All posts by natasha orr

PDA Receives Funding For Postdoc Wellbeing

Excited to announce that the PDA has received funding from the UBC Wellbeing Strategic Initiative Fund!

This project (“Light Up: Igniting Postdoctoral Resilience at UBC“) aims to capture comprehensive data relating to UBC postdocs’ wellbeing through a survey to evaluate and track the mental wellbeing of postdocs to inform actionable strategies for improvement.

https://wellbeing.ubc.ca/examples-and-research/announcing-funded-teaching-learning-research-wellbeing-projects-ubc-vancouver

More details to come!

UBC PDA Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2024

At this hybrid AGM we will review the 2023-2024 year, talk about PDA operations and elect officers for the 2024-2025 term. Importantly, there will be the opportunity for attendees to learn more about the PDA and to network with other postdocs.

All postdocs are invited!

When: Monday March 25th, 4:00pm-5:00pm (5:00pm-6:00pm in-person social).

Where: Room 1312 – Life Sciences Institute (LSI), 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver. (virtual option available)

 

We are excited to announce the call for nominations for candidates to be part of the UBC Postdoctoral Association’s (PDA) 2024-2025 Executive Team!

 

Do you want to join the PDA as an elected officer?

The PDA is run by Elected Volunteer Officers (the President and 7 Vice-Presidents). All 8 positions will be elected for the 2024-2025 year at the AGM.

The positions include:

President
VP Operations
VP External
VP Communications
VP Social
VP Finance
VP Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

!NEW! VP Wellbeing
The VP wellbeing will lead the implementation and analysis of wellbeing surveys, organize events, and share important resources. The VP wellbeing will also collaborate with UBC Wellbeing to shape initiatives that promote a healthy and supportive environment for Postdocs.
*Disclaimer: This position is subject to be officially added to the bylaws during the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

**More detail about each position can be found at the bottom of this post.**
All elected officers are expected to attend the majority of monthly PDA executive meetings, as well as a monthly meeting with the Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO) to report about the PDA’s operations and discuss issues relevant to the PDA and postdoc community at UBC. Also, elected officers are expected to help organize the PDA’s events (3-Minute Postdoc Slam, Postdoctoral Research Day, seminars in general).

 

How to submit a nomination (DUE March 22):
To indicate your interest in running for an officer position, please download a copy of the nomination form, which can be found here, and e-mail us (ubc.postdoc@gmail.com) your completed nomination package and the position you are interested in. (For technical reasons, please download a copy of the registration form and e-mail it to us rather than filling it out immediately after opening).

 

Do you want to join the PDA as an executive member (non-elected position)?

We are always looking for new members to help us organize our events and provide new ideas! Just get in touch with us via e-mail and/or get a feel for what we do by joining our next meeting.

 

Why you should join the UBC PDA:
– Represent the postdoc community
– Gain leadership and management experience
– Organize professional development, research and networking events
– Interact with big-name academics, advocates, and UBC leadership

________________

Roles of the Elected PDA Members:


The UBC PDA President shall:

Act as the public face of the PDA to:

  1. Speak on behalf of the PDA at the Postdoctoral Fellows Office’s orientation for new postdocs and wherever appropriate
  2. Understand the needs of PDA members and ensure equal representation across departments

Be responsible for meetings of the PDA Executive members to:

  1. Set up regular PDA meetings (via doodle poll) and arrange virtual meetings/ a suitable venue on or off campus
  2. Chair and set the agenda for meetings
  3. Ensure proper operation of the meetings
  4. Take minutes at meetings, or designate a member to do so
  5. Manage copies of the minutes, agendas, and any other materials

Be responsible for the execution of decisions by the PDA Executives

Lead the Annual General Meeting and PDA Elections

Work together with the VP-Communications to:

  1. Direct content for communication to members of the UBC postdoc community
  2. Manage and update the website
  3. Respond to emails
  4. Direct the advertisement of PDA events.

Work together with the VP-External to:

  1. Collaborate and communicate with the Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Scholars
  2. Raise awareness of postdoctoral issues and find avenues of support
  3. Organize career-focused events for postdocs

Work together with the VP-Social to create a calendar of social events and ensure a broad outreach.

