Research Ethics Analyst, Office of Research Services, VP Research

Position Overview

The Office of Research Services within VP Research is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Research Ethics Analyst.

The Research Services Office (RSO) works with the University of Calgary's research community to advance the research enterprise. With a mandate to provide timely, effective services, RSO is accountable to the Vice-President (Research) and operates in a complex environment serving researchers, faculties and University leadership. Within RSO, the Research Ethic and Compliance Division plays a vital role in supporting researchers in understanding research ethics requirements, as well as obtaining and maintaining human research ethics certification/approval.

Reporting to the Manager, Research Ethics and Compliance, the Research Ethics Analysts (REA) work to facilitate review of ethics applications submitted to the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) or the Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (CFREB). As a key member of an integrated research ethics administration team, this role advises and supports researchers and their research teams on the preparation of ethics applications, modifications and reportable events. This includes, but is not limited to, providing guidance on informed consent processes, participant recruitment, assessing potential risks and mechanisms for mitigating risks. The position supports the Research Ethics Board (REB) Chairs and REB members with meeting management, review and on-going administration of human research ethics applications by a wide range of applicants.

Good judgment, diplomacy and tact must be exercised when synthesizing and conveying information.  Respect for confidentiality, flexibility and sound judgment are key attributes when problem solving and communicating with applicants, colleagues, REB members and members of the research community.

The REA maintains the confidence of researchers, REB Chairs and members, and the research community. The duties of this position are diverse and can be complex, requiring 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. Peak periods may involve additional hours to manage the workload. The REA is responsible for providing assistance to their colleagues when required due to workload, vacation or absence.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Works with the Board Chairs, as required, to determine the appropriate routing of ethics applications (full versus delegated Board review)
• Ensures that internal service guarantees (performance targets) are met by facilitating the timely and judicious review of ethics applications and tracking/monitoring applications processes
• Attends, records minutes, and assists in the facilitation of REB meetings
• Prepares correspondence resulting from Chair/Board decisions on ethics applications and carries out all follow-up activities with applicants
• Responsible for initial review and processing of new certifications, modifications and reportable events
• Advises on process, 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
• Contributes to the preparation, delivery and distribution of educational resources and materials to colleagues, researchers and REB members
• Nurtures and maintains productive relationships within the University, external agencies and the general public
• May contain other duties as assigned

Qualifications / Requirements:

• University degree required, graduate degree preferred.
• Knowledge of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans and related regulations and legislation for research involving human participants is required.
• 2-5 years of relevant job experience in an applied social or health systems research environment or within a health/clinical research environment is an asset
• 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, IRISS) and organizational skills
• Ability to understand complex and esoteric issues and analyze/integrate information
• 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
• Demonstrated ability to consistently and effectively apply a high level of critical thinking to a diverse range of projects in a high volume, fast-paced environment
• Established familiarity with the Health Canada Federal Drug Agency (HC FDA) Division 5 Regulations and the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH), Guideline for Good Clinical is an asset

Application Deadline:  May 26, 2021

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase II.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.