Paint along with Bob Ross!

Join us for a fun virtual paint-along with Bob Ross! Show, or discover, your painting skills and connect with other postdocs! There will also be a bingo with awesome prizes!!

When – Thursday, February 4 at 6:30 pm
Where – At home, via zoom

Don’t have any paint supplies? Don’t worry, we will provide them! Please indicate below if you like to pick them up at the available locations or prefer delivery (for delivery, please provide an address). If you live outside the lower mainland and need paint supplies, please get in touch with us at ubc.postdoc@gmail.com before registering.

Partner, kids, roommates, pets… are all welcome! Please let us know how many people are participating, so we can deliver paint supplies for everyone. We will provide a smaller canvas for younger children.

Register Here!

We will e-mail a zoom link to all participants who have successfully signed up closer to the date. Register fast as spots are limited!

Holiday Socials

We know the holidays may look differently this year and many of us may not be travelling to visit loved ones. With this in mind, we have organized several socials throughout the holiday season to help keep the postdoctoral community together during this time. Join us for Winter Trivia Night on December 17th, a Virtual Holiday Happy Hour for cocktails and cookies on December 23rd and Virtual Holiday Board Games on December 25th.

Winter Trivia

Join us for our SFU/UBC PDA Winter Trivia Night on Zoom.

When: 6pm on Thursday, Dec 17
Where: Join from the comfort of your own home

“Bring” you own snacks/drinks and we will provide an entertaining Winter-themed Trivia night to get you into the holiday spirit! We will try to make teams with diverse backgrounds for a fun, social night.

There will be prizes for the winning team and runner-up!

This is an inclusive event, so friends/roommates/partners/pets/kids/… are welcome!

Register Here!


Cocktail and Cookie Holiday Happy Hour

Join us for our UBC/SFU PDA Cocktail and Cookie Holiday Happy Hour and get into the holiday spirit!

When: Wednesday Dec 23, 6-9 pm
Where: At home, via zoom

Let’s cozy up with some nice, warm drinks and sweets, and get together virtually this holiday season – in which we all could use some joy!

We will send a link with recipes for drinks (non alcoholic and alcoholic options) and cookies in advance of the event for whomever likes to get busy in the kitchen, either before or during the happy hour(s)!

This is an inclusive event, so feel free to bring your festive friends, partners and pets!

Register Here!


Holiday Board Games

Let’s get together virtually for online board games! Not able to go home for the holidays or celebrate with friends? Join us for fun virtual games and make some new friends!

When: Friday Dec 25, 1:30-3:30pm
Where: At home, via zoom

This is an inclusive event, everyone is welcome!

Register Here!

Announcing the Postdoctoral Fellows Research Day 2021

Virtual Postdoc Research Day on Monday, January 18th, 2021

We are excited to announce that our biggest event of the year is coming up! Please join us for Postdoc Research Day, an all-day event featuring:

  • Research talks by UBC Vancouver and Okanagan Postdocs across diverse disciplines
  • Two amazing Keynote Speakers: Dr. Connie Eaves (UBC Professor, Medical Genetics) and Dr. Allen Eaves (CEO, STEMCELL Technologies) talking about their experiences in academic and industry career paths.
  • Two Career Panels, with one focusing on the academic job search and the other centering on non-academic careers.
  • Brief message from Dr. Gail C. Murphy, Vice-President Research & Innovation, and Dr. Peter Simpson, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies (Okanagan)
  • Postdoc Town Hall, where the PDA would love to hear about your experience as a postdoc, especially how the pandemic has affected you. We will also be sharing the results of our COVID-19 Research Curtailment Survey and how we are working to advocate for you.

When: Monday, January 18th, 2021 at 9:30am – 6:00pm

Where: online via Zoom (those that register will receive the Zoom meeting link and information prior to the event)

This is a free event! Register Here!

Research Talks

Everyone is welcome! Join us for an exciting interdisciplinary event hearing about the amazing work by postdocs across the UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses.

Registration is necessary to attend and present. Click here to register!

 

Keynote Lecture

We are excited to introduce Dr. Connie and Allen Eaves as our Keynote Speakers. They will be sharing their career paths and experiences in academia and industry, respectively.

