Call for Expression of Interest - Chair of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee

6 Jan 2025

A pivotal role in shaping an effective system that supports the university and the health region in a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. 

Expressions of interest are sought for the role of Chair of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee for the SW Region. The committee will operate in the context of the evolving shared research infrastructure between UCC and HSE SW Region.

Recent developments in the research landscape includes implementation of coordinated research support systems and procedures that will significantly enhance our capacity for impactful clinical research for improved patient outcomes. This advances a robust academic health science environment for the benefit of our community.

Ethical reviews and approvals of research are foundational to our mission, and we seek an experienced Chair to lead the committee in advancing and refining these critical processes.

The role is open to both UCC and HSE staff and retirees in senior Health Care Professional roles with the required experience of research design and development, the regulatory framework and research ethics. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping an effective system that supports the university and the health region in a complex and evolving regulatory landscape. The Clinical Research Ethics Committee is supported by a manager and a part time executive assistant.

We invite candidates with a strong background in ethical oversight, a commitment to research excellence, and the leadership skills to guide our ethics committee through this transformative period.

 For informal discussions please contact:

• Prof Helen Whelton Head of College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Chief Academic Officer HSE South South West Hospital Group:   h.whelton@ucc.ie
• Prof Peter Kearney, Regional Clinical Director, HSE SW Region, HSE SW, Caha House, Model Farm Road: peter.kearney@hse.ie

To express your interest in this role, please send the following information to Dr Susan Rafferty-McArdle, College Manager, College of Medicine and Health UCC @ s.rafferty@ucc.ie before 5pm on Wednesday 29^th January.  

1. Name
2. Position
3. Email Address
4. What is your experience of leading Clinical Trials?
5. What experience do you have in leading or participating in ethics committees?
6. What is your familiarity with the relevant legal, regulatory, and institutional guidelines that govern ethical practices in research?
7. What do you believe is the role of an ethics committee within a research institution, and how would you, as Chair, help the committee make a meaningful impact?
8. As Chair, how would you foster a collaborative and respectful environment within the ethics committee, especially when members have differing perspectives?