SDBN Blog
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Brewing Science: Improving Science Communication with ASBMB April 23rd At Mission Brewery |  |
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Posted by Mary Canady March 30th, 2012 .
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In April we’re teaming up with the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) to host an event at Mission Brewery downtown during the big Experimental Biology conference. You may know we are big proponents of science communication because it helps researchers with their careers, funding, and connecting with other scientists.
The event will feature bloggers, reporters, industry professionals, public speaking experts, and policy makers, all who will be available to help you improve your science communication skills. We’ll have some fun contests to help you meet people, and there will be appetizers and drinks available for purchase as well (we hope to be able to give drink tickets depending on sponsorship, stay tuned…).
We’ll have discussions on blogs and Twitter leading up to the event so that you can participate, connect, and get the most out of the event. Follow #eb2012Tweetup and see the list of science communicators participating here. If you’re a blogger, we’re asking you to write a post describing your science communication success stories and submit them here or tag them on Twitter with #eb2012Tweetup. For example, did you get funding or make an important connection or discovery through a new type of science communication? We’ll post links to the blog posts here and send a weekly email update. We’re hoping everyone will be inspired to communicate science in new ways.
Note: The word cloud featured in the image for this post is from 5,000 Twitter status updates tagged with #scicomm, the ongoing discussion about science communication on Twitter. If you’d like to see more detail, click on the image to enlarge it.
Sponsors
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We’re expecting this event to draw at least 200 life science researchers and professionals, and this event will be advertised at the Experimental Biology conference, contact us for sponsorship opportunities.
Event Details
Who: Life science researchers and professionals in the greater San Diego area
What: Brewing Science: Improving Science Communication with ASBMB
When: Monday, April 23rd 2012, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Mission Brewery,1441 L Street, San Diego Ca 92101 (Directions below)
Cost: $15/10 (Academic), appetizers provided, beverages for purchase (Mission Brewery beers on tap, soda), complimentary water. Free for 2012 Experimental Biology attendees, wear your badge.
Contact: http://sdbn.org/contact
For more information about the event: http://sdbn.org/scicomm
Directions: Driving: Exit the 5 south at Imperial, take a right on Imperial, travel 2 blocks to 14th street, take a right and Mission Brewery is at 14th & L on the right, you can park in one of the ballpark lots (there won’t be a game that night) or on the street. Walking from the convention center: Take a right when exiting the convention center front doors, heading southeast along Harbor Drive. Cross over Park Blvd and take the footbridge on the left. Continue along the sidewalk until you hit the light at 10th street, then take a right, walking through the parking lot. You’ll see the sign for Mission Brewery ahead on the right, it’s a brick building and hard to miss. The walk should take 10 minutes. While the neighborhood is not that bad, we suggest walking back to the gaslamp in groups after the event.
Diagnostics, Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Featured, SDBN Blog »
San Diego’s Biotechnology Companies: Who’s Taking Off? |  |
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Posted by Lara March 8th, 2012 .
