Human Ethics Committee Member

• Would you be interested in a part-time, paid appointment for three years?
• Are you committed to upholding research ethics?
• Do you have expertise in mātauranga Māori?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting an external member with expertise in mātauranga Māori to serve as a reviewer on the Human Ethics Committee. This is a key position that has been created to acknowledge the increase in and value of Māori research at the University, and to grow the committee’s capacity to uphold our high ethical standards.

Appointment is for a three-year term, with the potential for this to be extended by another three years. The successful appointee will receive an honorarium of $385 net per month.

If appointed, you will review applications from researchers from across the University and ensure that the proposed research upholds the highest ethical standards. Training will be provided.

Key responsibilities:

• Read and review applications from researchers for human ethics approval (approximately six applications per month on average) and provide comments online.
• Attend one two-hour committee meeting per month to discuss complex applications.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

If you have expertise in mātauranga Māori and are not currently affiliated with the University, you are eligible to apply.

You will enjoy this role if you have an interest in research on a broad range of topics, and can provide constructive, timely feedback that will help researchers address any ethical issues relating to their applications. A commitment to upholding research ethics is essential, as well as the ability to work well with the Human Ethics Convenor and other members of the committee.

You will be confident about contributing to committee meetings, including speaking to applications you have reviewed and providing an opinion in other discussions where appropriate. You will conscientiously work to deadlines and have capacity to adjust to fluctuations in workflow over the course of the year (i.e., some months will be busier than others).

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

We are a collegial committee that gets to review some of the most interesting aspects of a wide variety of research projects. We look to our members to help steer the committee's decisions to ensure they are justified and consistent with the Human Ethics Policy and Guidelines. We also have a role in ongoing education and discussion of research ethics issues in the University. Meetings can be attended online, so travel is not a necessity for this role.

Close Date for Vacancy: 21 July 2024. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. We can only consider applicants who are citizens or residents of New Zealand or Australia or on a current working visa. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Contact Details for Vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Tatjana Schaefer, Manager Research Ethics, Integrity and Policy (tatjana.schaefer@vuw.ac.nz). But applicants should follow all steps listed below.

Important - Application Steps and Information

Download and complete the University Application Form, please include the position title and reference number (Human Ethics Committee Member, #969). Then, please combine your cover letter, CV, and the University Application Form into a single file (preferably in pdf format). Click Apply and follow the process to enter your contact details and attach your combined file (CV, cover letter, and the University application form) using the “CV/Resume” button.

If you are unable to combine your documents or have further supporting documents, please email these to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.