Call for applications to serve as an ECORD member on the

Science Subgroup

of the

IODP Science Evaluation Panel

Deadline to apply: 26 March 2021

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) addresses fundamental questions about Earth’s climate, deep life, geodynamics, and geohazards and is driven by a flow of drilling proposals provided by the scientific community. The Science Evaluation Panel (SEP) is central to the success of IODP and is responsible for the evaluation and selection of the best and most relevant proposals, based on both scientific excellence and completeness and quality of the site survey data package. Externally reviewed, ready-to-drill proposals are then forwarded to the IODP Facility Boards for development of expedition schedules.

The European Consortium of Ocean Research Drilling (ECORD) Science Support and Advisory Committee (ESSAC) is now accepting applications from active leading scientists in the field of marine geology and geophysics from ECORD member countries to fill three places on the Science Subgroup of SEP. The call is open to scientists with experience in relevant research fields from all ECORD Member Countries, but preference may be given to experts in geochemistry/petrology for one of the available places. Applications by female scientists especially welcome.

Responsibilities of Science Subgroup members on SEP include evaluating pre-proposals and full proposals, identifying pre-proposals to move forward towards full proposals, and declining those proposals unlikely to succeed. SEP also provides feedback to proponents regarding potential successful science and drilling strategies, and early guidance about necessary site characterization data.

The successful candidates are expected to attend two Science Evaluation Panel meetings per year (usually winter and summer) and to represent the interests of all ECORD countries. Appointments are normally for three years (six meetings). The first meeting to be attended by the new members will be held at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (La Jolla, USA), July 27-29, 2021 (or by Zoom, subject to the coronavirus situation in the summer).

Applications should be emailed to the ESSAC Office (essac@plymouth.ac.uk) by 26 March 2021. Provide a single PDF that includes: (i) a CV; (ii) a letter of interest including your specific expertise, previous involvement in DSDP/ODP/IODP expeditions or panels, and research interests; and (iii) a publication list.

Before applying please contact your national ESSAC delegate to confirm whether financial support is available for travel and subsistence costs associated with attending SEP meetings. When applying, please also send your delegate a copy of your application.

Useful links:

SEP: http://iodp.org/boards-and-panels/science-evaluation-panel
Facility Boards: http://iodp.org/facility-boards
IODP Science Plan: http://iodp.org/program-documents
ESSAC Delegates: http://www.ecord.org/about-ecord/management-structure/essac

For further information, please contact the ESSAC Office:

Antony Morris (ESSAC Chair)
Hanno Kinkel (ESSAC Science Coordinator) University of Plymouth
Email: essac@plymouth.ac.uk  http://www.ecord.org