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LEADERSHIP
Applications for leadership roles are currently closed.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for in-depth knowledge of all branches of Grey Matters Journal. Oversees and delegates production of the journal, coordinates operation efforts, helps establish partnerships with professionals worldwide, leads the expansion of new chapters to significantly extend our reach, and more. Also runs meetings and acts as the representative of the organization.
Responsibilities
- Oversees all operations within Grey Matters Journal and communicates journal needs
- Communicates with other Grey Matters Journal chapters and aids in the establishment of new chapters
- Helps lead new initiatives to further the Grey Matters Journal mission
SENIOR EDITOR
The Senior Editor focuses on the quality of Grey Matters Journal production. Oversees the production process, which involves organizing the in-person weekly meetings, checking in with different production branches, and aiding the Editor-in-Chief with decisions about journal direction. Responsible for having a strong grasp on the overall proceedings of the journal.
Responsibilities
- Checks in with all production branches (Content, Art, Design, SNIPPET, Translation, Podcast, Journal Club)
- Recruits, onboards, and manages the editorial team (interviewing candidates, updating the Discord with new members, and assigning editors to teams with clear editing expectations and guidelines)
- Organizes journal timeline, sending updates of pending deadlines for writers
- Attends all leadership meetings to contribute ideas and support the team
- Edits articles as a leadership editor throughout the quarterly production cycle
- Asks editors for survey feedback at the end of each cycle to improve the process each quarter
- Approves all article drafts for website publication
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
Oversee the non-production wing of Grey Matters, including community outreach, public events such as EWN, marketing, social media and website development. Facilitates initiation of novel projects that increase accessibility to college-level neuroscience education, promote diversity awareness in the scientific community, and improve connection between general organization members and leadership. Expands impact of the organization via establishment of 14+ chapters across national institutions, as well as presenting at conferences such as SfN and Allen Institute. Works closely with UW Medicine and the biophysics department to build better pathways of scientific communication for the public and dismantle key barriers in the current environment.
Responsibilities
- Contributes to the organization mission via shaping an organic community for general and leadership members of all backgrounds
- Recruits, onboards, and manages the non-production branches (Diversity, Events, Finance, Marketing, Outreach, Social Media, and Tech) to ensure continuous output of quality effort; improves community cohesion through social events
- Explores and establishes broader connections with UW Medicine, the Allen Institute, and other RSOs to promote diversity awareness in the scientific community and exacerbate the communication barrier between the public and scientific education
- Expands impact as a Non-Profit Organization via large-scale conferences (SfN, Open Sciences Education Symposium); navigates funding opportunities and networks with educational/industrial representatives
ART DIRECTOR
The Art Director oversees the recruitment and assignment of Artists to various production roles, ensuring timely completion of projects. They provide creative guidance on how artists can visually interpret articles in collaboration with Authors and the design team. Through weekly drafts and art critiques, the Art Director facilitates clear communication and supports artists in refining their work. Additionally, they manage a flexible team of artists who contribute to ongoing and special projects across other Grey Matters branches, including Snippet, Content, Podcast, Website, and An Evening with Neuroscience.
Responsibilities
- Review quarterly artist applications with the Senior Editor to assign artists to production groups for every issue
- Organize artist creation timeline starting with thumbnail drafts, then progressing with weekly check-ins and quarterly critiques
- Encourage communication between artists and authors to bring about a variety of art styles and layouts for each article
- Attend weekly leadership meetings to update production tasks, including statuses on unfinished art for articles
- Follow up with artists about missing work or difficult schedules
- Can develop additional art projects in collaboration with other Grey Matters branches
DESIGN DIRECTOR
The Design Director leads a team of Designers in crafting visually compelling journal layouts that integrate articles and artwork. This role requires proficiency in InDesign and the ability to teach design tools and principles. The Director collaborates with art, production, and leadership teams to ensure all components are complete and up to date, troubleshooting missing assets and making final edits. They also support cross-branch design projects, requiring strong communication, organization, and creative problem-solving skills to maintain Grey Matters’ visual standards.
Responsibilities
- Oversee journal design
- Troubleshoot issues with missing art and articles
- Compile finished journals and make edits as needed
- Collaborate with other Grey Matter’s divisions for design needs
SNIPPET MANAGER
The Snippet Manager oversees the production of Snippets and ensures each team member has access to the resources they need. Key responsibilities include updating the roster, creating individual folders for Snippers, preparing the template sheet with the upcoming schedule and checklist, and embedding necessary information within the sheet’s hidden cells. The Snippet Manager also maintains a master sheet tracking progress across all Snipper activities, leads planning for the internal and external SNIPPET Expo, and ensures published Snippets are correctly tagged and formatted.
