is open to all MIT undergraduate*, graduate students, and postdocs. The application deadline is February 10th at 5:00 pm

*Due to funding sources there are limited spots for undergraduates.

Apply here: spi.mit.edu/cvd

Contact Lucy Hu (lucyhu [at] mit.edu (lucyhu[at]mit[dot]edu)) or Elizabeth Shoenfelt Troein (shoen [at] mit.edu (shoen[at]mit[dot]edu)) with questions.

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: YALE SUMMER BIOETHICS PROGRAM

The 4-day “Foundations in Bioethics” will run from June 9-12. There is also a 7-week Summer Institute in Bioethics (June 8-July 25) that provides up to 200 contact hours.

The Summer Institute is known for its engaging and approachable faculty, an enthusiastic alumni network, and opportunities to network with faculty and participants from all over the globe (over 25 countries were represented last year-from all continents).

Students have a wide range of choices for seminar topics, which include Medical Ethics, Ethics of Climate Change, Policy Analysis for Bioethicists, Medical Humanities (in both Spanish and English), Bioethics and the Law, Public Health Ethics, Military Ethics, Animal Ethics, Moral Reasoning, Ethics of Information, Tech-Ethics, and so much more.  A link to our 2019 seminars is here.

All students present a poster at Yale School of Medicine at the end of the program, and some students work 1:1 with faculty to write an academic publication during the program.

Several students from recent classes recently presented their work at Oxford, UNESCO, and other renowned bioethics conferences.

Pricing is very affordable, and admissions are rolling. Please feel free to contact us at bioethics [at] Yale.edu (bioethics[at]Yale[dot]edu) to discuss the program, and you may learn more here: http://bioethics.yale.edu/summer

Finally, we have a number of engaging Youtube videos with our enthusiastic faculty. We encourage you to view them here.

MEDTECH BOSTON INFORMATION SOURCE & CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Boston has long been known as a medical mecca of scientific discovery. Boston’s healthcare professionals and administrators are adopting practices from other high-risk and service industries. The ‘big data’ movement is thriving, fundamentally changing our healthcare delivery systems. Digital health investments are higher than ever before. Medical hackathons and un-conferences are now an every-weekend occurrence. And both redesign and innovation promise to change medicine as we know it. It’s all happening right here, right now. But the problem is that many of us don’t know it. Despite Boston’s innovative energy and a solid medical infrastructure, many medical providers and health care entrepreneurs remain in the dark about the opportunities, events and work happening in and around the city of Boston – and across the country. That’s where we come in.

At Medtech Boston, we highlight exciting medical innovation work in and around the city of Boston. We aim to start a discussion about the most exciting and controversial new healthcare offerings, igniting a new reputation for Boston as a city with first-class medical research and patient care, but also as a city full of passionate people who use new technology to think big thoughts about medicine’s most pressing problems.

More organizational information and event postings from Medtech Boston is available here.

MIT GLOBAL HEALTH AND MEDICAL HUMANITIES INITIATIVE (GHMHI) UPCOMING EVENTS

The goal of the Global Health and Medical Humanities Initiative (GHMHI) is to provide MIT students the training to analyze critically the determinants of health and roles of medicine in society from historical and cross-cultural perspectives.

Global Health programs in medical schools, schools of public health, and universities and colleges across the U.S. emphasize how biomedical training, research, and practice, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations beyond the health sciences, are necessary to improve the determinants of health—whether social, political, economic, or biological.

Medical Humanities is a subfield of medicine that draws on the humanities, arts, and social sciences to analyze medical education and clinical practice.

Find more information and a calendar of upcoming events at http://ghmhi.mit.edu/.

BRAINMAP SEMINARS

Future topics will be similar to the previous Brainmap season, with some talks on Optogenetics, MR-PET, BOLD physiology, ultra-high field MRI, multimodal integration, contrast agents, and many more exciting topics! Unless otherwise noted, seminars are held on Wednesdays at noon in seminar room CNY2204, MGH/Charlestown, Building 149.

Brainmap website: http://www.martinos.org/training/brainmap

A schedule of upcoming Brainmap Seminars can be found at: https://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/calendar

To sign up for the mailing list, please go to: https://mail.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/mailman/listinfo/brainmap

HARVARD V. MIT TERMINAL LIVE: $25K CODING COMPETITION

This winter, Citadel LLC and Correlation One are coming back to Boston to host Terminal Live: Harvard vs. MIT a new e-sports competition exclusive for Harvard and MIT students. 

In this competition, you represent more than your team. Harvard and MIT students will be competing against each other. At the end of the day, we will crown a Terminal Live champion!

Click Here To Apply

Terminal is an online platform where players compete by coding AI strategies (i.e., algorithms) that automate play of the game. Teams face off against one another by implementing their best algorithm, and top players have opportunities to win cash prizes, exclusive job opportunities from industry leaders, and global recognition.

• Saturday, February 22, 2020 (10am-6pm)
• Charles Hotel, Boston
• Prizes: $25,000 + Exclusive recruiting opportunities with Citadel

Application Deadline: 11:59pm Sunday, February 16, 2020

Additional Info: https://terminal.c1games.com/rules 

Questions? Send an email to roysi [at] correlation-one.com (roysi[at]correlation-one[dot]com)

GSC BATTLE OF THE BANDS - CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Submissions open now until February 29, 2020

Contact: gsc-ac [at] mit.edu (gsc-ac[at]mit[dot]edu)

URL: https://forms.gle/aKw3fFzn8zdWHiLs8

• If you are part of a student band, here is your chance to rock MIT and win prizes! At least one of the members must be an MIT affiliate
• All genres are welcome, submit your application here with 2 sample tracks https://forms.gle/aKw3fFzn8zdWHiLs8
• You don't have to be a band. Solos are welcome too!

Event is Friday March 6, 2020 5-9pm at Morss Hall Walker Memorial

Free pizza and free drinks. Please bring your 21+ ID.

