If you’re looking for podcasts and activities that are nanotechnology-inspired, then the January 2014 issue of The Nano Bite can give you a few ideas such as checking out NanoNerds a series of podcasts on YouTube produced by the Museum of Science, Boston. The selection includes (in no particular order): Shape Shifting Proteins, Bio-Bandage to Stop Bleeding, Making Super Strong Materials with Nano, etc.

There are also the Brown Bag Conversations,

→ Go Ahead, Mark Your Calendar Now for the Spring 2014 Brown-Bag Conversations
The first brown-bag of the New Year, “Nano for Summer Camps,” is kicking off on Thursday, January 9, 2014 from 10-11am PST / 1-2pm EST. If you’re interested in discovering new ways to introduce nanoscience into your camps, then consider joining this conversation to learn about tips and best practices for incorporating nano into summer camps. Bring your ideas, experiences, and questions for the presenters.

View the full Spring 2014 Brown-Bag Schedule at http://www.nisenet.org/community/events/online_workshop

Brown-Bag: Nano for Summer Camps
When: Thursday, January 9, 2014; 10-11am PST / 1-2pm EST
RSVP for this brown-bag by clicking here

Brown-Bag: Hosting a Bilingual NanoDays
When: Wednesday, January 15, 2014; 11-12pm PST / 2-3pm EST
RSVP for this brown-bag by clicking here

Brown-Bag: What’s Coming in Your NanoDays Kit
When: Tuesday, February 4, 2014; 10-11am PST / 1-2pm EST
RSVP for this brown-bag by clicking here

Brown-Bag: The Science Behind NanoDays – Part 1
When: Wednesday, February 19, 2014; 11-12pm PST / 2-3pm EST
RSVP for this brown-bag by clicking here

Brown-Bag: Nano and Society
When: Tuesday, March 4, 2014; 10-11am PST / 1-2pm EST
RSVP for this brown-bag by clicking here

Brown-Bag: Sheltered Instruction
When: Tuesday, March 11, 2014; 11-12pm PST / 2-3pm EST
RSVP for this brown-bag by clicking here

Brown-Bag: The Science Behind NanoDays – Part 2
When: Tuesday, March 18, 2014; 10-11am PST / 1-2pm EST
RSVP for this brown-bag by clicking here

For anyone looking, there’s a job opening at the Museum of Science + Industry Chicago (Illinois), from the Manager, Guest Experiences ‘job opportunity’ page,

Department: Guest Experiences
Status: Full Time

The Manager, Guest Experiences will be responsible for co-leading the Guest Experiences team and responsible for ensuring the delivery of world-class guest service to all guests in the Museum. This position is responsible for leading guest engagement strategies and provides overall management of Facilitator programs.

This position will have shared responsibility with another full-time Manager of Guest Experiences and will report directly to Director of Guest Experiences.

Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities for the Manager, Guest Experiences include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitor the operational effectiveness of Facilitator programs and activities
• Identify staffing needs and coordinate resources to satisfy those needs
• Manage the Facilitator staffing process
• Proactively identify problems and address gaps
• Represent Guest Experiences on cross-functional Museum teams
• Recruit, hire, and manage team of 3 – 5 Senior Coordinators, Guest Experiences
• Provide regular feedback and coaching to Senior Coordinators, Guest Experiences
• Address escalated guest issues or concerns
• Monitor current programs to ensure they are achieving guest engagement goals
• Work with Coordinators, Developers and Manager, Guest Programs to ensure future programs will achieve guest engagement goals
• Provide feedback to Facilitators on guest engagement skills
• Act as liaison with Exhibits team to ensure exhibits are designed to foster guest engagement and to coordinate changes to current exhibits
• Responsible for performance evaluations

Qualifications

The Manager, Guest Experiences requires superior analytical, attention to detail, written and verbal communications skills, and exceptionally good professional judgment.

Required qualifications are as follows:

• Master’s degree in science-related field or equivalent, preferred
• Four to ten years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of formal and informal science education and experience
• Six to ten years of strong management experience, including team management and project management skills
• Theater experience or strong familiarity with improvisation important
• Demonstrated successful collaboration experience and negotiating skills
• Ability to coach team members on guest engagement strategies, performances, and in using inquiry based methodologies
• Excellent verbal, written communication skills
• Positive demeanor with solution focus and creative problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ability in working with diversity of skills, professions and cultures
• Must be able and willing to work weekends and holidays

How to Apply »

Good luck!

And finally, here’s the January 2014 nano haiku,

Nano Haiku
Calling all poets and authors! Seeking creative and fun haiku submissions to include in the monthly Nano Bite.

Harnessing nature
Create new technologies
Using spider silk

This month’s haiku was submitted by Brad Herring from the Museum of Life + Science.

Hmmm, I wonder how you submit your haiku? I’m sure eager beavers can figure out how to submit their haikus by checking out the NISENet website.