Research Ethics Board Specialist

University of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

3d•CA$65,891 - CA$91,196•Hybrid

About The Position

This position has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension. This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus, Edmonton. Reporting to the Manager, Research Ethics, the REB Specialist works to facilitate the review of ethics applications submitted primarily to the Biomedical REB (REB 4) but also to the University’s three other research ethics boards. As a key member of an integrated research ethics administration team, this role supports and advises researchers and their staff on the preparation of ethics applications and amendments, which includes informed consent processes, participant recruitment, assessment of potential risks and mechanisms for mitigating risks. The position supports and advises the REB Chairs and members with regard to compliance with applicable regulations, policy and legislation. Good judgment, diplomacy and tact must be exercised when synthesizing and conveying information. Respect for confidentiality, flexibility and excellent critical thinking skills are key attributes when problem solving and communicating with applicants, colleagues, REB members and members of the research community. Crucial to this role is a first-hand understanding of the research pipeline; the ideal candidate will leverage prior experience as a Clinical Trial or Study Coordinator to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and practical, on-the-ground research operations. The position will primarily be responsible for submissions to REB 4, but may also be required to review files submitted to the Health Research Ethics Board-Health Panel, REB 1, or REB 2. As such, the duties of this position are diverse and can be complex. The individual must possess a robust operational understanding of human research methodologies, ideally gained through direct experience coordinating clinical trials or observational studies. The position requires significant independent work and decision making within a team environment. There are high volumes of work, and frequent periods of conflicting timelines and priorities. Well-developed organizational skills are required to manage the volume of applications and associated inquiries.

Requirements

First-hand understanding of the research pipeline.
Prior experience as a Clinical Trial or Study Coordinator.
Robust operational understanding of human research methodologies.
Direct experience coordinating clinical trials or observational studies.
Excellent critical thinking skills.
Well-developed organizational skills.

Responsibilities

Facilitate the review of ethics applications submitted primarily to the Biomedical REB (REB 4) but also to the University’s three other research ethics boards.
Support and advise researchers and their staff on the preparation of ethics applications and amendments, including informed consent processes, participant recruitment, assessment of potential risks and mechanisms for mitigating risks.
Support and advise the REB Chairs and members with regard to compliance with applicable regulations, policy and legislation.
Synthesize and convey information with good judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
Problem solve and communicate with applicants, colleagues, REB members, and members of the research community, exercising respect for confidentiality, flexibility, and critical thinking skills.
Manage a high volume of applications and associated inquiries with well-developed organizational skills.
Work independently and make decisions within a team environment.