GRAD ARTS SHOWCASE

• Sunday, March 15, 2020
• 5-7pm
• Media Lab 6th floor

Contact: xueying [at] mit.edu (xueying[at]mit[dot]edu) or shanrose [at] mit.edu (shanrose[at]mit[dot]edu)

Grad Arts Showcase has a long tradition of exhibiting graduate artwork, including performance, visual, 3-D, installation, dance and more

Mingle with fellow classmates and artists while enjoying wine, beer, light appetizers and live performances

21+ event 

Submit your art here: https://forms.gle/pRA5GRPGJ98mGWXH9

TAX WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOLARS

• Wednesday, March 4, 2020
• 5–6:30pm • Building 10-250 (Nonresident International Students)
• 7–8:30pm • Building 10-250 (U.S. Citizen & Resident Students & Scholars)

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• Monday, March 30, 2020
• 5–6:30pm • Building 10-250 (Nonresident International Students)
• 7–8:30pm • Building 10-250 (U.S. Citizen & Resident Students & Scholars)

Nonresidents: International Students in the U.S. less than 5 years
Residents: International Students in the U.S. more than 5 years;
International Scholars more than 2 years; U.S. Legal Permanent Residents

Presentation by MIT, followed by Q&A session with PricewaterhouseCoopers

DE FLOREZ HUMOR FUND - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Help bring a little levity to MIT.

We have money to fund humorous projects! 

Apply for a grant from the de Florez Fund for Humor. 

All members of the MIT community—students, instructors, and staff—may apply as long as the activities reach a student audience.

Applications for amounts above $750 are reviewed once per semester, in September and February.  Lower amounts are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Apply by February 23, 2020

For more information and the online application, visit our website: shass.mit.edu/funny

SERVICE LEARNING ABROAD

One Heart Source is currently accepting applications for our 2020 Service Learning Programs. We are offering 2 and 4 week Health Development programs in Cape Town, South Africa!

As an OHS Mentor you will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of community and the cultural factors that influence health.
• Participate in our health education interventions by mentoring students through their academic careers.
• Immerse yourself in history and culture to better understand diversity.
• Collaborate with groups of university students from around the world to discuss global health issues.
• Develop skills to pursue social justice through health education and intervention.
• Broaden health care skills in real-world environments

Apply here for our Volunteer Programs: 2020 Application

Application Deadline: March 1, 2020

Learn more about our Health Program here.

PFIZER SUMMER STUDENT WORKER PROGRAM 2020 IN MATHEMATICAL MODELING & SIMULATION

Pfizer’s Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) Group in Early Clinical Development is looking for qualified students interested in the application of mathematical models and computer simulation to questions of interest in drug discovery and development. Dependent on the successful candidate’s skills and interests, he or she may assist staff scientists to develop new mechanistic, mathematical models; modify or validate existing models; and/or develop or apply computational approaches to improve our workflows.

Basic skills:

• Understanding of simulating ordinary differential equation models, parameter fitting, and numerical methods
• Proficient with a computer programming or scripting language
• Interest in the application of mathematical modeling and simulation to biological or pharmacological research

Preferred skills (the successful candidate may possess one or more):

• Proficient in MATLAB, C/C++, Julia, R
• Understanding of nonlinear dynamics, numerical methods, and parameter fitting for nonlinear models
• Experience in software development
• Versant in molecular, cellular, and pathway biology; knowledge of metabolic & cardiovascular diseases, inflammation & immunology, or rare diseases is a plus

Educational qualifications:

• Graduate student in applied mathematics, engineering (any), physics, computer science, or related pharmaceutical sciences

Location: Cambridge, MA USA

Eligibility requirements/more information: http://www.pfizer.com/careers/en/us-summer-student-worker-program

Contact: richard.allen [at] pfizer.com (richard[dot]allen[at]pfizer[dot]com)

Richard Allen, PhD, Associate Research Fellow, Quantitative Systems Pharmacology, Early Clinical Development, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical

GSC BRUINS GAME NIGHT

• Tuesday, February 25, 2020
• 7–10pm
• TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston 02114

Contact: gsc-ac [at] mit.edu (gsc-ac[at]mit[dot]edu)

Website Information here.    

Come to the TD Garden and watch a live Boston Bruins game vs Calgary Flames with your fellow graduate students! See the famous TD Garden, enjoy some Boston stadium staples and cheer for Bruins (or Flames if you are Canadian).      

Price: $55. All tickets are at Balcony Section 320 rows 12 & 13. Each student can purchase up to two tickets http://mit.universitytickets.com/

This event is family friendly: children under 2 years old get free admission (yet no seat); elder children need to pay a full rate.

Game starts at 7pm. Arrive at the entrance by 6:45pm (logistic details will be sent to ticket holders in due course).

Go Bruins!

GSC GRAD GALA 2020

• Saturday, April 4, 2020
• 8–11:59pm
• Westin Copley Place

Contact: gsc-gradgala [at] mit.edu (gsc-gradgala[at]mit[dot]edu)

Website Information here.  FAQ here. 

Price: $50. Each grad students can purchase up to 2 tickets and the guest does not have to be MIT affiliated.

Purchase your tickets here

Strict 21+ event. Plated dinner with 1 complimentary drink. Music, dancing and nice indoor atmosphere.

Sponsored by GSC, COOP and GradRat.

This is the only black-tie event for the entire MIT graduate community. A can't-miss party.

FLAGSHIP PIONEERING - SUMMER FELLOWSHIP

Flagship Pioneering conceives, resources, and builds life-changing bioscience companies that create breakthroughs in health and sustainability. We harness science and entrepreneurialism to envision alternative futures, beginning with seemingly unreasonable propositions and navigating to transformational outcomes through an iterative, evolutionary methodology. We call this process “pioneering”.