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Image Courtesy Flickr User JoF
Updates to San Diego Biotechnology Company Directory
| Company | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1060 Discovery Engineering | Added | |
| Adnavance | Removed | |
| ALARIS Medical Systems | Removed | Now under Cardinal Health |
| Alere | Added | Acquired Biosite |
| Altair Therapeutics | Removed | Shut down |
| Amira Pharmaceuticals | Removed | Acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb |
| Amplyx Pharmaceuticals | Added | |
| Aperio | Added | |
| Applied Proteomics | Added | |
| Aragon Pharmaceutical | Added | |
| Astute Medical | Added | BioSite spinoff |
| AvantGen | Added | |
| Avelas Biosciences | Added | |
| Azco Biotech, Inc. | Added | |
| Balboa Bio | Removed | |
| Bio Applied Technologies Joint, Inc. | Added | |
| BioAtla | Added | |
| Biocept | Added | |
| BioLaurus | Added | |
| BioMedica, Inc. | Removed | |
| BioSettia | Added | |
| BioSite | Removed | Acquired by Alere |
| Biotix | Added | |
| BPS Bioscience, Inc | Added | |
| Calmune Corporation | Removed | |
| Carolus Therapeutics | Added | |
| Cebix | Added | |
| Crinetics | Added | Started by ex-Neurocrine employees |
| CryoCor, Inc. | Removed | |
| Diverse Diagnostics | Removed | |
| Dx Innovations | Removed | |
| Elcelyx | Added | |
| Enigma diagnostics | Added | |
| Essentialis | Added | |
| Etaluma | Added | |
| EuMederis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Added | |
| Expedeon | Added | |
| Genetex | Added | |
| Genofi | Added | |
| GenTarget Inc, | Added | |
| GenVault | Added | Existing, missed in original directory |
| Harbor Biosciences | Added | Changed name from Hollis Eden |
| Helixis | Removed | Acquired by Illumina |
| HemaQuest | Added | |
| Hollis-Eden | Removed | Changed name to Harbor Biosciences |
| Iapyx Medical | Removed | |
| Icx Biosystems | Removed | |
| IDM Pharma, Inc. | Removed | Acquired by Takeda 2009 |
| Inception Sciences | Added | Amira spinoff |
| Inhibrx | Added | |
| KFx Medical, Inc. | Removed | |
| Kinagen, Inc. | Added | |
| Kinexis, Inc. | Removed | |
| Kyowa Hakko Kirin California, Inc. | Added | |
| LeGene Biosciences | Added | |
| LiquidGrids | Added | Previously known as Swarmology |
| MabPrex.com | Added | |
| MediVas LLC | Removed | |
| Metabasis Therapeutics, Inc. | Removed | |
| MO BIO Laboratories | Added | Existing company missed in original directory |
| Molecular Response | Added | |
| Mpex Pharmaceuticals | Removed | Name change to Rempex |
| Nacalai usa | Added | |
| NeoMPS, Inc. | Removed | Now part of PolyPeptide Group |
| NeuroGenetic Pharmaceuticals Inc. | Added | |
| Novalar | Removed | |
| Nventa | Removed | Merger with Akela Pharma, Inc March 27, 2008 |
| Oceanside Pharmacuticals | Added | |
| Orbigen | Removed | |
| ORQIS Medical Corporation | Removed | |
| PAGEgel, Inc. | Removed | Merged with Expedeon/Protein Discovery |
| Paramount BioSciences, LLC | Removed | |
| Pegasus Cleanroom Services | Added | |
| Perry Scientific | Removed | Acquired by Absorption Systems |
| Pfenex | Added | |
| PharmaCircle | Added | |
| Phenometrics | Added | |
| Phenomix | Removed | |
| PliCare Therapeutics | Added | |
| ProteinLabs | Added | |
| Rebexsess | Added | |
| Rempex Pharmaceuticals | Added | Name change from Mpex |
| Renascions | Added | |
| SeaSpine | Added | |
| Serametrix | Added | |
| SG Biofuels | Added | |
| SGX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Removed | As of 2008, acting as subsidiary of Lilly |
| Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center | Removed | |
| Sonexa Therapeutics | Added | |
| SorrentoTherapeutics.com | Added | |
| Sova Pharmaceuticals | Added | |
| Strategic Enzyme Applications | Added | |
| Tanox | Removed | |
| TargeGen, Inc. | Removed | Acquired by Sanofi-Aventis |
| Targeson Inc | Added | |
| Theragence Inc. | Added | |
| TheraKem | Removed | |
| Torrey Path, LLC | Removed | |
| TorreyPines Therapeutics | Removed | |
| TrovaGene | Added | |
| Tulip BioMed, Inc. | Removed | |
| Ultimate Labs | Added | |
| Vasgene | Removed | |
| Verus Pharmaceuticals, Inc | Removed | |
| ViaCyte Technologies: Stem Cell Engineering | Added | |
| VivaMab, LLC | Added | |
| West Wireless Health Institute | Added | |
| Zacharon Pharmaceuticals | Added |
A recent report suggests evidence that the San Diego biotech scene is going strong. Released in December 2011 the Life Sciences Cluster Report by Jones Lang LaSalle rates San Diego #7 in the global biotech clusters. The report examines global locations for viable industry hubs, and defines a “cluster” by a multiple data points including:
- Educated workforce
- Venture and investment capital
- Centers of excellence and innovation
- Industry-friendly political structures
- Institutions of higher learning
- Target economic development incentives
- Patent protection
- Other associations and supporting infrastructure
Ranking in the top 10 for funding – third in VC and sixth for NIH funding – it seems that the money is rolling in for San Diego. The 97-page study says San Diego’s dense concentration of incubator and start-ups is expected to continue growth in the near future.