Responsibilities
- Ensure smoothness in the Snippet Program
- Ensuring a collaborative and inclusive environment within the Snippet Program
- Manage documentation and material preparation including pre-cycle preparation work
- Aid in the recruitment of Snippers
- Communicate with Core-editors and GSRs to ensure the Snipper’s completion of their Snippet Cycle
- Check-in with individuals when things go awry
- Take initiative in starting snippet cycle
PODCAST DIRECTOR
The Podcast Director oversees the production of Grey Matters Journal podcasts and all operations related to the podcast branch. Responsibilities include content planning, host and guest coordination, audio recording and editing, and ensuring brand consistency. The role also involves writing episode descriptions, managing publishing schedules, and cross-collaboration with other branches to improve engagement.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate with other members of the Podcast branch to plan, record, and publish episodes for the Grey Matters Podcast
- Collaborate with hosts and guests to develop episode outlines, discussion questions, and interview prompts
- Record and edit podcast episodes using tools such as Audacity, CapCut, or iMovie
- Ensure consistent audio quality and adherence to Grey Matters’ branding and tone guidelines
- Work with the Social Media and Marketing branches to promote episodes across Grey Matters’ platforms
- Write concise and engaging episode descriptions and show notes for Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Grey Matters website
- Maintain a consistent publishing schedule and upload episodes to streaming platforms
- Organize and maintain podcast files, transcripts, and cover art within shared team drives
- Collaborate with other Grey Matters branches, including Content and Marketing, as needed
PRODUCTION MANAGER
A Production Manager is responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of Grey Matters quarterly publications. Responsibilities are delegated by the Senior Editor and Editing Coordinator. In particular, they help review articles for quality assurance as well as scientific accuracy, and provide editorial support to authors and editors when needed. Later in the process, they help with uploading articles onto the Grey Matters websites and checking final drafts for design and content accuracy. Production managers can also work on personal projects related to streamlining the production process, and can additionally participate in reviewing production applications and assist in creating production groups.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership edits for quarterly production groups
- Assist in reviewing journal applications and creating quarterly production groups
- Ensure quality and content accuracy
- Work on personal projects to streamline production
EDITING COORDINATOR
The Editing Coordinator manages the formation of production groups by reviewing Editor applications and pairing Authors, Editors, and Artists for each cycle. They contribute to article acceptance decisions, lead high-level edits, proofread final drafts, and design editorial workshops. This role requires a strong grasp of the production process, attention to detail, and collaborative communication to ensure each article meets Grey Matters’ standards and flows smoothly through the pipeline.
Responsibilities
- Work with the Senior Editor on reviewing Author, Core Editor, and Editor applications
- Assists the Senior Editor in ensuring the quality of journal production
OUTREACH DIRECTOR
The Outreach Director is responsible for collaborating with the Outreach Coordinator(s) in regard to all tasks related to the Outreach branch of the Grey Matters Journal Organization. The Outreach Director will lead the Outreach Leadership Team by fostering a professional, communicative, and enthusiastic environment for the branch. This role will also support the GMJ mission of elevating the accessibility of neuroscience by coordinating free events at K-12 schools across western Washington with one or more activities of sheep brain dissections, neurotechnology demonstrations, and college student panels.
Responsibilities
- Lead the Outreach Leadership team
- Collaborate with the Outreach Coordinator(s) to complete Outreach-related tasks
- Attend weekly Outreach Leadership, general Outreach, and general Leadership meetings
- Lead weekly Outreach Leadership meetings and create weekly meeting agendas for all Outreach Leadership meetings
- Be the main point of contact for the Outreach branch
- Coordinate events by carrying out responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
- Contact schools for new events and maintain communication with the event organizers
- Create sign up forms through Google Forms for members to sign up for events
- Organize groups of Outreach members to send to events
- Create separate Discord channels for event groups
- Plan and run event planning meetings, including creating a new event planning document for each planning meeting
- Ensure that all members attending events have the necessary training requirements fulfilled prior to the event
- Coordinate communication within and outside the Outreach branch by carrying out responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
- Sending Discord messages and reminders in their respective channels for meetings, events, and other communications
- Communicate all necessary information to Outreach members and GMJ leadership
- Keep documentation of Outreach activities by updating spreadsheets (attendance, schools to contact, etc.)
- Collaborate with the Outreach Coordinator(s) to onboard new Outreach members
- Maintain professionalism within the Outreach Leadership team and greater Outreach branch
- Maintain an alignment with the GMJ values of accessibility, diversity, and inclusion
FINANCE DIRECTOR
The Finance Director manages Grey Matters’ financial operations, including budgeting, fundraising, and overseeing the flow of funds. They work closely with Finance Officers to review and approve club purchases, ensuring all spending aligns with organizational goals and appropriate outlets. This role requires strong attention to detail, financial planning skills, and clear communication to maintain transparency and support the journal’s sustainability.