We believe pioneering is best done in teams, and that pioneering is a process that can be taught, learned, and replicated. We are looking for extraordinary scientists, engineers, physicians and entrepreneurs to learn this process and work alongside individuals within the Flagship Ecosystem who are defined by their passion, boldness, and creative optimism. We collaborate, encourage failure, trust one another, and celebrate successful solutions to hard problems. We respect diversity of opinion, because we value the freedom to explore hunches.

At Flagship Pioneering, company creation begins with investigating “What if?” and “If only…”. Flagship Pioneering Fellows work in teams, starting with “What if” or “If only” and a blank sheet of paper, relying not on literature but on their scientific instincts and creativity to generate novel scientific concepts that challenge dogma. Flagship Pioneering Fellows learn to variate, iterate, and shape these ideas into unreasonable yet compelling venture hypotheses.

Fellowship:

• 12 Week Full-Time Fellowship: June 1, 2020 – August 21, 2020
• Flagship Pioneering Fellows receive a stipend
• Flagship Pioneering Fellows work at the Flagship Pioneering offices in Kendall Square (55 Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge, MA, USA)

Key Benefits of the Flagship Pioneering Fellowship Include:

• Learn Flagship Pioneering’s system of generating and refining actionable pioneering hypotheses
• Exhibit and develop your creativity, adaptability, and ability to innovate
• Contribute to the creation of game-changing ideas & innovations that can be developed into the next breakthrough companies
• Work directly with highly experienced Flagship Pioneering team members—a group of widely recognized scientists, entrepreneurs, and executives
• Build relationships and expand your network with a diverse and highly successful group of peers
• Work alongside and learn from science and business leaders, leaders providing a unique platform for personal growth
• Explore opportunities to become a full-time member of the Flagship Pioneering team

Qualifications

• Deep scientific or business background aimed at life sciences
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial behaviors
• Academic excellence and self-starter mentality: confident, passionate, persuasive
• Creativity and the ability to solve complex scientific and business problems
• Previous Peace Corps, military, or public service experience considered
• Currently a graduate or post-graduate student (MBA, MS, PhD, MD, etc.) with a scientific background from a top university
• Preferably no more than 1-2 years away from full-time employment

Applications are open for summer 2020. Apply here.

ANNOUNCING THE 2019-2020 BENJAMIN SIEGEL PRIZE

The Benjamin Siegel Prize of $2500 is offered to the MIT student submitting the best written work on issues in science, technology, and society. The Prize is open to undergraduate and graduate students from any school or department of the Institute.

Submission Requirements

• Please submit one electronic (PDF) copy of a single-authored work of no more than 50 pages written within the last two academic years.
• Include one cover page with author identification, complete contact information, year and program of study.
• Do not include any identifiers within the body of the work.

Email Submissions to: Gus Zahariadis at gusz [at] mit.edu (gusz[at]mit[dot]edu)

Deadline: Monday, April 6, 2020 - to midnight
Announcement of the winning paper will be made on Thursday, May 14, 2020

MICROSOFT HEALTHCARE SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPENINGS

Summer internships are available at MicrosoftHealthcare.

Feel free to explore these through the Medical Devices Group (http://medicaldevices.azurewebsites.net/)

Internship Postings:

Hemodynamic Modeling (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/job/759596/Research-Intern-Medical-Devices)
Photonics (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/job/759612/Research-Intern-Medical-Devices)
Medical Device Generalist (https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/job/735015/Research-Intern-Medical-Devices)

MIT SCIENCE POLICY REVIEW SEEKING WRITERS

Are you interested in publishing essays on science policy topics? 

A number of MIT students are interested in starting a platform that publishes essays by the MIT community that take complicated scientific/technological concepts and convey them in a jargon-free and accessible way. These essays would be targeted towards different stakeholders, such as the general public, elected officials, members of the executive branch, etc. This “MIT Science Policy Review” is envisioned to look something like the Harvard Law Review for science policy.

We’re looking to find MIT students interested in writing essays on the following topics: 

1.    Energy Policy and Transforming the Energy Economy

2.    Gene Editing

3.    Gender Discrimination and the “Pipeline” Problem in Science and Business

4.    A Carbon Tax and the Carbon Marketplace 

5.    International Scientific Collaborations

6.    Nuclear Weapons Policy

7.    Drug Pricing 

8.    Federal Funding of Scientific Research

9.    Digital Currency and Cryptocurrency 

10.  Machine Learning 

We are also accepting pitches on topics outside of those listed above. The topics for each semesterly edition of the MIT Science Policy Review will change, so if you are interested in a topic not listed above, it may be possible to publish it in a future edition. Additionally, we are looking for people interested in providing design, communications, and technology support.

If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to me directly at jharrod@mit edu for information on our first meeting.

OFFICE OF GRADUATE EDUCATION - FELLOWSHIP WORKSHOPS & FINANCIAL LITERACY RESOURCES

Upcoming OGE Financial Literacy Workshops

Investing Part II- April 3rd, 11:30 to 12:30 in 68-181. Adam Grenier CFP, Fidelity Investments.

Topics covered: Asset allocation, asset location, understanding market and economic business cycles.

Visit the OGE website (https://oge.mit.edu/finances/financial-literacy/workshops/) to find out about financial literacy workshops.

iGrad
OGE also offers the free iGrad Financial Literacy platform (offered in collaboration with the MIT Federal Credit Union). Customized for MIT with videos, articles, games,  job board, searchable scholarship database, and interactive modules on a wide range of topics, including emergency-funding, credit card management, identity protection, spending-smarts, etc. it is a great financial literacy tool for students and the MIT community in general. More information can be found at https://iGrad.com/schools/MIT.

OGE’s Website Financial Literacy and Fellowship section updates
A new Financial Literacy section has been added to the website - https://oge.mit.edu/finances/financial-literacy/

Check out the updated fellowships section at https://oge.mit.edu/finances/fellowships/ especially the Fellowships Tips content at https://oge.mit.edu/finances/fellowships/fellowship-tips/

MIT Credit Union Events

https://www.mitfcu.org/Financial-Retirement/Event-Calendar

MIT GRADUATE STUDENT ROADMAP

The nearly 7,000 graduate students at MIT are one of the most talented scholarly cohorts in the world. Their educational experiences on campus go beyond just research.