Work together with the VP-Operations to:

  1. Liaise effectively with the UBC Postdoctoral Fellows Office and Dean’s Office
  2. Represent the PDA during meetings with UBC faculty, staff and administrators
  3. Coordinate the Executive Members of the PDA
  4. Organize the annual Postdoc Research Day

Work together with the VP-Finance to:

  1. Ensure responsible stewardship over the annual budget when planning events
  2. Be aware of revenue outflow and inflow

Work together with the VP-External and all elected and non-elected PDA executive members to ensure that the PDA’s advocacy agenda is driven forward and communicated to the appropriate representatives of the UBC administration. The advocacy/ outreach includes (but is not limited to) an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion agenda, as well as a discussion about working conditions for postdocs and concerns that postdocs face

**President and/or VP-External may have the opportunity to attend the annual CAPA/CAPS Meeting or the CSPC meeting. 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Operations shall:

  1. Organize professional development activities for postdocs together with the VP-External, President and the whole executive team.
  2. The VP-Operations is in the lead of organizing non-social UBC PDA events for postdocs (such as the annual Postdoc Research Day), with the help of the executive team.
  3. Attend and participate in meetings of the PDA executive members
  4. Assist in all PDA executive members plan and ensure smooth running of the organization
  5. Assist the President and VP-Communications in answering e-mails and updating the PDA’s website
  6. Perform duties of the President, in the event of absence or illness of the President
  7. Work with the President, VP-External and VP-Communications to identify and collect job postings of interest for postdocs

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-External shall:

  1. Raise the voice of UBC postdoctoral fellows at regional and national platforms through participation and dialogues with the Canadian Association for Postdoctoral Scholars (CAPS-ACSP)
  2. Build and promote alliance with various BC industrial sectors to create opportunities for researchers outside academia. The VP-External is in the lead of organizing career-focused events for postdocs (such as Career Networking Events), with the help of the executive team.
  3. Work closely together with the SFU (Simon Fraser University) PDA and other trainee-led organizations in the Vancouver area, as well as the UBC Okanagan PDA, to organize joint events and facilitate networking
  4. Work with CAPS-ACSP to create and sustain dialogue with legislators to acknowledge the role of postdoctoral fellows and research associates to Canadian economy
  5. Address or raise awareness for issues relevant to postdoctoral fellows and research associates
  6. Work with the UBC PDA executive team and liaise with its partners
  7. Work with the President, VP-Operations and VP-Communications to identify and collect job postings of interest for postdocs

**President and/or VP-External may have the opportunity to attend the annual CAPA/CAPS Meeting or the CSPC meeting.

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Communications shall:

  1. Be responsible for the development of the communication strategy
  2. Manage communication activities that promote, enhance, and protect the PDA’s brand reputation, including running the PDA’s social media accounts, slack community and website
  3. Assist the President and VP-Operations in replying to e-mails
  4. Responsible for curating and disseminating news items relevant to UBC postdocs in the form of a monthly PDA newsletter, with the help of the President
  5. The VP-Communications is in the lead of organizing the annual 3 Minute Postdoc Slam, with the help of the executive team
  6. Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare presentations and other supporting material as needed during events
  7. Promote events
  8. Support the communications needs of the PDA and the Postdoctoral Fellows Office
  9. Work with the President, VP-Operations and VP-External to identify and collect job postings of interest for postdocs

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Social shall:

  1. Attend and participate in the three PDFO orientations each year, during which the VP Social shall advertise the PDA to the new postdocs and deliver a short presentation about “Getting to know Vancouver”
  2. Lead the planning, advertising and execution of social and networking events for postdocs, including
    1. Regular social events (around 1/month) for the postdoc community (virtual or in-person)
    2. The annual Whistler trip (organize to/from Whistler and reserve accommodation at the UBC lodge or a hostel of choice)
    3. Organize the Holiday party (venue reservation and run games e.g. “white elephant”)
  3. Work with the VP Finance and President to set a budget for the monthly social events

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Finance shall:

