Leading Professional Society for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics
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ISCB News and Announcements

 

 
 

This is a quick reminder that the abstract submission deadline for ISMB/ECCB 2025 is April 17, only one month away.

Don’t miss your chance to present your research at one of the leading conferences in computational biology!

 
 
 
 

And be sure to take advantage of the early bird registration discount! Register by March 31 and use code EARLY10 to save 10% on your registration.

Click the banner to register! ⬇️

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

On behalf of the AfSCS Organizing Team:

 
 

Announcing the 4th African Student Council Symposium 2025

 
 

ISCB Student Council is thrilled to invite you to submit abstracts to the 4th African Student Council Symposium, a hybrid event taking place as a pre-conference event of the ISCB-Africa ASBCB Conference on Bioinformatics on 14th April 2025 in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa.

#AfSCS2025 is designed to be a dynamic platform for students and early-career researchers across the African continent and beyond. We aim to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and facilitate crucial knowledge exchange. Join us as we:

  • Showcase Cutting-Edge Research: Present your work through student presentations and engaging poster sessions.
  • Learn from Renowned Experts: Gain invaluable insights from inspiring keynote presentations delivered by leading scientists and researchers.
  • Engage in Critical Discussions: Participate in interactive panel discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities facing African students.
  • Build a Powerful Network: Connect with peers, mentors, and professionals, expanding your professional horizons.
  • Develop Essential Skills: Enhance your presentation, communication, and networking abilities.

This is your opportunity to contribute to the advancement
of African research!

Key Highlights:

  • Date: April 14, 2025
  • Location: Cape Town, South Africa
  • Abstract Submission Deadline: March 14, 2025

 

Click here to submit your abstract!

 
 

We encourage you to share this invitation with your network! This symposium is a valuable opportunity for students and early-career researchers to connect, learn, and grow.

Stay Connected:

For inquiries regarding registration or abstract submission, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Join us in Cape Town and be a part of #AfSCS2025! Together, we can empower the next generation of African researchers.

 

#AfSCS2025 Organizing Team

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

In this issue:

Career Compass Featured Jobs:

  • Biostatistician

Article: The Art of Self-Advocacy: Asking for More at Work

 
 
 
 

Career Compass Featured Jobs

Biostatistician
Faculty Biostatistics & Bioinformatics – Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH
Job description: The Cleveland Clinic Department of Quantitative Health Sciences has a faculty opening, at the Cleveland Ohio Main Campus, for an early to mid-career bioinformatics / biostatistician with interest in a long-term commitment to lead biostatical collaborations with Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (LRCBH). The center is dedicated to the care of patients with memory loss, dementia and other cognitive/behavioral disorders of aging, the pursuit of a better understanding of the underlying pathobiology of these disorders, and the development of more effective treatments. The center is located on the main campus of the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. The LRCBH is home to the NIA sponsored Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC) and has a Research Center of Excellence designation by the Lewy Body Dementia Association. The research budget at the center is over 25 million dollars.

The primary need for the next five-eight years is for the statistical expert to be able to leverage multiplex analyte platforms, proteomic data, and MRI/PET imaging along with clinical variables to help develop data driven disease progression models and risk assessment. The successful candidate will lead biostatistical design and analysis for observational studies and clinical trials. Additional expertise in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: novel clinical trial design, developing computational pipelines for high-dimensional data analysis, modelling multidimensional datasets, machine learning, omics analyses, longitudinal modeling, structural equations modeling, use of electronic medical record data, and adaptive network analysis. Currently the center employs one Master’s degree Biostatistician whom the new hire will oversee and mentor. LRCBH investigators seek expertise from a PhD-level scientist for addressing complex research questions in neurodegenerative disease research, database management and study design.

This is a hard-money position with no explicit requirements to obtain salary support.

The position is 70% collaboration and 30% protected time for independent research.

The position includes an appointment to the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University at rank commensurate with experience. Candidates should enjoy collaborating on and bringing creative analytic approaches to complex problems in neurodegenerative disease research and have a strong desire to publish journal articles. Excellent English written and oral communication skills are essential.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Art of Self-Advocacy: Asking for More at Work

 
 

Advocating for yourself at work can be intimidating, but it’s essential for career growth. No one knows your skills and contributions better than you, so if you don’t speak up, who will? Whether you’re asking for a raise, a promotion, or new responsibilities, these strategies will help you navigate the conversation with confidence.