In April 2017, when Chancellor Cynthia Barnhart brought together the offices of graduate and undergraduate education into the new OVC, the goal was to enhance existing services and identify new ways to provide every student, from orientation through commencement, with an exceptional student life and learning experience.

To help us meet our charge, we have been listening and responding to the ideas and concerns of MIT’s graduate students, and we have started to build stronger connections between members of the OVC team and the Division of Student Life (DSL).

Based upon meetings with graduate students in small and large groups, we have identified shared goals:

• strengthening the support network for graduate students and their families;
• addressing pain points associated with the cost and supply of housing; and
• enhancing diversity and inclusion, advising, and professional development programs and services.

The Road Ahead

To achieve our goals, we have launched a series of initiatives, known collectively as the Graduate Student Roadmap, as part of a strategic effort to improve the graduate student experience at MIT.

Find more information about the Graduate Student Roadmap here.

GRADUATE COMMUNITY FELLOWS POSITIONS

Graduate Community Fellows are a cadre of graduate students who work on projects and assignments that enhance graduate community in unique ways. Each Fellow reports to a staff member in the OGE or in a partner organization, and focuses on a specific project. 

Graduate Community Fellows will receive a stipend of $675 per month for the duration of the appointment period as compensation for an average of 10 hours a week.

Applications for open positions should be submitted to program administrator jlandry [at] mit.edu (Jessica Landry).  They will be reviewed as they are submitted; positions will be filled ASAP.

For program details and a list of current positions visit: https://oge.mit.edu/community/gcf/

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS OFFICE NEWSLETTER

Read current and past issues of the ISO Newsletter here. For non-students, you can also subscribe to receive published copies by email.

OGE - DIVERSITY INITIATIVES NEWSLETTER

The Office for Graduate Education (OGE) Diversity Initiatives hopes your semester is off to a good start! The intent of our newsletter is to serve you so that you feel that the graduate community at MIT is a place where you feel at home; you are welcomed, you belong and you matter. 

Read current and past issues of the MIT OGE Diversity Initiatives Newsletter here.

MIT GRADUATE ASSISTANCE INFORMATION NETWORK (GAIN)

MIT Graduate Assistance Information Network (GAIN) is a free 24/7 network of professionals who provide life management resources and referrals to help make life easier for MIT Graduate Students and families.

MIT GAIN services, which are available at no cost to you and your family, include:

• Legal consultation
• Financial consultation
• Child care resources and personalized research and referrals
• Elder care resources and personalized research and referrals
• Relocation guidance
• School/summer camp selection for children in grades K–12
• Nutrition counseling
• Career assessment
• Resources for other life concerns, such as moving services, home repair and cleaning services, pet care, fitness programs & trainers, and more.

Take advantage of these additional MIT Work-Life programs and resources:

• Backup Child Care ($5 per hour)
• MIT Work-Life Seminar Series and Support Groups
• MIT Technology Childcare Centers

Find more information here.

MIT CONNECT

MIT CONNECT: Free one-on-one Lunches

Are you interested in having lunch with fellow MIT students, faculty, staff and alumni this semester? MIT Connect is designed to create a more connected campus by arranging for friendly, informal, platonic lunches between individuals from all over campus, and all walks of life. We are providing $10 in Tech Cash towards selected lunches for participating students!

Sign-up here: http://connected.mit.edu/

Feel free to contact us with question, comments, or concerns at questions [at] connected.mit.edu (questions[at]connected[dot]mit[dot]edu)

MIT SPOUSES & PARTNERS CONNECT

Open to all significant others of MIT students, postdocs, and staff who have relocated to the Boston area

http://spouses.mit.edu

spousesandpartners [at] mit.edu (spousesandpartners[at]mit[dot]edu)

Facebook @mitspousesandpartners

Instagram @mspconnect

MIT LANGUAGE CONVERSATION EXCHANGE

Open to all members of the MIT community

http://lce.mit.edu

lce [at] mit.edu (lce[at]mit[dot]edu)

Facebook @MITLCE

PEER 2 PEER STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICE

Need Someone To Listen?

Whether you’re having a bad day or just want someone to talk to, Peer2Peer’s community of MIT students is here for you.

Log in and chat anonymously about whatever’s on your mind with someone who really understands.

peer2peer.mit.edu

LET'S CHAT PROGRAM

A new program has started that is designed to help students who may be in need of support and direction, but who are reluctant to visit MIT Medical, or engage with S^3 or OGE.  

Called “Let’s Chat,” this outreach, which was originally announced by Cindy Barnhart in her recent message about various student support initiatives, offers a drop-in counseling office two hours daily from Tuesday through Thursday each week, in 8-316. Students who want a low-energy-barrier way to talk to someone can sign up for one of several 20-minute sessions available from 1-3 pm Tuesdays through Fridays. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for students to reach out for help they might need, so no advance appointment is necessary; students sign up for a 20-minute time slot by simply marking an “X” on one of the designated times on the daily schedule, which will be posted outside the door to 8-316.  

This service will be staffed by clinicians from Mental Health, and is open to ALL students — graduate, undergraduate, any department. Urgent situations should continue to be routed to MH walk-in or urgent care; “Let’s Chat” will focus on listening to students taking the first step to request support, and on providing referrals when necessary.

COMMUNITY SERVICE WEEKLY BULLETIN

At the heart of the MIT mission statement is a call to serve the nation and the world—and this charge is embodied by the MIT Public Service Center. Every year, we send thousands of students into communities locally, across the nation, and around the globe to apply their skills and knowledge for the betterment of humankind. In the Institute's best traditions of hands-on experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative problem solving, these students donate their time, create new technologies, form communities and companies—and ultimately change lives everywhere they go.

