Regional Studies Association Student Representative Board Member
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic PhD Student to join the Board of the Regional Studies Association.
The RSA is an established global Association, and a place on the Board offers the successful candidate the opportunity to engage with colleagues, including students and early career researchers, as well as internationally recognised academics and policymakers at meetings, conferences and social events around the world.
The successful candidate will be actively involved, not only in the discussions among the Board members at their (normally) three meetings per annum, but also in the delivery of the Association’s aims and objects. The post is an observer post and carries no voting rights or associated liabilities, but in practice, the post holder will be encouraged to participate openly in meetings.
During the term of office, the post holder will
- Meet and engage with distinguished scholars and policy leaders
- Develop organisational, leadership and interpersonal communication skills
- Benefit from the experience and mentorship of Board Members
- Expand their professional network internationally
This is a unique opportunity for professional development and long-term career building within the regional studies community.
Currently, one meeting is held online only, and the other two meetings are hybrid. The Association will cover reasonable travel and accommodation expenses for attendance at the Board meetings, one of which is normally held in London, and the third is usually linked to the Association’s annual conference, hosted in different European locations each year.
The Student Representative will:
- Attend RSA Board meetings and contribute papers for discussion
- Develop ideas to strengthen engagement with the RSA’s Early Career and Student networks
- Collaborate with the RSA office and the Board to enhance membership benefits
- Promote RSA’s early career and student forums via social media (e.g. the Student and Early Career Facebook page)
- Contribute to Regions and/or the RSA Blog
- Support the development of student and ECR sessions at RSA events
- Assist the RSA in growing its global network and reach.
This position is open to current PhD Students who are members of the RSA.
Additional information
Applicants are more likely to be successful if they have already engaged with the Association, for example, through:
- Attendance at an RSA event
- A grant application
- Publication in Regions or the RSA Blog
The appointment is for a one-year term, with the possibility of renewal for a second year, subject to successful fulfilment of the role’s deliverables.
Click here to find out more about the current RSA Board.
Application process
Please submit:
– A letter of application (maximum 500 words) outlining:
- Why you would be an ideal Student Representative
- What initiatives you would undertake to engage the regional studies/regional science student and early career community
– Your CV
– A reference from your supervisor
Send these (in pdf format) to Marcus Atkinson (Marcus.atkinson@regionalstudies.org).
The deadline for applications is 17.00 (GMT), Friday 27 March 2026. Applications will be shortlisted by the RSA Chair, RSA Secretary and Interim Advisor to the Board, with input from the RSA staff team.
This is an exceptional opportunity to represent PhD students within a leading international association and to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of regional studies.