Job Description

Member roles on the Health Research Council New Zealand

On behalf of the Minister of Health, Hon Simeon Brown, the Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora (the Ministry) is seeking candidates who wish to be considered for appointment as researcher or non-researcher members to the Health Research Council of New Zealand.

About the Health Research Council of New Zealand

The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC) is established under the Health Research Council Act 1990 (the HRC Act) and plays a vital role in advising the Minister of Health on national health research policy, encouraging and initiating health research, and disseminating research findings.  The HRC identifies and funds research that can lead to new medicines, breakthroughs and cures, and improve the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders.

About the roles | Kōrero mō te tūranga

The role of Board members of the HRC is to deliver on its legislative requirements and ministerial expectations. The HRC appoints and holds the chief executive to account and makes specific decisions for which it has statutory independence. The HRC is also responsible for supporting the organisation to deliver on its goals, monitoring and reporting on the performance of the HRC, and its use of funds; and is accountable to the Minister of Health.

The Minister of Health, appoints members to the Board, typically for a term of up to three years and can be reappointed. Further detail on the roles and responsibilities of HRC members can be found in the attached roles and responsibilities document.

About you | Kōrero mōu

Under the HRC Act, the HRC membership consists of:

• five persons who are or have been actively engaged in health research
• five persons who have skills and experience in areas such as community affairs, health administration, law, or management or knowledge of health issues from a consumer perspective.

People who have both researcher and non-researcher skill sets may be appointed to the non-researcher category.

The key skills and attributes prospective candidates must possess include at least one of the following.

• Board governance experience in public sector and/or private sector entities, including an understanding of public sector accountability and the role of a Crown entity, and demonstrated ability to lead robust decision-making processes
• Expertise in health innovation and technology, such as genomics, artificial intelligence etc.
• Financial governance experience
• Biomedical research expertise.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tono

Applications must be made using the Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora online Career centre by close of business on Friday 11 July 2025 and include:

• a completed declaration form (attached)
• a covering letter
• a current CV.

Extensive due diligence checks will be undertaken for shortlisted applicants. Your personal information will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. The Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora may also request that the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service conduct national security screening of you as part of the due diligence process.

The appointment process can be lengthy and your patience and professionalism as we work through the next steps is appreciated. The outcome of the recruitment process will be confirmed after it has been considered by Cabinet. 

Who are we | Ko wai mātou

See the Ministry of Health Board appointments webpage for more information. If you would like to obtain further information or clarification, or if your circumstances change or should you wish to withdraw your application, please contact the Statutory Appointments and Integrity Services team by emailing: appointments@health.govt.nz

The Ministry recognises that members with a range of experiences and backgrounds enable our boards and councils to be high-performing and welcome applications that reflect all of New Zealand's population, including across genders, ethnicities, disability, age and geographic location. The Ministry encourages people from all backgrounds, including those who can reflect the needs, values, and beliefs of Māori, and have an understanding of the obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, to apply for these roles.