As part of MIT's Division of Student Life, we provide a central point of communication and support for the outreach and humanitarian efforts of the MIT community. We engage students, alumni, staff, faculty, and others in life-changing initiatives and social entrepreneurship ventures that provide needed resources to individuals and communities.

Sign up for the weekly Community Service Bulletin of Events and Programs here.

News and upcoming events are posted on the homepage.

THE NOVARTIS INNOVATION POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP

New call for applications in February 2020

About the program

At Novartis, we are committed to training the next generation of scientific leaders. The Novartis Innovation Postdoctoral Fellowship offers aspiring drug hunters a unique opportunity to join our teams at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), the innovation engine of Novartis. Mentored by NIBR scientific leaders, Innovation Fellows will gain first-hand experience in the design and development of breakthrough therapies and innovative technologies. We are looking for Innovation Fellows who will bring their scientific creativity and natural curiosity to tackle important therapeutic challenges. Join us as we reimagine medicine together.

Program highlights

• Program duration:  2-3 years
• Boot camp: Innovation Fellows will attend a fully immersive boot camp covering the fundamentals of drug discovery and development
• Mentorship & access to technology: Innovation Fellows will have access to NIBR state-of-the-art technology platforms and be mentored by selected NIBR scientific leaders
• Rotations: Innovation Fellows will benefit from a tailored rotation schedule in both scientific and business-related disciplines
• Fireside chats with local leaders in academia and industry
• Community: Innovation Fellows will join Discovery Fellows in our vibrant postdoctoral community with dedicated events, including our annual Research Day Symposium

Who are the Innovation Fellows?

• Early-career scientists, within 3 years of receiving their MD and/or PhD (students in their last 4 months of graduation are eligible to apply)
• All scientific and technical disciplines welcome (e.g. biology, biophysics, chemical biology, chemistry, computational and data sciences, engineering, and more)
• Strong publication track record or other scientific achievements 
• Entrepreneurial mindset and boundless curiosity
• Dedicated to translating scientific discoveries into medicines that improve human health

How to Apply

• Please submit your CV and cover letter for consideration. Include a potential area of unmet medical need where you believe you could make an impact 
• All applications will be evaluated by a review team comprised of discipline experts and drug hunters from NIBR 
• Candidates selected as finalists will be invited to our Cambridge, MA campus for an all-day interview in June. New Innovation Fellows will start in September at our Cambridge site

Apply

If you have any questions, please contact us at nibr.postdoc [at] novartis.com (nibr[dot]postdoc[at]novartis[dot]com).

MACHINE LEARNING SCIENTIST (ECG SIGNAL PROCESSING) - PHILIPS RESEARCH

Here is a new opening at Philips Research, looking for a research scientist with background in data science and experience with ECG waveform analysis and feature extraction.

The job is posted here.

ASPIRE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES AND ENGINEERING

A Joint Johns Hopkins, Morgan State and Coppin State IRACDA Program

ASPIRE (Academic Success via Postdoctoral Independence in Research and Education) aims to prepare the next generation of broadly trained biomedical scientists and engineers for careers in diverse academic environments which combine research and teaching.

Participate in ASPIRE to become a change agent:

• Train in world class research mentored by a biomedical scientist/engineer and clinical collaborator
• Increase minority undergraduate STEM retention
• Enhance research exposure for undergraduate minority students

For more information and the application form, visit: https://iracda.jhu.edu/

Application Deadline: March 1, 2020

Eligibility: must have completed a PhD or MD/PhD in engineering, computer science, biophysics, chemistry, molecular/cellular physiology, neuroscience, genetics or related fields within the past 2 years. An MD degree may also qualify, provided that the applicant has a previous degree in engineering. Underrepresented minorities, persons with disability, and women are encouraged to apply. Program research areas include Biomedical Imaging Sciences, Regenerative and Immune Engineering, Genome and Epigenome Engineering, Molecular and Cellular Systems Biology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Treatment, Computational Medicine, Cancer Engineering, and Systems Neuroscience and Neuroengineering. For specific questions, email Prof. Les Tung at ltung [at] jhu.edu (ltung[at]jhu[dot]edu).

TRAMMEL THERAPEUTICS - BIOINFORMATICS POSITION

Trammel Therapeutics is a biotechnology company founded by 5AM Ventures aiming to develop new therapeutics by identifying novel targets in the tumor microenvironment. Our early biology platform will include access to novel datasets with experts in stroma biology, including early access to patient-derived datasets and proprietary assay systems to dissect the complexity of the tumor microenvironment.

We are seeking an exceptionally motivated computational biologist to build and lead bioinformatics as a core part of our biology discovery platform.

The ideal candidate will bring scientific leadership, prior industry experience, and proficiency working with high-dimensional, multi-modal datasets. The role will include building our bioinformatics capabilities while working with our scientific team, collaborating with external academic groups, and ultimately establishing bioinformatics as a central pillar within Trammel.

To learn more, please send a CV to careers [at] trammeltx.com (careers[at]trammeltx[dot]com)

TENURE TRACK FACULTY POSITION - CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

The newly established department of Biomedical Engineering at California State University, Long Beach invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level in the areas of Biomedical Signal Processing, Bio-instrumentation or Bio-sensors. Exceptional candidates in other areas within Biomedical Engineering will be considered, as well.

California State University, Long Beach, College Of Engineering, Department Of Biomedical Engineering 

http://www.csulb.edu/college-of-engineering/biomedical-engineering

RECRUITMENT # 2583
The Department of Biomedical Engineering at California State University, Long Beach invites outstanding individuals to apply for an open faculty position at the Assistant Professor rank, in the areas of Bioinstrumentation/Biosensors/Biomedical Signal Processing. The effective date would be August 17, 2020.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering or related area with emphasis in Bioinstrumentation, Biosensors or Biomedical Signal Processing. Degree at time of application or official notification of completion of the doctoral degree by August 1, 2020. Demonstrated potential for effective teaching at both undergraduate and graduate levels of Biomedical Engineering. Demonstrated potential for successful research, scholarly and creative activities. Demonstrated commitment to working successfully with a diverse student population.

