# Beyond OPF: External Events ## External Events & Professional Development This page is used to advertise non-OPF Events and Announcements that may be of interest to our community. Please [contact us](mailto:postdoc_office@hms.harvard.edu) if you wish to have an announcement or event posted here. ### Career Catalyst: Longitudinal Mentoring Program (Apply by 6.26.26) expand\_more Career Catalyst is a strategic, one-year mentoring program for early-career researchers. Participants in the program learn about the importance of establishing successful mentoring relationships that promote personal and professional satisfaction. **Overview** A key principle of the program is the importance of mentoring networks. Mentoring networks are composed of professionals who offer support and guidance on various aspects of a researcher’s life and career. A researcher’s mentoring network often includes a scientific mentor, who offers advice on technical skills or training that relates to the content of their research, and a developmental mentor, who advises on areas of professional development. Developmental mentors are often highly influential in shaping career pathway opportunities for mentees, yet finding an appropriate developmental mentor early in a career can be challenging. The goal of Career Catalyst is to meet this need by providing each mentee in the program with a small group of peer mentors and a senior faculty mentor. [**More info & apply here**](https://catalyst.harvard.edu/courses/career-catalyst) ### PATHFINDER Career Hub: Molecular and Medical Science Liaison Careers (6.23.26) expand\_more Date & Time: Jun 23, 2026 12:00 PM Description: Join us for our next Career Hub panel discussion to hear from former PhD/postdocs who have pursued Medical Science Liaison and Molecular Science Liaison career paths. -Marzia Capelletti, PhD - Molecular Science Liaison, Caris Life Sciences -Meaghan Cogswell, PhD - Medical Science Liaison, Sanofi -James Dowdle, PhD - Sr Medical Science Liaison, Viridian Therapeutics [**REGISTER**](https://dfci.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oWBFnnsFS9u29tN0bClYvw#/registration) ### NUS Singapore - Recruiting for Faculty Positions Luncheon ( 6.18.26) expand\_more NUS is recruiting for Assistant Professorship roles at NUS. Attendees to this session will learn about career opportunities and connect with Professor Giorgia Pastorin, Head of the Dept of Pharmacy & Pharm Sciences, NUS. Lunch will be served at this program. If you plan to attend, please email to confirm and receive in reply logistics information. **Nat'l Univ. of Singapore - Faculty Roles in Dept of Pharma Sciences** **Thursday, June 18 from 11:30am to 1:00pm in E19-202** [**Program description on Handshake**](https://mit.joinhandshake.com/events/1959076/share_preview) [**REGISTER HERE**](https://forms.gle/LS6U7QFiwn2gRc147) NUS is Looking for: PhDs/Postdocs in a relevant discipline, such as (but not limited to): Computational and Population Health Sciences Ageing Biology, Mental Health, and Clinical Geroscience Equitable Precision Medicine and Special Populations Translational Pharmacology (PBPK, PK/PD), Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technologies Highly motivated individual with outstanding publication record Should not be more than six years post PhD **Schedule a Coffee Chat** Professor Giorgia Pastorin, after this information session, will host a few coffee chats in the afternoon to meet individually with interested candidates. If you would like to schedule a coffee chat, please email your CV to . Once your CV has been reviewed, you will be emailed information about available time slots that afternoon. **About NUS** NUS is a thriving community in Singapore comprising over 29,500 undergraduate and 15,000 postgraduate students, and 2,700 faculty members and 5,900 staff. It is strategically located within the nation’s research and innovation hub – near research institutes, startups and hospitals. This program is being sponsored by MIT Career Advising & Professional Development. For more information email Francis Borrego in CAPD at . ### PATHFINDER First-Author Journal Club (6.16.26) expand\_more Date & Time: Jun 16, 2026 12:00 PM Description: Join us for our June Harvard Cancer Consortium (HCC) Pathfinder First-Author Journal Club series with DFCI's Siddhant Jain, PhD, who will share with us his recent paper: "A SWI/SNF-specific Ig-like domain, SWIFT, is a transcription factor binding platform" Mammalian switch/sucrose nonfermenting (mSWI/SNF) chromatin remodeling complexes modulate DNA accessibility and gene expression; however, their genomic targeting mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify SWIFT \[SWI/SNF immunoglobulin fold (Ig-fold) for transcription factor interactions\], a conserved transcription factor (TF) binding domain on the SMARCD subunits. SWIFT is necessary and sufficient for direct engagement with the transactivation domain of the PU.1 TF. A single amino acid mutation disrupts PU.1-mSWI/SNF binding, impairs complex targeting, and attenuates oncogenic transcription and proliferation in PU.1-dependent human cancer cells. Dominant expression of the SWIFT domain in isolation sequesters TFs from mSWI/SNF and poisons TF-“addicted” cancer cells. Finally, TFs across diverse families interact with SMARCD paralog-specific SWIFT domains. These results define a major mechanism of cell type– and disease-specific mSWI/SNF chromatin targeting and inform approaches toward therapeutic modulation. Link to paper: [**REGISTER**](https://dfci.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AKvEAp_pSNiQ5YsrnmsRYQ) ### Guppy Tank 2026 (6.2.26) expand\_more ![guppy tank 2026](/sites/g/files/omnuum4051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-05/265a3864-c2a3-4374-a0d3-ccae29573f21.jpg?itok=6tWcX99E) [**Harvard's Office of Technology Development** ](https://otd.harvard.edu/)and [**LabCentral**](https://labcentral.org/) invite you to the second **Guppy Tank** of 2026, where Harvard life-science innovators will pitch their early-stage concepts to a panel of entrepreneurs and investors for constructive, in-depth feedback. Please join us on **Tuesday, June 2, from 4 PM to 6 PM at LabCentral** to hear the presentation, learn from experts on startup formation, and participate in giving audience feedback. The event is accompanied by a reception with food and drinks. All are welcome! [**Register here!