Greetings!
How do you stand out when the job market is more crowded than ever before? You strengthen your networking skills, that's how!
On May 7, join Peggy Wallace, active member of the AWIS San Diego chapter and founder of Making Conversation, LLC, for Networking Now - When Everyone is Looking: How To Be More Effective in the Current "Crowded" Marketplace (7 PM Eastern) and learn practical strategies and tools you can use right now.
Programs are available at a special discounted rate of only $14.95 for AWIS members (24.95 for non-members).
Click here for more information and register today! Janet __________________
Janet Bandows Koster
Executive Director |
| Education |
Faculty Salaries for New
Mathematics Assistant Professors Decline in Ph.D. Departments,
Increase in Master's and
Bachelor's Departments in 2008-09
A comparative study conducted over two consecutive academic years
shows that new hire Assistant Professors in doctoral-granting mathematics
departments, at both public and private institutions across the nation, are receiving about a one percent salary decrease on average. The same type of study was
conducted among new hire Assistant Professors in masters and bachelor
degree granting mathematics departments which conversely revealed, in some cases, nearly a fourteen
percent hike in salary! It should be considered that new hire Assistant Professors
in doctoral-granting programs earn about the same as Associate Professors in
both masters and bachelor programs.
Salary Disparity
University of Pennsylvania Updates Gender Equity Report
The president and provost of Penn issued an update of the 2001 Gender
Equity Report. Key findings include:
- Since 1999, the percentage of women on Penn's standing faculty has
grown by 3.8 percentage points, to 28.4% as of the fall of 2007. Almost every school showed an increase in the representation of women,
with the exception of Nursing (where the percentage decreased by 5.7
percentage points, reflecting enhanced diversity).
- As of the fall of 2007, women were 17.5% of full professors (up 2.5
percentage points from 1999), 29.7% of associate professors (up 6.7
percentage points from 1999), and 41.6% of assistant professors (up 6.6
percentage points).
- From the fall of 2003 to the fall of 2007, women accounted for
nearly 38% of new hires into the standing faculty.
Gender Equity Update
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| Government |
AWIS Responds to Washington Post Article Criticizing Title IXIn her most recent assault on gender equity for women in academic science and engineering, Christina Hoff Sommers suggests that President Obama's suggestion that Title IX be used to advance parity for women in science and engineering fields should give readers pause. In a joint response, AWIS and SWE note she missed several crucial points. Read the AWIS and SWE Response Here |
| International |
Canadian Researcher Advocates for CompleteTransparency in Drug Development
University of Toronto biochemist Aled Edwards has been one of the leading champions of the open-source research movement in drug development. He notes, there are 600,000 scientists around the world who are engaged in developing new drugs. And they create about 20 new therapies each year. That means that it now takes 30,000 lab-years to produce a single new drug at a cost of billions of dollars. The entire process is marked by secrecy and it is increasingly inefficient and wasteful.
"For the last 30 years, the drug industry has less and less productive measured by dollars in and drugs out," he tells the Star.
It would be far better, he maintains, if academic researchers and private developers worked in tandem, and in public. Rather than have four companies devote isolated teams of developers to the same task, with each facing a high risk of failure, they should work together to improve their odds.
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| Careers |
Environmentally
Friendly Jobs
The
recent trend in eco-conscious living has even extended to the employment
sector. There is a growing need for
engineers and scientists with expertise in environmental affairs in almost
every arena, including academia, industry, government, and non-profit. Specifically, the industries of water
remediation, waste management and renewable energy research have seen an
increased demand for qualified professionals to manage programs, advocate
policy, or educate the public.
It Is Easy Being Green
References Upon Request
In an increasingly competitive job market, job-hunters need to
maximize every possible advantage, including their list of references. To set yourself apart, don't wait until
you're looking for a job to request references.
Ask for recommendations from co-workers and former bosses on networking
sites, such as LinkedIn, immediately after you've completed a successful
project. Maintain your list of contacts
who have agreed to speak on your behalf to potential employers. Also, provide a copy of the job description
to your references and describe how your experience is relevant. Finally, follow-up with your references to
let them know the outcome of their recommendation. Be sure to offer a gesture of thanks and
provide some context if you decided to decline the position.
References
Best Places to Work:
Postdocs 2009
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research in Cambridge,
Massachusetts has been ranked #1 as best places for post-docs to work. Post
doctoral researchers criteria covered resources,
salary range, and career advancement. Of post-docs surveyed on the quality of
their current institution, just over half report very good or excellent. Nearly half of post-docs surveyed are not satisfied with
their existing position. Another survey shows that only about 34% of post-docs
work in their home country. Ranking tables for best U.S. and International
Institutions give post-docs a great place to start looking for the perfect
union for their criteria.