DESIRED/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: At least two years of effective teaching experience in undergraduate and/or graduate level courses in Biomedical Engineering. Post-Doc experience in Bioinstrumentation/Biosensors or Biomedical Signal Processing.

DUTIES: Teach undergraduate and graduate courses and conduct laboratory experiments. Develop and maintain curriculum. Engage in ongoing research and scholarly activities in Bioinstrumentation/Biosensors or Biomedical Signal Processing that lead to publications and external funding. Provide student advising and mentoring. Participate in service to the department, college, university, and community.

CSULB seeks to recruit faculty who enthusiastically support the University’s strong commitment to the academic success of all of our students, including students of color, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and students of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions. CSULB seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the People of California, to maintain the excellence of the University, and to offer our students a rich variety of expertise, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

Information on excellent benefits package available to CSULB faculty is located here:

http://www.calstate.edu/hr/benefits/documents/cfa-unit-3-benefits-summary.pdf

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION:

• An Equity and Diversity Statement about your teaching or other experiences, successes, and challenges in working with a diverse student population (maximum two pages, single-spaced). For further information and guidelines, please visit: http://www.csulb.edu/EquityDiversityStatement
• Letter of application addressing the required and preferred qualifications
• CV (including current email address)
• Names and contact information for three references
• Copy of transcript from institution awarding highest degree
• Teaching Statement describing your philosophy and experiences in teaching a diverse student population
• Research Statement describing your research accomplishments and future plans
• Finalists will also be required to submit a signed SC-1 form, three current letters of recommendation, and an official transcript

Applications and required documentation shall be submitted through Academic Jobs Online at: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/14515

Requests for information should be addressed to:

Dr. Shadnaz Asgari, Chair California State University, Long Beach Department of Biomedical Engineering 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90840-8306, (562) 985 2849 or shadnaz.asgari [at] csulb.edu (shadnaz[dot]asgari[at]csulb[dot]edu)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Review of applications to begin January 6, 2020 Position opened until filled (or recruitment canceled)

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

A background check (including a criminal record check and telephone reference check with most recent employer) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

____________

CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, medical condition, age, Vietnam era veteran status, or any other veteran's status. CSULB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN THE PAGANETTI LAB - MGH

Open Position for a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Paganetti Lab at MGH

We seek a postdoctoral fellow with a strong background in physics or computer science for an innovative research project at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology (Physics Division). Experience in coding (e.g., CUDA, C++, python) is expected.

The successful candidate will work on the development of on-line adaptive proton therapy. We plan to achieve this goal by simultaneously developing fast hardware and GPU based software tools that take advantage of in-room prompt gamma and cone-beam CT imaging in combination with fast Monte Carlo dose calculation. We will combine this technology with a novel framework for treatment optimization in intensity-modulated proton therapy.

MGH is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity highly and encourage international and minority candidates to apply.

To apply, please email your CV and arrange for 3 letters of recommendations to be sent.

Harald Paganetti, PhD FAAPM
Professor and Director of Physics Research
Department of Radiation Oncology
Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
100 Blossom St
Boston, MA 02114
hpaganetti [at] mgh.harvard.edu (hpaganetti[at]mgh[dot]harvard[dot]edu)

PROJECT OPENING: GEORGE CHURCH LAB

George Church Lab (http://arep.med.harvard.edu/gmc/) - Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and Harvard Medical School, affiliated with Harvard-MIT HST, Broad Institute, MIT Media Lab

Project: Haplotype-aware de novo assembly of related individuals

Scientific question. Humans are diploid, and hence there exist two versions of each chromosome, one inherited from the mother and the other from the father. Determining the DNA sequences of these two chromosomal copies---called haplotypes ---is important for many applications ranging from population history to clinical questions. Existing sequencing technologies cannot read a chromosome from start to end, but instead deliver small pieces of sequence (called reads ). Like in a jigsaw puzzle, the underlying genome sequences are reconstructed from the reads by finding the overlaps between them. However, current standard approaches cannot produce the sequences of both haplotypes but “collapse” them to obtain one consensus sequence. We develop algorithms to solve the genome assembly for diploids, that is, “to simultaneously solve two jigsaw puzzles with very similar yet different images”. Furthermore, we want to incorporate the pedigree information in the underlying model to generate diploid assemblies for related individuals. At the application side, the main question is how much read data is required for related individuals as opposed to single individual.

Approach. Due to the sequencing errors in the reads, heterozygous and repetitive genomic regions, the assembly problem is challenging. Over the past few decades, researchers solved it by casting it as an overlap graph problem, where nodes are the reads and edges represent the overlap between reads. To detect regions where the two haplotypes differ (called heterozygosity), we look for simple local structures called bubbles. A bubble is a type of directed acyclic subgraph with single distinct source and sink vertices that consists of multiple edges (with the same direction) between these pair of vertices. Once bubbles have been identified, they are simplified by removing structures most likely resulting from sequencing errors. The resulting bubbles can then be used to solve the “phasing problem”: find two paths that correspond to the sought haplotypes for every individual in a pedigree.

Tasks.

1. Investigate local structures (bubbles) in assembly graphs.

2. Formalize the problem of removing erroneous structures due to sequencing errors.

3. An efficient algorithm to detect bubbles that represent regions of heterozygosity.

4. Develop an efficient approach for phasing bubble chains in a joint framework for pedigrees

Relevant papers.

1. A graph-based approach to diploid genome assembly, ISMB 2018/Bioinformatics

(https://academic.oup.com/bioinformatics/article/34/13/i105/5045759)

2. Read-based phasing of related individuals, ISMB 2016/ Bioinformatics

(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4908360/)

Requirements.