Each of the submarkets reviewed – UTC, Torrey Pines, Sorrento Mesa, and Sorrento Valley – experienced growth in 2011, aside from Sorrento Mesa being almost completely leased. The report forecasts continued recovery in rents, vacancies tightening and, due to a lack of new development, re-positioning of older properties to meet demands for higher quality facilities, particularly in Sorrento Mesa.
Additionally, Torrey Pines, San Diego’s largest submarket, has seen a resurgence of growth, with more life science companies acquiring larger spaces. The report states that in 2011 Verenium signed a deal larger than Torrey Pines has seen in two years.
NIH grants have increased 28 percent from 2010 and by 70 percent from 2008. The outlook is sunny for San Diego in 2012, with a continued increase expected in the number of start-ups and dispersal of capital from venture capital and government funds.
A PDF of the complete report can be downloaded here.
Thanks to Flickr user JoF for this image of gliders taking off and landing at Torrey Pines, where many San Diego life science companies also ‘take off.’
More...Drug Development, Drug Discovery, Headline, SDBN Blog, SDBN Events »
SDBN March 26th 2012 Event with Organovo | |
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Posted by Mary Canady March 6th, 2012 .
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Organovo is an exciting San Diego biotech company with technology to create human tissue through a technique called 3D bioprinting. The tissue can be used for drug discovery and development, and the company has been included in the MIT Technology Review’s 2012 TR50 list of the world’s most innovative companies. The excitement around Organovo has grown since they recently announced funding and their stock is now publicly traded. You’ll get the chance to hear from CEO Keith Murphy at our March 26th event, he’ll give a presentation titled ‘3D Bioprinting – Delivering Tissue on Demand for Drug Discovery & Development.’
At this event, we will delve into innovation and how it happens. What does it take to make an outstanding product – a game changer? We all have ideas but how does an idea get to be a reality? What are the barriers to innovation? It’s not just time, money and people. It’s even how you think about the problem.
We have two companies that are innovating to success:
Organovo, the featured company, will discuss how they overcame barriers to achieve an industry changing technology that still seems futuristic and impossible – printing tissue.
Invetech, the event sponsor, helps people translate their ideas into products. They will share a few key learnings of how to approach innovation.
We want to hear from the local innovators at this event,
- Do you have an idea but are stuck?
- How have you been successful in innovation?
- What barriers are in your way?
We’re having a contest to see who has the best idea for improving innovation in San Diego. During registration, or on LinkedIn or Twitter (tag with #Invetech), complete this statement: “My innovation idea is ______.” It can be a product idea or a general idea to improve the innovation culture in San Diego. We’ll discuss and vote on the best idea for innovation at the event and the winner will get two free passes to an SDBN event and a $15 gift card to Green Flash Brewery.
Sponsors
Premier
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Invetech is a contract product development and manufacturing consultancy working with companies worldwide. We provide a range of instrument, medical device and consumables development and manufacturing services that develop break-through products and solve complex automation challenges. With over 200 in-house specialists and experience drawn from over 5,000 projects, we work with medical device, clinical diagnostics, life sciences and drug discovery companies. Operating from locations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, our clients range from start-ups through to multinationals. Our proven design, engineering and manufacturing processes deliver shorter time-to-market, reduced risk, and enhanced product quality.
If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please contact us.
Event Details
Who: Biotechnology professionals in the greater San Diego area
What: SDBN March 26th Event with Organovo
When: Monday, March 26th 2012, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Green Flash Tasting Room, 6550 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92121 (Directions below)
Cost: $25/20 (Academic), dinner provided, beverages for purchase (30 Green Flash beers on tap, soda), complimentary water.
Contact: http://sdbn.org/contact
For more information about the event: http://sdbn.org/marchevent
Directions: From the west: From the 805 North or South exit Mira Mesa Blvd, head east for 2.0 miles, the Green Flash Tasting Room will be on the left/north side of the street at Flanders Drive. From the east: From the 15 North or South exit Mira Mesa Blvd, head west for 3.6 miles, the Green Flash Tasting Room will be on the right/north side of the street at Flanders Drive.
