Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee Member

Job Description

Recruiting a Female Identifying Lay Member

Victoria University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (VUHREC) reviews research projects involving human participants. These projects are from all Disciplines.  Research can include biomedical procedures to classroom learning studies, historical enquiries to health questionnaires.

The role of the Committee is to make sure that the rights of participants are respected and that no human research is approved unless it meets stringent requirements of integrity, justice and fairness.

If you have an interest in research or ethics, would like to be involved in this important work and have the time to take part in attending monthly meetings, in person at the Footscray Park campus, we have the following vacancy:
 

• Female Identifying Lay member: you must not have an affiliation with Victoria University and must not currently be engaged in medical, scientific, legal or academic work. 5.1.30(b)  National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007(updated 2018) .

We are looking for a female identifying Lay member, with a variety of life experience, not specific skills nor a research background.

Committee work is voluntary, however members receive a modest honorarium.

What does membership involve?
Committee members are usually appointed for a term of three years, which may be renewed at the end of the term. New members must familiarise themselves with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007 (updated 2018) , which establishes requirements for Human Research Ethics Committees and sets out the principles by which decisions/recommendations are made.  Members are typically required to attend 11 monthly meetings throughout the year for which several hours preparation (reading and reviewing research applications) is required.

Meetings are collegial and their function is to bring together all members’ views on the ethical implications of each research proposal. New members begin by observing meetings and attending Induction training. Meeting length varies, however, meetings are generally 2-4 hours. Prior to the meetings, members are required to read and make recommendations regarding research applications and to review the agenda. Committee members will also be invited to attend training opportunities during the year.

Expression of interest
If you are interested in joining VUHREC, please email your resume and a one-page expression of interest to: [email protected]   by 4 pm 12th of July 2022.  Please state how you meet the eligibility criteria described above and provide a summary of your qualifications, work experience and a statement on why you are interested in joining VUHREC.
 

For further information, please email [email protected] or tel Elizabeth Hill (03) 9919 4781.