Our Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) is the core of Iris Ethics. Its role is to assess applications to do evaluation, market research, and social research projects in line with the principles of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (National Statement).

That way:

• People who participate in evaluation, social research, and market research are protected;
• Risks of discomfort, distress or harm are identified and managed effectively; and
• Activities comply with legislation, guidelines and codes of conduct.

We are looking for people from a range of life experiences and backgrounds to be part of our committee pool. We have some specialist roles on our committee (see below), but we welcome applications from people with all experience. Our committee meets weekly (evenings) to discuss applications, and we match each application to the right group of committee members that are best able to assess that application based on the subject matter and key ethical considerations.

Responsibilities:

• Review content of applications in preparation for meetings
• Contribute to discussions of applications and relevant ethical considerations
• Contribute to developing reports and recommendations to applicants
• Participate in ongoing training

Required Qualities:

• Ability to work independently and as a group on quick timeframes
• Ability to be inclusive of other peoples' experiences and viewpoints
• Commitment to ongoing learning
• Willingness to think creatively and work innovatively to resolve ethical problems
• Willingness to work with applicants to build their capacity to do high quality evaluation and research
• High degree of personal and professional integrity

Specialist Roles (a.k.a. "Nice to Haves")

• Previous experience on a HREC
• Experience in a role providing professional care of people (e.g. a nurse, social worker or allied health)
• Experience in a pastoral care role (e.g. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elder, minister of religion)
• Qualifications in Law, Philosophy or Ethics
• Experience in Evaluation, Market Research, or Social Research

If this role sounds like a fit for your skills and professional goals, please apply!