Parking: The Green Flash lot holds about 70 cars, so come early and carpool if you’d like to park there. You can also park on the street, but be very mindful that there are some poorly marked ‘no parking’ areas, especially on Sequence where there is a center lane.
Featured, SDBN Blog »
Building & Leveraging Life Science Networks | |
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Posted by Mary Canady February 24th, 2012 .
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Biotechnology, Featured, SDBN Blog »
Getting a Scientist’s Attention at #SLAS2012 | |
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Posted by Lara February 14th, 2012 .
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Now that SLAS 2012 has wrapped up, the question is, amid all of those robotic arms, who truly stood out? We saw some great examples of vendors who were able to draw the crowds, while showcasing some pretty cool technology.
Here’s a list of some great ways to get a scientist’s attention, wonderfully demonstrated by three life science vendors at SLAS 2012.
- Creativity counts. Rather than a bunch of cylinders and valves scattered about with some brochures on a table, Clippard center-staged an Air Guitar, rigged to be played. How does this awesome display work? Through 62 miniature air cylinders, and 58 valves to control those cylinders that can play each string individually or by strumming all six strings at once. ”Playing songs that are impossible by the human hand,” says Rob Clippard from Clippard Instrument Laboratory Inc.,”the controls are as up to date as the idea itself.” The iPad app “Pianist” plays the song, sends it via midi protocol to a translator board, and tells the miniature pneumatic, low wattage Clippard valves to turn on and off at the right times and move the appropriate cylinder with 50 psi of air. Did you get all that? That’s ok – the guitar is cool, the technology and idea are innovative and unique, and you can learn all about what they have to offer once you’ve been hooked. Here’s a video of the Air Guitar in action.
- Product? What Product? Though I have a soft spot in my heart for robotics and laboratory automation, as a recent defector from a Drug Discovery lab, even I can glaze over a bit after the 10th or 11th robotic arm display. But, I loved how Agilent showcased their nimble technology, by bringing a bit of Vegas to SLAS. The pull to stay at the booth was not only the cheering crowd encircling the game, but the fact that as soon as you step into the booth, you receive a poker chip. An invitation to have some fun, and no need to talk to a rep first? You got me. After hours of wandering the aisles a distraction is highly welcome. Odds that someone will remain in your booth for a bit are good at this point, and I did as soon as that chip hit my hand. Microtiter plates covered with playing cards lined the stacker. Agilent’s Direct Drive Robotic arm swiftly dealt three people their hands of 21, amid cheering scientists waiting their turn. After the game, the robot dealer gave you a microtiter “card” that informed you of your prize. For the sake of some great word of mouth for Agilent, I hope that what happens at SLAS doesn’t stay at SLAS…?
- Tap into competition. Though a large sign announced Artel’s Pipetting Olympics (grand prize iPad2!), what caught my eye as I strolled past, were scientists super – super – into pipetting. And a line of them waiting their turn. Pipetting? Ok, I knew it must be worth my wait – without even knowing what I was lining up for, I was there with bells on. All of this was to showcase their calibration and volume verification systems, which they did well. Scientists were excited, engaged, and most importantly, listening to the reps explain how the system works and how it can work for them.
We hope to see even more engaging tactics by vendors as they continue reaching out to all aspects of a scientist’s interests. Thanks for a great conference and see you next year!
More...
Headline, SDBN Blog »
SDBN February 21st Free Happy Hour: Learning to Leverage Networks | |
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Posted by Mary Canady February 8th, 2012 .
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The SDBN group continues to grow rapidly, with about 6,000 members on LinkedIn, thousands more on Facebook and Twitter, and more than 1,000 biotech professionals attending our events each year. How can you leverage the network and your geographic advantage of being in San Diego? Come to our free happy hour February 21st at Green Flash Brewery and you’ll be able to learn from the Comprendia team about how you can leverage networks and tools to advance your career and business. As usual, we’ll also be open to your suggestions for improving the SDBN. We’ll be circulating with iPads, and if you’re just there to socialize, that’s OK too, there will be many biotech professionals for you to meet.
