Marsden Fund Council - MIS Convenor

Marsden Fund Council - Mathematical and Information Sciences (MIS)

On behalf of the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, we are seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as a member of the Marsden Fund Council and Convenor of the Council's Mathematical and Information Sciences panel. 

The Marsden Fund Council recommends the allocation of around $80 million per year to fund excellent, investigator-led research aimed at generating new knowledge with long-term value to New Zealand. The Marsden Fund, te Pūtea Rangahau a Marsden, is administered by the Royal Society Te Apārangi on behalf of the Council. There are ten discipline-based assessment panels which make funding recommendations to the Marsden Fund Council: Biomedical Sciences; Cellular, Molecular and Physiological Biology; Earth Sciences and Astronomy; Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour; Economics and Human and Behavioural Sciences; Engineering and Interdisciplinary Sciences; Humanities; Mathematical and Information Sciences; Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry; Social Sciences. 

One eminent researcher is sought to fill a member vacancy on the Marsden Fund Council. The member will also serve as convenor of the Mathematical and Information Sciences (MIS) discipline-based assessment panel. A more detailed description of the subject areas covered by this panel are shown on the Royal Society’s website. Members are appointed by the Minister.

Personal specifications

• Strategic thinker
• An understanding of the research, science, and technology environment and an ability to take a broad view of research, science, and technology requirements
• Governance experience
• Significant achievement in research, science or technology
• Leadership ability
• A high standing in the research community, demonstrated by a range of relevant affiliations 
• Strong networks (iwi, community, national and international)
• Knowledge of evaluation methodologies
• Knowledge of research methodologies and frameworks
• An understanding of Vision Mātauranga
• Knowledge of human capital formation.

In addition to the qualities above, candidates should also have specialist knowledge within the subject areas covered by the Mathematical and Information Sciences (MIS) Panel. The Panel focuses on studies related to pure mathematics; applied mathematics; statistics; operations research; logic; computer science; information systems; and software engineering.

Honorarium and time commitment

Council members receive an honorarium of $10,500 per year. Council members can expect a workload of about 20 working days per year, concentrated mainly in the periods leading up to the assessment of funding proposals in March and August.

For more information

Please see the position description and the Marsden Fund Council Terms of Reference or contact us at boardappointments@mbie.govt.nz.

As part of the application process, candidates will need to confirm that they are not currently being considered for or planning to submit a funding application to the Marsden Fund.

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below and complete the application process before 11.59pm on 15 October 2024. Applications should include a cover letter and a curriculum vitae (CV).