Ethics Director – Health Research Ethics Authority (HREA)

Two-Year Contractual Position

ABOUT THE HREA
The Health Research Ethics Authority (HREA) is an independent, non-profit corporation responsible for the general oversight of all health research involving human participants in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). The HREA is committed to fostering an environment of excellence in research ethics review and strategic foci include engaging in activities to generate knowledge in relation to the ethical conduct of health research and promoting the integrity of the health research environment. The HREA establishes research ethics boards under legislation (the HREA Act) and provides ethics review services at a provincial level through the Health Research Ethics Boards (HREBs).
The mandate of the HREB is to review health research on behalf of the HREA. The HREA Act requires all research with human participants living in NL, whether conducted by academic researchers, students, clinicians, community researchers, industry, or representatives of health agencies, undergo review and approval by a HREA-approved research ethics board (REB). The HREB also reviews health research involving human subjects on behalf of Memorial University.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Chair of the Health Research Ethics Authority, the Ethics Director is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the HREA. Specific duties include leading the implementation, maintenance, and continued improvement of the provincial research ethics review process; contributing significantly to HREA strategic planning, resource planning, and the development of the sustainability of the ethics review process; monitoring health research and other oversight initiatives; developing policies for and reporting relationships with REBs approved under the HREA Act; developing and implementing education to support a province-wide research ethics review process; developing and implementing HREA policies and procedures and other tools necessary to ensure effective governance of health research ethics in the province; managing the human resources and financial activities for the HREA (or Research Ethics Office); planning and overseeing the preparation and delivery of effective communications about the ethics review process to ensure the stakeholder community remains informed and engaged; leading outreach and engagement for the HREA; and performing other related duties as required. As Director, you will work to foster collegial and cooperative relationships with key stakeholders ensuring meaningful communication to develop, implement, and evaluate strategies to promote stakeholder engagement. You will work closely with these stakeholder and research communities to understand the environment for the REB review of health research and to maximize the quality, utility, value, and responsiveness of the ethics review process. You will also advise on appropriate performance metrics to meaningfully and accurately reflect the progress and effectiveness of the ethics review process and other programs. You will also assist with ad hoc and regular reporting requirements to Government, the Board of Directors, and other agencies/stakeholders as required.

THE CANDIDATE
As the ideal candidate, you will bring a minimum of five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in health research and/or research ethics, supplemented by a graduate level degree in a health-related or ethics field. You have strong leadership capabilities with a demonstrated ability to set a clear vision, achieve results, and to lead and motivate others. With a thorough understanding of the provincial health research environment, you have a demonstrated ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively with researchers, educators, government, and other stakeholders. You possess outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, and you naturally build relationships based on listening, adding value, and seeking solutions. Previous experience with the internal operations of a Research Ethics Board and/or Office(s) or with an ethics review process is preferred. Compliance with Memorial’s Procedure for Vaccination Requirement (COVID – 19) is a condition of employment.

SALARY HL-25 ($81,484 – $105,929)

CLOSING DATE April 7, 2022

COMPETITION NO. MUN01440
Please note that we will ONLY accept applications for this position through our website https://careers.mun.ca/memorial/apply/advertisements/2552

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Memorial University and the HREA are committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.
The personal information requested in your application is collected under the authority of the Memorial University Act (RSNL 1990 c M-7) for the purpose of identifying and recruiting candidates; assessing applicant qualifications; and maintaining records pertaining to the administration of employment with Memorial University of Newfoundland.
If you are a successful candidate, this information will form part of your permanent employment record and will be used for other activities related to the employment process. This information may be disclosed to government departments and agencies as legally required; and to third party service providers, as necessary to administer programs and activities. If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of the information on this form, please contact MyHR, Department of Human Resources, at myhr@mun.ca.
Please be advised that we are unable to provide updates on current competitions.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.