Best Places to Work |
| Science and Health |
Pap Smear Beaten Out by
DNA test
Results from a large
eight-year study in India indicate that a DNA test performed better than Pap
smears for detecting cervical cancer.
The DNA test is extremely sensitive and can detect the presence of just
a few molecules of the causative agent of cervical cancer, human papillomavirus
(HPV). In this study, women were
followed for cervical cancer using one of these tests, and those screened with
the DNA test had significantly fewer cases of lethal cervical cancer. This study contributes growing evidence for
the superiority the DNA test in detecting HPV and prove that this test a viable
replacement for Pap smears.
Superior HPV Screen by DNA Test
Impact of Radiation Therapy on Female Fertility
The results of a new study from Harvard University
show that female fertility is adversely affected by radiation therapy for
cancer that targets the pelvic, abdominal or cranio-spinal areas. Some of these adverse effects could be
avoided by ovarian transposition, or moving of the ovaries out of the field of
radiation, although some fertility problems were still reported. This study brings attention to long-term side
effects in young women and girls treated for cancer, especially with respect to
fertility and child bearing.
Fertility Afoul from Radiation Therapy
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| Lifestyle |
Science - the New Career Frontier
Over 2007 SmartBrief on Leadership readers responded to a weekly poll
question, If a college student asked you for career advice, which would
you recommend as the field of the future?
* Science and technology: 1,190 votes, 59.14%
* Finance and accounting: 237 votes, 11.81%
* Engineering and construction: 218 votes, 10.86%
* Law, government and foreign service: 179 votes, 8.92%
* Marketing, media and entertainment: 141 votes, 7.03%
* Academia and research: 45 votes, 2.24%
"It's a long drop from close to 60% for Science and Technology down to
12% for No. 2 choice of Finance and Accounting. We can only wonder where
these totals would have been a year ago. But clearly business believes
science and technology will be the source of competitive advantage going
forward. If they attract more talent, the long term outcomes should
benefit all," noted Eva Schmatz, president, Summus Limited, the company
that conducted the poll.
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| AWIS News and Events |
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AWIS Chicago Chapter
Event: Spring Wine Tasting Event
Join Chicago scientists for an after work event of mingling and wine tasting. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.
Date: Thursday, April 16th, 2009
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Drinks Over Dearborn
650 N. Dearborn St, 2nd floor
Chicago, IL
Cost: $20 for AWIS-Chicago members, $25 for nonmembers
Register: Online here by April 14th, 2009.
AWIS Philadelphia Chapter
Event: African American Women in Chemistry
With Jeannette E. Brown, Société de Chimie Industrielle Fellow of the Chemical Heritage Foundation
Date: Tuesday, April 21st, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm, Check-in, Dinner, 7:00 pm, Program
Location: Community College of Philadelphia
Center for Business and Industry (CBI) Building
Room C2-28
Corner of 18th & Callowhill Sts.
Philadelphia, PA
Cost: $15 for AWIS members
$20 for non-members of AWIS/guests*
$12 for students and postdocs
Register: www.awisphl.org/meetingregistration.htm
By 12:00 noon, Wednesday, April 15th, 2009
For late reservations, contact rsvp@awisphl.org or call Ellie Cantor at 610-935-5455 regarding availability.
All registrants will
also receive a confirmation from AWIS-PHL within 72 hrs. If you do not
receive a confirmation, your reservation was NOT received.
Note: This is a pay-in-advance event. Cancellations received by noon, Tuesday, April 21, 2009, will be credited to future meetings; no refunds or credit for no-shows; no-shows who have not pre-paid will be billed.
*Nonmembers who choose to join when making their reservation will be eligible for the member rate.
Directions and Public Transit: http://www.ccp.edu/site/locations/main.php
AWIS Massachusetts Chapter
Event: Work/Life Balance Panel Discussion
See all of the featured speakers here: http://www.acteva.com
Date: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009
Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Opportunity for Networking with panelists.
Refreshments will be served.
Location: The Broad Institute,
Monadnock Room, 7 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA
Cost: $5 for Members and Students, $10 for
Non-Members
Register: http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=180273
AWIS Central Jersey Chapter
Event: Success in Today's Economy: Perspectives from
Leaders in IndustryDate: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Location: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
UMDNJ Campus
Dean's Conference Room, Rm-123
675 Hoes Lane West
Piscataway, NJ 08854 Contact: Marc J. Carmichael
phone: (732) 306-2506
e-mail: rubiotech@gmail.com
AWIS San Diego Chapter
Event: 2009 Women in Science and Technology
(WIST) Conference
The biennial AWIS conference formerly known as, "Women in bioScience," (WIB) is expanding its focus this year, encompassing topics relevant to all women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This one-day symposium includes two keynote speakers and a series of workshops, round-tables, and seminars focusing on career and personal development and hot topics in science.