Connie Eaves

Dr. Connie Eaves, PhD FRS(C) Corresp FRS(Edinburgh), is a Professor of Medical Genetics at UBC and Distinguished Scientist at the BC Cancer Research Institute. Her research over several decades, with more than 500 published papers, has advanced our understanding of stem cell biology and cancer development in blood and mammary cells, with important implications for improving cancer treatment. She has received numerous national and international awards and honours, not only for her scientific contributions but also for her role as a national leader, dedicated mentor and valued collaborator in the pursuit of new understanding of cell regulation that will stand the test of time and enable the more effective diagnosis and management of human disease.

Allen Eaves

Dr. Allen Eaves, OBC MD PhD FRCPC, was the founding Director of the Terry Fox Laboratory and Head of Clinical Hematology at UBC. Professor Emeritus of Hematology since 2006, he has devoted himself to building STEMCELL Technologies Inc, which he founded in 1993 to provide standardized reagents for stem cell, regenerative medicine and cancer research. Always profitable, and with 97% of its sales outside of Canada, STEMCELL is Canada’s largest biotech company with ~1500 employees and a global network of sales offices and distribution centres. Dr. Eaves is passionate about creating rewarding employment for those who love science.

 

Career Panels

This year, we will have two concurrent career panels. One will be focused on the academic job search while the other panel will be centered on non-academic careers. Come with any questions you have and hear from several panelists in these fields as they discuss their experience transitioning from a Postdoc, the application process, and more!

Academic Panel:

Non-Academic Panel:

 

Brief Message from Dr. Gail C. Murphy and Dr. Peter Simpson

Don’t miss Dr. Gail Murphy, Vice-President Research & Innovation, and Dr. Peter Simpson, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies (Okanagan) as they join us during Research Day to share a brief statement about the UBC postdoc community.

Postdoc Town Hall

The UBC PDA wants to hear from you! As the independent organization working to represent all UBC postdoctoral fellows and advocate on their behalf, the PDA would love to hear about your experience as a postdoc. We especially would like to hear about how the pandemic has affected you. We will be sharing the results of our COVID-19 Research Curtailment Survey that was launched this summer and the ways we are working to address the concerns you voiced in that survey. We would also love to hear about other experiences you have as a postdoc: How are you liking our virtual or physically-distanced socials? Are you satisfied with your professional development opportunities? How about that extended benefits package? Come chat with the PDA exec team and help us prepare an advocacy agenda that represents you!

 

A Note on the Virtual Format

Each year, the Postdoc Research Day is not only a professional development opportunity, it is also a great venue for networking, meeting and socializing with other postdocs. While it will be virtual this year, we are still striving to provide an enriching and comfortable environment for postdocs to make connections. We will be having virtual “coffee breaks” and an online social hour after the event.

We look forward to joining you at this year’s Postdoc Research Day!

Click here to register!

 

Health and Wellness Events throughout November

Join the UBC and SFU PDAs all November long for Postdoc Health and Wellness Month!

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, it can be difficult to prioritize our health and wellness. That’s why we are teaming up with the SFU PDA to bring you a series of virtual workouts and wellness sessions.

Building Resilience as a Postdoctoral Fellow

What does it mean to have resilience? How do you cope with challenging times? Join us for a workshop on Mental Health & Wellbeing for Postdocs, focusing on:

– Encouraging dialogue on postdoctoral mental health
– Looking at the definition of resilience
– Sharing strategies and resources for building resilience

This workshop will be facilitated by Crystal Hutchinson (Workplace Wellbeing Strategist with UBC Human Resources) and Dr. Karen Ross (Graduate & Postdoctoral Wellbeing Support Coordinator, UBC Faculty of Medicine).

Tuesday November 24 from 11am-12pmOnline via Zoom: those that register will receive the Zoom link prior to the workshop.

Please register in advance: register here!


Virtual Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions

Join us for two upcoming Mindfulness & Meditation sessions. Guided by a mediation and mindfulness coach, these will focus on attention and breath work.

