Job Description

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Position Summary:
The Ethics Officer serves the McGill research community by providing expert advice and guidance on regulatory agency and University policies, guidelines, and procedures for research involving human participants. The incumbent is integral to the ethics review operations of the Research Ethics Office, a unit of Research and Innovation (R+I). The Ethics Officer provides direct support to multiple Research Ethics Boards while also facilitating and overseeing the research ethics submission and review process.
Additional responsibilities include: the planning, development, and implementation of administrative processes and supporting policies for the unit; the development of standards, practices and systems; the development and delivery of educational sessions; and liaising with other University units and with external organizations.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Undertake in-depth ethical analysis of files and complex issues related to research involving human participants, articulate alternatives, and recommend courses of action.
• Draft ethics review letters for researchers.
• Oversee the submission, review, revision, and approval process of research proposals involving human participants in the social behavioral, humanities, engineering, medical, and health related fields from any of the University's faculties, schools, and departments.
• Oversee processes of full board and delegated reviews, including the pre-determination of review level and assignment of reviewers in consultation with the supervisor and/or REB Chair, as required.
• Provide expertise and advice to researchers, as well as their faculties and departments, on research ethics and related questions.
• Interpret regulations and policies governing human participant research, and help ensure the University, the REBs, and the researchers are compliant.
• Participate in the implementation of policies and new initiatives that support the strategic direction of the Research Ethics and Compliance Office by keeping abreast of new developments and trends, specifically in areas such as external agency regulations.
• Advise researchers on the interpretation of external regulations and University and REB policies, providing guidance to researchers on the preparation of proposals and responses to REB review queries.
• Assess and approve modifications to REB applications, follow-up with researchers on incomplete responses, and verify for final approval in consultation with supervisor and/or REB chair, as required.
• Ensure all review actions--such as delegated and full board reviews, amendments, and renewals--are tracked and reported to the relevant REB and their subcommittees.
• Provide guidance and support to REB Chairs and members on a variety of complex and sensitive subjects.
• Train, delegate to, and review work of other administrative staff.
• Develop and implement guidelines, policies, and operating procedures for the REBs.
• Develop and deliver ethics education sessions.
• Facilitate, review, enhance and promote R+I's services in support of research involving human participants.
• Compile statistics and data for inclusion in University and external reports, review and oversee the production of publications and other materials.
• Liaise with internal departments and external agencies.
• Assist in the development and delivery of training materials for the online submission system.
• Provide support to REB members and researchers in the use of the online submission system.
• Attend internal and external meetings and conferences as a representative of the Research Ethics and Compliance Office, as required.
• Participate in special projects as instructed by the supervisor.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, health sciences, or a related field with 3 years related experience in a research setting.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures related to human ethics and proficiency with fields relevant to research with human participants a strong asset.
• Demonstrated organizational skills to work in a fast-paced office environment with time critical deadlines with proven ability to prioritize and multitask.
• A self-directed team player eager to learn and expand skillsets.
• Proven customer service skills to ensure the highest level of service to the research community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and French.
• Proficiency in using the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access).
• Specific knowledge of McGill administrative systems (Banner, Minerva, InfoEd) an asset.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click .
Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 05) $71,890.00 - $89,860.00 - $107,830.00
Job Profile: MPEX-ADM2B - Research Administration - Professional 2
Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor: Associate Director Research Ethics
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply: 2025-10-15
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, .

Skills Required