Call for Expressions of Interest to become a University Research Ethics Committee member

Source: https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/call-for-expressions-of-interest-to-become-a-university-research-ethics-committee-member/ Parent: https://www.bath.ac.uk/topics/research-integrity-and-ethics/

We have vacancies for academic members of staff to join the Data & Digital Science Research Ethics Committee.

• News story
• Published on Friday 26 September 2025
• Last updated on Friday 20 March 2026
• View more announcements in Research Policy, Governance and Integrity

Research Ethics

The University is committed to ensuring that our research meets the highest standards of research ethics and integrity. We are looking to recruit three full term members (3 years) within the Data and Digital Science Research Ethics Committee.

The positions are available for 36 months in the first instance and attract 80 hours in the workload allocation model.

Closing date: Tuesday 7th April 2026

This Committee considers the research ethics implications of projects involving the use of social media as data and where large amounts of data are being handled. In addition, the committee consider projects involving artificial intelligence, machine learning and associated themes. This committee is Chaired by Dr Julian Padget.

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, including early career researchers. We would also like to hear from those:

• with a strong personal commitment to ensuring research meets the highest standards
• who can understand and analyse complex issues from research proposals and weigh up conflicting opinions
• who are able to take an objective stance, looking at a situation from several perspectives
• who are good communicators and confident to voice their opinions and discuss issues with people who may not agree with them
• who are committed to the public service values of accountability, probity, openness and equality of opportunity
• who understand the requirement for confidentiality
• who are IT literate and comfortable reviewing documents electronically

We would be interested to hear from you, even if you have no current experience as 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.

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.

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 electronically. The term of office, for a full-time position, will be for 3 years in the first instance.

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. Membership of each committee has been work loaded as 80 hours per academic year.

Current member testimonial: "Being part of the Research Ethics Committee has been highly rewarding, especially the chance to engage with a wide variety of research and help ensure it is conducted ethically. I particularly enjoy the collaborative discussions and learning from colleagues with different expertise, including meeting colleagues from other faculties. While the role sometimes requires careful consideration and thoughtful discussion, the supportive committee environment and the opportunity to contribute to important decisions make it very fulfilling. I would encourage anyone considering applying, as it offers a unique opportunity to impact research quality, ethical standards, and the university as a whole." Professor Carmen Domene, Department of Chemistry.

If this role is of interest to you, please complete the online application form at the link below and include:

• a statement (one page maximum), outlining your relevant skills, experience and reasons why this role interests you
• letter of support from Head of Department/Line Manager

If you have any queries, please contact us at research-ethics@bath.ac.uk.