Asking to Take on New Responsibilities

If you’re hoping to take on more responsibilities at work in order to expand your skill set and prepare you for future career growth, you often have to ask for it! Here are some ways to make a professional request for taking on new tasks:

  1. Identify opportunities. Look for gaps in the team that you could help fill or identify upcoming projects you may be able to take the lead on.

  2. Frame your request as a benefit. Instead of making a general statement that you’d like to try something new, explain how your involvement can help the organization (e.g., “I noticed our client reports could be streamlined. I’d love to take the lead on improving this process”).

  3. Start small. While your initiative is sure to be appreciated, you might not be given big projects or tasks immediately. Don’t look at this as a refusal! If your manager is hesitant, propose a trial period or small-scale version of your idea to help show them you’re up to the challenge!

Asking for a Raise

Asking for a raise can be a difficult, sometimes awkward, situation to navigate. And while many people avoid having this conversation, be it due to fear or uncertainty, employees who take the plunge and negotiate their salary tend to earn more over their careers.

If you’re going to ask for a raise, here are a few tips to make it easier:

  1. Do your research. Research market salaries for your role, consider your contributions, and be prepared to show how you've added value to the company.

  2. Ask at the right time. Consider company performance, industry trends, and your recent accomplishments. Annual reviews, after a big win, or when taking on additional work are ideal times to broach the subject of increased pay.

  3. Be confident! Instead of “I need a raise because of inflation,” be specific. Try, “Over the past year, I’ve led [specific projects] that [measurable results]. Based on industry standards and my contributions, I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment.” Using clear, data-driven reasoning will be more impactful.

Pitching Yourself for a Promotion

Getting a promotion at work isn’t always something that happens automatically. The best way to make it happen? Advocate for yourself! Here are some ideas:

  1. Be clear on what you want. Are you looking for a title change and an increase in responsibility? Are you hoping for a bump in your salary? Make sure you know what you want to get out of the promotion before requesting it!

  2. Build your case. Assess your job performance during your time with the company. Have you mastered all the tasks of your current position? Are you meeting your annual goals? How have your work and achievements positively impacted the company?

  3. Take initiative before you ask. If you’re seeking a leadership role, start taking on tasks that align with the position you’re hoping for (e.g., mentoring colleagues, taking ownership of projects). Demonstrating that you’re already operating at the next level makes it easier for decision-makers to see you as the right fit for the promotion.

Final Thoughts

Like any skill, self-advocacy gets easier with practice. Even if you’re not ready to ask for a raise or promotion, you can build confidence by starting small with things like requesting feedback, sharing your career goals, or taking initiative on a project that aligns with your interests.

They say, “Good things come to those who wait,” but in reality, great things come to those who ask for them!

 
 
 
 

Want Your Job Featured in the Next Career Compass?

 

You can get your job featured in the Career Compass newsletter by selecting this option when you post a new job!

To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to the ISCB Career Center.

  2. From your Profile page or My Job Posts page, click the blue “Post a Job” button.

  3. On the next page, select option 2 that mentions the monthly marketing with Career Compass.

  4. Complete the required payment for the Career Compass upgrade.

  5. Fill out your job post details.

  6. Click “Submit” to post your job on the ISCB Career Center.

  7. Keep an eye out for the next Career Compass newsletter to see your job there, too!

 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

 GLBIO 2025 is now accepting late-breaking poster submissions, offering another opportunity to share your work with fellow researchers in bioinformatics and computational biology.

Submission due date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Submit your abstract now to take part in this exciting event!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Individual registration for ISMB/ECCB 2025
is now open!

 
 

Join us in Liverpool for an exciting programme of the latest research, networking opportunities, and scientific collaboration!

Register by March 31 and use code EARLY10 to receive 10% off your registration fee.

We look forward to seeing you at ISMB/ECCB 2025!

 
 

Group registration is not currently available but is coming soon! 

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

The abstract submission deadline for

GLBIO 2025 is approaching!

