Overview

The University of Western Australia is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified persons to fill vacancies on the Population Health Research Network (PHRN) Board. The PHRN is an internationally recognised national research infrastructure linking health and human services data and providing access to this data. Linked data enables innovative health and medical research and makes a significant difference to Australian lives.

Role title: Board Member, PHRN Board.

Term: Initial term of up to two years with potential for extension. Board members are appointed by The University of Western Australia in consultation with the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

The Population Health Research Network (PHRN) is Australia’s national data linkage infrastructure. It is one of the national research infrastructure capabilities supported by the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). It has been awarded $80M of Australian Government funding since 2009, with co-investment of $120M. Current annual PHRN resources (cash and in-kind) are approximately $19M.

The University of Western Australia is lead agent for the PHRN. The PHRN’s primary purpose is to build and support the operation of collaborative, nationwide data linkage infrastructure which securely and safely links data collections from a wide range of sources including within and between jurisdictions and across sectors and provides access to linked data.

The University is seeking to appoint up to two additional independent members of the PHRN Board.

The PHRN Board is an advisory committee who provide oversight and strategic direction for the PHRN.

Responsibilities of PHRN Board Members

The Board provides oversight and strategic direction for the PHRN and supports the implementation of the Strategic Plan.

It also:

• Monitors compliance with the requirements of The University of Western Australia’s agreements with the Department of Education and The University of Western Australia’s agreements with PHRN Project Participants.
• Provides oversight of the development of appropriate key performance indicators and monitor performance against these indicators.
• Provides oversight of project and risk management strategies to ensure the PHRN is delivering against the investment and strategic plans.
• Provides oversight of financial management including annual budgets and business plans, and allocation of funding (approx. $5M per annum) in line with the strategic direction of the PHRN.
• Facilitates and maintains relationships with all stakeholders.

Board Meetings

The Board meets a minimum of four times a year. At least one meeting per year is held face to face.

Remuneration

The Board member fee is $10,000 per annum plus superannuation. Expenses for meeting attendance are reimbursed.

Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Attributes

We are currently seeking Board members with the following specific skills, knowledge and experience. Applicants should also meet the specified general requirements:

Specific

• Finance and/or accounting; and/or
• Therapeutic/diagnostic development including medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

General

• Be an eminent person able to take a broad, national, collaborative perspective.
• Be free from any interest and any business or other relationship which could reasonably be perceived to interfere with the Members ability to act in the best interests of the PHRN.
• Support the strategic development of the PHRN in the context of Australia’s national research infrastructure.
• Approach the role with integrity and a balanced view.
• Be able to represent the PHRN to government, stakeholders, and the national and international research community.
• Have the time and enthusiasm to devote to the role.

Application Process

Please provide a short (250 word) statement describing your interest and suitability and attach a brief curriculum vitae.

Closing date: 11:55 PM on Thursday 30 June 2022.

Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

For more information on PHRN please go to https://www.phrn.org.au/