SGAC is looking for a volunteer to become Co-Lead of the Space Medicine and Life Sciences Project Group. The new Co-Lead will work with one other Co-Lead to support the activities of the Project Group, and will report to the Project Group Coordination Team of SGAC.

Deadline for applications: 25 March 2023

About the Space Medicine and Life Sciences Project Group

The Space Medicine and Life Sciences (SMLS) Project Group aims to provide an international, intercultural and interdisciplinary platform for young professionals with an interest in space biomedical science.

This group endeavours to provide a conduit for students and young professionals to engage in the ongoing debates in the space medical sector; to optimise human health on Earth, low-Earth orbit and beyond. By fostering strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the space sector (exemplified by the United Nations, national space agencies, commercial spaceflight organisations, academic institutions, and non-profit partners), this project group will enable members to propose innovative space-based solutions to tackle terrestrial health challenges.

The aims and objectives of the PG are the following: 

  • Our primary objective is to provide a global interdisciplinary platform to build a community of young professionals in space medicine and life sciences in collaboration with international stakeholders within the space sector,
  • This community will work towards tangible space applications that address terrestrial healthcare issues, aligned to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
  • In addition, this group will address space medical issues associated with the unique challenges associated with extreme space environments and work towards standardised evidence-based space medical guidelines.
    For more information on the group’s projects and activities please check the PG webpage.

Responsibilities

SGAC encourages Project Group Co-Leads to take personal initiative within their roles to:

  • Recruit new members to join the Project Group and mentor Project Group members
  • Spread the enthusiasm for peaceful space activities through the work of their groups
  • Prepare the annual work plan of the Project Group at the start of the year based on input from members
  • Communicate regularly with their fellow Project Group Co-Leads to update each other on plans and activities, and to coordinate collaborative efforts of the working group
  • Assist with and coordinate the activities of the team
  • Communicate with members all over the world, in different time zones (International leadership)
  • Represent SGAC at conferences and venues on the topics relating to the Project Group
  • Prepare the Project Group’s annual report and intermediate updates to the Project Coordinator together with their fellow Co-Leads

Project Group Co-Leads can form subteams as part of the Project Group and delegate tasks to relevant team leads within their teams. They may also request mentors from the SGAC community to advise their members.

Project Group Co-Leads will report to the Project Group Coordinators Morgane Lecas and Joshua Critchley-Marrows, and will also interact with the Co-Leads of other Project Groups for collaborations.

Estimated time commitment: On average 3 – 5 hours per week

Necessary Qualifications

  • SGAC membership: registration on the SGAC website and below 34 years of age at the time of appointment
  • Be a citizen of a United Nations Member State
  • Be between 18 and 35 years old during the appointment
  • Demonstrate leadership and teamwork experience
  • Possess good communication skills in English and preferably in other United Nations official languages
  • Ideally have a good understanding of the topic of the Project Group
  • Ideally have knowledge of the United Nations (UN) organisation and its objectives, preferably have hands-on experience with youth projects and space-related projects
  • Have enough time at one’s disposal to successfully be able to commit to the group’s activities and maintain regular communication with their fellow Co-Lead and Project Group Coordinators, as well as the members of the group

Project Group Co-Leads are appointed for a term of two years, and may serve two consecutive terms. Project Group Co-Leads may serve a maximum of 2 terms. The position will have a probationary period of 3 months.

Benefits

This is your chance to help shape the future of our organisation. You get to:

  • Attend international conferences and invitation to join UN COPUOS meetings as an SGAC representative
  • Interact with senior-level leaders in the international space sector
  • Work with the next generation of international space sector leaders in the world’s largest youth space network
  • Work with space policy experts
  • Access relevant space policy materials, documents, magazines, etc.
  • Possibly be nominated for SGAC leadership awards
  • Benefit from SGAC discounts on event registration for team members

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please complete our Vacancy Application Form by 25 March 2023 with the following documents as attachments:

  • A Letter of Intent (maximum 1 page)
  • Your CV (maximum 2 pages)
  • List of three past experiences and how they have prepared you for this role (maximum 1 page)

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: 1 March 2023 
Application Close: 25 March 2023 
Review of Applications: 26 March – 17 April 2023
Invitation to Interview: 18 – 25 April 2023
Announcement of Outcome: 6 May 2023