Human Research Ethics Committee

Join Victoria University’s Human Research Ethics Committee
Victoria University (VU) is one of only six universities in Australia to offer courses in both TAFE and higher education, with two education facilities in Brisbane and Sydney and campuses in the CBD and the Western regions of Melbourne as follows: City Campus; Footscray Nicholson Campus; Footscray Park Campus; St Albans Campus; Sunshine Campus; and Werribee Campus. VU's reach extends beyond Australia through a growing global presence, including VU India.
VU is a bold and progressive dual sector University – evidenced by the implementation of an Australian first, the VU First Year College® (FYC) and the VU Block Model®.
VU is renowned for its areas of research specialisation, strongly aligned to its TAFE and Higher Education offer, these include Sports and Exercise Science (ranked 7th in the world) as well as Policy Studies, Water; Green Research translation; Immunology and Early Childhood Education, to name a few.
VU has a strategic commitment to being a thriving place to work and study and to progressive inclusivity and diversity. We are one of Australia’s most culturally and socially diverse universities, and our international students are highly valued contributors to the VU community.

Role Overview
The Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee (VUHREC) ensures that all research involving human participants is conducted ethically, respectfully, and in alignment with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025).
The Committee includes members from diverse backgrounds who bring community, cultural, ethical, and disciplinary perspectives to the review of research.
As an independent community representative, you will contribute to ethical review discussions, assess the potential impact of research on participants, and help safeguard the rights, wellbeing, and dignity of those involved. Your insights will support high-quality, ethically sound research that is respectful, transparent, and accountable to the broader community.

Committee Functions Include:
•    Review all more-than-low-risk research proposals
•    Ensure ethical acceptability of research
•    Oversee low-risk review processes
•    Monitor approved research proportionately
•    Manage complaints, adverse events, and non-compliance
•    Provide education and guidance
•    Report annually to institutional governance bodies
•    Maintain records of all decisions
•    Ensure compliance with the National Statement (2025)

Key Duties of the Lay Member:
•    Provide reflection and review representing non academic, community perspectives.
•    Represent the values, concerns, and viewpoints of the general public.
•    Ensure research proposals demonstrate respect, fairness, and protection for participants.
•    Review participant information and consent forms to ensure they are clear, accessible, and written in plain language.
•    Identify potential risks to participants and assess whether they are justified and minimised.
•    Provide an independent, unbiased viewpoint, free from institutional or scientific influence.
•    Participate constructively in committee deliberations and ethical decision making.
•    Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all ethical and governance requirement.

Primary Skills Requirement and Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be committed to community representation, ethical decision making, and the protection of research participants. You do not need specialist knowledge or academic training — your value lies in your independence and your ability to bring a thoughtful community perspective.

You are:
•    Not affiliated with Victoria University (not an employee, student, or board member).
•    Not currently employed in medical, scientific, legal, or academic fields.
•    Strongly connected to the community and interest in ethical issues.
•    Able to read research applications, understand risks and benefits, and provide independent judgement.
•    Strong in communication skills and ability to engage respectfully in committee discussions.
•    Committed to confidentiality, integrity, and ethical conduct.

Remuneration and Commitments
Committee Members may elect to receive an honorarium of $200 per meeting to offset personal costs incurred while undertaking committee duties. This amount is not remuneration, is not payment for services, and is provided solely to assist with incidental expenses associated with participation.
Commitments include eleven Committee meetings annually. You might be required to undertake training, induction activities, and/or pre reading of research proposals prior to each meeting.

How to Apply
Please email your application to researchethics@vu.edu.au.
Applications must be submitted as a single document comprising:
•    A cover letter
•    Your curriculum vitae/resume
For further information relating to the role, please contact: Professor Deborah Zion, Chair of Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee at Deborah.Zion@vu.edu.au

Closing Date:
Applications close 16 November 2026. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including female, gender diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those from underrepresented communities. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our community and beyond.