Chair of the Human Research Ethics Committee

Fixed Term Part Time Appointment (2 years, 0.2 FTE) 
Position Classification: Research Focused Academic Level D 
Annual salary $162,335.95 - $177,588.20 pa (pro rata) + 17% superannuation and 6 weeks annual leave 
(pro rata) 
Casuarina Campus | Larrakia Country 

Provide leadership and oversight of human research ethics, ensuring compliance, ethical review and researcher guidance. 

About the Position 
As the Chair of the Charles Darwin University Human Research Ethics Committee (CDU-HREC), you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of human research ethics across the University. You will chair committee meetings, guide the ethical review and approval of research applications, ensure compliance with relevant legislation and national standards, and promote best practice in human research ethics. Working closely with researchers, committee members and the Research Ethics and Integrity Officer, you will support ethical research conduct, deliver training and guidance, and contribute to the University's research governance framework. 

About You 
To be successful, you will require: 

• Experience as a Chair or Deputy Chair of an ethics or similar governance committee.  
• Strong knowledge of human research ethics, research integrity, and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.  
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex ethics applications and apply ethical review principles.  
• Understanding of and commitment to respectful, inclusive, and culturally safe research practices.  
• Proven leadership skills, including chairing committees, facilitating discussion, managing conflicts of interest, and maintaining confidentiality.  
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with researchers, regulators, and community representatives.  
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage priorities and support effective committee operations. 
• Commitment to the University’s values. 

Appointment is contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory National Criminal History check and a valid NT Working with Children clearance.

Remuneration  
Appointment to this role will be at Research Focused Academic Level D. The base salary will be in the range of $162,335.95 - $177,588.20 per annum (pro rata). The total remuneration package will be in the range of $189,933.06 - $207,778.19 per annum (pro rata), including 17% superannuation. 

First Nations Priority Recruitment Measures  
While this vacancy is open to all applicants. First Nations applicants are strongly encouraged to apply & will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy, in accordance with s57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT) 1992. More information on First Nations Priority Recruitment at CDU and how to apply, available here.  

Access Full Position Description 
To view the full position description, please click the Apply link which will direct you to our CDU job site, then select Job Attachments. 

What’s in it for you? 

• An enviable lifestyle in the spectacular Northern Territory 
• 17% superannuation  
• Up to six weeks of paid annual leave 
• Up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave (primary care giver), in addition to government payments (eligibility criteria apply) 
• Recognition of prior service with another Australian university / NT Government for Long Service Leave (recognition applied to qualifying period only) 
• Ability to negotiate transfer of leave entitlements under the Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989 
• Free on-campus parking in designated areas  
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Salary Packaging opportunities 
• An employer who values your contribution to building a bigger, better and stronger University 
• Work with a University committed to changing people’s lives for the better through training, education, and research 
• Opportunities for professional development, paid study and career progression 
• Access to over 5,000 courses via LinkedIn learning corporate membership 

How to Apply 
All applications must be received online via the ‘apply’ button and should include your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant skills and experience. 

For a confidential discussion about the position please contact Ksenia Sawczak, Director Research and Innovation on 0455 249 *** or email **************@cdu.edu.au     

  
Do you need support?  
CDU endeavors to establish and maintain effective systems and processes that support a flexible and inclusive workplace culture.  

Adjustments can be made to support you throughout the application and selection process, as well as during employment, in line with the University’s Workplace Adjustment Policy and Procedure.  For confidential discussions, reasonable adjustment requests, or further information on workplace inclusion and policies, please contact People Services on 08 8946 62***or **************@cdu.edu.au. 

Diversity and Inclusion 

At CDU, we actively celebrate our diversity and believe that our differences will make CDU the most connected University in Australia. We are committed to maintaining a culture where every member of our university community feels respected, safe, encouraged to speak up and supported in achieving their professional goals, and that they truly belong. 

Applications from First Nations people, women at all levels, culturally and racially marginalised people, people with disability, neurotypical and neurodiverse people, LGBTQIA+ people, people with family and caring responsibilities and people at all stages of their careers are welcomed. 

Work Health and Safety 

CDU is committed to providing a physical and psychological safe working environment. Confidential support can also be provided to employees who may be experiencing domestic, family, or sexual violence outside the workplace.  

Charles Darwin University is guided by our core values of Courage, Kindness, Openness, Innovation, and Leadership, which shape our daily actions and decisions. CDU is committed to being a safe and inclusive organisation for everyone.  

As part of the Charles Darwin University’s commitment to providing a safe, respectful and rewarding workplace, and to meeting our legal obligations, we ask candidates to declare whether they have ever been investigated for an allegation of Gender Based Violence or found to have engaged in conduct that constitutes Gender Based Violence, in any previous employment or through any legal process.  

This information assists us to comply with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence and will be considered when assessing a candidate’s suitability for employment, to help ensure the safety of our university community.  

You make CDU. And we want you to be exactly who you are.   

Applications Close: 24th August 2026