How to keep your virtual lab meeting from being just another Zoom call

Terrific write up at Cell Mentor on virtual lab meetings. I had the pleasure of discussing our zoom retreat with Claudia Willmes for the article, and could describe all of the fantastic activities designed by our lab social team to keep everyone engaged. The whole article is worth reading, but a highlight is the call-out to Ruben's excellent escape room:

Escape games were already a popular activity for lab outings before 2020, but they have been taken to another level during the pandemic. There are several escape room companies that offer virtual adventures. Liston's group took this a notch further and went for a custom-made game designed by lab member Ruben Vangestel.

"The custom escape Zoom was based in the lab cold room, with a series of puzzles needed to escape," Liston says. "It had the typical ‘communal problem solving' aspect of an escape room, but by using pictures of our lab as the setting and cameos from lab members giving clues, it really created a warm feeling of togetherness. A reminder of the space we used to share, and the common experiences that unify us."

A cynic's guide to getting a faculty position

I gave an academic caeer talk yesterday at the University of Alberta, and on request from the students I am putting the talk online. These are my personal thoughts on how the job selection process works for independent research positions in universities or research institutes, based largely on my experience, the experience of my trainees going through the process and my observations of behind-the-scenes job committee meetings. I am sure that there is enormous variation in experiences, and that systems work differently in different places: hearing the perspective of many people is more valuable than just hearing the perspective on one.

I'd also just note that this is not an endorsement of the system as it exists. There are aspects of the system that I dislike and actively work to change. But I still think it is valuable for job seekers to understand the system, warts and all, rather than believing in an aspiration system that has yet to materalise. I often hear from trainees that they career training is largely directly to non-academic careers, and they rarely hear how the academic pathway works. So, with a little too much honesty, and an expectation of landing in hot water, here is my attempt to open a conversation:

Thesis acknowledgements

It is so lovely to read the words of graduating students in their thesis acknowledgements. I've seen them learn and grow over the years, increase in skill and resiliency, reach depths they didn't know they have. And here they are, just leaving on to their new adventure and they stop to write kind words back to us.

These from (soon to be) Dr Steffie Junius:

Next, I would like to thank my co-promotor Prof. Adrian Liston. While on paper you’re addressed as my ‘co-promotor’, I truly perceived this as rather having two full promotors who both guided me in their own way, complementing each other. I still remember the evening in Boston when I received the email with an offer to start a PhD at your lab. The thrill to be accepted in such an environment of excellent science made me excited to become the best possible immunologist I could be. Throughout this PhD you have guided me with your advice and mentorship. Especially on the dark moments, you always were able to push me in the right direction and to follow through even when I did not know how. As PhD students, we always think the science is the most important part of a PhD, but you made me understand that personal development is just, if not more, important to becoming truly successful. Thank you for your advice and guidance over the years. The lessons you taught me will stay forever with me throughout my career. 

Thank you Steffie, it has been wonderful to be part of your journey. Enjoy the next stage of your career!