Job Description

Genea invites applications from suitably qualified individuals to join its Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) in the category of person who brings a broader community or consumer perspective, in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC, 2023).

We are particularly seeking applications from men to support the gender diversity requirements of our committee (NS 5.1.36).

About the Genea HREC

The Genea HREC is a constituted committee operating in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC, 2023). The committee provides independent ethical review of human research conducted within or in collaboration with Genea, with a particular focus on assisted reproductive technology, human genetics, and related clinical and laboratory research.

The Role

As a lay person member of the Genea HREC, you will contribute a community and consumer perspective to the ethical review of research proposals. You will be appointed as an individual in your own right — not as a representative of any organisation or employer — and must have no paid affiliation with Genea or any institution with which Genea has a significant research relationship

Membership responsibilities include:

• Attending scheduled HREC meetings (frequency to be confirmed upon appointment)
• Reviewing research applications, protocols, and participant information materials in advance of meetings
• Contributing to ethical deliberations and committee decision-making from a community or consumer perspective
• Completing induction and ongoing continuing education as required by the committee
• Maintaining confidentiality and disclosing conflicts of interest in accordance with the National Statement
• Complying with Genea's HREC terms of reference and relevant governance policies

Members are provided with legal protection for liabilities arising in the course of the bona fide conduct of their duties as ethics reviewers.

Qualifications

Who We Are Looking For

There are no formal qualifications required for this role. What matters is your lived experience and your willingness to engage thoughtfully with complex ethical questions on behalf of the broader community.

You may be well suited to this role if you:

• Have experience as a patient, consumer, or community member with an interest in health, fertility, or medical research
• Are able to read and reflect on research proposals and ask questions on behalf of the public interest
• Can engage constructively with scientific and clinical material, with support provided through induction
• Are not employed by, or affiliated in a paid capacity with, Genea or a related institution

Experience in community advocacy, health consumer representation, patient support, or ethics is welcome but not required. Previous experience serving on a committee, advisory board, or governance body is desirable.

Appointment Conditions

• Appointments are made through an open and transparent process in accordance with National Statement clause 5.1.40
• The term of appointment will be specified in a formal notice of appointment
• Remuneration arrangements will be detailed in the appointment notice
• Appointments are reviewed at least every three years in accordance with NS 5.1.42

Additional Information

Diversity

Genea is committed to ensuring its HREC has diversity, including gender diversity, and that at least one third of participating members at each meeting are from outside the institution (NS 5.1.36). We strongly encourage applications from men and from candidates who bring diverse community perspectives and lived experiences.

How to Apply

Please submit an expression of interest including a brief CV or personal statement (no more than one page) outlining your background, your connection to the community or consumer perspective you would bring, and your interest in contributing to research ethics at Genea.