Thursday, November 12 at 6-7pm
Thursday, November 26 at 12:30-1:30pm

Please register in advance: register here!

 Register here!


Virtual workouts focusing on shoulder, neck and back health

These weekly sessions will focus on neck, shoulder and back health to help overcome the postural and mobility issues that we may be facing due to sitting at a desk for longer periods of time during the pandemic. So join us on Zoom for some workouts targeting postural health, lead by a Pilates and Yoga instructor. All fitness levels welcome!

There is no need to register in advance. Below is the meeting information:

Tuesday, November 3th at 6-7pm
Tuesday, November 10th at 12:30-1:30pm
Tuesday, November 17th at 6-7pm
Tuesday, November 24th at 12:30-1:30pm

Zoom meeting link (will be the same for each week):
https://sfu.zoom.us/j/87886300705?pwd=c2M5Mm1iTGRaOW1HYjNXV2FNTFB0Zz09

Meeting ID: 878 8630 0705
Password: wellness

We hope to see you at these great health and wellness events!

CAPS Annual General Meeting

Dear fellows,

Do you feel that postdocs are still an underappreciated part of academia and were hit especially hard by this ongoing pandemic? The Canadian Association of Postdoctoral Scholars(CAPS) has conducted a recent survey to gauge the impact of COVID-19 related shutdowns and other restrictions on postdocs in Canada and based on these findings has developed and send out these “Top 5 Asks” (listed below) to national decision makers. If you are interested in how official representatives from the Tricouncil (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) are responding to these demands and/or want to take part in this discussion yourself – you are invited to attend the

CAPS annual general meeting on Nov 5 from 10:00 to 15:30 Vancouver time.

More information, a preliminary agenda and the link to register (for free) at https://caps-acsp.ca/agm2020

Taking part in this event is also a good opportunity to network with other postdocs, learn more about CAPS, the results of the CAPS COVID19 survey, and about PDA’s and postdoc unions in Canada.

CAPS Top 5 Asks from the Tricouncil to relieve pressure from postdocs:

  1. “Stop-the-clock” for postdoc fellowship applications (recognizing that postdocs are evolving Early Career Researchers).
  2. Automatic 1 year extensions of fellowships (to buffer financial impacts, administrative interruptions to work permits and benefits plans), with opt-out option if not beneficial for the postdoc.
  3. Provide clear criteria for reviewers to account for COVID-19 interruptions, and enable better feedback in fellowship review.
  4. Create new funding opportunities for senior postdocs to support those who are close to being competitive for (or in the process of transitioning to) faculty positions, which may be impacted by a national shift to COVID-19 research prioritization.
  5. Ensure external postdocs are eligible for institutional benefits, including basic protections like Employment Insurance and Canadian Pension Plan/Québec Pension Plan contributions (without a stipend reduction).

Virtual Postdoc Halloween Social

This year we are gathering virtually for a spooktacular evening full of scary (and fun!) surprises. Meet new postdocs in a spooky setting and show off your best Halloween Zoom background. Share your spookiest story and join in on some Halloween online group games. There will also be a costume contest with prizes for the winners!

This is an inclusive event, so friends/roommates/partners/pets/Halloween-loving kids/… are welcome!

Costumes are encouraged but not required to attend.

Register Here!

Fall Coffee & Chat Socials with SFU/UBC

Bored of your home office? Need a break? Do you want to connect with other postdocs from SFU and UBC and discuss topics that are relevant to you while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea? Then come and join us for our upcoming virtual SFU-UBC PDA coffee socials this fall. Kids/pets/partners/friends are welcome!!

Join us every Tuesday from 2-3pm starting next week, October 13: Register Here!

Our discussion topics will include:
International Postdocs (Oct 13, 2-3 pm): Are you an international postdoc? Do you have questions about immigration or funding or are you struggling with being far away from friends and family during these difficult times? Do you just want to connect with other newcomers to Canada? – We got you covered! This session will be joined by a certified immigration consultant.

Postdocs with kids (Oct 20, 2-3 pm): We can all agree that postdocs with kids are facing some special challenges, especially during the pandemic. Postdoc parents, this is your place to chat about child care, work/life balance, working from home… and to meet other postdocs with kids to make new connections!

