Non-Executive Directors - Applications now closed

Astronomy Australia Limited (AAL) seeks applications for the two upcoming vacancies on the AAL Board.

AAL is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee whose Members are all Australian universities and research organisations with a significant astronomy research capability. Its core business is to manage programmes which provide astronomers with access to national astronomy infrastructure.

AAL finances a range of infrastructure projects from Australian Government funding, and also arranges access for Australian astronomers to international optical telescopes such as Gemini and Magellan. The AAL Board, appointed by the Members, oversees the progress of these projects, and is required to report regularly to the Government.

AAL will hold its 2011 AGM on 11th November 2011, at which point Directors Prof Brian Schmidt and Prof Jeremy Mould will retire. This will create two vacancies on the Board. As defined in clause 22 of Astronomy Australia Ltd's constitution, the Members are required to seek a Board which collectively has experience in the following areas:

• Radio astronomy;
• Optical astronomy;
• Research collaboration at the national and international level;
• National research policy and priorities;
• Business administration and finance;
• Corporate governance and legal matters; and
• Strategy formulation and implementation.

In addition to the above, the majority of the Board must have conducted research in astronomy or a related field. To fulfil this final requirement, at least one of the vacancies on 11th November 2011 must be filled by an individual who has conducted research in astronomy or a related field.
Note: Prof Schmidt and Prof Mould are both entitled to apply for re-election.

Applications

If you consider yourself well placed to contribute to the Board via your expertise and ideas, and share AAL's vision of wanting Australian astronomers to have access to the best research infrastructure, please email Astronomy Australia Ltd with a maximum two A4 page application with:

• a brief CV,
• your relevant expertise,
• any relevant conflicts of interest.

AAL encourages applications from everyone with the appropriate expertise and skills. AAL also recognises the low level of female participation on its Board and therefore encourages applications from women.

The deadline for applications is Friday 23rd September 2011 at 4pm AEST. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications will be reviewed by the Nomination Committee. This committee will make nominations to the AAL Members for consideration at the AGM on 11th November 2011.

Queries can be made to either Mr Mark McAuley, Chief Executive Officer, 03 9214 8036, or Prof Mark Wainwright, Nomination Committee Chair, 0414 385 002.