QUALIFICATIONS:

The incumbent must possess the following qualifications:

• Knowledgeable of the structure of Carleton University, and the types of research conducted at Carleton.
• Able to interact professionally with university faculty, students, internal administrators, external researchers, partners, and stakeholders about complex matters relating to research compliance standards, policies, and legislation.
• Ability to handle highly confidential information in a responsible way according to prevailing privacy, legal and ethical standards.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and analytical skills to identify the concepts and issues involved in research ethics compliance, the preparation of correspondence, websites, and other relevant information platforms.
• Thorough knowledge of the University, computer software and website applications, including: MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint, WordPress, and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to work calmly, independently and effectively in a time-pressured environment with a variety of competing priorities and stakeholders.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

The above is normally acquired through:

• Master’s degree
• Four years in a university and/or research environment with progressively more responsibility that would develop analytical and problem-solving skills, interpersonal, and communication skills, proficiency in the use of technology, software and databases and website management/maintenance
• Significant relevant research experience and some knowledge of research methodologies.
• Experience with the conduct of human participants’ research and the associated practices and requirements entailed by such studies is an asset

Reporting to the Director of the Office of Research Ethics, the coordinator works with the Director and Research Ethics Board (REB) members and Chair(s) to ensure compliance with University Policies, Terms of Reference and SOPs relating to human ethics review, approval, and ongoing monitoring processes.

The incumbent is responsible for the administrative functions of the REBs including:

• Reviews all submissions for institutional and regulatory compliance, as well as compliance with research ethics standards, assigns ethics protocols for review by REB members, and works with researchers throughout the review process to ensure compliance.
• Inform and follow up with researchers of decisions and required actions, on behalf of the REBs, updating the Carleton Office of Research Initiatives and Services (CORIS) for management of funded research.
• Act as coordinator of the REBs to provide them with information on research compliance issues and matters as they pertain to the pertinent regulatory agencies (e.g., Tri-Council Policy Statement and the Agreement on the Administration of Agency Grants and Awards by Research Institutions between all Canadian Universities and the Tri-Council) and other authoritative sources relating to research ethics and compliance.
• Provide information and communication through the research ethics website for the Office of Research Ethics.
• Train REB members in the review process, including the research management software.
• Provide educational sessions in person or online for the university research community. The coordinator also provides mentorship and specialized advice to researchers, REB members and staff.
• Contribute to consensus building to meet departmental goals.