Females in Mass Spectrometry (FeMS) is a community-led global initiative, and we are looking to recruit some volunteers to help keep it running! We are seeking people who work in any area of mass spectrometry (academic, industry, government), at any career stage and from anywhere around the world to support our cause. As a volunteer, you get to choose how you’d like to contribute to FeMS through the events, awards, mentoring, fundraising, or communications teams. There’s an opportunity for everyone and to make your decision easier we have summarised the key commitments, responsibilities, and ideal candidates for each committee below. We would love to have you join the FeMS team and help shape our community in future. Click here to sign up:
Events committee:
What is the commitment? 1 online meeting per month.
What are the responsibilities? Participating in monthly virtual meetings with the events committee. Coordinating with other committee members to help organise events. This includes sending emails, assisting in chairing virtual events, networking with conference organisers, assisting in person conference set ups (if you are keen and can go to the conference).
Who are we looking for? People working in all areas of mass spectrometry who would like experience in coordinating and facilitating FeMS+ events.
Awards committee:
What is the commitment? 1 online meeting per month, participating in assessing a minimum of 5-6 awards schemes/year.
What are the responsibilities? Assessing candidates applying to different award rounds, setting up award application forms, and leading certain award schemes where necessary.
Who are we looking for? People working in all areas of mass spectrometry (academia, industry, & government) who are either from or located in countries outside of North America (we currently have great representation on the committee from people working in North America).
Mentoring committee:
What is the commitment? 1 online meeting per month.
What are the responsibilities? Participating in monthly virtual meetings with the mentorship committee, coordinating with other mentorship committee members, assigning/assisting in assigning mentors/mentees to pods, delivering training to Pod Coordinators and Mentors, and organizing interest group meetings
Who are we looking for? People working in all areas of mass spectrometry who would like experience in coordinating and facilitating the next round of our Mentoring Program.
Communications committee:
What is the commitment? 1 online meeting per month, plus a few hours a week for creating and posting social media material.
What are the responsibilities? Participating in monthly virtual meetings, coordinating with other communication committee members in the creation of the newsletter, marketing material and publishing of content, monitoring online social interactions and promoting posts that align with our values. We also coordinate the website activity and jobs board.
Who are we looking for? FeMS has a lot of activity happening and we would love a creative person to help with making flyers, banners, graphics, newsletters and updating the website. We are open to volunteers from all career levels, backgrounds, and geographical locations.
Fundraising committee:
What is the commitment? 1 online meeting per month, plus up to 4 hours per month on selected tasks. Ideal term of service is 1-2 years.
What are the responsibilities? : 1. Identify and champion sponsorship and fundraising opportunities 2. Coordinate with other FeMS committees to implement identified opportunities 3. Network and interface with potential sponsors 4. Update our Sponsor Prospectus as needed 5. Maintain records of sponsorship commitments and payments 6. Maintain bookkeeping of FeMS expenses 7. Create a quarterly financial report 8. Hold monthly committee meetings 9. Ensure at least 1 member can attend a quarterly FeMS All Committees meeting
Who are we looking for? You count yourself as a member of the Mass Spectrometry community, you may be located anywhere globally, and any career level. Experience in an industry position is a plus, especially if you are familiar with industry sponsorships. If you are early career, this is an opportunity to learn and grow into roles with increasing responsibilities while engaging with leaders in the community from around the world. If you are mid or senior level, this is an opportunity to share your expertise, shape the future impact of the FeMS network, and serve as a mentor to fellow committee members.