Sponsor
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Event Details
Who: Biotechnology professionals in the greater San Diego area
What: SDBN February 21st Networking Event
When: Tuesday, February 21st 2012, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Green Flash Tasting Room, 6550 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92121 (Directions below)
Cost: Free, food available for purchase from TBD gourmet food truck, beverages available for purchase (30 Green Flash beers on tap, soda, complimentary water).
Contact: http://sdbn.org/contact
For more information about the event: http://sdbn.org/february
Directions: From the west: From the 805 North or South exit Mira Mesa Blvd, head east for 2.0 miles, the Green Flash Tasting Room will be on the left/north side of the street at Flanders Drive. From the east: From the 15 North or South exit Mira Mesa Blvd, head west for 3.6 miles, the Green Flash Tasting Room will be on the right/north side of the street at Flanders Drive.
Parking: The Green Flash lot holds about 70 cars, so come early and carpool if you’d like to park there. You can also park on the street, but be very mindful that there are some poorly marked ‘no parking’ areas, especially on Sequence where there is a center lane.
Biotechnology, Conferences, Drug Discovery, Featured, SDBN Blog »
Focus on San Diego: Life Science Conferences Spring 2012 | |
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Posted by Mary Canady January 31st, 2012 .
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Image courtesy of user leighty (Ryan Leighty) on Flickr
This spring San Diego downtown will be buzzing with scientific discussions as our city hosts a number of major scientific symposia. We are excited to attend and soak in all the science that will be shared during these two months. Our own Mary Canady will also be participating in a panel discussing on the triumphs and trials of Transitioning from Academia to Industry at the Annual meeting of the Biophysical Society on Tuesday, February 28, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM.
We hope that you are planning on attending at least some of these events, and to help you plan your attendance, we outline below pertinent information about each conference:
| Name | Date | LinkedIn event page | Twitter account | Twitter hashtag | Tweetup or Event |
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| 2012 Society for Laboratory Automation & Screening | 2/4- 2/9 | http://linkd.in/uVMlgx | @SLAS_org | #SLAS2012 | No* |
| Biophysical Society 56th Annual Meeting | 2/25- 2/29 | http://linkd.in/uwFbH6 | @BiophysicalSoc | #bps12 | No* |
| IBC’s Biopharmaceutical Development & Production Week | 2/27- 3/2 | http://linkd.in/rZVttm | @ibcusa | #BDPWeek | No* |
| American Chemical Society | 3/25- 3/29 | http://linkd.in/AgWH30 | @ACSNatlMtg | #ACSSanDiego | Follow @pidgirl for details |
| Experimental Biology | 4/21- 4/25 | http://linkd.in/taE6N6 | @expbio | #EB2012 | TBD |
*SDBN may host a tweetup if none will be planned by meeting organizers. Stay tuned.
The spring will be exciting for science in San Diego, add our Google calendar to yours so you won’t miss out on any local events. We hope you can set aside some time to take advantage of the presence of these major conferences in our city, we’ll be posting updates if you can’t. Some of the conferences have free or reasonable exhibit hall passes, and we’ll also post after hours events on our Facebook page so you can do some networking.
Comprendia is giving free social media consultations for your life science business, contact us to schedule one while you’re in San Diego.
More...Headline, SDBN Blog, SDBN Events »
SDBN January 23rd Speed Networking: What Are Your 2012 Goals? | |
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Posted by Mary Canady January 3rd, 2012 .
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It’s a new year! We asked about your 2012 goals in this poll (which you can still take and get a free CST calendar) and got some thoughtful answers. We plugged the text into Tagxedo and got this word cloud which sums it up, with the top words being biotech, pharma, networking, people, learning, companies, job and industry. We’ll post the full results soon along with our vision for 2012, and hope to help you get started quickly with our annual speed networking event January 23rd. Bring your business cards, hone your elevator speech, and prepare to meet as many biotech professionals as is allowed by law in one night! We’ll be at our new venue Green Flash which has been attracting bigger crowds, we expect more than 100 to attend.
Sponsors
Premier |
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We have more sponsorship opportunities for this popular event, contact us for more details.