**](https://labcentral.swoogo.com/trillionbio) ### National Postdoc Association workshops (May/June) expand\_more ![NPA may and June events](/sites/g/files/omnuum4051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-05/may_june_2026_upcoming_event.png?itok=sGzyFkjw) NPA calendar, register for workshops [here.](https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/events/event_list.asp) The HMS/HSDM OPF is a Sustaining Member of The National Postdoctoral Association. Click [here](http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/general/register_start.asp?regkey=49A770CF-2E5D-42A6-A6F7-6A6F7CA8BB94) to become an affiliate member for free and unlock career development resources for "members only". ### Prioritize Your Wellbeing This Mental Health Awareness Month (May) expand\_more ![KGA2](/sites/g/files/omnuum4051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-05/dede6c22-9d30-af95-8096-4eb3a797f950.png?itok=0JpkbGS4) ![KGA](/sites/g/files/omnuum4051/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-05/1c437894-000e-a0e1-df4c-56923a49fb78.jpg?itok=dK3I7jwP) **Support through Our Employee Assistance Program** Explore the resources available through our [Employee Assistance Program](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=da4e743ea5&e=d789d9033c), administered by [KGA](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=99c4dacfc9&e=d789d9033c). - Get free and confidential counseling from [KGA](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=4aea77ed4b&e=d789d9033c) for stress, anxiety, depression, and everyday issues. - Take part in the [Mental Health Awareness Challenge](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=2203cef24f&e=d789d9033c) or [Mindfulness Challenge](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=10cf6be36b&e=d789d9033c) and receive short articles, audio messages, and podcasts delivered straight to your inbox. - Access [emotional health resources](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=65b0ff7759&e=d789d9033c), [online mental health screenings](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=16a12cff4d&e=d789d9033c), [relaxing coloring pages](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=5f76af4206&e=d789d9033c), and more. - Download the [Mindtide app](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=76fed17650&e=d789d9033c) for stress and anxiety support, or the [KGA app](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=168a303708&e=d789d9033c) for live, expert assistance and helpful resources. - [Join a peer support group](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=2e67b6e87c&e=d789d9033c) guided by an experienced counselor to connect with others facing similar challenges. **Build Your Wellbeing Toolkit** Discover more ways to care for yourself and others. - Take a self-paced [Manager Mental Health Training](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=0cd88f7217&e=d789d9033c) to learn how to help your colleagues through difficult times. - Explore [local and national mental health resources](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=c8235b3929&e=d789d9033c), including crisis intervention helplines and guidance on finding a health care provider or treatment program. - Access the [Crimson Folders](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=644ca8a8ed&e=d789d9033c), school-specific tools aimed at helping you recognize and support students who are experiencing mental health challenges. **Upcoming KGA Webinars** Tune in to one (or more) webinars this month for expert insights on a range of mental health topics. [**Changing the Narrative: Mental Health Awareness**](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=01abb9b426&e=d789d9033c) **May 5 | 11 a.m. ET** Learn about common mental health disorders, including signs, causes, and support strategies. [**Steady in the Storm: Building Resilience in Uncertain Times**](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=8549dff80e&e=d789d9033c) **May 11 | 12 p.m. ET** Discover evidence-based tools for building resilience, managing uncertainty, and staying grounded in times of change. [**Psychological Safety, Burnout, and Building Resilience**](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=22cdebda54&e=d789d9033c) **May 14 | 11 a.m. ET** Explore the role of psychological safety in the workplace and learn how to foster more positive environments. [**The Backbone of Bravery: Supporting the Supporters**](https://harvard.us17.list-manage.com/track/click?u=be5bb7acaa2108ae942fedfca&id=1c23a0b506&e=d789d9033c) **May 19 | 12 p.m. ET** Gain strategies for supporting loved ones who are first responders while maintaining your own wellbeing. ## Explore More Workshops & Opportunities for Postdocs [ HMS Events Calendar arrow\_circle\_right ](https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/calendar) [ FAS Office of Postdoctoral Affairs arrow\_circle\_right ](https://postdoc.fas.harvard.edu/) [ Countway Library Calendar arrow\_circle\_right ](https://libcal.countway.harvard.edu/calendar/countway?cid=9718&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=9718&ct=44347,41820,44348,41821,41822,41823,41824&inc=0) [ National Postdoctoral Association Resources arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/resources) [ DF/HCC Pathfinder Events arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.dfhcc.harvard.edu/events?month=4&year=2026) [ BCH Office of Postdoc Affairs Events arrow\_circle\_right ](https://events.ticketleap.com/events/bch-office-of-postdoc-affairs)