Research Ethics Board Specialist

University of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

6d•CA$65,891 - CA$91,196•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager, Research Ethics, the REB Specialist works to facilitate the review of ethics applications submitted primarily to REBs 1 and 2 but also to the University’s two 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. The ideal candidate will leverage prior experience as a Research Coordinator or Project Manager in the social sciences, humanities, or behavioral sciences to bridge the gap between ethical policy frameworks and practical, on-the-ground research operations. The position will primarily be responsible for submissions to REB 1 and REB 2, but may also be required to review files submitted to the Health Research Ethics Board-Health Panel (REB 3) or the Biomedical Panel (REB 4). 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. 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

Prior experience as a Research Coordinator or Project Manager in the social sciences, humanities, or behavioral sciences.
Robust operational understanding of human research methodologies.
Ability to exercise good judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
Respect for confidentiality.
Flexibility.
Excellent critical thinking skills.
Well-developed organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience bridging the gap between ethical policy frameworks and practical, on-the-ground research operations.

Responsibilities

Facilitate the review of ethics applications submitted primarily to REBs 1 and 2, but also to the University’s two 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.
Review files submitted to the Health Research Ethics Board-Health Panel (REB 3) or the Biomedical Panel (REB 4).
Manage high volumes of work and frequent periods of conflicting timelines and priorities.
Manage the volume of applications and associated inquiries with well-developed organizational skills.