1. Programming: C++, python, shell scripting

2. Basic knowledge of bioinformatic tools

3. Enthusiasm to solve the problem - Possible to work remotely, with regular meetings on the MIT/Harvard campus.

What you will get:

- Extensive mentorship in computational methods

- Knowledge of how, conceptually, we can solve biological problems using computational methods.

- The opportunity to work in a diverse environment that includes people with vastly different, but complementary skill sets.

- Responsibility and satisfaction of owning your own project.

You will be directly working with postdoc:

Shilpa Garg, Algorithms in Computational Genomics, HMS

Candidates will be called for a short discussion (interview) to access your creativity, reasoning, and problem solving skills.

Please contact Shilpa Garg (shilpa_garg [at] hms.harvard.edu (shilpa_garg[at]hms[dot]harvard[dot]edu), shilpa.garg2k7 [at] gmail.com (shilpa[dot]garg2k7[at]gmail[dot]com)) and include your CV if you’re interested in inventing the future of biology using computational techniques.

POSTDOCTORAL OPENING IN LU LAB - MGH/HMS

A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Hua Jenny Lu at the Renal Division, Department of Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Funding is available for two years, with extended funding possible.  This position will focus on one of these three projects: 1) study beta1 integrin-extracellular matrix signaling in kidney collecting duct epithelial cells that mediates interstitial fibrosis of the kidney; 2) characterize the function of a novel gene in regulating kidney inflammation and podocyte metabolism that contributes to the development of proteinuria kidney diseases. 3) Characterize micro-environmental alteration in calcific vasculopathy in mice and patients of chronic kidney diseases. We are applying in vitro, exo vivo and various animal models using comprehensive and state of the art technologies to interrogate mechanism of kidney injury and repair. 

The candidates should hold a PhD or/and MD degree within biology, cellular, molecular biology and biochemistry, or physiology. Experience with cell culture, basic biochemical techniques, immunocytochemistry, western blotting and qRT-PCR is essential. Experience with animal study is an advantage. Candidate of either US citizen or a green card holder are particularly encouraged to apply. If interested, please submit your CV and contact information for three references to Dr. Jenny Lu at lu.hua [at] mgh.harvard.edu (lu[dot]hua[at]mgh[dot]harvard[dot]edu).

INSIGHT FELLOWS PROGRAMS

Apply to the Insight Fellows Program by February 10: https://apply.insightdatascience.com

The Insight Fellows Programs are tuition-free fellowships for graduating students looking to transition to thriving careers as data scientists, engineers, and other cutting-edge professionals.

Insight Fellows:

- Pay no tuition; the program is fully funded by top companies
- Meet, interview, and join top companies
- Launch a cutting-edge career where the average starting salary is $125K
- Join a network of over 2000 industry leaders

Insight alumni are now working at Facebook, LinkedIn, The New York Times, Apple, Airbnb, Netflix, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Github, Slack, 23andMe, Twitter, Bloomberg, NBC, Pinterest, Microsoft, Wayfair and 700+ other top companies.

Programs:
          - Artificial Intelligence
          - Data Engineering
          - DevOps Engineering
          - Decentralized Consensus
          - Security
          - Data Science*
          - Health Data Science*

*Please note that our programs are open to all degree levels, except our Data Science and Health programs, which have a PhD requirement

Locations:
          -Silicon Valley
          -New York
          -Boston
          -Seattle
          -Toronto
          -Los Angeles
          -Remote Program

Upcoming Deadline & Start Date:

- Application deadline: February 10, 2020 

- Session begins: May 26, 2020

Learn more & apply: https://apply.insightdatascience.com

Not ready to apply? Sign up for our notification list: https://notify.insightdatascience.com/notify

Questions? Email us at info [at] insightdatascience.com (info[at]insightdatascience[dot]com)

LABSHARES NEWTON

We are excited to announce the launch of LabShares Newton, the first collaborative laboratory and biotech incubator in Newton, Massachusetts. LabShares provides a fully equipped laboratory, office space, and shared services to entrepreneurial biotechs without the hassle, lag time, and high upfront costs associated with building and managing their own labs. 

Through participation in the LabShares community, members receive a wide range of benefits and services. LabShares is conveniently located in a light-filled, modern office park near the Charles River -- just 15 minutes from Kendall Square with free parking, a gym, and a Fooda cafeteria.

LabShares is near capacity for its current space and has begun an expansion to double in size. We expect to open our newly renovated second floor in early 2019 and are accepting reservations now.

Check out the links below for more information. If you would like to schedule a tour contact Jenna Stein (jenna [at] labshares.com (jenna[at]labshares[dot]com), 857-222-5817).

LabShares Website

LabShares Press Release

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH)

The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Clinical Research Training and Medical Education offers an extensive range of clinical research training opportunities to prepare the next generation of clinician-scientists. Brief descriptions of the programs are provided below. As world’s largest biomedical research agency, the NIH encourages future clinician-scientists and medical researchers to consider adding an NIH experience to their portfolio.

