Background
CAHR is seeking applications for the position of Trainee Representative on the Board of Directors for a one-year term. This appointment is designed to include the perspectives of HIV research trainees in CAHR initiatives and determine how best the organization might best serve this community in its deliberations. The Trainee Representative (graduate student, postdoctoral fellow or resident) will be called upon to present the opinion of the HIV Research Trainee community in discussions by the Board of Directors. In keeping with CAHR Bylaws, the Trainee Representative will not vote on decisions made by the Board.
Of note, CAHR is governed by a Board of ten that includes: President, Past-president, President-elect, Treasurer, Secretary, a member representing each discipline (Basic Sciences; Clinical Sciences; Epidemiology/Public Health; and Social Sciences) and a Community Representative. A full list of current Board members can be found at https://www.cahr-acrv.ca/directors/
Role
The Trainee Representative will serve as a liaison between the Board and all active HIV Research Trainee members of CAHR, bringing to light trainee issues, concerns and needs that may inform initiatives and programs. The seat will give the Trainee Representative: real-world leadership experience; an appreciation for the nature of non-profit organizations; a keener understanding of the roles and responsibilities of boards as well as staff and volunteers; a window into how non-profit boards function; and insight into what makes boards and individual board members effective.
As a non-voting member on the CAHR Board, the Trainee Representative agrees:
- To participate in a monthly conference call and attend two in-person Board meetings each year
- To be committed to contributing the trainee perspective in developing and supporting a new generation of HIV researchers
- To be committed to the CAHR mandate and to reviewing and understanding the CAHR Board orientation package
- To respect the confidentiality of all Board matters, including Board contact information, the content of e-mails, Board phone calls and meetings
- To attend the annual CAHR Conference and participate as faculty in the annual CAHR New HIV Researcher Workshop
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants for the Trainee Representative seat must:
- Be enrolled as a graduate Trainee (graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, resident, clinical resident or fellow) in a Canadian university as of January 1st, 2021
- Have an area of study that pertains to HIV
- Have attended the CAHR Conference at least once in the last two years
- Confirm Trainee status (letter from supervisor or copy of registration)
- Be available and have permission to travel to two in-person Board meetings a year
- Be available to serve for a two-year term if the program is renewed
- Not be supervised by a current member of the CAHR Board
CAHR is committed to equity and inclusion, and welcomes applications from diverse Indigenous, cultural and regional communities, across gender and sexuality spectrums and from people with disabilities.
Note: CAHR will cover travel and lodging expenses for the Trainee Representative to attend two annual meetings, and will provide complimentary registration to the CAHR Conference for one year.
Application Process
To be considered, the candidate must be nominated by an active voting member of CAHR. (More information on membership can be found in the “Membership” section of this website.)
Included with the nomination, the Applicant must provide the following:
- A cover letter outlining their name, academic institution, contact information, an explanation of why they would be a good fit for the position (500 words)
- A letter of recommendation from their academic supervisor
- A copy of their current transcript
Nominations and Application packages for the CAHR Board Trainee Representative must be addressed to Shariq Hader, CAHR Board Secretary, and be e-mailed in PDF form to info@cahr-acrv.ca by 17:00 EST June 1st, 2021. The position begins officially in September 2021.
Selection Process
The Board will review all applications. The Board will select and interview two candidates (one as a back-up in the event the first selection is not able to commit to the role and its responsibilities). Once the selected Trainee Representative has accepted the offer, they will undergo orientation before their first Board meeting.
Questions
If you have any questions about the application process, please send an e-mail to info@cahr-acrv.ca
