UK Biobank seeks new Ethics Advisory Committee Members
UK Biobank: the organisation
UK Biobank is the world’s most significant resource for health research and is making a major contribution to the advancement of modern medicine. Our organisation has been running for 20 years, has led to more than 10,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies and has more than 35,000 registered researchers from over 90 countries around the world.
UK Biobank’s database includes blood samples, heart and brain scans, genetic data and lifestyle information from 500,000 volunteer participants. These data are globally accessible to approved researchers who are undertaking health-related research that is in the public interest.
Our objective is to encourage as many approved researchers as possible to use our database to perform health research in the public interest, whether they are from academic, commercial, or charitable organisations, and from anywhere in the world.
UK Biobank is a company limited by guarantee and is a registered charity in England and Scotland. It was established by the Medical Research Council and Wellcome in 2003, with additional support from other government and charity funders of health research, and the core funding has recently been renewed. The organisation has over 220 dedicated members of staff, based in multiple locations across the UK.
UK Biobank: Ethics Advisory Committee
The UK Biobank Ethics Advisory Committee is a Committee of the UK Biobank Board whose remit is to provide advice to the Board on ethical issues that arise during the maintenance, development and use of UK Biobank, including:
- Identifying, defining and examining current ethical issues or those on the horizon. Providing advice, guidance and recommendations on relevant ethical issues. Reviewing and advising on policies which have an ethical dimension that are relevant to UK Biobank. Conducting detailed conceptual and empirical ethics research to ensure that advice is evidence-based, and that UK Biobank maintains its robust ethical justification for current and future activity.
You can find out more at: https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk/learn-more-about-uk-biobank/governance/ethics-advisory-committee.
We are seeking two individuals to join our Ethics Advisory Committee. To become a member, candidates should have a clear understanding of ethical issues relevant to UK Biobank and be able to demonstrate:
- Ability to contribute constructively to a dynamic and collaborative Board Committee environment. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Astute judgement and integrity. Passion to transform health for generations to come.
We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with knowledge of ethical issues relating to dementia and mental capacity in a research context but this is not essential. An interest in the ethical issues as they might pertain to UK Biobank is the most important attribute we are looking for.
Candidates should have an excellent knowledge of the UK health research context, but do not need to be based in the UK.
In terms of time commitment:
- The Ethics Advisory Committee meets approximately four times every year, with each meeting lasting up to 2 hours. Most meetings are held virtually with at least one meeting a year held in person (usually in London). To facilitate participation from a diverse range of voices, it is always possible to attend virtually.
Please note that the role does not attract any remuneration, but reasonable expenses are payable.
UK Biobank is a strong supporter of equality and diversity, and we actively encourage expressions of interest from people with diverse backgrounds.
The process
Candidates are encouraged to apply by 5pm on 23 February 2024 by submitting a short cover letter and summary resume to: jobs@ukbiobank.ac.uk
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