Who we are:
At Torrens University Australia, making a difference is in our DNA. As a Certified B Corporation, we belong to a global community of future-focused companies using business as a force for good. We believe in the transformative power of education to change lives, families, communities – and the world. That’s why we’re on a mission to increase access to higher education, so learners from all walks of life can chase their dreams.
An exciting volunteer opportunity is now available to join Torrens University Australia’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC). The position will involve:
a) reviewing research proposals.
b) attending monthly Human Research Ethics Committee meetings.
c) discussing and providing feedback on human ethics applications based on guidelines within the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
About the position
Torrens University Australia (TUA) is committed to the ethical and responsible conduct of human research in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023).The role of the HREC is to review research proposals involving human participants and to determine whether they meet the requirements of the National Statement of Ethical Conduct in Human Research.
Positions on the Human Research Ethics Committee are currently available to volunteers within the following categories:
• Category B: people who bring a broader community or consumer perspective and who have no paid affiliation with the institution.
• Category D: people who perform a pastoral care role in a community including, but not limited to, an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander elder or community leader, a chaplain or a minister of religion or other religious leader.
• Category E: a qualified lawyer, who may or may not be currently practicing and, where possible, is not engaged to advise the institution on research-related or any other matters.
As a member of the HREC, you will review and discuss research proposals with other HREC members to decide whether each research proposal complies with the requirements of the National Statement, and to offer feedback where appropriate.
HREC meeting information - Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) meetings will be held online approximately once per month. Meetings will be led by a Chair, and each application will be discussed in terms of its ethical merit and compliance with The National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. The HREC will make a decision on each application and provide feedback to applicants including requests for additional information, clarifications or amendments.
HREC meetings are held monthly on a Wednesday, commencing in February 2025. Meetings generally last no more than 2 hours and are conducted via Zoom. Agendas for each meeting will be distributed approximately 1 week prior to the meeting. Members will require a reading time of approximately 1-2 hours to review research applications prior to each meeting.
Location: This is an online position.
Start date: February 2025.
This is a volunteer position. HREC members will be renumerated $100 for each meeting attended.
Selection Criteria
1. An interest in human research and research ethics.
2. Access to a computer, internet and Zoom meeting software.
3. The capacity to understand ethical issues and how these relate to the National Statement and other relevant ethical guidelines.
4. An ability to express considered views based on the National Statement, whilst also respecting the views of other committee members.
Each candidate interested in applying for this role must be willing and able to:
Become familiar with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
Read and review research proposals in preparation for review at scheduled HREC meetings
Attend scheduled HREC meetings
Disclose any conflicts of interest
Maintain the confidentiality of HREC discussions
Terms of appointment
HREC members are appointed for a term of two years with the possibility of extension.
How to Apply
To apply for the position, please submit:
A covering letter addressing the selection criteria (above). Within your covering letter, please also indicate which position you are applying for (Category B, D or E).
Current CV.
Applications will be reviewed as received.
Further Information
For further information, please email timothy.dean@torrens.edu.au or visit our website at https://www.torrens.edu.au/research/research-integrity-and-ethics/human-research-ethics-committee
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at yourcareer@torrens.edu.au
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