Revised: 28 August 2026
Committees
Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee - vacancies for specialist clinicians
Medsafe is seeking applications from two specialist clinicians to join the Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee (MARC), a technical advisory committee which advises the Minister of Health on the safety of approved medicines.
The MARC is established under section 8 of the Medicines Act. The purpose of MARC is to provide advice on potential adverse reactions to medicines. This is an important part of the regulatory framework for safeguarding public health in New Zealand.
Kōrero mō te tūranga | About the role
Being a member of a technical advisory committee is rewarding and challenging. You will be committed to improving the health of New Zealanders through contribution to:
- improving medicines safety
- pharmacovigilance
- the regulation of medicines
- balancing the benefits and risks of harm of medicines.
The MARC meets four times a year in person in Wellington. Depending on the agenda, meetings may run for up to 7 hours and require between 3 and 10 hours of preparation. Reading materials are prepared by Medsafe and provided to the MARC before each meeting. Members are reimbursed for their time and travel expenses.
The Director-General of Health appoints members to the Committee for up to a three-year term. This term can be renewed once, for a further three years.
Kōrero mōu | About you
- be a New Zealand specialist clinician, registered medical practitioner and working within a hospital and/or specialist clinic as a specialist clinician
- have at least five years of clinical experience
- have critical appraisal skills
- have an interest in identifying side effects to medicines.
Areas of expertise that are particularly sought include rheumatology, dermatology, psychiatry, paediatrics, oncology and internal medicine. Clinicians who are not yet vocationally registered can be considered on a case-by-case basis.
It would also be beneficial if you have health sector or board/committee experience.
The Ministry recognises that diversity enables committees and statutory bodies to be high-performing. We are committed to ensuring appointments reflect the diversity of New Zealand’s population, including gender, ethnicity, disability, age, and geographic location. We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, particularly those who can reflect the needs, values, and beliefs of Māori, and who demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to meeting obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Ko wai mātou | Who we are
See the MARC Committees page for more information, including the Terms of Reference and the Committee process.
If you want further information or clarification, please email MARC@health.govt.nz or call Medsafe on (04) 819 6800 and ask to speak to the MARC Secretariat.
Me pēhea te tono | How to apply
Applications close 9 October 2026.
To apply, please complete the application form provided below and email this together with your current curriculum vitae (CV) to: MARC@health.govt.nz
Application Form (Word document, 83.7 KB, 8 pages)
Medsafe will consider the applications and make recommendations to the Director-General of Health, who decides on the appointment of Committee members. Following the Director-General’s decision, Medsafe will notify applicants of the outcome. This process may take up to 12 weeks after applications close.