  1. Draft an annual budget for submission to UBC
  2. Oversee correct use and spending of the UBC PDA budget and liaise with the Postdoctoral Fellows Office
  3. Maintain up-to-date records pertaining to PDA finances
  4. Be responsible for liasing with the PDA’s banking institution and preparing cheques for reimbursements
  5. Help organize events (3-Minute Postdoc Slam, Postdoctoral Research Day, seminars in general)
  6. Arrange for an annual audit of the PDA finances at the end of the fiscal year

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Equity, Diversity and Inclusion shall:

  1. Call EDI subcommittee meetings
  2. Set agenda for the EDI subcommittee meetings
  3. Be responsible for the distribution of resources (via Slack, Twitter, Newsletter) in collaboration with VP Communications
  4. Relay EDI information from CAPS (Canada Association of Postdoctoral Scholars) and work with CAPS on a national level
  5. Oversee and take the lead in planning of EDI-related events

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP Wellbeing shall:

  1. Lead the implementation and analysis of wellbeing surveys, organize events, and share important resources
  2. Collaborate with UBC Wellbeing to shape initiatives that promote a healthy and supportive environment for Postdocs

*Disclaimer: This position is subject to be officially added to the bylaws during the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

 

Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) Events

On October 18th 2023, we welcome Dr. Guofang Li to discuss her research in the Faculty of Education, including her work on linguistic diversity. This will include a Q&A with Dr. Li on thriving as a postdoc.

On November 29th 2023, we welcome Dr. Maria Hubinette to discuss a framework for thinking about EDI in different aspects of research, as well as systemic and organizational barriers and biases for early career researchers.

Both events will take place in LSI 4301, from 12:00PM-1:30PM.

We hope to see you at both events! Lunch will be provided.

Register for one or both events here:
https://qualtricsxmrnv72wb33.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1LZG085hIxyldpY

UBC Postdoc Research Day – Register and Submit an Abstract Now!

Do you want to learn about the Vancouver research and industry ecosystem? Do you want to share your research? Do you want to connect with your peers? Do you want to win awesome prizes? If so, then register for UBC Postdoc Research Day now!

When: December 14, 2023 (Thursday)
Where: Life Sciences Institute (2350 Health Sciences Mall, UBC Vancouver) and virtual

https://qualtricsxmrnv72wb33.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dbrQEvWasEAYzqu
***Deadline for abstract submission is November 16th.
***Deadline for registration is December 11th.

3-Minute Postdoc Slam!

Do you want to strengthen your skills in science communication? Do you want to share your research in a brief 3 minute presentation? Do you want to hear about the amazing research other UBC postdocs are doing? Then join us for the PDA 3-Minute Postdoc Slam (3MPS)!

When: Monday September 18th, 4-6pm (evening reception from 6-8pm)
Where: Life Sciences Institute, room 1003
Who: All UBC Vancouver postdocs are welcome.

Register and submit an abstract now (deadline September 1st):
https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0x0H6O0EtpO1Az4

 

UBC PDA Annual General Meeting and Election

At this hybrid AGM we will review the 2022-2023 year, talk about PDA operations and elect officers for the 2023-2024 term. Importantly, there will be the opportunity for attendees to learn more about the PDA and to network with other postdocs.

All postdocs are invited!

When: Friday March 31st, 4:00pm-6:00pm.

Where: Room 1312 – Life Sciences Institute (LSI), 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver. (virtual option available)

Register Now: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_erPD57glHZORhk2 

We are excited to announce the call for nominations for candidates to be part of the UBC Postdoctoral Association’s (PDA) 2023-2024 Executive Team!

 

Do you want to join the PDA as an elected officer?

The PDA is run by Elected Volunteer Officers (the President and 6 Vice-Presidents). All 7 positions will be elected for the 2023-2024 year at the AGM.

The 7 positions include:

President
VP Operations
VP External
VP Communications
VP Social
VP Finance
VP Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

More detail about each position can be found at the bottom of this post.
All elected officers are expected to attend the majority of monthly PDA executive meetings, as well as a monthly meeting with the Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO) to report about the PDA’s operations and discuss issues relevant to the PDA and postdoc community at UBC. Also, elected officers are expected to help organize the PDA’s events (3-Minute Postdoc Slam, Postdoctoral Research Day, seminars in general).

