The International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) is now soliciting applications for an early career researcher to be the next Secretary for our Social and Human Working Group (SHWG).
Being an IASC Working Group Secretary provides a unique experience to support and gain insight into international and interdisciplinary science cooperation, as well as a leg up in building an international Arctic research network. We hope that applicants will see this as a unique professional development opportunity.
Duties for the Working Group Secretary include preparation and secretarial support for the SHWG meetings, tracking of activities’ deliverables, and communication with the Working Group and the central Secretariat during the year. In terms of time, the commitment averages a couple hours per week, more time during the preparation of the Arctic Science Summit Week (ASSW) but less time, for example, during the summer. Please note that attendance at the IASC business meetings during ASSWs is a requirement. The next two ASSWs are from 11 - 20 April 2027 in Hakodate, Japan and from 30 March - 7 April 2028 in Porto, Portugal.
Seen as professional development, the WG Secretary is an unpaid position (although we expect a candidate‘s supervisor to support their participation in this role). However, IASC will pay for travel costs to attend SHWG meetings at ASSWs or, if necessary, in conjunction with other meetings. IASC also covers the costs for WG conference calls and other collaboration tools.
IASC WG Secretaries are required to have strong English-language skills and basic technical proficiency and be located at an institution in an IASC member country.
The position for the SHWG Secretary is initially limited to two years, but can be extended given successful performance.
Applications should be submitted via this form by 24 August 2026 at 13:00 GMT. If you have questions, please contact info@iasc.info