We invite PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and research fellows across RTCFM projects to apply to be an institutional representative in the Committee of the newly formed Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials Early Career Researchers Network (RTCFM-ECRN).
The aim of the RTCFM-ECRN is to support early career researchers (ECRs) – PhD students, post-doctoral research associates and research fellows – who are working on RTCFM projects to develop a global network leveraging the community established by the RTCFM. The RTCFM-ECRN will also identify bespoke training, provided by Centre academic partners and Rio Tinto, to support the development of these ECRs as future leaders aligned with the Centre’s vision and mission. The RTCFM-ECRN is developed from the ‘bottom-up’, led by a small organising Committee. The Network is supported by the Centre administrative staff.
The responsibilities of the RTCFM-ERCN Committee include:
- organising online ECR events (presentations, networking, and other events) with the support of RTCFM staff;
- organising one or more in-person events for ECR staff at the annual in-person RTCFM Conference, with the support of RTCFM staff;
- liaising with RTCFM administrative staff and the Co-Directors to deliver bespoke training opportunities to ECRs;
- coordinating with RTCFM administrative staff to develop a web presence for the ECRN via the RTCFM website;
- writing brief quarterly updates, and a short report at the end of the term, outlining the activities of the Network
You can apply to be a Committee Member or Observer. Each of the five voting members of the RTCFM-ECRN Committee will hold one of the following roles: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Social Coordinator, Training Coordinator. Further information can be found in the Terms of Reference and Guidance for RTCFM-ECRN Committee Representatives, available here.
How to Apply
Complete the application form, available through our application form, by 15 April 2026, 5 pm BST. Applicants will be assessed based on motivation, ability to contribute to the ECRN, and understanding of collaborative and inclusive practices.
Assessment and Scoring Process
All applications will be assessed through a transparent and fair review procedure. Each application will be scored independently by four reviewers using standardised scoring criteria, which can be consulted here. Reviewers will document both scores and accompanying qualitative comments, which will be retained for auditability and to support a robust and accountable selection process.
Timeline
Applications open: 12th March 2026
Applications close: 15th April 2026
Notification of outcomes: 29th April 2026
Please download our RTCFM-ECRN Committee – ToR and Guidance for RTCFM-ECRN Committee Representatives.
You can also download a copy of the RTCFM-ECRN Committee – Application Form and the RTCFM-ECRN Committee – Scoring criteria