Expressions of Interest – Chair, Human Ethics Committee

UWA Ethics and Integrity

• Fixed term appointment for three years at 0.3 FTE
• Level D or Level E
• You will be remunerated for your time (0.3 FTE) with options including reimbursing your School or research funding (as negotiated)

Overview
The University of Western Australia is seeking expressions of interest for its Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to fulfil the requirement of Chair under the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research 2025 (National Statement). The position of Chair for the University of Western Australia HREC is required to carry out, to the best of their ability, the roles and responsibilities of the office as stipulated in the National Statement and in accordance with the HREC Constitution, Terms of Reference and the University’s policies and procedures.

All research involving humans is governed by Australian law that establishes rights for participants and imposes general and specific responsibilities on researchers and institutions. The Chair of the HREC reports to and receives broad direction from the DVCR and works collaboratively with the Associate Director of the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity. The appointee provides academic leadership on human research ethics at the University, plays a key role in quality assurance, and promotes awareness of University policies and procedures concerning human research ethics undertaken within the Schools. The Chair of the HREC must have suitable experience as a member of a Human Research Ethics Committee.

The Opportunity

• The Chairperson must ensure the effective and efficient management of the HREC with the support of the University. The role will involve both meeting management as well as out of session commitments to support the function of the Committee.
• The role involves attendance at up to 22 HREC meetings each year. The position is a service position in which a portion of research or teaching responsibilities can be covered by the DVCR.
• The core business of each meeting is to review research proposals and revisions to existing research projects to ensure they conform to requirements of the National Statement.
• The HREC meets fortnightly, generally from February to December, inclusive. All meetings usually start at 3:00 PM run until 6:00 PM. The meetings are held at the Crawley campus in a suitable meeting room. The papers for each meeting are circulated 9 business days before the meeting.
• The Chair attends quarterly meetings with the DVCR and is also a member of the University Research Data Committee which meets quarterly for up to 1.5 hours. The functions of the Committee and Chair are supported by the Manager, Research Ethics and Compliance, and Ethics Officers.

Responsibilities of Chair

• To uphold the responsibilities of an HREC Chair and apply governing principles set out in the National Statement, HREC Constitution, Terms of Reference, operating guidelines and relevant UWA policies and procedures.
• To provide leadership and impartial guidance in relation to the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research[1] and the National Statement.
• To chair HREC meetings in a manner that ensures the views of all members are received and considered, and where possible a consensus-based decision is made.
• To review proposed research and teaching projects and consider the ethical implications of human research for scientific purposes.
• To review research projects via the HREC and Research Ethics and Compliance (REC) Office to ensure compliance with approved ethical standards and guidelines.
• In accordance with UWA policies and procedures assist the REC Office to review and investigate potential non-compliances and ensure fair and appropriate actions are taken.
• Consultation and regular communication with key internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to: UWA researchers; affiliated medical research institutes, partner organisations, and funding bodies.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• You will be a senior academic staff member of the University.
• Hold a continuing academic role or a fixed-term academic position that covers the term of appointment.
• Have a strong research track record, including demonstrated experience in the design and conduct of scientifically robust research.
• Have previous experience on a Human Research Ethics Committee, either in Australia or overseas.
• Experience in chairing a committee with demonstrable abilities to facilitate and actively lead meetings that require consensus-based decisions and evidence of mediation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to dedicate the time to fulfil the role of Chair of the HREC.

Please refer to the role responsibilities and selection criteria in the position description:  POSITION DESCRIPTION - [Chair, Human Ethics Committee].pdf

To discuss the role in confidence, please contact Carina Marshall at carina.marshall@uwa.edu.au 

About your application

For all expressions of interest, please include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you meet the key selection criteria and why you think you would be suitable for this role. Please also attach a copy of your abbreviated CV.

Please apply online via the application page on the UWA website.

Closing date: 12:00 PM AWST on Thursday, 31 July 2025

This position is only open to Current UWA staff.