Responsibilities
- Ensuring each branch is spending no more than their allocated budgets for the year
- Conducting and recording all Grey Matters related transactions
- Help with filing Grey Matters Journal’s IRS 990 form with Senior Leadership
- Create quarterly financial reports for Grey Matters stakeholders and Nonprofit Board Members
- Maintaining saving accounts, CDs, and HYSAs
JOURNAL CLUB COORDINATOR
The Journal Club Coordinator plans and facilitates bi-weekly Grey Matters Journal Club meetings. They are in charge of the majority of tasks and checking off that all necessary logistics have been completed for Journal Club to occur. They are also responsible for communicating efficiently, clearly assigning tasks, and mentoring their officers. Applicants must have prior experience with Grey Matters, attended Journal Club before, or have experience with event coordination.
Responsibilities
- Attend weekly leadership meetings
- Attend and host bi-weekly Grey Matters Journal Club meetings
- Take attendance during Journal Club and ensure mandatory attendance for first-time editors and authors
- Recruit presenters and organize the presenter schedule
- Fill in for presenters and assist with presentation creation when necessary
- Provide feedback for presenters to slide drafts and post-presentation
- Draft meeting and marketing information
- Communicate with the Production, Marketing, and Social Media branches for proper outreach of upcoming events
- Reserve rooms with proper technology and accommodations for presenters
- Ensure event accessibility through appropriate room reservation and hybrid Zoom streaming
- Update public information pertaining to Journal Club, such as Discord announcements, Grey Matters’ website, Journal Club archive in the Google Drive
- Check off that all logistics have been completed for Journal Club to occur
- Mentor and onboard Journal Club Officers
DIVERSITY DIRECTOR
The Diversity Director is responsible for developing and promoting initiatives to showcase the breadth of diversity within the field of neuroscience in hopes of increasing the involvement of historically underrepresented communities in neuroscience and Grey Matters. The Diversity Director also represents Grey Matters in the Ethnic Cultural Center community by engaging in their programming and forming relationships with other Ethnic Cultural Center student organizations. This position is for those passionate about increasing minority representation in neuroscience while practicing humility and prioritizing the reciprocal nature of our relationships with partner organizations.
Responsibilities
- Affiliate with the Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC) each year
- Includes a primary application in early fall quarter
- Followed by two mandatory meetings led by ECC staff
- Maintain our relationships with organizations such as Chicanos for Community Medicine, Minority Association of Pre-medical Students, etc.
- Reach out to neuroscience professionals from diverse backgrounds to organize panel-like events for the seminar series
- Organize and lead the high school mentorship program
- Work alongside other members of operations to initiate projects that foster and celebrate diversity within neuroscience
TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR
Technology Directors are in charge of maintaining and upgrading all technology-related items, such as the website, hardware, and security. This position may include website design and accessibility, user experience design and research, front-end and back-end development, hardware set-up, Discord server management, and password management. Applicants do not need all of these skillsets, but applicants that round out the team are prioritized.
Responsibilities
- Attend weekly leadership meetings
- Attend bi-weekly technology team meetings
- Create and update technology-related documentation
- Ensure the website is functioning, navigable, and accessible for all users, through design, coding, WCAG principles, and SEO
- Update the website and assist leadership members in editing the website
- Maintain the website domain and server to prevent bugs and errors
- Maintain the Grey Matters Discord server and prevent botting
- Teach others how to set up hardware and software for event streaming
- Manage passwords for Grey Matters associated accounts
TRANSLATION MANAGER
The Translation Manager oversees the multilingual translation efforts of Grey Matters, recruiting graduate and undergraduate translators to adapt neuroscience content for global audiences. They evaluate machine translation platforms based on translator feedback and develop systems to automate corrections of common errors. The Translation Manager also collects finalized translations for website publication and fosters collaboration among language teams.
Responsibilities
- Recruit graduate and undergraduate translators for multiple languages
- Based on translators’ feedback, pick the best machine translation platform for each language
- Gather all corrections and suggestions from translators to develop programs that automate the corrections of simple, common mistakes of each AI machine translation program
- Collect translated articles for publication on website
EVENTS COORDINATOR
The Events Coordinator leads the planning and execution of Grey Matters’ major outreach events, including Dawg Daze and An Evening with Neuroscience. They organize logistics, recruit speakers and participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, and ensure each event is engaging and accessible. This role requires strong communication, organization, and leadership skills to foster community involvement and showcase neuroscience in an inclusive, dynamic setting.
Responsibilities
- Plan an annual Dawg Daze event to recruit students of all backgrounds who are interested in Neuroscience
- Plan Grey Matters' biggest attraction, An Evening with Neuroscience
- Recruit doctors, professors, undergraduates, and community members to participate in all our events through speaking on our panel, leading a brain demonstration, and sharing current research projects, respectively.