Work Type: Fixed-term - Part-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Grade in advertisement
Occupation: Community services
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/HREC26
Are you someone with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care or treatment of people, have an interest in research and are passionate about ethical decision-making and improving research outcomes? Do you have the confidence to ask questions, challenge ideas, and collaborate with a diverse group? If so, we'd love for you to join our Human Research Ethics Committee.
About Us
We provide the justice system with quality driven, independent forensic medical and scientific services, delivering crucial evidence that underpins safe convictions and appropriate acquittals. Our doctors, scientists and nurses investigate deaths reported to the coroner, examine alleged offenders, and medically assess and support victims of crime. They are supported by the essential work of our technical specialists and corporate staff who enable these services to operate effectively.
Our medical, scientific, and professional workforce is also engaged in research and education that benefits public health and safety and supports the effective functioning of the legal system.
The Donor Tissue Bank of Victoria supports patients and their families by providing safe tissues to medical specialists and Victorian hospitals for transplantation and medical research, benefiting many patients each year.
Our work is underpinned by the VIFM's values of respect, openness, service, integrity and innovation, which guide how we work with the community, the justice system and each other.
About the Role
We are seeking expressions of interest from the medical practitioners, nurses and allied health professionals to join the VIFM Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) to contribute to ethical decision-making and continuous improvement within our organisation.
The role of the VIFM HREC is to ensure that research proposals are designed in accordance with the requirements of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2025 (National Statement). In particular, all research must demonstrate the National Statement research values:
As a volunteer VIFM HREC Member, you will review research applications and contribute to discussions on ethical considerations, risk assessment, and best research practices to determine whether applications are to be approved.
The VIFM HREC meets quarterly to review research proposals to ensure that they meet the requirements of the National Statement. You will read and evaluate technical information, engage in discussions, and help shape ethical decision-making within the VIFM. The commitment is for one year, with an option to extend, with a manageable workload of reviewing around 5-6 applications per meeting.
Key Responsibilities
The functions and responsibilities of the VIFM HREC are to:
About You
You are someone who values integrity, fairness and making a meaningful impact. You have the confidence to speak up in meetings, ask questions that challenge assumptions, and engage in productive discussions. You are not easily intimated and can navigate technical information with curiosity and critical thinking. You enjoy working with others, bringing a collaborative spirit to ethical decision-making. You also understand the importance of assessing risk and applying ethical frameworks to real-world scenarios.
Responsibilities of members
To contribute effectively to the Committee, members are required to:
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you! To apply please submit a Cover Letter and your Resume. To view a copy of the Position Description and National Statement on Ethical Conduct Human Research 2025 please view the job posting on careers.vic.gov.au
Our Recruitment Process
The successful candidate will be required to undergo pre-employment checks which may include reference checks, national police checks and misconduct screening. Dependent on the role, other checks may include VicRoads checks, driver's license checks, Working with Children Checks, and Declaration of Private Interests (for executive and responsible officer roles).
If you feel comfortable, please let us know if you have any accessibility requirements or require an alternative format to any of the application material upon application, so we can make any adjustments required to support you throughout our recruitment process.
If you would like further information about the role, please contact: