Human Research Ethics Committee - Pastoral Care Member

Bring your pastoral care experience and community perspective to the ethical review of human research that benefits people and communities across the Northern Territory.

### About Charles Darwin University

Research is a major strength of Charles Darwin University (CDU). We are committed to conducting responsible, ethical research that benefits the Northern Territory’s people, animals and environment.

CDU’s Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) reviews research involving or concerning people. Its membership brings together university staff and community members with a range of experience and perspectives, in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research.

### The opportunity

CDU is seeking a community member with pastoral care experience to join its Human Research Ethics Committee.

As a Pastoral Care Member, you will review research proposals, identify and discuss ethical issues, and contribute your views during committee meetings. Your experience will help ensure that research is considered from a caring, community-focused and ethically informed perspective.

This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the integrity of human research and help protect the rights, dignity and wellbeing of research participants.

### About you

You perform a pastoral care role within a community. This may include being:

- an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Elder or community leader
- a chaplain
- a minister of religion or other religious leader
- a person undertaking another recognised pastoral care role.

You will also:

- be able to recognise and discuss ethical issues
- feel comfortable expressing your views in a committee setting
- have an interest in human research ethics
- be available to attend scheduled HREC meetings
- be able to complete the required reading and preparation before each meeting.

Previous experience on a research ethics committee is not required.

### Time commitment

The committee meets seven times each year, approximately every six weeks. Meetings are held on Wednesdays from 9 am until approximately midday, depending on the number and complexity of applications being considered.

Members should also allow up to six hours for reading and preparation before each meeting.

Meetings can be attended at CDU’s Casuarina campus or online via Zoom.

### What you’ll gain

Although this is an unpaid position, it offers an opportunity to:

- make a valuable contribution to ethical research
- represent pastoral care and community perspectives
- learn more about research ethics and governance
- engage with researchers and committee members from diverse backgrounds
- support research that benefits Northern Territory communities.

### How to express your interest

Please email your expression of interest to [***********@cdu.edu.au](mailto:***********@cdu.edu.au).

Include a brief explanation of:

- why you are interested in joining the committee
- your current pastoral care role or relevant community experience
- what you believe you could contribute to the committee.

For further information, contact Hayley Germaine:

Email: [***********@cdu.edu.au](mailto:***********@cdu.edu.au)
Phone: 08 8946 60***

Online or Remote

** Category **
Education & Training

** Commitment **
Regular - more than 6 months

** Type Of Work **
Education & Training,Governance, Boards & Committees,Research, Policy & Analysis,

** Time Required **
The HREC meets seven times each year (on a Wednesday, approximately every six weeks), from 9am until
approximately midday, depending on the number and quality of projects.

** Training **
Induction and ongoing training will be provided. You will be well supported by the Ethics Team and fellow committee members as you learn and carry out your role.