Biophysical Society Bulletin | January 2022

Career Development

The First BPS Virtual Graduate Fair The first Biophysical Society (BPS) Virtual Graduate Fair was a great event for recruiting organiza- tions to share information about their graduate programs with students. It was held in November 2021, with open houses held on November 11 and 12, to help students decide to which graduate programs to apply prior to deadlines. Students met with representatives during the open houses to learn about their programs and were able to browse the pages for information outside of the open house times. Over 250 students were registered from more than 30 countries! BPS would like to thank all participating organizations: • Arizona State University, • Brandeis University,

• University of California, Irvine, • University of California, San Francisco, • University of Iowa, • University of Maryland, • University of Michigan, • University of New South Wales, Australia, • University of Notre Dame, • University of Pittsburgh, • University of Toronto, Canada, • Vanderbilt University, • Washington University in St. Louis, • Wayne State University, • Weill Cornell Medical College, and • Yale University. We are already looking forward to next year’s fair!

• Carnegie Mellon University, • City University of New York,

• Clemson University, • Emory University, • Johns Hopkins University, • National Institutes of Health Scholars Program,

• Northeastern University, • The Ohio State University, • Oregon State University, • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, • Rice University,

• Stanford University, • Texas Tech University,

• University of California, Berkeley, • University of California, Davis,

Grants & Opportunities National Science Foundation: Designing Synthetic Cells Beyond the Bounds of Evolution (Designer Cells) Because of recent technological advances in synthetic bi- ology and bioengineering, researchers are now able to tai- lor cells and cell-like systems for various basic and applied research purposes. The goal of this grant is to support research that (1) develops cell-like systems to identify the minimal requirements for the processes of life, (2) designs synthetically modified cells to address fundamental questions in the evolution of life or to explore biological diversity beyond that which currently exists in nature, and (3) leverages basic research in cell design to build novel synthetic cell-like systems and cells for innovative biotechnology applications. Deadline: February 1, 2022 Website: https:/www.nsf.gov/pubs/2021/nsf21531/ nsf21531.htm

National Institutes of Health: Novel Synthetic Nucleic Acid Technology Development Applications are sought to develop novel technologies that will enable substantive improvement in synthetic nucleic acids. The goal is to improve the quality, capabili- ties, and efficiency of nucleic acid synthesis and synthetic constructs at reasonable and decreased costs. R01 clinical trial not allowed. Who can apply: No self-nominations are allowed. Deadline: February 4, 2022 Website: https:/grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/ RFA-HG-20-014.html

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