Research Ethics Board Specialist

Competition 1239

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of one year plus a day from the start date and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location - Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton. This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Position 

Reporting to the Senior Officer, Research Ethics Board, the Research Ethics Board (REB) Specialist works to facilitate the review of ethics applications submitted to the University’s four 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, policies 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 position will primarily be responsible for submissions to the Health Research Ethics Board-Health Panel, but may also be required to review files submitted to the Health Research Ethics Board – Biomedical Panel, REB 1 or REB 2.  As such, the duties of this position are diverse and can be complex. The individual should have advanced research training and possess a broad knowledge of research methods used in human research. 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.

Duties 

• Receives and processes ethics applications, amendments and renewals for both full board and delegated reviews submitted to the University’s Research Ethics Boards.
• Provides applicants information and advice as necessary concerning application processes and ethics requirements.
• Advises on processes, issues, and policies related to human research ethics and assists in researching and developing procedures and guidelines for use by the REBs, administrators and researchers.
• Works with the REB Chair, as required, to make a preliminary determination of application risk level and initiates review processes accordingly.
• Uses judgment to process files both independently and/or forward for delegated review based on Standard Operating Procedure including new studies, amendments, renewals and/or reportable events. 
• Provides REB Committee support, including: acting as a resource person, establishing and maintaining meeting schedules, preparing and distributing agendas, writing minutes of meetings and ensuring quorum is met for each meeting.
• Contributes to the preparation, delivery and distribution of educational resources and materials to colleagues, researchers and REB members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required; graduate degree preferred;
• 2-5 years of relevant job experience in an applied health systems research environment or within a health/clinical research environment in an applied social or health systems research environment or within an academic health setting is an asset (equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered);
• Knowledge of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, the Alberta Health Information Act and related policies, regulations and legislation are required. TCPS 2: CORE (Course on Research Ethics) certificate is required;
• Demonstrated ability to consistently and effectively apply high-level critical thinking and independent decision-making;
• Strong customer service skills, with demonstrated problem-solving ability and a keen eye for detail;
• Basic understanding of human research ethics boards and the pertinent regulatory bodies;
• Strong administration skills, including computing (e.g. Microsoft Office, Google applications, ARISE);
• Well-developed communication skills (oral, written and listening) and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively/advise individuals at all levels of the organization;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment.