As a PhD council, we aspire to bring relevant information to VU PhDs, with a special emphasis on the subjects within our three portfolios: 1) mental health and wellbeing, 2) PhD rights, and 3) diversity and inclusion. To learn more about the portfolios, please see our webpage. The council consists of three board members and 9 general members: we aim to have representation across each faculty/graduate school within the group.
For the upcoming academic year (2023/2024), we are looking for new board members. See below for a description of the board member roles, compensation details, and information about how to apply for a position.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Board members are expected to prepare and attend meetings at different organizational levels at the VU relevant to PhD policy (e.g., VU consultative meeting for research, Network of Graduate Schools and the Rector Magnificus) as well as PNN (Promovendi Netwerk Nederland) meetings at the national level. These meetings can be divided over the board members as they see fit. Furthermore, each board member oversees one of the aforementioned portfolios and contributes to workshop organization.
BOARD MEMBERS
CHAIR: As chair, you will assume the role of leader of the board and guide the overall functioning of the council. Your responsibilities will include preparing meeting agendas, presiding over council meetings, and serving as the primary spokesperson of the council both inside and outside of the VU. You will actively participate in and prepare for various meetings within the VU, provide advice to different stakeholders, and attend PNN meetings. Lastly, you will oversee one of the aforementioned portfolios. Desired skills and competencies: proficiency in leading and facilitating meetings, effective time management, adept diplomacy, decisiveness, clear communication (oral and written), and strong teamworking abilities. Starting date: November 1st, 2023.
CO-CHAIR: As co-chair, your role will involve stepping in for the chair or secretary in the event of his/her absence. You will actively participate in and prepare for various meetings within the VU, provide advice to different stakeholders, and oversee one of the aforementioned portfolios. Desired skills and competencies: flexibility, strong organizational and teamworking skills, community outreach, clear communication (oral and written), and proficiency in leading and facilitating meetings. Starting date: December 1st, 2023.
SECRETARY: As secretary, you will be in charge of all council administration and will ensure documentation is regularly updated and well-maintained. You will manage the council’s e-mail, keep a log of members per academic year, take minutes during meetings and distribute meetings/agendas to responsible board members. You will actively attend and prepare for various meetings within the VU, and provide advice to different stakeholders and oversee one of the aforementioned portfolios. Desired skills and competencies: familiarity with the council’s structure, efficient note taking, attention to detail, systematic work approach, clear communication (oral and written), and strong teamworking skills. Starting date: November 1st
Who are we looking for?
- You are a PhD student at the VU with at least one more year in your trajectory.
- You are enthusiastic about contributing to PhD policy and well-being.
- You are committed and have competencies related to the role you are applying for.
- You are a team player.
- You are willing and able to spend a minimum of 4 hours per week on your council work.
- While having at least one Dutch speaker on the board is practical, fluency in Dutch is not a requirement. We encourage applications from those who do not speak Dutch as well.
What do we offer? - A compensation per academic year, corresponding with one month’s gross salary in the highest step in salary scale 10 according to the collective labor agreement of Dutch universities. If the member of the board is a VU-employee, the compensation is paid as a bonus, so that taxes will be deducted automatically. In all other cases, the compensation is paid as a gross amount to the recipient, and they will have to address any tax-issues themselves.
- The opportunity to acquire new skills, gain board experience, and broaden your network.
- The opportunity to contribute to positive change for PhD students.
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Interested?
To apply send a motivation letter and your CV before September 18th. Please discuss joining the council beforehand with your supervisor. Do not hesitate to contact us in case you have any questions. The interviews will be on September 26 and 29 at the VU.