Early Career Representative nominations for 2023

The SRF values the views and opinions of its Early Career members who make up approximately half of the SRF members, and now has four Early Career member positions on the Council.  This includes two postgrad/PhD students and two post-doctoral researchers.  These roles are an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insight into the workings of the Society and to ensure full representation of the Early career SRF members in SRF decision making. All vacancies will be for a period of two years with two new opportunities available each year.

There are currently two ECR member vacancies to join the SRF Council in January 2024, due to the retirement of Dr Claire Stenhouse and Dr Imogen Harris who have completed their terms of office.

Postdoc ECR

We are seeking an SRF post-doctoral Early Career Member to take over from Dr Claire Stenhouse, who will be finishing her term in January 2024.

 PhD ECR

We are seeking an SRF PhD Early Career Member to take over from Dr Imogen Harris, who will be finishing her term in January 2024.

 Both roles will be for the duration of two years from January 2024.

 The role
As a Postgrad/PhD or Postdoc Early Career Representative, you will attend Council meetings where you will represent the views and concerns of Early Career members, including undergraduates, PhD students and postdoctoral scientists. During the two-year term, you will have the opportunity to sit on one or possibly two SRF Committees and to contribute to discussions and decision-making processes as necessary.

Early Career Representatives also take a leading role in managing social media sites and are responsible for organising the SRF Early Career Researcher Symposium at the annual Fertility meeting (liaising with the SRF Programme Committee Chair). 

Each Early Career Representative will be responsible for creating and leading at least one event a year which will be presented to the Council for approval and implementation.  Support and advice will be given by all members of the Council as necessary. 

Please note that ECRs are still able to benefit from SRF grants, bursaries, and awards.

Attendance at meetings
Early career reps are expected to attend Council Meetings – either virtually or in person to be advised.  The foreseeable meetings are due to be held:

2024:   Spring (usually May) and Autumn (usually November)
2025:   January (to coincide with Fertility 2025)
You will be reimbursed for travel costs incurred in attending these meetings.

Council meetings are held at a hotel in an accessible UK location (currently Manchester Airport) or virtually and take a Thursday/Friday format.  Committee meetings are held on Thursday afternoon, followed by a working dinner (the meeting is on location) the Council Meeting is held on Friday from 09.00 – 16.00. Food and overnight accommodation will be provided as necessary and travel (economy) expenses reimbursed.

You must expect to be away on Early Career Rep business for up to 2 working days (including travel time if necessary) at least two times a year and you will be expected to attend the Fertility conferences.

How to apply

For either of the above posts please complete the Early Career nomination form, to be submitted via the website to SRF Secretariat by 09.00 UK time on Monday 6 November 2023.  To be eligible 2023 SRF membership must have been paid by Friday 3 November.

Please include:

• What you would bring to the role and goals for your term as an Early Career Representative (PhD or Postdoc).

• Brief details about yourself including your research and interest in reproductive biology.
• Recent photo.

Timeline

Deadline for Nominations: 09.00 hrs GMT, Monday 6 November 2023

Should the number of nominations received by Monday 6 November 2023 exceed the number of vacancies, then, as stated in the Articles of Association Article 50.7 to 50.10, the Secretary shall issue voting instructions to each Early Career Member of the Society (who has paid for their membership by Friday 6 November 2023.  In the case that only one application is received, the successful candidate will be notified prior to the announcement at the SRF AGM.

Monday 20 November 2023: If more than one application is received for either of the Early Career positions, all Early Career members will be sent a unique link to vote online to elect the next Early Career Representative.

Friday 15 December 2023: Voting closes.

January 2024: The names of those successfully elected as Trustees will be formally announced at the SRF AGM.