 

How to submit a nomination (DUE March 24th):
To indicate your interest in running for an officer position, please download a copy of the nomination form, which can be found here, and e-mail us (ubc.postdoc@gmail.com) your completed nomination package and the position you are interested in. (For technical reasons, please download a copy of the registration form and e-mail it to us rather than filling it out immediately after opening).

 

Do you want to join the PDA as an executive member (non-elected position)?

We are always looking for new members to help us organize our events and provide new ideas! Just get in touch with us via e-mail and/or get a feel for what we do by joining our next meeting.

 

Why you should join the UBC PDA:
– Represent the postdoc community
– Gain leadership and management experience
– Organize professional development, research and networking events
– Interact with big-name academics, advocates, and UBC leadership

________________

Roles of the Elected PDA Members:


The UBC PDA President shall:

Act as the public face of the PDA to:

  1. Speak on behalf of the PDA at the Postdoctoral Fellows Office’s orientation for new postdocs and wherever appropriate
  2. Understand the needs of PDA members and ensure equal representation across departments

Be responsible for meetings of the PDA Executive members to:

  1. Set up regular PDA meetings (via doodle poll) and arrange virtual meetings/ a suitable venue on or off campus
  2. Chair and set the agenda for meetings
  3. Ensure proper operation of the meetings
  4. Take minutes at meetings, or designate a member to do so
  5. Manage copies of the minutes, agendas, and any other materials

Be responsible for the execution of decisions by the PDA Executives

Lead the Annual General Meeting and PDA Elections

Work together with the VP-Communications to:

  1. Direct content for communication to members of the UBC postdoc community
  2. Manage and update the website
  3. Respond to emails
  4. Direct the advertisement of PDA events.

Work together with the VP-External to:

  1. Collaborate and communicate with the Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Scholars
  2. Raise awareness of postdoctoral issues and find avenues of support
  3. Organize career-focused events for postdocs

Work together with the VP-Social to create a calendar of social events and ensure a broad outreach.

Work together with the VP-Operations to:

  1. Liaise effectively with the UBC Postdoctoral Fellows Office and Dean’s Office
  2. Represent the PDA during meetings with UBC faculty, staff and administrators
  3. Coordinate the Executive Members of the PDA
  4. Organize the annual Postdoc Research Day

Work together with the VP-Finance to:

  1. Ensure responsible stewardship over the annual budget when planning events
  2. Be aware of revenue outflow and inflow

Work together with the VP-External and all elected and non-elected PDA executive members to ensure that the PDA’s advocacy agenda is driven forward and communicated to the appropriate representatives of the UBC administration. The advocacy/ outreach includes (but is not limited to) an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion agenda, as well as a discussion about working conditions for postdocs and concerns that postdocs face

**President and/or VP-External may have the opportunity to attend the annual CAPA/CAPS Meeting or the CSPC meeting. Currently, the President is the postdoctoral representative on a UBC wide EDI committee that is running till 2022.

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Operations shall:

  1. Organize professional development activities for postdocs together with the VP-External, President and the whole executive team.
  2. The VP-Operations is in the lead of organizing non-social UBC PDA events for postdocs (such as the annual Postdoc Research Day), with the help of the executive team.
  3. Attend and participate in meetings of the PDA executive members
  4. Assist in all PDA executive members plan and ensure smooth running of the organization
  5. Assist the President and VP-Communications in answering e-mails and updating the PDA’s website
  6. Perform duties of the President, in the event of absence or illness of the President
  7. Work with the President, VP-External and VP-Communications to identify and collect job postings of interest for postdocs

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-External shall:

