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How-To Talks by Postdocs

A workshop series taught by Pitt postdocs, hosted by the medical library.

What are "How-To Talks by Postdocs?"

Greetings Postdocs!

Is your CV in dire need of teaching experience, but you don’t have the time or opportunity to teach an entire course?

Then this program is designed especially for you!

The “How-To Talks by Postdocs” series provides a low-stakes, minimal time commitment opportunity for you to gain teaching experience for which you will receive constructive feedback, a letter of acknowledgement, and optional videotaping of your 1-hour (or less) “how-to” style session.  See examples of previous talks in the menu bar.

The particular topic you choose is entirely up to you and can be anything remotely related to biological sciences.  See a list of possible topics in the left menu, including several suggestions that are broadly related to STEM. However, you don’t need to be in the biomedical or health sciences to participate.

Need more information? Contact us!

Topic Suggestions

How to...

  • be a good mentor
  • create a quality scientific poster
  • review an paper for publication in a journal
  • prepare for an interview
  • maintain work-life balance as a postdoc
  • use HPLC in your research (or any other technique)
  • interpret mass spec data (or IR, NMR, or any other technique)
  • handle cheating in the classroom
  • etc – get creative!

Actively searching for instructors on any of these data-related topics:

  • Python / R / SPSS / your choice
  • Julia Programming Language
  • Data Visualization
  • Data Cleaning
  • Cataloging / Managing Image Files
  • Depositing Data
  • Writing Data Management Plans
  • Sharing Your Data
  • Asking Others for Their Data

Articles & Presentations

Published Article

  • Gau KH, Dillon P, Donaldson T, Wahl SE, Iwema CL. Partnering with postdocs: a library model for supporting postdoctoral researchers and educating the academic research community. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 108(3), 480-486, July 2020. ISSN 1558-9439. doi: https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2020.902.

HSLS Update Articles

Medical Library Association Annual Meeting Presentations

  • Gau, K., Dillon, P., Donaldson, T., & Iwema, C. L. Crafting a Mosaic: Partnerships Between Health Sciences Librarians, Postdocs, and More. (Lightning Talk) May 2016
  • Iwema, C. L., & Chattopadhyay, A. Partnering w/Postdocs: a library-hosted "how to" series taught by postdocs. May 2014