Committee Member Program Apply to serve on a committee
ASTDA committees are where the organization’s work gets done, including communicating our mission, supporting the next generation of investigators, and creating opportunities for mid-career professionals. Historically, committee service has been limited to members of the Board of Directors. That is changing.
ASTDA members who are not currently on the Board are invited to apply for a committee role. This is an opportunity to contribute your expertise, help shape ASTDA’s programs and priorities, and connect with colleagues across the field, while gaining valuable leadership experience.
Who Should Apply Current ASTDA Members May Apply If They
- Are not currently serving on the ASTDA Board of Directors
- Has not served on the Board of Directors or on any ASTDA committee — including as a Member-at-Large — within the past year .
- Has an interest in the work of one or more of the participating committees
We encourage applications from mid-career professionals, those who have previously sought Board membership, and individuals who bring diverse perspectives to our work.
Participating Committees
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee works to share information that is important to ASTDA’s mission and to raise the visibility of ASTDA’s work. Members may help generate content for social media, write accessible summaries of conference presentations and new publications, maintain a calendar of relevant events, and promote ASTDA’s funding opportunities and programs.
Ideal for: Members with an interest in science communication, writing, or digital media
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee focuses on recruiting new members to ASTDA and supporting the engagement and retention of current members. Members review current membership data, develop strategies for connecting with underrepresented groups in the field, and conduct periodic surveys to help ensure that the organization is welcoming and responsive to its membership.
Ideal for: Members with an interest in organizational development, data analysis, and outreach
Mid-Career Professionals Committee
The Mid-Career Professionals Committee is focused on expanding opportunities for ASTDA members who are in the middle stages of their careers. This is a newer committee dedicated to addressing the distinct professional development needs of mid-career professionals, including mentorship, networking, and career advancement resources.
Ideal for: Mid-career professionals who want to help build programs they wish had existed earlier in their careers
Workforce Development Committee
The Workforce Development Committee works to build and strengthen the pipeline of professionals in the STI field. Current initiatives include small project assistance grants, a summer research fellowship program, and conference sessions designed to showcase the work of early-career investigators and foster mentorship and networking.
Ideal for: Members with an interest in mentorship, grant-making, or early-career professional development
What Participation Looks Like
Selected committee members will serve a two-year term. The anticipated time commitment is approximately 20–30 hours per year, which includes regularly scheduled virtual committee meetings and project-based work between meetings. The specific schedule varies by committee.
Your Next Step
- Your contact information
- The committee you are applying to join. To increase your chances of being selected, you may optionally select a second committee as well; however, selected members will only serve on one committee.
- A short statement of interest (300 words or fewer)
- Your current CV (PDF format)