Research Ethics Board Specialist Full-time NEW

REB Specialist

This position has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension.

Location – 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.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes ethics applications, amendments and renewals for both full board and delegated review submitted to the University's Research Ethics Boards.
• Provides applicants information and advice as necessary concerning application processes and ethics requirements
• 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.
• Works with the REB Chair, as required, to make preliminary determination of application risk level and initiates review processes accordingly.
• Uses judgement 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 schedule, preparing and distributing agenda, 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.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of direct experience as a Study Coordinator, Clinical Research Coordinator, or a highly relevant role within an applied clinical or health systems research environment is strongly preferred (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.