 
 

Don’t miss this opportunity to share your work and connect with fellow researchers and professionals in the bioinformatics and computational biology community. Submit your abstract soon!

Submission due date: Monday, March 3, 2025

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 

Cutting-Edge DataVis Advances. Inspiring Life Science Breakthroughs.

 

If you're an ISCB member interested in visualization, we wanted to let you know that registration is now open for VIZBI 2025, the 15th international meeting on Visualizing Biological Data, taking place 8–11 April at the University of Cambridge, UK—and online.

VIZBI features a three-day workshop showcasing visualizations that are driving biological and biomedical breakthroughs, with talks from world-leading researchers across the life sciences. The program also covers emerging visual techniques for exploring complex data and communicating insights, with keynotes from Laura Garrison (U. Bergen, Norway), Tobias Isenberg (Paris-Saclay, France), and Marc Streit (JKU Linz, Austria).

Want to sharpen your DataVis skills, but can’t commit to a three-day event? Join the VIZBI Masterclass, an intensive, one-day training in foundational visualization methods, web-based visualization, data-driven storytelling, and complexity and aesthetics. Learn from leading practitioners Drew Berry (WEHI, Australia), Daniel Haehn (UMass Boston, US), Barbora Kozlíková (Masaryk U., CZ), Andy Lomas (Goldsmiths, UK), and Christian Stolte (Cellarity, US).

Undecided? Read the Nature News article about VIZBI, or ask a colleague who has attended. They'll confirm that attending VIZBI can accelerate your research by helping uncover insights buried in complex data.

As an ISCB member, you'll receive a 15% discount for both events. So, register now to secure your spot, connect with global thought-leaders, and explore visualizations that are transforming the life sciences. Upload your poster by 31 March so you can present your research at the workshop.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

In this issue:

Career Compass Featured Jobs:

  • Postdoctoral Research Associate
  • Biostatistician

Article: Networking 101: How to Build Meaningful Connections in Any Industry

 
 
 
 

Career Compass Featured Jobs

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Washington State University, Department of Anthropology
Pullman, WA
Job description: The Meehan Lab in the Department of Anthropology at Washington State University (WSU) has a Postdoctoral Research Associate position available for a full-time, twelve-month fixed-term appointment located in Pullman, WA with the potential for remote work. At the intersection of social and biological sciences, the Meehan Lab is studying human milk composition and its associations with mother-infant environments, including the relationship between and among cannabis use during lactation and holistic human milk composition and infant development.

This postdoctoral fellow will join with an interdisciplinary team at Washington State University, University of Idaho, and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to study human milk, cannabis, and multi-omics!

This is a one-year position. It is anticipated that the successful candidate will begin the appointment on January 1, 2025. Renewal depends on satisfactory performance, the continued need for the position, and funding continuation.

The successful candidate is expected to:

Conduct analysis for an NIH-funded project focused on characterizing and comparing multi-omics human milk data and investigate associations between and among milk cannabinoid concentrations, substance use patterns, selected maternal characteristics, and milk proteome, metabolome, and lipidome profiles;

Contribute to and lead co-authored papers;

Present work at a national and/or international meeting;

Assist with managing a research team;

Mentor undergraduate and graduate students working on the project.

 

Biostatistician
Faculty Biostatistics & Bioinformatics – Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland, OH
Job description: The Cleveland Clinic Department of Quantitative Health Sciences has a faculty opening, at the Cleveland Ohio Main Campus, for an early to mid-career bioinformatics / biostatistician with interest in a long-term commitment to lead biostatical collaborations with Cleveland Clinic's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health (LRCBH). The center is dedicated to the care of patients with memory loss, dementia and other cognitive/behavioral disorders of aging, the pursuit of a better understanding of the underlying pathobiology of these disorders, and the development of more effective treatments. The center is located on the main campus of the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. The LRCBH is home to the NIA sponsored Cleveland Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (CADRC) and has a Research Center of Excellence designation by the Lewy Body Dementia Association. The research budget at the center is over 25 million dollars.

