The University is committed to ensuring that our research meets the highest standards of research ethics and integrity. We are looking to recruit to 3 vacancies. A permanent position and a cover for sabbatical leave which have arisen within the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee plus a maternity cover within the Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee

The Biomedical Research Ethics Committee considers the research ethics implications of projects in the biosciences that involve data from human participants that do not require NHS REC approval. This committee is Chaired by Professor James Betts.

The Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee considers projects involving human participants that do not require Sponsorship and are outside of the remit of all other research ethics committees. This can include projects from social sciences, natural sciences, psychology, engineering and architecture (not an exhaustive list). This Committee will be Chaired by Professor David Ellis.

What are we looking for?

Members of our research ethics committees are passionate about research ethics, keen to support researchers (staff and students), and help develop our shared culture around ethics and integrity. As part of our commitment to driving a continued improvement in our research culture and approach to research ethics we would like to encourage applications from traditionally or currently underrepresented communities.

For this particular call and so that we can ensure representation of expertise we would, ideally, be looking for the following expertise:

  • full appointment, Biomedical Research Ethics Committee: Ethnography, participatory observation methods, interviews, focus groups, narrative inquiry, discourse and documentary analysis 
  • sabbatical cover, from 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024, Biomedical Research Ethics Committee: pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, medicines 
  • maternity cover, from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024, Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee: mental health (adult and child), health care settings, clinical psychology, nutrition behaviour, dementia, neurodiversity, physical health care 

Who can apply?

If you are a University of Bath academic member of staff we would be interested to hear from you. Even if you have no current experience we will support your development in this area. Regardless of your level of expertise you will gain a wealth of skills and will have access to training. Membership of each committee has been work loaded as 80hrs/academic year.

What is expected from you?

Members work as part of a committee and use their skills and personal experience to reach decisions about applications. Prior to the meeting you will be expected to read the meeting papers provided electronically. The term of office, for a full time position, will be for 3 years in the first instance. Meetings will be held (both in-person and online) once a month (with the exception of August) for 2 hours. Maternity/sabbatical cover will be managed on a fixed term basis as described above.

What can we offer you?

You will gain an in-depth understanding of research ethics and will contribute to improving the quality of the research at the University. We will provide you with induction and training to facilitate the role and during your time you will learn valuable skills and experience in an interesting area where you can really make a difference. A permanent role will account for 80hrs on your workload allocation model. All other positions will be offered on a pro-rata basis.

If this is of interest to you, please e-mail research-ethics@bath.ac.uk no later than 5pm on Wednesday, 13th December 2023 your:

  • Expression of interest (one page maximum), outlining your relevant skills and experience
  • Current CV (plus one reference by someone who is able to comment on your suitability for the role)
  • Statement confirming whether you are applying for the permanent role, the sabbatical cover or the maternity cover

Please ensure that you have support from your Head of Deparment/Line Manager before submitting your application.

For informal enquiries please contact the Chair of the relevant Committee or Professor Julie Barnett, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Chair to the Academic Ethics and Integrity Committee.

For further information