New to Vancouver (Oct 27, 2-3 pm): Are you new to Vancouver? Maybe moved here during the pandemic?? Meet other postdocs to make new connections and to exchange ideas about what to explore in Vancouver!

Coping with COVID-19 – What keeps you happy? (Nov 3, 2-3 pm): COVID-19 isn’t going away soon – what are your tips and strategies for coping with the new stresses brought on by a global pandemic? Exchange stories, worries and ideas and establish some new connections. We can all use some good socialising these days, especially during the gloomy months of fall.

Register Here! We will send out registration confirmation e-mails with zoom links closer to the date.

It’s Postdoc Appreciation Week! Join us for an Ice Cream Social and Virtual Trivia Night with SFU Postdocs

Ice Cream Social
It’s Postdoc Appreciation Week and the UBC PDA is celebrating YOU by giving away free ice cream. Enjoy the last days of summer with ice cream and cold drinks while safely meeting up with other postdocs!

**Due to heavy rain and strong winds in the forecast, we have postponed this event to next week.

(Updated) When – Tuesday, Sept 29 at 3:00 pm
Where – The lawn on Main Mall, in front of the Biodiversity Museum (look out for the group of people with coolers full of ice cream)

Register Here!

A note on Safety Precautions:
We are taking safety very seriously and as such we will be following several safety measures. We will be capping the registration at 30 people and during the event we will be enforcing social distancing of 2 meters. We will be providing hand sanitizer and will be encouraging masks to be worn unless you are eating (we will provide masks as needed). The ice cream provided will be individually wrapped. As the pandemic is always evolving, we will be monitoring the situation and may cancel the event if needed.
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Virtual Trivia Night with SFU Postdocs
The UBC and SFU PDA are teaming up for an epic Trivia Night. Join us for a fun evening and connect with other postdocs from SFU and UBC to test your knowledge!
Prizes for the winning team and runner up!

When – Friday, Sept 25 at 6 pm
Where – at home, via zoom

You are invited to bring your partner/roommates/friends along, but let us know how many people are participating, as we will be forming teams.

We will e-mail a zoom link to all participants who have successfully signed up closer to the date. Register fast as spots are limited!

Register Here!

Socially-Distanced Picnic in the Park

We are excited to welcome back in-person socials with a socially distanced Picnic in the Park. Bring your own blanket and food for a lovely evening outside meeting up with other postdocs!

When: Thursday, August 27 at 4pm
Where: Trimble Park (exact location within the park will be provided upon registration)

This is an inclusive event, so please feel free to bring your partner/children/friends. Just please let us know how many guests will be joining as we will be limiting the number of participants in order to adhere to social distancing and safety measures.

A note on Safety Precautions:
We are taking safety very seriously and as such we will be following several safety measures. We will be capping the registration at 30 people and during the event we will be enforcing social distancing of 2 meters. We will be providing hand sanitizer and will be encouraging masks to be worn (we will provide them as needed). There will be individually packaged soda/water available but there will be no sharing of food at this event, so please bring your own snacks/dinner. As the pandemic is always evolving, we will be monitoring the situation and may cancel the event if needed.

Register Here! We are looking forward to seeing you in-person for a fun and safe August social!

Transitioning from wet to dry lab: a panel discussion

GrasPods is organizing an online panel event on the best ways to transition from wet-lab to dry-lab:

In the current COVID-19 pandemic, many scientists are looking into dry lab research, including exploring big data and bioinformatics methods. In this panel discussion and Q&A session, our invited guests will talk about the best approaches in transitioning from wet to dry lab work, including project considerations, funding, and employment opportunities.

Invited speakers:
Dr. Sam Aparicio- Distinguished Scientist, BC Cancer Research Centre
Dr. Chris Hughes- Staff Scientist, BC Cancer Research Centre
Dr. Sarah Grasedieck- Postdoctoral Fellow, Michael Smith Laboratories

And more!

Event Details:
July 28th, 11 AM-12:30 PM
Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID: 880 4432 3079​​