Category Archives: Career Development

Summer Mentoring Circles are Back for 2023!!

Circles follow a small group format, each composed of 1-2 Mentors and 4-6 carefully matched Mentees. The nature of the Circles allows for intimate peer-to-peer and mentor-mentee relationships to form throughout the summer. Our Circles are open to all within any STEM and STEM-adjacent sectors. You do not need to be an AWIS member to join and this program is absolutely FREE!

To best match you with a circle, please complete this 5-minute survey by June 1st.  While only a few components are required, the more information you provide will allow us to match you with a group of individuals with similar goals. 

The Mentoring Circles kick-off will be on (TBD). You will meet your Circle and decide on your meeting schedule and format. Circles typically meet via Zoom, or a similar platform, every two weeks. You will have the opportunity to meet other mentors and mentees over the course of the summer.

For more information, you can also check out the Mentoring Circles section on this website.
Any questions about the program should be directed to awiscommunications@gmail.com

AWIS Chicago Mentoring Circles

AWIS Chicago is piloting a career development mentoring program slated to begin in October 2015.

If you’re in need of a mentor and are at the graduate student level or higher, please:

  • Become an AWIS Chicago member, if you’re not one already. Visit awis-chicago.org/membership to join.
  • Fill out this short application by September 15, 2015 and let us know what topics are of interest to you.
  • Complete this registration form. There is a nominal cost ($15) to participate in this eight month program.
  • Save the date for the program kick-off event on Saturday, October 31, 2015

AWIS Chicago will use your responses to match you with a mentor and other mentees with similar professional and personal goals.

For more information, please e-mail awischicago.circle@gmail.com

Postdoctoral opening at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Postdoctoral opening at the University of Illinois at Chicago

Postdoctoral or visiting scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Marina Guizzetti, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago/Jesse Brown VA medical center, Chicago, USA.  The main research interest in the laboratory is the identification of novel mechanisms of astrocyte-neuron interactions involved in neuronal structural plasticity. In particular, we are investigating mechanisms of neurite outgrowth/dendritic arborization modulated by extracellular matrix proteins and extracellular matrix protease systems released by astrocytes and their alterations following ethanol exposure and brain injury.  Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with learning and behavioral abnormalities, as seen in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD); cognitive impairments are also observed in individuals who abuse alcohol. Furthermore, we are interested in characterizing the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the effects of ethanol on astrocytes leading to alteration in astrocyte secreted proteins. We use or plan to use pharmacological, biochemical, genetic, and behavioral tools both in vivo and in vitro to address these questions.The ideal candidate for the position is a highly motivated individual who has a recent PhD, extensive scientific and technical background in molecular and cellular neurobiology, excellent oral and written communication skills in English, an interactive personality, and a strong work ethic.Experience in epigenetic research (DNA methylation and histone modification), animal behavior, cell culture, and/or lipid research (cholesterol, phospholipids, and lipoprotein determinations) are a plus. Applications should be sent to Dr. Marina Guizzetti via e-mail at marinag@uic.edu and should include: Curriculum Vitae; a statement of research interests; the names and addresses (including e-mail addresses and phone numbers) of three scholars who are willing to serve as references for the applicant.Preferred starting date: April-May, 2014.

Abbott Jobs: Principal Scientist – Des Plaines, IL

Principal Scientist – Des Plaines, IL

A qualified and highly motivated molecular biologist will join a R&D team developing next generation sequencing methodology and diagnostic applications. This individual will conceive, plan, design, conduct and lead advanced research driven by strategic business needs. He or she will act as lead scientist and project leader and will interact/coordinate with other groups and functional areas on project development/improvement. The successful candidate must have strong analytical and quantitative skills, strong oral and written communication skills, a strong track record of independent and collaborative research, and proven leadership experience. Grade level will be commensurate with experience..

Ph.D. in molecular biology, biochemistry, or other life sciences with 6+ years of advanced research or industrial experience. A post-doctoral training is highly preferred.

• In-depth knowledge and expertise in developing molecular assays or methods, including real-time PCR, microarray, sequencing (NGS preferred), or other multiplex molecular assays.
• Previous project management and supervisory experience.
• Skills in optimizing assay design and condition, including DOE optimization where appropriate.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proficiency in technical writing for data summary and technical reports. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to efficiently evaluate, prioritize and handle multiple projects and changing priorities, and to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks.
• Willing to take on new and challenging assignments and to implement new ideas or alternative solutions. Take thoughtful and timely action when confronted with a problem.
• Ability to initiate and maintain scientific collaborations with academic and industrial research groups, as well as to interact effectively with internal departments outside R&D area (e.g., clinical research, regulatory affairs, quality, operations, business development, marketing).

Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge of regulations and standards affecting IVDs and Biologics.
• Strong track record in managing the development and launching of in vitro molecular diagnostic assays.
• Experience/knowledge in oncology and pharmacogenetics.
• Advanced skills in statistical analysis.

To apply for this job, please email phyllis.simpson ( at ) abbott.com

Abbott Jobs: Principal Mechanical Engineer – Dallas, TX

Abbott Diagnostics is seeking a highly motivated engineer to work on our next generation of blood analyzers. Experience designing complex electromechanical systems or PCBs. Experience should include 3D modeling tools, preferably Solidworks. Mechanism and kinematic design is desired.

Requires 6+ years experience mechanical design, preferably with medical diagnostic instrumentation. Associate degree with ten years progressive work experience; or Bachelors degree with six years progressive work experience; or Master degree with four years progressive work experience.

To apply for this job, please click here.

Updated Resources Page

AWIS Chicago has been working hard to update the Resources page with timely and useful information.

AWIS Chicago’s Resources page now contains:

  • Link to National AWIS website, which provides valuable resources for members including quarterly magazines, career development webinars and job postings.  Be sure to check out the Career Library section under the Careers tab.
  • Links to other Chicago area science organizations for women (including campus post-doctoral organizations and professional societies)
  • Information about funding sources and program opportunities
  • Tools for job searching and career advice resources (NEW!  Links to science career podcasts)
  • Links to Chicago area science institutes and programming
  • Links to Chicago area science companies
  • NEW!  Links to science podcasts
  • Recommended reading on careers in science

Did we miss something?  Have you listened to a good podcast, found a helpful career website, know of an organization for women in the area, or read a good book recently that you want to share?  If so, please email awiscommunications@gmail.com with your suggestions.  Also, let us know if you come across any broken links on our Resources page.

Want to keep yourself up-to-date on AWIS Chicago activities? Follow AWIS Chicago on Twitter! You can request to be added to our listserve by clicking here, and join the AWIS Chicago group on LinkedIn and Facebook by clicking the icons on the bottom right of this page.