Science & Technology Australia is seeking applications for individuals to join one of our four committees. These positions are fantastic opportunities for individuals to contribute their ideas and expertise to help STA achieve its mission.
We are seeking applications for the following committees:
- Policy
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
- Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR)
- Bench-to-Boardroom
Friends of the Chair positions are available on the Policy and EDI committees if you are interested in contributing but feel you may lack the experience needed. See further information below.
Candidates wishing to apply to join a Committee must be members of or employed by an STA member organisation.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people from diverse faith, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ identified STEM professionals.
Please submit your application to info@sta.org.au by Monday 1 July 2024. Please indicate in the email subject which committee you are applying for.
The Policy Committee support STA’s leadership to respond to policy issues and develop advocacy strategy, by engaging with STA’s membership to reflect the needs of the STEM sector; responding to inquiries, reviews and consultations; and contributing STA’s proactive STEM sector policy agenda.
The Policy Committee meets monthly. Please view the Policy Committee Terms of Reference and the STA Constitution, before applying.
To apply please provide a brief biography (200 words approx.) and address the following criteria in a statement that is no more than two pages:
- What board and committee roles have you held previously?
- What experience do you have in developing strategy for a STEM-related organisation?
- How would your skills and attributes help STA to bridge the gap between science and policy?
- What do you want to achieve for science and technology in Australia?
- Please state your STA member organisation and confirm that this organisation is aware of your application.
The Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee advises the STA Board on on strategic issues of EDI in the STEM sector, including STA’s own policies and practices and contributes to the delivery of STA’s Reconciliation Action Plan commitments.
The EDI Committee meets approximately 4 times a year. Please view the EDI Committee Terms of Reference and the STA Constitution before applying.
To apply please provide a brief biography (approximately 200 words) and address the following criteria in a statement that is no more than two pages:
- What is your relevant committee, board, and/or EDI experience?
- What is your perspective on equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM?
- What do you hope to achieve as a member of this committee? What does success look like to you?
- Please state your STA member organisation and confirm that this organisation is aware of your application.
Please also let us know if you identify as a member of an under-represented group in STEM.
The Finance, Audit and Risk (FAR) Committee advises the STA Board on financial management and sustainability, risk management and mitigation, the development of the budget; the annual financial audit; and legal and regulatory compliance systems. The member representative role on the STA FAR committee seeks to ensure that the interests of all STA member organisations are represented in these important discussions. This role ideally suits someone with experience in risk and/or financial management.
The FAR Committee meets at least three times a year. Please view the FAR Committee Terms of Reference and the STA Constitution before applying.
To apply please provide a brief biography (approximately 200 words) and address the following criteria in a statement that is no more than two pages:
- What board and committee roles have you held previously?
- What experience do you have in financial management, regulation and compliance?
- What is your approach to helping organisations navigate risk?
- Please state your STA member organisation and confirm that this organisation is aware of your application.
The Bench-to-Boardroom Committee is a new committee which will progress STA’s ambitions to develop a scientist-entrepreneur training program and network; deepen the representation of STEM experts on governance boards; and will advise STA’s Board on strategic issues of science commercialisation.
The Bench-to-Boardroom Committee will meet as necessary. Please view the Bench to Boardroom Committee Terms of Reference and the STA Constitution before applying.
To apply please provide a brief biography (approximately 200 words) and address the following criteria in a statement that is no more than two pages:
- What board and committee roles have you held previously?
- What experience do you have in commercialising research and/or in fostering and supporting research commercialisation (including through training)?
- Describe how you will draw on your connections and networks across the R&D sector to help the committee.
- Please state your STA member organisation and confirm that this organisation is aware of your application.
If you are interested in working with the EDI or Policy Committee but feel that you may lack the experience needed to become a committee member straight away, you can apply to be a ‘Friend of the Chair’. This role involves observing Committee meetings and participating in elements of the Committee’s work, depending on your interests and level of experience. Someone who has served as a friend of the Chair should be well placed later to take the opportunity to move up to full Committee membership. Friend of the Chair roles are 1 year duration.
If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Chair, please provide a brief statement (one page max) including a short biography (approx. 200 words) and addressing what you seek to learn from this role and what skills or lived experience you can bring to the committee.
