Job Description

Behavioural Research Ethics SpecialistPrimary Purpose: The Behavioural Research Ethics Specialist is responsible to ensure that research conducted at the U of S adheres to the guidelines, policies, and procedures defined by institutional, provincial, national and international research ethics bodies.Nature of Work: Reporting to the Director, Human Research Ethics, the Behavioural Research Ethics Specialist is responsible for the submission, review, revision and approval of behavioral research protocols involving human participants at the University of Saskatchewan. The Beh-RES must ensure that researchers, research personnel and the Behavioural Research Ethics Board (Beh REB) comply with ethical principles, regulatory requirements and institutional policies for the protection of research participants. The Beh-RES must be able to interpret policies and guidelines related to complex ethical questions on a daily basis. In order to do so, this position must be knowledgeable in the field and astute in identifying problems and recommending solutions. A large component of the work involves sharing, exchanging and disseminating complex information to client groups on and off campus (e.g., Saskatoon Health Region, Catholic and Public School Boards, granting agencies sponsoring human participant research). The working environment is one of constant time pressure, continuous change, shifting priorities, and frequent interruptions. The work is deadline driven, and detailed, requiring a high level of coordination to meet external and internal timelines with no margin for error.Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

• Provide leadership, direction and expertise in the management, implementation, co-ordination and development of the behavioural human research ethics review process.
• Ensure that researchers adhere to guidelines, policies and procedures defined by the institutional, provincial, federal and international research ethics bodies when conducting behavioural research with human participants.
• Conduct protocol review of minimal and above minimal risk studies, making recommendations to the REB Chairs and REB members.
• Act as an expert resource for researchers, REBs and RECs regarding the behavioural human research ethics review and approval process.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with researchers, Chairs, REB members and representatives from Colleges and Departments.
• Ensure effective and efficient management of the Behavioural Research Ethics Board inclusive of educational and ongoing training requirements.
• Remain current with training and knowledge required for the human research ethics review and approval process.
• Lead the training of new research ethics office stuff including data entry personnel, administrative staff, and research ethics office coordinators.
• Effectively delegate duties to designated support staff as appropriate.
• Work as a member of a team to develop and action new initiatives to ensure the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of the human research ethics review and approval process at the U of S.
• Ensure effective and efficient management of the research ethics application database / UnivRS.
• Provide support to the Biomedical REB in the absence of the Biomedical Research Ethics Specialist.
• Participate in educating the research community about research ethics.
• Participate in professional development in support of University of Saskatchewan protocols, programs, and processes.
• Promote and support the University of Sasktcheawan\'s Research Plan through efficient and proportionate review of research ethics applications.

Education: Master\'s Degree, Professional degree or experience in the related field of Behavioural Research Ethics. A PhD in a related field is considered an asset.Licenses: N/AExperience: A minimum of 2-4 years\' experience in a research/administrative environment, preferably in a University setting. In-depth understanding of research methodology and experimental design. Sound knowledge of research ethics policies, procedures and regulations. Thorough understanding of scientific and academic terminology. High degree of proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet and database applications. Extensive knowledge of the university research environment, in particular, as it relates to Behavioural Sciences research.Skills:Ability to analyze significant amounts of information for comparison and contrast with specified requirements and synthesizes findings into a coherent written document; ability to take independent initiative and work collaboratively with academic, research and administrative staff at all levels of the organization; exceptional problem-solving, organizational, time management and administrative skills; excellent written communication is necessary to facilitate correspondence with a variety of end users including REB members, investigators, students, research personnel and research subjects; ability to exercise judgment, tact, diplomacy and confidentiality; strong conflict resolution skills; proven project management, presentation, comprehension, and critical analysis skills; excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills are required in order to counsel and provide advice to researchers, the REB Chair, REB members, and research personnel.Specialized Skills:The Behavioural Research Ethics Specialist must have a thorough comprehension of and the ability to apply provincial, national and international regulations and guidelines as they relate to protocols being reviewed.There is a strong internal candidate for this position\xe2\x80\xa6Department: Research Ethics & Infrastructure, OVPR
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $67,681.00 - 105,753.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 5/24/2024
Closing Date: 5/30/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On CampusThe successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where \'Yes\' is indicated below. Further information is available at:Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver\'s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan\'s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the M\xc3\xa9tis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and M\xc3\xa9tis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.

University of Saskatchewan