Event Details
Who: Biotechnology professionals in the greater San Diego area
What:SDBN January 23rd 2012 Speed Networking Event at Green Flash Tasting Room
When: Monday, January 23rd 2012, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Green Flash Tasting Room, 6550 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92121 (Directions below)
Cost: $25/20 ($50 for recruiters) includes dinner (TBD gourmet food truck). Beverages available for purchase (30 Green Flash beers on tap, soda, complimentary water).
Contact: http://sdbn.org/contact
For more information about the event: http://sdbn.org/january
Directions: From the west: From the 805 North or South exit Mira Mesa Blvd, head east for 2.0 miles, the Green Flash Tasting Room will be on the left/north side of the street at Flanders Drive. From the east: From the 15 North or South exit Mira Mesa Blvd, head west for 3.6 miles, the Green Flash Tasting Room will be on the right/north side of the street at Flanders Drive.
Parking: The Green Flash lot holds about 70 cars, so come early and carpool if you’d like to park there. You can also park on the street, but be very mindful that there are some poorly marked ‘no parking’ areas, especially on Sequence where there is a center lane.
Headline, SDBN Blog, SDBN Events »
SDBN 3rd Anniversary Party December 12th 2011 at Green Flash | |
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Posted by Mary Canady November 17th, 2011 .
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Can you believe the San Diego Biotechnology Network is three years old now? We held our first SDBN event in November of 2008, and our objective was to improve networking opportunities for local biotech professionals. After 3 years, how are we doing? We’d like to celebrate and also get your feedback on how we can help you even more in 2012. Join us again at Green Flash in Mira Mesa from 5:30-8:30 p.m. December 12th for some great networking, food, and beer (for purchase, non-alcoholic beverages available as well). Last time we had upwards of 130 people, and this time we’ve got the place to ourselves and we’ll also get tours of the facility. Beer is biochemistry, and two of the founders of Green Flash worked at Invitrogen back in the day!
In addition, we’ll do the ever popular ‘introduce a colleague’ activity. We’ll collect business cards from those interested in participating, each take one, then find and learn about the person we each drew. Then, we’ll each introduce the person we drew at the microphone. It’s a great way to meet people, practice your presentation skills, and get exposure.
Sponsors
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This event is available for sponsorship, contact us for more information.
Event Details
Who: Biotechnology professionals in the greater San Diego area
What:SDBN December 12th 2011 3rd Anniversary Party at Green Flash Tasting Room
When: Monday, December 12th 2011, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Green Flash Tasting Room, 6550 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92121 (Directions below)
Cost: $25/20 ($50 for recruiters), includes dinner (TBD gourmet food truck). Beverages available for purchase (30 Green Flash beers on tap, soda, complimentary water)
Contact: http://sdbn.org/contact
For more information about the event: http://sdbn.org/december
Directions: From the west: From the 805 North or South exit Mira Mesa Blvd, head east for 2.0 miles, the Green Flash Tasting Room will be on the left/north side of the street at Flanders Drive. From the east: From the 15 North or South exit Mira Mesa Blvd, head west for 3.6 miles, the Green Flash Tasting Room will be on the right/north side of the street at Flanders Drive.
Parking: The Green Flash lot holds about 70 cars, so come early and carpool if you’d like to park there. You can also park on the street, but be very mindful that there are some poorly marked ‘no parking’ areas, especially on Sequence where there is a center lane.
Featured, SDBN Blog »
SDBN Happy Hour and LinkedIn Tips for Biotech Professionals | |
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Posted by Lara November 4th, 2011 .
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What a great turnout last week! Thanks to all who attended SDBN’s first Happy Hour event, and thanks to our sponsor Avitus Group. As always we enjoyed seeing many familiar as well as new faces within the local scientific community.
Congratulations to Ramy Aziz, Visiting Scientist at UCSD Systems Biology Research Group, who was the big winner. A social butterfly collecting more than 25 business cards, he collected the prize of a $50 Amazon gift card – thanks Avitus Group!
We appreciate everyone who was able to participate in our LinkedIn Profile recommendations, it was a definite hit.
With so many ways to improve a LinkedIn profile it’s not easy to narrow down the ideas.