The primary need for the next five-eight years is for the statistical expert to be able to leverage multiplex analyte platforms, proteomic data, and MRI/PET imaging along with clinical variables to help develop data driven disease progression models and risk assessment. The successful candidate will lead biostatistical design and analysis for observational studies and clinical trials. Additional expertise in one or more of the following areas would be desirable: novel clinical trial design, developing computational pipelines for high-dimensional data analysis, modelling multidimensional datasets, machine learning, omics analyses, longitudinal modeling, structural equations modeling, use of electronic medical record data, and adaptive network analysis. Currently the center employs one Master’s degree Biostatistician whom the new hire will oversee and mentor. LRCBH investigators seek expertise from a PhD-level scientist for addressing complex research questions in neurodegenerative disease research, database management and study design.

This is a hard-money position with no explicit requirements to obtain salary support.

The position is 70% collaboration and 30% protected time for independent research.

The position includes an appointment to the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University at rank commensurate with experience. Candidates should enjoy collaborating on and bringing creative analytic approaches to complex problems in neurodegenerative disease research and have a strong desire to publish journal articles. Excellent English written and oral communication skills are essential.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Networking 101: How to Build Meaningful Connections in Any Industry

 
 

Whether you’re looking for career opportunities, mentorship, or industry insights, strong connections can open doors. But networking can often feel intimidating, especially if it's your first time networking and you’re not sure where to start. The key is to approach it with authenticity and a focus on mutual value. For some ideas on how to build meaningful professional relationships no matter your industry, read on!

 

Shift Your Networking Mindset

Think of networking as relationship-building, not as transactional exchanges. Prioritize how you can contribute instead of focusing on what you can get. Giving first fosters stronger connections!

Make sure to approach networking with curiosity. Ask thoughtful questions and listen actively. Most professionals enjoy talking about their area of expertise, so showing genuine interest can help you build rapport.

 

Attend In-Person Networking Events

Whether you’re attending a large event or a smaller gathering, here are some ideas to make the most of it:

  • Before: Research the event and have a few conversation starters ready.

  • During: Approach small groups rather than interrupting large ones. Start with a simple introduction: “Hi, I noticed you work in [industry]. How did you get into that field?”

  • After: If contact information was exchanged, follow up within a few days, referencing your conversation and expressing interest in staying in touch.

Importantly, be yourself and have fun at networking events! The goal is to form genuine connections!

 

Leverage LinkedIn and Online Networking

In today’s digital age, online networking is just as valuable as in-person interactions. To stand out:

  • Optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, compelling headline, and engaging summary to make a strong first impression.

  • Engage actively by commenting on posts, sharing relevant insights, and participating in discussions to stay visible.

  • Personalize connection requests by mentioning a shared interest, event, or article.

  • Schedule virtual coffee chats. A quick 15-minute conversation can go a long way in building rapport.

Online networking removes geographic limitations, making it a powerful tool for career growth. By consistently engaging with your network, you stay on their radar and open doors for future opportunities!

 

Maintain and Strengthen Connections

Building a network requires consistent effort. Keep relationships strong by:

  • Checking in periodically with a message, article, or update.

  • Congratulating connections on achievements, like job changes or publications.

  • Offering support or introductions when relevant.

Networking should feel reciprocal, not just about reaching out when you need something. Small interactions over time build lasting professional relationships.

 

Final Thoughts

Networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building meaningful, long-term relationships. The best connections stem from genuine engagement, curiosity, and a willingness to offer value.

Whether in-person or online, small efforts—such as following up after a conversation or sharing insights—can strengthen your professional network.

This month, challenge yourself to take one small networking action: attend an event, reconnect with a past colleague, or engage with a post online. Investing in your network today can lead to valuable opportunities down the road.

 

 
 
 
 

Want Your Job Featured in the Next Career Compass?

You can get your job featured in the Career Compass newsletter by selecting this option when you post a new job!

To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to the ISCB Career Center.

  2. From your Profile page or My Job Posts page, click the blue “Post a Job” button.

  3. On the next page, select option 2 that mentions the monthly marketing with Career Compass.

  4. Complete the required payment for the Career Compass upgrade.

  5. Fill out your job post details.

  6. Click “Submit” to post your job on the ISCB Career Center.

  7. Keep an eye out for the next Career Compass newsletter to see your job there, too!