Call for expressions of interest to join the Ageing Well NSC Science Leadership Team
by Ageing Well National Science Challenge, 29 Oct 2015
The Ageing Well National Science Challenge vision is to add life to years for all older New Zealanders. This will be achieved by harnessing science to sustain health and wellbeing into the later years of life. Additional information is provided in the attached briefing and in the Research and Business Plan, which is available here.
We are looking to appoint a Science Leadership Team of approximately six people on staggered appointment terms of up to three years.
The key function of the Ageing Well National Science Challenge’s Science Leadership Team is to act as expert scientific advisory group to the Challenge’s Governance Group and to provide a strategic view of the Challenge’s activity. In so doing, the Science Leadership Team can help ensure research is mission-led and will offer tangible and demonstrable improvements to the lives of all New Zealanders.
Criteria for selection
The following criteria will be used when the Governance Group selects members for the Science Leadership Team. An objective assessment of the mix of skills and experience will also inform the final decision.
- Understanding of the Challenge Mission and Programme objectives. For the Science Leadership Team to operate effectively it will require people who understand the Objective and Mission of the Challenge.
- Leadership. To make a successful contribution to the Science Leadership Team, extensive and demonstrable leadership experience in their area of expertise would be required.
- Networks and Connections. To effectively raise awareness of the Challenge with key stakeholders and to be able to represent the Challenge effectively, a good network in the science outreach and/or stakeholder community would be an advantage.
- Knowledge of engagement with Māori (including of Vision Mātauranga). This knowledge will assist with the engagement and communication with whānau, hapū and iwi participants in the Challenge
- Knowledge of engagement with Pacific Peoples and/or Asian Communities would be a significant advantage.
Logistics
It is anticipated that four meetings per year will be held (two face-to-face, likely in Wellington, and two meetings by teleconference), as well as participation in Challenge activities. Up to half a day of preparation time will likely be required for each meeting. Independent Members of the Science Leadership Team will receive a per diem and relevant expenses to attend meetings and other Challenge activities.
Application Process
We are inviting potential applicants to submit their CV together with a covering letter outlining their science leadership experience, why they are interested in joining the Ageing Well Science Leadership Team and how they meet the criteria described above.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, 20 November to administrator.ageingwell@otago.ac.nz
For more information regarding Science Leadership Team positions or to arrange an informal conversation regarding the role, please contact Challenge Director Professor David Baxter (director.ageingwell@otago.ac.nz).