Research Ethics Officer FTE | Research Institute

Research Ethics Officer – CHEO RI

This position is located in the Research Ethics Office within the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute Inc. (CHEO RI), the research arm of CHEO. The Research Ethics Officer will facilitate the ethical review and oversight of human participant research at CHEO and CHEO RI, acting as a subject‑matter expert for the CHEO RI community.

• Conduct reviews of complex scientific research protocols and evaluate the ethical acceptability of research in accordance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead risk‑based assessments of new protocol submissions to determine the appropriate level of review and whether they meet legal, regulatory, and institutional requirements for submission and approval.
• Evaluate and manage risk on behalf of CHEO through interpretation of complex, technical, and potentially competing Hospital, study sponsor (e.g., pharmaceutical companies), and regulatory agency policies.
• Make informed multilayered decisions in evaluating complexity and risk of research protocols, and handle or escalating risks as required to the Chair and/or CHEO VP, Research.
• Provide leadership and routinely make independent decisions in the interpretation and application of organizational and regulatory agency policies with respect to the ethical conduct in human participant research.
• Lead or contribute to the development, implementation, and review of research ethics standards, guidelines, policies, standard operating procedures, and educational content relating to research ethics.
• Monitor the health research and health care environment regarding emerging issues in research and research ethics to adapt to constantly evolving standards and ensure appropriate oversight and compliance.
• Act as a primary resource to CHEO researchers, sponsors, other members of the research community, and the public to provide expert ethical, regulatory, and methodological guidance and support the development of study protocols for REB submission.
• Represent CHEO on internal and external work groups and meetings; work collaboratively with external partners and stakeholders to ensure best practices and compliance.
• Support research ethics related training requirements for the research community, REB members, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties, as needed, to meet the goals and mandate of the REB and Research Ethics Office.

• Bachelor level education in a health‑related field or an equivalent combination of education/experience, preferably in the research ethics field.
• TCPS2, ICH GCP, Health Canada Division 5 certifications.
• Understanding of the Tri‑Council Policy Statement (TCPS2), ICH Good Clinical Practice, Health Canada Regulations, and Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
• Experience in using the Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO) Stream platform.
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of research‑related software (e.g., REDCap).
• Outstanding organizational, accountability and time‑management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and think critically.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Able to be flexible with working hours to meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent inter‑personnel and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Bilingualism (English/French) – preferred.

• Eligible for remote work in accordance with organizational policy; occasional travel to Ottawa for annual events required.
• Long hours on a computer and in meetings.
• Dynamic, fast‑paced work environment.

• Eligible to work in Canada.
• Compliance with CHEO RI’s occupational health, immunization, and health‑surveillance requirements, as applicable to the role and work environment.
• Completion of a Police Record Check, in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

For more information, please contact Sarah Tagliapietra, Research Ethics Manager, at