Associate Dir Research Ethics

at  McGill University

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Position Summary:
The Associate Director, Research Ethics (Human Studies) provides leadership and management in the development, implementation, support, monitoring and assessment of the University’s human participant protection program to ensure ethics processes and policies at the University are in accordance with provincial, federal and international requirements. The Associate Director works in consultation with the University Advisory Council on Human Research Ethics and the University Research Ethics Boards and reports directly to the Vice-Principal (Research & Innovation).

The Associate Director directs and oversees the operations of the Research Ethics Board Office (OVPRIR) which oversees four (4) Research Ethics Boards (REB) as follows:

• REB-I serving the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Arts except Linguistics, Social Work and school of Information Studies, Faculty of Engineering, Desautels Faculty of Management, School of Continuing Studies, Faculty of Religious Studies and the Faculty of Science except Psychology, for the review of research involving competent adults.
• REB-II serving Linguistics, Psychology, School of Information Studies, Schulich School of Music, the School of Social Work and the Faculty of Education, for research involving competent adults
• Faculty of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences REB - serves all units of the Faculty for research involving competent adults.
• REB-III serves all the above units for the review of research involving minors or adults not competent to consent, including research that falls under Article 21 of the Quebec Civil Code.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Participate in the University’s strategic direction, plans and objectives by identifying research ethics and compliance issues and opportunities, and evaluating organizational impact with a view to managing the University’s exposure to risk.
• Provide professional expertise in the development and implementation of policies and systems to support the University’s commitment to the highest ethical standards in research involving humans and the University’s overall mission of teaching and research.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior administration and the University research community on research ethics and compliance policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Serve as a key member of the Advisory Council on Human Research Ethics (ACHRE); work closely with the ACHRE Chair to determine priorities; manage the functioning of ACHRE.
• Represent the University in audits/liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Receive and investigate any concerns or complaints from research participants.
• Develop and provide standing and ad-hoc reports for the Vice-Principal (R&I), ACHRE, the REBs and regulatory agencies.
• Has primary operational and oversight responsibility for the management and administration of all aspects of the REB Office and the associated 4 social/behavioral Research Ethics Boards, including but not limited to the review and approval process and adherence to all policies and procedures.
• Establish strategic direction of the REB Office and oversee short and long term plans related to compliance responsibilities and administrative services.
• Plan, develop and implement administrative policies and procedures to optimize quality of service delivery of the REB Office.
• Provide leadership in directing others to achieve unit objectives; maintain a strong culture of customer service and compliance.
• Manage all human resource activities of the unit; supervise management and support staff and participate in Performance Dialogue evaluations; evaluate and recommend staffing and training needs; provide guidance to unit members on human resource issues and ensure compliance with University personnel policies and procedures.
• Establish financial priorities in consultation with the Vice-Principal (R&I).
• Ensure the provision of information technologies and other infrastructure needs of the unit
• Oversee the functioning and management of the operations of 4 Research Ethics Boards ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Manage the selection, orientation and training of new REB members.
• Is an active member of the 4 social/behavioral REBs and performs review duties with signing authority.
• Provide advice and support to researchers on their submissions and interpretation of policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of human research protection guidance and regulations as they evolve; attend provincial, federal and international annual conferences to stay current on emerging issues and regulations.
• Develop, implement and manage education initiatives for Research Ethics Board members and researchers.
• Represent unit and/or University at internal and external meetings; serve on internal and external committees.
• Liaise with and foster relationships with other University units such as Office of Sponsored Research (OSR), Legal Services, Graduate Studies, Secretariat and faculties etc., external organizations and other institutions.
• Undertake special projects as required

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated organizational skills to work in a fast-paced office environment with time-critical deadlines.
• Proven ability to prioritize and multitask. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and French.
• Proven customer service skills to ensure the highest level of service to the research community.
• Proficiency in using the Microsoft Office Suites (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access – web and desktop).
• Specific knowledge of McGill administrative systems (Banner, Minerva, InfoEd) an asset. Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures related to human ethics and familiarity with fields relevant to research with human participants an asset.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• A self-directed team player eager to learn and expand skillsets.

« Connaissance du français et de l’anglais: L’Université McGill est une université de langue anglaise où les tâches quotidiennes peuvent nécessiter une communication verbale et écrite en anglais. Le niveau d’anglais requis pour ce poste a été déterminé comme étant de niveau # 4 sur une échelle de 0-4.»
“Knowledge of French and 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 on a scale of 0-4.”
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree 5 Years Related Experience /
Annual Salary:
(MPEX Grade 08) $99,490.00 - $124,360.00 - $149,230.00
Job Profile:
MPEX-ADM3B - Research Administration - Senior Professional/Manager
Hours per Week:
33.75 (Full time)
Supervisor:
Professor
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
2024-11-14
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,
accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

• Participate in the University’s strategic direction, plans and objectives by identifying research ethics and compliance issues and opportunities, and evaluating organizational impact with a view to managing the University’s exposure to risk.
• Provide professional expertise in the development and implementation of policies and systems to support the University’s commitment to the highest ethical standards in research involving humans and the University’s overall mission of teaching and research.
• Provide authoritative advice to senior administration and the University research community on research ethics and compliance policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Serve as a key member of the Advisory Council on Human Research Ethics (ACHRE); work closely with the ACHRE Chair to determine priorities; manage the functioning of ACHRE.
• Represent the University in audits/liaison with regulatory agencies.
• Receive and investigate any concerns or complaints from research participants.
• Develop and provide standing and ad-hoc reports for the Vice-Principal (R&I), ACHRE, the REBs and regulatory agencies.
• Has primary operational and oversight responsibility for the management and administration of all aspects of the REB Office and the associated 4 social/behavioral Research Ethics Boards, including but not limited to the review and approval process and adherence to all policies and procedures.
• Establish strategic direction of the REB Office and oversee short and long term plans related to compliance responsibilities and administrative services.
• Plan, develop and implement administrative policies and procedures to optimize quality of service delivery of the REB Office.
• Provide leadership in directing others to achieve unit objectives; maintain a strong culture of customer service and compliance.
• Manage all human resource activities of the unit; supervise management and support staff and participate in Performance Dialogue evaluations; evaluate and recommend staffing and training needs; provide guidance to unit members on human resource issues and ensure compliance with University personnel policies and procedures.
• Establish financial priorities in consultation with the Vice-Principal (R&I).
• Ensure the provision of information technologies and other infrastructure needs of the unit
• Oversee the functioning and management of the operations of 4 Research Ethics Boards ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Manage the selection, orientation and training of new REB members.
• Is an active member of the 4 social/behavioral REBs and performs review duties with signing authority.
• Provide advice and support to researchers on their submissions and interpretation of policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of human research protection guidance and regulations as they evolve; attend provincial, federal and international annual conferences to stay current on emerging issues and regulations.
• Develop, implement and manage education initiatives for Research Ethics Board members and researchers.
• Represent unit and/or University at internal and external meetings; serve on internal and external committees.
• Liaise with and foster relationships with other University units such as Office of Sponsored Research (OSR), Legal Services, Graduate Studies, Secretariat and faculties etc., external organizations and other institutions.
• Undertake special projects as require