  1. Raise the voice of UBC postdoctoral fellows at regional and national platforms through participation and dialogues with the Canadian Association for Postdoctoral Scholars (CAPS-ACSP)
  2. Build and promote alliance with various BC industrial sectors to create opportunities for researchers outside academia. The VP-External is in the lead of organizing career-focused events for postdocs (such as Career Networking Events), with the help of the executive team.
  3. Work closely together with the SFU (Simon Fraser University) PDA and other trainee-led organizations in the Vancouver area, as well as the UBC Okanagan PDA, to organize joint events and facilitate networking
  4. Work with CAPS-ACSP to create and sustain dialogue with legislators to acknowledge the role of postdoctoral fellows and research associates to Canadian economy
  5. Address or raise awareness for issues relevant to postdoctoral fellows and research associates
  6. Work with the UBC PDA executive team and liaise with its partners
  7. Work with the President, VP-Operations and VP-Communications to identify and collect job postings of interest for postdocs

**President and/or VP-External may have the opportunity to attend the annual CAPA/CAPS Meeting or the CSPC meeting.

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Communications shall:

  1. Be responsible for the development of the communication strategy
  2. Manage communication activities that promote, enhance, and protect the PDA’s brand reputation, including running the PDA’s social media accounts, slack community and website
  3. Assist the President and VP-Operations in replying to e-mails
  4. Responsible for curating and disseminating news items relevant to UBC postdocs in the form of a monthly PDA newsletter, with the help of the President
  5. The VP-Communications is in the lead of organizing the annual 3 Minute Postdoc Slam, with the help of the executive team
  6. Exercise judgment to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare presentations and other supporting material as needed during events
  7. Promote events
  8. Support the communications needs of the PDA and the Postdoctoral Fellows Office
  9. Work with the President, VP-Operations and VP-External to identify and collect job postings of interest for postdocs

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Social shall:

  1. Attend and participate in the three PDFO orientations each year, during which the VP Social shall advertise the PDA to the new postdocs and deliver a short presentation about “Getting to know Vancouver”
  2. Lead the planning, advertising and execution of social and networking events for postdocs, including
    1. Regular social events (around 1/month) for the postdoc community (virtual or in-person)
    2. The annual Whistler trip (organize to/from Whistler and reserve accommodation at the UBC lodge or a hostel of choice)
    3. Organize the Holiday party (venue reservation and run games e.g. “white elephant”)
  3. Work with the VP Finance and President to set a budget for the monthly social events

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Finance shall:

  1. Draft an annual budget for submission to UBC
  2. Oversee correct use and spending of the UBC PDA budget and liaise with the Postdoctoral Fellows Office
  3. Maintain up-to-date records pertaining to PDA finances
  4. Be responsible for liasing with the PDA’s banking institution and preparing cheques for reimbursements
  5. Help organize events (3-Minute Postdoc Slam, Postdoctoral Research Day, seminars in general)
  6. Arrange for an annual audit of the PDA finances at the end of the fiscal year

 

________________
The UBC PDA VP-Equity, Diversity and Inclusion shall:

  1. Call EDI subcommittee meetings
  2. Set agenda for the EDI subcomittee meetings
  3. Be responsible for the distribution of resources (via Slack, Twitter, Newsletter) in collaboration with VP Communications
  4. Relay EDI information from CAPS (Canada Association of Postdoctoral Scholars) and work with CAPS on a national level
  5. Oversee and take the lead in planning of EDI-related events

 

Postdoc Research Day 2022!

Hey UBC Postdocs! :loudspeaker: Join us for Postdoc Research Day on Dec 6th, 2022! 

Do you want to share your research? Do you want to connect with your peers? Are you excited to learn about successful interdisciplinary collaboration and implementing equity, diversity, and inclusion in your research? Do you want to win awesome prizes? If so, then submit an abstract and register for Postdoc Research Day!

When: December 6, 2022 (Tuesday); 9:00 am-6:00 pm; Evening Reception from 6:00-8:00 pm

Where: Life Sciences Institute (2350 Health Sciences Mall), UBC Vancouver

Who can attend: All UBC postdocs, graduate students, and RAs (Registration required)

Who can present: All UBC postdocs

Register herehttps://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6m0SGIf0OBE333E
Submit an abstract (250 words max) using the link above.
Deadline for abstract submission: November 18, 2022, 11:59 pm PT