Join the Cambridge Zero Postgraduate Academy Steering Committee
Are you a postgraduate student at the University of Cambridge with an interest in climate change, sustainability, decarbonisation, or net zero research? We invite you to apply for a leadership role within the Cambridge Zero Postgraduate Academy Steering Committee. This is a unique opportunity to take on a leadership role, develop valuable skills, and support the climate-related research community at Cambridge.
About the Cambridge Zero Postgraduate Academy
The Cambridge Zero Postgraduate Academy is an initiative designed to unite postgraduate students across all departments and disciplines who share an interest in climate-related research. Our mission is to create a vibrant, interdisciplinary community where students can collaborate, share knowledge, and develop both their research and professional skills.
As part of the Academy, members gain access to a variety of opportunities including training programs, workshops, and an annual research symposium. These activities are designed by the student steering committee to support your academic journey and foster community between climate-interested postgrads across schools and departments.
The Postgraduate Academy is funded and supported by Cambridge Zero. The full Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Academy and steering committee can be found here: https://www.zero.cam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/ToR_CZ_Postgrad_Academy%2024-25.pdf
Steering Committee Roles
The Steering Committee is responsible for planning and executing the Academy’s activities, ensuring that we continue to foster a strong and supportive community for all members. The committee positions and their associated responsibilities are outlined below:
- President: Oversee the overall operation of the Academy, lead meetings, and represent the Academy within Cambridge Zero and the wider University community.
- Secretary: Manage membership records and meeting administration including writing the agenda and taking minutes.
- Treasurer*: Handle the budget with support from Cambridge Zero, ensuring that all activities are appropriately funded, and costs are managed within the allocated budget.
- Communications Officer*: Lead all communication efforts, including newsletters, social media, and website updates to keep our community informed and engaged.
- Events Officers (x8)*: Plan and execute a variety of events, including workshops, training sessions, and the annual research symposium. Events Officers will work closely with the other committee members to ensure successful delivery of all Academy activities.
*Please note that we are currently only recruiting to fill 5 roles on the committee. We are looking to recruit a President, Secretary and 3 Events Officers.
Why Join the Steering Committee?
- Skill Development: Gain hands-on experience in leadership, event planning, budgeting, and communications.
- Networking: Connect with peers across different disciplines who share your interest in climate and sustainability research.
- Career Enhancement: Strengthen your CV with leadership experience and involvement in a high-impact initiative at one of the world’s leading universities.
- Impact: Play a key role in supporting the climate research community at the University of Cambridge.
Eligibility
To apply, you must be a currently enrolled postgraduate student at the University of Cambridge (e.g., PhD, MPhil, MSc). Committee membership will last for one academic year (2023-24), with the option to reapply for a second year.
Please be aware that membership of the Postgraduate Academy steering committee requires a time commitment of at least 1 hour per week during term time for our regular meetings, with additional time commitment around duties associated with your role (e.g. event planning, writing up minutes, preparing comms materials, etc.)
How to Apply
Interested in joining the Steering Committee? We will be hosting two rounds of recruitment for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The first recruitment round ended in August. To apply to the second and final recruitment round, please complete the application form by 23:59 on Sunday 20 October. On the form, indicate the position(s) you are interested in, and provide a brief statement on why you are a good fit for the role.
The second recruitment round will take place at the beginning of the 2024/2025 academic year.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Beth Simpson at beth.simpson@zero.cam.ac.uk
