Research Ethics Officer

Duties:

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity, and working from the Nanaimo campus, the Research Ethics Officer has strategic responsibility for planning, managing, implementing and advising on the performance of the institutional ethics program as it pertains to research involving humans, and for ensuring that it is carried out in accordance with the University’s and the Tri‑Council’s Policy Statement:
Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2).

• Manage the research ethics review process through the Research Ethics Board (REB) to ensure Vancouver Island University compliance with relevant institutional, Tri‑agency and applicable provincial and federal standards and legislation research involving humans.
• Working with the Chair of the Research Ethics Board, provide general information on REB policies, review processes and educational programs on ethical conduct of research involving humans.
• Initiate, develop and implement University policies, procedures, and guidelines for the general operation of the institutional research ethics program.
• Serve as the subject matter expert for stakeholder access to policies and procedures for ethically compliant research involving humans.
• Design and implement the institutional portal for the submission and review of applications for ethical review in ROMEO and support capacity development during implementation among committee reviewers, users and approving bodies.
• Review and process responses from researchers and facilitate communication regarding applications between researchers and reviewers.
• Conduct background research for reviews and correspond with expert reviewers.
• Prepare formal decisions for researchers Investigate reports of ethically non‑compliant research, and collaborate with other institutional personnel (e.g. REB chair, REB committee, faculty and Deans) to implement corrective actions to bring research back into compliance.
• Maintain digital and physical records of processes, policies, and activities related to research involving humans. Keep and provide appropriate metrics on the performance of the REB.
• Serve as the institution’s research ethics subject matter expert for external bodies (Tri‑Agencies) for the purpose of assessments/reports and/or monitoring visits commissioned for the verification of the University’s compliance with federal standards.
• Provide regular status reports and advice to the AVP, Scholarship, Research and Creative Activity on REB activities and the institution’s license.

Graduate degree, preferably in the social sciences and a minimum of 5 years of research related experience involving humans in a university or government setting. Certification of training in the principles of research involving humans, and the ethical issues involved in research with humans.

• Understand a wide variety of research methodologies, and scientific and academic terminology.
• Ability to manage and foster cooperative relationships with, and remain sensitive to the needs of, the research community, and all other personnel associated with research compliance is essential.
• Must possess an ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy; confidentiality; prioritize a high volume of work; exercise creativity, resourcefulness, good judgement and discretion in the absence of articulated guidelines.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well‑being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

• Short‑listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is…