Employment Opportunities

Joint Research Ethics Board Chair -Ontario Shores

Posted on by Sunila Kalkar

Joint Research Ethics Board Chair – (3230)

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a public hospital that provides inpatient, outpatient and consultation services for people with complex mental illness. Our patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care built on compassion, inspiration and hope. We engage in research, education and advocacy initiatives to advance the mental health care system and are proud to work with partners across the continuum of care. If you thrive on innovation and positive change, and share our vision of Recovering Best Health, Nurturing Hope and Inspiring Discovery, Ontario Shores is the place for you.

Division: Non-Union

Job Title: Joint Research Ethics Board Chair

Employment Type: Temporary Part-Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

Hours of Work: Part-Time

Location: Main Site – 700 Gordon St, Whitby, ON L1N 5S9

External Contract End-Date: 2/5/2024

How to Apply: Apply directly to Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences through the following link: https://ontarioshores.mua.hrdepartment.com/hr/ats/Posting/view/3230

Closing Date: 1/31/2022, or until position is filled.

Position Summary:

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences and Abilities Centre (the “Partners”) are seeking a Joint Research Ethics Board (REB) Chair.  The Joint REB Chair is a contracted position for a period of 2 years, with up to an additional 2 one-year renewal options.  Note: the successful applicant will invoice for services and are not considered an employee of Ontario Shores. The hours of work are approximately 7.5 hour per week (days), dependent on operational needs.

Ontario Shores is a public hospital that provides a spectrum of specialized assessment and treatment services to those living with complex and serious mental illnesses. Exemplary patient care is delivered through safe and evidence-based approaches where successful outcomes are achieved using best clinical practices, and the latest advances in research. Patients benefit from a recovery-oriented environment of care built on compassion, inspiration and hope. Hospital staff are committed to providing excellent patient care, ongoing learning and maintain a safe, respectful and positive environment.

Abilities Centre is committed to providing leadership in creating a truly inclusive Canadian society, where talents, skills and needs of all people are recognized and celebrated. Abilities Centre is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens in our communities through a comprehensive approach to inclusion and accessibility, including research and advocacy on inclusion issues.  Abilities Centre’s reach and impact exemplify our model of inclusion and accessibility in action, providing a framework and foundation for improving approaches and outcomes for community engagement and participation. Our programs address specific inclusion and accessibility gaps for identified stakeholder groups within our mandate of supporting health and wellness, social inclusion and economic participation.

Specific Activities:

  •  Review Joint REB submissions, approve and oversee implementation of standard operating procedures that support the functions of the Joint REB with respect to review, approval and monitoring of industry-sponsored clinical trial protocols, leveraging existing resources such as the N2 suite of standard operating procedures and other resources so as to achieve compliance with Health Canada standards and those of foreign regulatory agencies (i.e., FDA).
    •    Establish schedule to ensure there are no less than 6 full Joint REB meetings annually to address higher risk REB submissions and ensure training/education reflecting research ethics best-practice is provided to Joint REB members
    •    Attend monthly meetings with the Joint REB Secretariat to review submissions, responses and address specific questions or issues posed by investigators or research support services
    •    Review and facilitate establishment of new Joint REB procedures, templates and mechanisms to facilitate the REB’s compliance with leading practices in ethical review and requirements of national and international regulatory bodies pertaining to clinical trials
    •    Chair the full board meetings and ensure Joint REB reviews are timely and conducted in accordance with the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2, applicable provincial and federal regulations (such as ICH Good Clinical Practice Guidelines), Ontario Shores’ policies and standard operating procedures, national and international guidelines
    •    Delegate review responsibilities to Vice Chair and other primary reviewers as appropriate
    •    Create a plan for development of the Joint REB as a whole and individual Joint REB members as indicated;
    •    Develop a succession planning strategy to enable identification of a Joint REB Chair successor(s) and a plan to coach/mentor the designated individual(s)
    •    Ensure that the objectives of the Joint REB Terms of Reference are met
    •    Authorize letters and communication relevant to the Joint REB office
    •    Respond to requests of the Board of Directors and prepare an annual REB report and presentation for the Finance and Quality Committee of the Ontario Shores Board of Directors and the Executive Leadership Team of Abilities Centre
    •    Collaborate with Joint REB Secretariat to schedule meetings and provide direction for the Joint REB and researchers
    •    Regularly communicate with the Director, Research & Academics, Ontario Shores, and Senior Director, Programs & Services, Abilities Centre to discuss trends, needs and enable planning
    •    Provide advice and guidance to stakeholders upon request
    •    Review and revise any policies, procedures and guidelines related to ethics and research
    •    Attend meetings with Ontario Shores and Abilities Centre in order to discuss the progress of the work and services being provided under this Agreement
    •    Participate in other activities requiring the REB Chair’s expertise, e.g. interview panels and Grand Rounds;
    •    Act as ambassador for Ontario Shores and Abilities Centre in identifying and facilitating research and grants opportunities
    •    Support and advance collaboration agreements with other mental health and community partner REBs.

Qualifications Required and Preferred:

  •  MD or MSc/PhD in a health research related field with previous research experience and demonstrated health research skills
    •    Previous experience a research ethics board member is an asset
    •    Functional understanding of the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS2) and the rules, regulations and guidelines that govern the ethical conduct of research
    •    Demonstrated leadership skills and a positive, proactive and respectful approach to relationship management and problem solving with research stakeholders
    •    Excellent verbal and written communication skills
    •    Demonstrated facilitation skills for effective meeting management/leadership
    •    Competent computer skills

Personal information you provide to Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is collected pursuant to the Public Hospitals Act R.S.O 1990, c. P.40. It will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility for employment. At all times it will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. If you have questions about the collection of your personal information, contact the Leader, Privacy & Access at 700 Gordon St. Whitby, ON L1N 5S9; 905-430-4055 ext. 6712 or refer to the Privacy & Access pages on the Ontario Shores website. Upon request, individual accommodation can be provided to applicants who meet the required qualifications outlined in the job descriptions, and have been invited for an interview. For questions and concerns, please contact Human Resources at 905.430.4055 ext. 6191.

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ontario Shores is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and encourage applications from all qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. Ontario Shores is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities as part of our hiring process. If you have special requirements, please advise us during the recruitment process.

Sunila Kalkar