Insider's Tips on Writing Fundable Grant Proposals

The presentation and discussion are aimed at those who have started or plan to apply for grant or fellowship funding. Many tips on the essential elements of various components of successful grant proposals will be highlighted, with particular emphasis on clarity and connecting these pieces into one irresistible proposal. Dr. El-Fakahany has been successful in garnering external funding for his research program during the past two decades, and has served on numerous national and international grant review panels.

Date: February 6, 2003
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: 2-650 Moos Tower

Searching for Research Funding

Utilizing the Internet, participants will learn how to search for extramural research funding, with an emphasis on the NIH. An introduction to the NIH review process will also be included.

Date: February 26, 2003
Time: 2:45 - 4:15 pm
Location: 2-650 Moos Tower

Effective Preparation for Future Job Hunting; It's Never Too Early to Start

The workshop emphasizes the need to embark on preparing for future job hunting once you start your postdoctoral training. Thus, it should be helpful to postdocs at all stages of training. The following points will be discussed: a) What types of jobs are out there?; b) What is the job(s) of your dream?; c) What are the skills you need to start developing NOW to enhance your chances of landing this job in the future?; d) How should you approach developing these skills?

Date: March 24, 2003
Time: 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Location: 2470 Phillips Wagensteen Building

Effective Interviewing Skills in Academia and Industry

The following topics will be covered:

• Interviewing: Academia
  • Institutional Fit
    • Determining Where to Apply
    • Tailoring Your Application
  • The Interview
    • What to Expect
    • How to Prepare
    • Interview Format
    • Questions You Might Be Asked
    • Questions You Might Want to Ask
• Interviewing: Industry
  • Screening process
  • Handling difficult questions
  • Group vs. individual interviews

Date: April 28, 2003
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Location: 101 Fraser Hall

How do I decide if this job offer is the one I want?

The presentation/discussion panel is composed of a group of faculty in different fields, a research scientist in industry and a University expert in faculty recruitment. The workshop will cover various criteria one should look for before they decide if a job offer fits their career and life aspirations. It will also help one to compare different employment opportunities. The main goal is to enable one to make an educated decision that would minimize unforeseen surprises that would surface only after accepting the job.

The following issues will be discussed:

• Professional resources
  • Research interests and caliber in the hiring department
  • Technical and intellectual resources in the hiring department
  • Resources and caliber of the entire college, institution or company
  • Professional development opportunities and support
  • Local professional resources
• Other institutional resources
  • Spouse/partner employment assistance (policies, opportunities and assistance)
  • Health/retirement benefits
  • Relocation assistance
  • Housing, parking, recreation
  • Child care
• Institutional/departmental culture
  • Collaborations, collegiality
  • Administrative culture
  • Other institutional culture issues: Domestic partners, diversity, women's resources, and work/life balance
• Community fit
  • Location and culture
  • Housing, cost of living
  • Safety, commuting
  • Schools, child care
  • Entertainment

Date: May 21, 2003
Time: 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Location: 101 Fraser Hall