Whether you’re a scientist looking for a job, or trying to increase your reputation within your industry, spiffing up your LinkedIn page to reflect where you are and what you can offer can be invaluable to your career growth.
We saw some great examples of LinkedIn pages. And since we saw several recurring themes of areas where people could use help, in this blog post I’ll stick with some of the basic improvement areas.
Before getting into it, here was a common question we heard – “Why should I care if I’m not currently a job seeker?” Answer – because if you wait until you absolutely need a network to leverage, you will find yourself a few months behind the game. If you can build a foundation now, you’ll have it when you need it, and more than that, you never know when or where new opportunities will come from….
Below is a summary of five (5) characteristics common to profiles that:
- have a likely chance of being found through a LinkedIn search, or
- that act as an engaging, interesting, and informative personal marketing piece for professional deliverables and qualifications
Top LinkedIn Profile Improvements – Starting Points
- Have a photo – A headshot where you’re not holding a beer is the path you want to take. You wouldn’t have a bag over your head at a networking event, and you shouldn’t here. LinkedIn is a conversation waiting to happen – be friendly and you’ll start the conversation on the right foot.
- Get a Customized URL – Take advantage of personalizing your URL – make it shorter and more memorable – here’s how:
- Go to your Profile Page
- At the bottom of the grey box with all of your information is a Public Profile line
- You should see an “Edit” link next to your URL
- Click “Edit” and enter your personalized URL (then save)
- Go to Settings and click “Edit your public profile”
- In the “Your public profile URL” box on the right, click the “Customize your public profile URL” link
- Type the last part of your new custom URL in the text box
- Click Set Custom URL and enter your personalized URL (then save)
Option 1 Option 2 
Adapted from LinkedIn Help Center - Professional Headline – Your Name and Professional Headline are the only two things that others will see in the some places in LinkedIn.
For example, people mouse over your name for this information within Group discussions, in the Q&A section (if you ask / answer a question), and in connections lists.
- Your headline should be a marketing phrase, not just your current title (current title appears under “Current” in the information section anyway)
- You are allowed 120 characters in this field so try to add some detail to let people know who you are and what you can do for them, in a nutshell
- Join more groups – You get 50 for free, take advantage. Find the most relevant LinkedIn groups in your industry that will help you meet your goals. You may join because you get something from their discussions or you may join because an influencer or connection at a company you’re interested in is in that group. Over time you can filter out the groups that offer you little or nothing.
- Find jobs in groups – people post these things, especially in job seeker groups within your industry (see some suggested groups in the last bullet)
- Groups are a great place to find others who are having discussions in your field, about topics of interest to you. And if you need help with anything, it’s a perfect place to ask for advice. Ask questions – you’ll learn and it raises your profile in LinkedIn.
- Listen – The great thing about groups is you don’t have to talk at all. This is probably the best way to get a feel for the topics and content valued in your primary groups of interest, which leads to the next point -
- You don’t have to follow everything in every group – just pick a few most interesting or valuable to you
- Want to showcase your expertise in your field? Giving advice within groups builds your reputation in your industry
- Reach many more people directly – within your field. And when you want to LinkIn with someone, you can use a group as a point of connection when sending the invitation
- Here are some LinkedIn groups we at SDBN recommend for scientists (job-seeking or not) –
- More Recommendations – One of the best ways to stand out to employers, recruiters, or potential business partners is through testimonials of others who have done business or worked side-by-side with you.
- Ask for a recommendation from as many people as possible and be sure to return the favor
- What you say about others can also inform on if you work and play well with other scientists. And these also show up on your Profile page so don’t just “form-letter” your recommendations – make them personal, interesting, and genuine.
So basically, the idea to remember is to fill our your LinkedIn profile page out as completely as you would your resumé . Since you want your LinkedIn profile to be more succinct than your resumé , go through and add sections manually rather than relying on the resumé upload function. I haven’t tried it myself but have heard that it can mess up the formatting you’ve already created. Plus you’ll have to go back and edit it anyway, so you may as well just start there.
We hope these tips help you to improve your LinkedIn profile through some relatively painless starting points. Please leave any tips you have in the comments below – and we’ll be sure to follow this post up with some intermediate and advanced tips for LinkedIn profile improvement, stay tuned.
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