Graduate Medical Education
NIH currently sponsor 17 medical specialty or subspecialty programs which have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). We also jointly sponsor clinical training programs with extramural training partners, to include Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland, and the National Capital Consortium. In addition, we sponsor numerous "one of kind" translational medicine fellowship training programs. https://cc.nih.gov/training/gme/programs1.html

Clinical Elective Programs
Short term—4 to 12 week—clinically oriented elective rotations for senior medical and dental students; unique mentored specialty/subspecialty clinical research rotations are also available for combined program students (i.e., MD/PhD, DO/PhD). https://cc.nih.gov/training/students/clinical_electives.html

Clinical and Translational Research Course for Ph.D. Students
Two-week intensive introductory course to demonstrate the role of PhD scientists in clinical and translational research, provide an overview and examples of how basic science and clinical observations lead to translational research, and increase awareness and access to Ph.D. role models, research resources, and potential career opportunities at the NIH. https://cc.nih.gov/training/phdcourse/index.html

Postdoctoral Research Training AwardsProvides the opportunity for recent doctoral degree recipients to enhance their research skills in the resource-rich National Institutes of Health (NIH) environment, which consists of more than 1200 laboratories/research projects. https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/postdoc_irp

Graduate Partnerships Program
This program is designed to bring PhD graduate students to the NIH Intramural Research Program for dissertation research. https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/gpp

Core Curriculum in Clinical Research
Free courses offered include: Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (IPPCR); Principles of Clinical Pharmacology (PCP); and Ethical and Regulatory Aspects of Clinical Research. These courses are offered as distance learning courses. https://cc.nih.gov/training/training1.html

IIE EU - U.S.  EDUCATION COOPERATION FOR RESEARCHERS

For information on EU – U.S. cooperation in doctoral and postdoctoral education opportunities for U.S. researchers and organizations. Visit IIE online at www.iie.org. Please contact the programs directly for additional information or with any questions you may have.

A quote from a recent Fulbright U.S. student, "My advice to Fulbrighters of the future is that which was given to me. Go at it with an open mind; your experience will not be anything like you predicted and will mark you indelibly, but it will be great."

MCKINSEY & COMPANY: 2020 POSITIONS

Learn
Please visit our Advanced Professional Degree Showcase site for more information about offices & practices, diversity & inclusion, and recruiting timelines geared toward Advanced Professional Degree candidates.

You may also be interested in exploring our Careers quiz to learn more about roles available that match your skill set and interests.

Apply
Please apply on McKinsey's career website for the following opportunities:

• 2020 full time Associate role: PhDs, postdocs, MDs, JDs, and master's degree* candidates who plan to complete their program between December 2019 and December 2020 (or 2021 for MDs only)
• 2020 Summer Associate intern role: JDs only who are graduating in 2021
• 2020 MD Fellow role: Medical students who are entering their third year of school (2021 graduates)

If you have a passion for digital and technology topics, consider joining Digital McKinsey by selecting Digital McKinsey (and an office) in the office preference section of the Associate application.

*If you are pursuing a masters degree and have earned an undergraduate degree fewer than four years ago, you will join as a business analyst. If you hold a bachelors degree and have at least four years of work experience, or completed or expect to complete your master's degree within four years of receiving your bachelor's degree, you will join as an associate.

Prepare
We want you to succeed in the interview process and believe you have the skills to do so. We provide support to all candidates who interview with us. You can find more information about our interview process, including practice cases on our careers website.

MIT ALUMNI ADVISORS HUB - ADVISING OPPORTUNITY FOR MIT STUDENTS

The MIT Alumni Advisors Hub is an online platform that students can use to ask for advice when they need it—from MIT alumni around the world. Students can get advice on their job and internship search, conduct a mock interview or informational interview, explore career paths and future entrepreneurial pursuits, and navigating life at MIT.

Sign up to gain access to a community of alumni who are eager to share their advice at https://alumniadvisors.mit.edu/.

Find an advisor today!

UPCOMING MIT CAREER FAIRS

Find out more information about career fairs here at MIT.

​GENIUSMESH JOB SEARCH PLATFORM

We all know that 75-80% of the jobs are not posted anywhere and most of these jobs are filled through referrals and networking. It takes months to network and find the right opportunities. Neerja Bharti, Sloan EMBA 15 has launched GeniusMesh to solve that particular problem within the MIT ecosystem.

GeniusMesh is a trusted job search platform that connects MIT AlumCos (companies founded or with current alumni) with MIT candidates looking for Sr. Manager to Executive roles. Being a trusted site for both parties, finding the right candidate for an existing job search or future potential opportunity becomes easy. You would be able to find a contract, contract to hire or full-time opportunities faster. Both local, as well as international candidates, would be able to take advantage of our platform.

“Our ultimate goal is to create an intimate and trusted hiring environment by making it easier for any MIT-affiliated graduate to connect with the right companies, and alums to find top talent faster”

Please sign up and let us know what you are looking for and we will bring the right opportunities to you. You would also be able to search part-time and full-time jobs in stealth mode. We don’t share your profile without your permission.

Joining the platform today will just take a couple of minutes! www.geniusmesh.com

Please contact Neerja directly at Neerja [at] geniusmesh.com (Neerja[at]geniusmesh[dot]com) if you have any questions.

MIT'S IGRAD FINANCIAL LITERACY & CAREER RESOURCES PORTAL

The OGE sponsors MIT's iGrad financial literacy portal, with resources to help with financial support.

The iGrad Financial Literacy platform (offered for free to the entire MIT community in collaboration with the MIT Federal Credit Union) is customized for MIT with videos, articles, games,  job board, searchable scholarship database, and interactive modules on a wide range of topics, including emergency-funding, credit card management, identity protection, spending smarts, etc. it is a great financial literacy tool for students and the MIT community in general.

More information can be found at oge.mit.edu/finances.      

GRADUATE STUDENT CAREER EVENTS - WEBSITE & CALENDAR

For those who are looking for other resources, recordings of career related workshops and sessions for grad students available here: http://capd.mit.edu

The CAPD Event calendar can be found here. 

Sign up for the Graduate Student Career Advising mailing list here.

CAPD OFFERS THE VERSATILE PHD RESOURCE TOOL

MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) is pleased to announce MIT’s subscription to The Versatile PhD, a web-based resource for PhDs considering careers beyond academia. Our subscription, generously supported by OGE, can be accessed by students and alumni via CAPD’s webpage and student CareerBridge accounts. Once students register, they can simply log in to the site directly (www.versatilephd.com) 

MIT CAREERBRIDGE

There are hundreds of jobs and internships now posted on CareerBridge, under both the Job Search and the On-Campus Interviews tabs. Check both tabs and apply as soon as possible.

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