Human Research Ethics Committee

The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is seeking a additional members for the University Human Research Ethics Committee (UHREC). The role of the members of the UHREC is to decide whether a research proposal submitted for review meets the requirements of the National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023) (National Statement,NS) and is ethically acceptable (NS 5.2.21).

QUT is seeking additional members to join the UHREC to further support the research activities of the University in the following categories:

• Health Care Professional, to be eligible for this category of membership QUT is seeking a person with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care of treatment of people; for example, a nurse, counsellor or allied health professional (NS 5.1.30(c)).
• Legal Member, to be eligible for this category of membership QUT is seeking qualified lawyers who may or may not be currently practicing and, where possible, are not engaged to advise the institution on research related or any other matters (NS 5.1.30(e)).
• Community member, to be eligible for the category of community or consumer member the incumbent will be an independent individual from the wider community who has no paid affiliation with the institution (NS 5.1.30(b)).

This is a great opportunity to contribute your knowledge and expertise to the world of research at QUT.

The Committee reviews research projects that involve humans from the breadth of disciplines at QUT, such as creative industries, education, social justice, science, engineering, health, law and business. The role of the UHREC is to protect the welfare, rights, dignity and safety of research participants, to help to advance research, which is seeking solutions to real world problems, and in the case of the external members, bring an independent, community perspective to the Committee.

To fulfil that responsibility, a member of the UHREC should become familiar with the National Statement and consult other guidelines relevant to the review of specific research proposals (NS 5.2.22(b)).

The Committee’s current membership comprises the chairperson, external members who bring community or consumer perspective, external professional care members, external lawyers, pastoral care members, experienced QUT researchers encompassing the range of disciplines at QUT, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives.

Committee meetings are held at QUT Kelvin Grove campus.

Responsibilities and duties

• Apply the ethical principles and values set out in the National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023), the Committee Charter, QUT policy and procedures, and operating guidelines;
• Consider the ethical and scientific implications of proposed research projects involving human participants and to determine whether they are acceptable on ethical grounds;
• Contribute to discussion and consensus based decisions where necessary;
• Prepare for and attend scheduled meetings of the Committee or, if unavailable, provide opinions on the ethical acceptability of research proposals before meetings (NS 5.2.22(c));
• Disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest, including any financial or other interest or affiliation that bears on any research coming before the UHREC (NS 5.2.24); and
• Attend continuing education or training programs in research ethics at least every three years (NS 5.2.22(a), (d)).

Training provided

• During membership, all members are given the opportunity to attend training workshops relevant to the work and responsibilities of the Committee.

Time commitment

• The Committee meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month 11 times per year (February – December). Meetings begin at 10.30am (lunch provided) and are approximately 4 – 6 hours long.
• The time reviewing applications prior to the meeting will vary for each meeting depending upon the number and nature of proposals submitted.

Benefits

As a member of UHREC you will receive the following benefits:

• The opportunity to understand QUT’s research activities and contribute to the probity of research conducted in a publicly funded institution.
• An Honorarium to support costs you incur associated with performing your role and attending meetings.
• Refreshments at in-person meetings
• Training support for your role as a UHREC member
• Access to the resources of the QUT University libraries

Applications and all Committee materials are available electronically.

How to Apply

If you are interested in being involved in the QUT UHREC please click ‘Apply Now’.

For further information please email Dr Linda Dunn (Human Research Ethics Coordinator) at [email protected] or Adjunct Professor Conor Brophy (Chairperson, UHREC) at [email protected] using the subject line: Human Research Ethics Committee enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Dr Linda Dunn

Office of Research Ethics and Integrity

Queensland University of Technology

Telephone: 07 3138 4984

Website: www.orei.qut.edu.au