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Time: 7:30am to 6:00pm
Location: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Register: All are welcome and can register at: www.awis.sdsc.edu
Registration closes on May 6. Early Bird rates end March 15!
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Opportunities |
April 23 Is Take Our Daughters to Work Day
For the past 16 years, children across the U.S. have left the classroom
to experience the workplaces and career choices of their parents. AWIS
encourages you to show not only your children but also the children of
your neighbors and employees what working in a STEM discipline is all
about. Visit the Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Foundation's web site to learn more, and to find out what else is going on in your community.
Nontraditional Careers: Opportunities Away From the Bench
Event: Nontraditional Careers: Opportunities Away From the Bench
Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Time: 12 noon Eastern; 9 a.m. Pacific; 4 p.m. GMT
Want to learn more about exciting and rewarding careers outside of academic/industrial research? Join us for this online round table discussion that will look at the various career options open to scientists across different sectors, strategies you can use to find a nonresearch career, and the future of the scientific work force in nontraditional careers.
Register now! Questions can be submitted live to the panel during the webinar, or in advance through an e-mail provided with registration.
M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship
The M. Hildred Blewett Scholarship for Women in Physics consists of an award of up to $45,000 to enable women to return to physics research careers after having had to interrupt those careers for family reasons.
Details at: www.aps.org
Science, Mathematics and Research for Transformation (SMART)
Education ProgramThis education program provides scholarships and fellowships to students including an annual salary, full tuition, and other normal educational expenses. The purpose is to promote the education, recruitment and retention of undergraduate and graduate students in science, mathematics and engineering studies. The SMART Education Program is open only to citizens of the United States, and students must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible. There is an employment obligation to DoD with this education program.
For more information and application deadlines, please visit their website at http://www.asee.org/smart.
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
This program is open to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents and offers a competitive stipend as well as insurance, relocation, and travel allowances. This program offers one to three year postdoctoral fellowships designed to increase the involvement of scientists and engineers from academia and industry to scientific and technical areas of interest and relevance to the Navy. This program has a rolling admission.
Go to: http://www.asee.org/resources/nrl/ for detailed program information.
The Naval Research Enterprise Intern Program (NREIP) NREIP is a ten week summer research opportunity for undergraduate Juniors & Seniors, and Graduate students, under the guidance of a mentor, at a participating Navy Laboratory. The stipend amounts for the program are $5,500 for undergraduate students and $6,500 for graduate students. U.S. citizenship required; Permanent residents accepted at certain labs.
Go to: http://www.asee.org/nreip for application deadlines and detailed program information.
Humboldt Research Fellowship
The Humboldt Research Fellowship enables highly-qualified scientists and scholars of all nationalities and all disciplines to carry out research projects for extended periods of time in cooperation with academic hosts at research institutions in Germany. Fellowships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, the quality and feasibility of the proposed research and the applicant's publications.
Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers are for postdoctoral scientists and scholars who have completed a doctoral degree within four years prior to the application submission date are eligible. This fellowship allows for a stay of 6-24 months in Germany and provides a monthly stipend of 2,250 EUR. Click here for application materials and detailed information.
Fellowships for Experienced Researchers are for scientists and scholars who have completed a doctoral degree within twelve years prior to the application submission date are eligible.
This fellowship allows for a stay of 6-18 months in Germany which may be divided into a maximum of three visits of at least three months each and provides a monthly stipend of 2,450 EUR. Click here for application materials and detailed information.
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AWIS VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT
Nicole Kresge
Editor, AWIS Magazine
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 April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week and AWIS would like to thank ALL our volunteers for their dedicated
Our special thanks to Nicole Kresge, Editor-in-Chief of the AWIS Magazine, for her three years of creative leadership. Nicole
will be turning over the reins to Faye Farmer later this year so we
want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks!
In her "real job," Nicole is editor of ASBMBtoday, the monthly publication of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
At the helm of the AWIS Magazine, Nicole manages 10 editors, contributing writers, and develops the leitmotif of each issue. Under her creative leadership, the AWIS Magazine has been completely redesigned and has won several national awards.
If you would like to volunteer with AWIS, check out all the opportunities on our website at: http://www.awis.org/careers/volunteer.html |
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Support AWIS
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Help other women in science! Donate to AWIS for its programs and/or to the Educational Foundation for its fellowships.
Your tax-deductible donation to AWIS supports the wide-ranging advocacy
and career development activities of the National Office and the
Executive Board.
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Learn more
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