Become a HREC Member
Serving on a Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) gives you a front-row seat to some of the most exciting science in Australia and beyond. You’ll help protect participants through a rigorous ethical review process, backed by a professional and respectful team.
Express Your InterestWhat is a HREC member?
Bellberry Human Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) review studies involving humans to make sure they’re ethically and scientifically sound, and that participants are protected throughout.
As a HREC member, you bring your own expertise to that process, working alongside a multidisciplinary committee to assess studies before they go ahead and while they are being conducted.
You can learn how our HRECs operate here, including details on our current Chairs and Deputy Chairs.
Your work helps advance science worldwide
Joining a Bellberry HREC is more than just reviewing paperwork. You play a direct role in ensuring research goes ahead safely and ethically. Every study you assess could shape better treatment, better care, and better outcomes for people now and in the years to come.
“It’s amazing that the work we’re doing is playing a major role in patient care. For some conditions, people would have received a fatal diagnosis maybe five years ago. Now we’ve got improved quality of life and even improved outcomes.”
— Professor Andrew McLachlan AM, Bellberry HREC Chair & Head of School and Dean of the Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney
Who can become a HREC member
Bellberry welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds who bring thoughtful insight, professionalism and integrity to the committee process. Members are expected to work collaboratively and uphold the high standards of independence and care that underpin Bellberry’s reputation.
We employ members who are:
- Researchers and clinicians
- Legal professionals
- Pastoral care or community representatives
- Lay members — people not currently engaged in medical, scientific or legal work
We actively encourage applications from across Australia, including people with a diversity of backgrounds and experience.
Scientific member requirements
Scientific members — those within categories (c) and (f) as defined by the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2025) — should ideally have:
- A sound understanding of research design and methodology.
- Active or recent experience in human research, particularly clinical trials or device development.
- Familiarity with the National Statement and related ethical frameworks.
- Awareness of Australian and international guidelines (TGA, EMA, FDA, GMP).
- Relevant qualifications and eligibility to practise (for medical members).
Our HRECs usually exceed the minimum membership requirements defined in the National Statement to ensure robust, multidisciplinary oversight.
Phase I studies are given special consideration including review by a pharmacologist and/or toxicologist. We provide additional support to our Committees via access to request expert advice from either external specialists and/or our in-house Ethics Specialist.
This ensures the right expertise is involved with each meeting and each study review.
All members should demonstrate:
- The ability to listen respectfully and express considered views.
- Comfort using computers and online systems for document review.
What’s involved in HREC membership
Bellberry HREC membership is a paid role that offers flexibility and professional engagement, supported by Bellberry’s experienced management team and digital systems that make participation simple and rewarding.
Meetings and time commitment
- Meetings are usually held on Wednesday evenings.
- Time commitment is flexible — some scientific members attend 3–4 meetings a year, others up to 12–20.
- Non-scientific members (community, legal, pastoral) may attend regularly or occasionally, depending on availability.
How reviews work
- Only new studies are discussed at meetings — amendments are handled electronically between meetings.
- Proposals are distributed 12 calendar days before each meeting.
- Post-meeting and ongoing items should be actioned within 48 hours.
- All relevant study documents, investigator correspondence and materials are accessed online via Bellberry’s secure portal.
Ongoing learning and development
- New members receive a structured induction process and ongoing support.
- You’ll have opportunities for continuing professional development (CPD) and networking, including in-house education sessions and external professional development events.
- You’ll receive a 20% discount on PRAXIS Australia training courses, including online courses, HREC courses and live virtual workshops — Bellberry is a founding member organisation of PRAXIS Australia
- Members also gain access to a private online portal, complete with a library of past education sessions, presentations and conference materials.
- We help keep track of your CPD, so the learning you do — through Bellberry or externally — is properly recognised.
Apply to become a HREC member
Bellberry welcomes expressions of interest from individuals with relevant expertise or community insight who wish to contribute to ethical research oversight. Membership is based on an expression of interest process, and all submissions are carefully reviewed. Submitting an expression doesn’t guarantee a position, but your details will be reviewed and kept on file for future opportunities.
How to apply
- Thoroughly review the information on this page to ensure your eligibility.
- Complete the Expression of Interest Form below and submit online, along with your CV — this will be reviewed by Bellberry’s Committee Management team and HREC Chairs.
- If your expertise aligns with current needs, we’ll be in touch to discuss next steps.
For more information, call our Member Team on (08) 8361 3222 or email recruitment@bellberry.com.au.
Expression of Interest form
Ready to apply for Bellberry HREC membership? Complete our online form to register your interest in joining our committees.
Get answers to common queries
Thinking about becoming a HREC member? These answers cover the questions we hear most often.
Membership is a paid role, and members are remunerated for their time and contribution.
Bellberry welcomes people from a range of backgrounds, including researchers, clinicians, legal professionals, pastoral or community representatives, and lay members. See the ‘Who can become a member’ section above for the full requirements.
Meetings are held weekly, on Wednesday evenings. How often you’re asked to attend depends on your membership category and availability — some scientific members attend 3 to 4 meetings a year, while others attend 12 to 20. Non-scientific members may attend regularly or occasionally, depending on availability.
All HREC meeting are held virtually via Microsoft Teams. HREC members are required to have a computer with a good internet connection.
Proposals and supporting materials are distributed 12 calendar days before each meeting, giving you time to review everything in advance.
Any post-meeting or ongoing items should be actioned within 48 hours. Outcomes and any follow-up are managed through Bellberry’s secure online portal, so everything stays in one place.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
Browse our full FAQs page or contact us for more guidance and information.
Explore a career at Bellberry
Looking for other ways to get involved? Join our team of innovative and dedicated professionals committed to making a difference in Australian research ethics.
