Graduate Students & Postdoc Events for 252nd ACS National Meeting in Philadelphia

In just a few short weeks, the 252nd ACS National Meeting will come to Philadelphia, giving attendees the chance to partake in a multitude of enrichment opportunities including workshops, symposia and networking events. To alleviate the burden of picking from the diverse range of events, the following day-by-day summaries highlight some of the opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.

Sunday, August 21st

Career Workshops - New Technologies
10:00–11:30 AM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 202A


Career Workshops - Foreign National Scientists Obtaining a Job in the US
1:30–4:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 202A


Graduate Student & Postdoctoral Symposium
1:30–4:40 PM (Repeated: 8/22 1:30–4:40 PM, 8/23 1:45–4:25 PM, 8/25 9:00 AM–12:25 PM)
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 103B
Watch presentations on current biological chemistry research from graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Sponsored by BIOL


ChemIDP Workshop: Planning for Your Career
2:00–4:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 111A
Map out a plan for your career and use ACS’s new career development tool!
To attend please register at https://fs6.formsite.com/ACSGraded8/form53/index.html
Free refreshments!


Career Workshops - Writing Excellent Proposals
3:30–6:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 202A


Faculty & Postdoc Afternoon Networking Coffee Break
4:00–6:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 113B
Get the scoop on the faculty application process from a diverse faculty panel.
Free refreshments!

Monday, August 22nd

Beyond the Bench
10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 201B
A series of presentations: Careers in Intellectual Property, Careers in university technology transfer, Careers in patent law, and Navigating the path from graduate school to a career in patent law, with a panel discussion directly after.
Sponsored by CHAL


Student Speed Networking with Chemistry Professionals
4:15–5:45 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall G
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your chances of strengthening your skills and increasing your network!
Refreshments provided.


Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholars Reception
7:00–8:30 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Ballroom A
Network with fellow graduate students and postdocs, as well as ACS Divisions, YCC representatives, and ACS staff!
Free food, drinks, and prizes!


AEI: Academic Employment Initiative
8:00–10:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Halls D/E
See graduate students and postdoctoral scholars showcase their teaching and research goals in a poster session.


Tuesday, August 23rd

Graduate course in professional science communication
8:35–9:05 AM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 204A
This course examines journalistic writing, technical writing, oral presentation, and public relations.
Sponsored by CHED


Global Careers in Chemistry
2:00–5:55 PM
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Franklin 7
This presentation series looks at the pathway to having a global career in chemistry, spanning from work visas to obtaining a job and reflections from scientists who’ve experienced working internationally.
Sponsored by YCC


Chemistry careers and green chemistry
4:15–4:45 PM
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Grand Ballroom Salon III/IV
This session explores the implementation of green chemistry concepts in science-led organizations, as well as career opportunities.
Sponsored by I&EC


Wednesday, August 24th

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program for chemistry and chemical engineering students
6:00–8:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall D
The fellowship program supports students in the chemical sciences with a three-year annual stipend and cost of education allowance, as well as research opportunities and professional development.
Sponsored by PHYS


The list of events above are highlights of what you can expect at the 252nd ACS National Meeting. Please note that for some of the events above you may need to register to attend. A complete schedule of other graduate and postdoctoral programs, a list of career workshops, registration information, places to eat, and activities in Philly, will be available through the Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholars National Meeting Guide. Did we miss any events that you think should be highlighted? Contact us at GradEd@acs.org

Locations are subject to change. Please check the final ACS Meeting Program app for times and locations.

Highlighted Opportunities Specifically for International Postdocs and Graduate Students at the ACS National Meeting in Philly

The 252nd ACS National Meeting will also host many events directed toward international graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. See below for a list of workshops, symposia and social events…

Sunday, August 21st

Foreign-National Scientist Obtaining a Job in the U.S.
1:30–3:00 PM
Career Fair
This session is designed for international chemical professionals seeking a career in the US, whether in academia, industry, or government.

Building International Communities
4:30–6:30 PM
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Independence I/II
See how the role of science diplomacy can be used as a tool for deescalating global conflict.
Sponsored by PRES

International Welcome Reception
5:30–7:30 PM
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Grand Ballroom Salon E/F

Monday, August 22nd

The process of getting a work visa or green card can be difficult. Attend this workshop if you are an international graduate student or postdoctoral scholar who wants to learn information about green cards for scientific researchers. Brian Getson, 1995 UPenn School of Law graduate and U.S. immigration lawyer, will delve into the process of acquiring green cards for foreign researchers. The workshop will include a presentation and Q&A session.

Green Cards for Scientific Researchers: How to Apply for and Win Your EB-1/NIW Case!
9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 304

Leading US immigration lawyer, Brian Getson, 1995 UPenn School of Law graduate, will explain how foreign researchers can apply for green cards in the US. Mr. Getson has represented scientific researchers around the world for 20 years and provides a money back guarantee to most qualified applicants. At this workshop, Mr. Getson will give a one hour presentation and hold a Q&A session. In addition, Mr. Getson and other lawyers from his law firm will be providing free consultations at Booth 820 throughout the conference and a lightning talk for international job seekers at the Career Fair on Tuesday, August 23, at 10:00 AM. Getson & Schatz, P.C.

Tuesday, August 23rd

International Student Symposium
1:00–4:25 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 110A
A symposium exhibiting the research of international graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Sponsored by AGFD

Journey across the Atlantic: From an international student to an industrial chemist
3:55–4:15 PM
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Franklin 7
Using examples from her tenure as an international graduate student and postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Haase will share key advice, skills and experiences that were integral in preparing her for a career in academia and now, industry.
Sponsored by YCC

International career opportunity for US and German chemists through research in Germany
4:35–5:05 PM
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Franklin 7
This talk will feature resources available through Research in Germany and its partners and how to find international research opportunities in Germany.
Sponsored by YCC

International presence in the Younger Chemists Committee: Building networks & cultivating opportunities
5:05–5:25 PM
Philadelphia Marriott Downtown, Franklin 7
The International Presence (IP) working group of the Younger Chemist Committee (YCC) has taken strides to advance the international networking opportunities for graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and early career chemists.
Sponsored by YCC

Thursday, August 25th

International Student Symposium
8:00–11:00 AM, 1:00–3:35 PM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 110A
A symposium exhibiting the research of international graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Sponsored by AGFD

A schedule of other graduate and postdoctoral programs, a list of career workshops, registration information, places to eat, and activities in Philly, will be available through the Graduate & Postdoctoral Scholars National Meeting Guide.