The Mars Society is pleased to announce the formation of a new Advisory Committee on Safety & Risk Management, aimed at strengthening safe, ethical, and resilient operations across its global network of analog research stations.
This committee will serve as an independent advisory body, providing expert guidance to the Mars Society leadership team, including Executive Director James Burk, and Director of Safety Russ Nelson. Its work will support ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards, improve operational practices, and align with international best practices in analog space research.
Purpose & Scope
The Advisory Committee will contribute to:
- Development and review of safety policies and protocols
- Evaluation of incidents and identification of lessons learned
- Identification of emerging risks across analog missions
- Promotion of best practices in safety, ethics, and operational resilience
- Harmonization of safety approaches across all Mars Society analog facilities
Areas of Expertise Sought
We invite Expressions of Interest from qualified Subject Matter Experts with demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Disaster & Emergency Management
- Medical / First Response
- Human factors, crew psychology, and team dynamics
- Field research or austere/remote environment operations
- Engineering, habitat systems, or technical safety
- Space analog operations, research ethics, or governance
Applicants with expertise in additional relevant areas are also encouraged to apply with appropriate justification.
Committee Role & Expectations
Selected members will:
- Serve in a non-operational, advisory capacity
- Review safety policies, procedures, and program updates
- Provide input on significant incidents and post-mission analyses
- Participate in annual meetings, with optional ad hoc sessions as needed
- Support cross-program collaboration and safety standardization
Membership Requirements:
- Must be an active Mars Society member
- Positions are voluntary and appointed by the Director of Safety
- Terms will be reviewed periodically to ensure continued relevance and expertise
Oversight of the committee will be provided by the Executive Director, through the Director of Safety.
How to Apply
Interested individuals are invited to submit an application package via email including:
- Mars Society Membership ID number
(Join here: https://www.marssociety.org/join/) - Statement of Interest (1–2 pages maximum) outlining:
- Relevant expertise and professional background
- Potential contributions to analog safety and risk management
- Experience in remote, extreme, or research environments (if applicable)
- Current résumé or CV demonstrating subject matter expertise
- One professional reference who can speak to your qualifications
Submit applications to: rnelson@marssociety.org
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for follow-up discussions prior to appointment.
Join Us
The Mars Society welcome expressions of interest from professionals across disciplines and regions who are committed to advancing safety, ethics, and resilience in analog space research.
Help shape the future of safe human exploration—on Earth and beyond.
