Posted by Ella Flemyng (Methods Implementation Manager)
We seek nominations to three vacant positions on the Cochrane Methods Executive, to start in September 2022. Please note the deadline is *Tuesday 31 May 2022*.
What is the Methods Executive?
The Methods Executive provides a leadership forum and general oversight on key methodological roles and methods-related activity in Cochrane. Members take strategic responsibility supporting Cochrane’s Editor-in-Chief, representing Cochrane’s Methods Groups, and improving communication between different Cochrane groups and structures with related methods interests. Key responsibilities of the Methods Executive include:
- Act as a voice for the methods community within Cochrane, such as for Methods Groups, liaising with Cochrane Central Executive Team.
- Seek to ensure Cochrane is kept informed of important new methods (and improvements to existing methods) that should be considered for use in Cochrane.
- Oversee new methods proposals to Cochrane.
- Provide guidance and advice to the Editor in Chief and Editorial Board on devising and implementing strategies to improve the methodological quality of Cochrane Reviews and developing strategic methodological priorities in Cochrane.
- Provide strategic assistance in the management of methods development and training.
- Make decisions on methods-related activities in Cochrane, including the topic, organisation and delivery of the annual Methods Symposium.
- Oversee the Methods Groups.
- Promote Cochrane methods to the wider methods community and represent Cochrane externally on methodological issues or queries.
The Methods Executive is comprised of six elected Methods Group Convenors, which currently includes Su Golder (Adverse Effects), Tianjing Li (Comparing Multiple Interventions), Jo McKenzie (Statistics), Carl Moons (Prognosis), Jane Noyes (Qualitative and Implementation) and Holger Schünemann (GRADEing). Other roles on the Methods Executive include representation on Cochrane’s Editorial Board (currently Jane Noyes), Cochrane Handbook Editor (currently Tianjing Li) and Cochrane Council representatives, Silvia Minozzi and Cinzia Del Giovane. The Methods Implementation Manager, Methods Support Unit Lead and the Head of Engagement, Learning and Support serve in ex-officio roles. The Chairs of the Methods Executive are currently Jo McKenzie and Tianjing Li.
The Methods Executive has a standard tenure for elected Methods Group Convenors of three years, with annual nominations for vacancies each year. Once elected, Methods Group Convenors can remain in position for up-to a maximum of two tenures (six years). Given disruption due to COVID19, in 2022 we are recruiting for three vacant positions.
Details of the open positions on the Methods Executive
The three open positions on the Methods Executive will fill vacancies from Jane Noyes (Qualitative and Implementation) who has recently rotated off, as well as Jo McKenzie (Statistics) and Holger Schünemann (GRADEing) who rotate off at the end of 2022.
We seek three experienced, well-established Methods Group Convenors for appointment from September 2022. Candidates will have strong connections within the Cochrane community. Along with their specialist expertise they will be skilled in systematic review methodology, experience on similar committees is an advantage. Methods expertise from elected members of the Methods Executive currently covers Adverse Effects, Comparing Multiple Interventions and Prognosis. Therefore, we particularly encourage Convenors from other Methods Groups to step forward.
If elected, we expect members to attend meetings regularly, typically every two months by teleconference. We also expect contributions to issues that arise by e-mail between meetings.
Apply here