Oak Valley Health Research Ethics Board (REB) REB Chair Recruitment

The Oak Valley Health (OVH) REB is currently seeking new REB Chair. The OVH REB oversees research involving human subjects at Markham Stouffville Hospital, Uxbridge Hospital, and is the Board of Record for the Markham Family Medicine Teaching Unit.

The REB Chair works with the REB members and OVH researchers to ensure that the rights and welfare of participants in research studies are adequately protected, and that the benefits of the research justify the potential risks to research participants. The Chair has ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the REB acts in accordance with all applicable regulations, guidelines and policies governing REBs, and works with REB members to review, propose modifications to, approve, reject, suspend or terminate any proposed or ongoing research involving human participants. He/she shall also serve as an advocate for the work of the REB and research in general.

The REB reports to the Medical Advisor Committee (MAC). The Chair is responsible for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the ethics review process. The Chair will work closely with the REB Vice Chair, Manager, Office of Research, and the Senior Director, Medical Administration, Planning and Transformation on the strategic direction and annual goals of the Research Ethics program, and on Board membership, stakeholder relations and quality management activities.

The Chair is appointed by MAC for a term of 3 years, with possible renewal. Operationally, the Chair reports jointly to MAC. A 1.0 FTE Research Ethics and Regulatory Coordinator and 0.4 FTE Administrative Assistant support the REB and REB Chair.

Time Commitment:

• The REB holds a full board on a monthly basis (2nd Thursday of each month) online via Zoom.
• The REB Chair and REB Coordinator will work together on delegated review on an ongoing basis.
• REB Members are required to participate in an annual education/training session for continued education
• Represent OVH REB as needed

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible to provide overall leadership for the REB and to facilitate the REB review process, will monitor the REB’s decisions for consistence and ensure all decisions are recorded accurately
• Ensure OVH REB membership aligns with the Terms of Reference and currents standards established by TCPS2 and ensures that all members perform their duties diligently
• Ensure that all phases of the ethical review of a research project, from its submission for review to the communication of the REB’s final decision to the investigators, is comprehensive and completed in an efficient and timely manner
• Chair, in consultation with OVH REB members ensures that the rights and welfare of participants in research studies are adequately protected, and that the benefits of the research justify any potential risks
• Responsible for ensuring that the REB review process conforms to all regulatory requirements including those in TCPS2 and ICH GCP
• Responsible for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of the ethics review process
• Ensures that all research adverse events are reviewed and investigated as needed and is also responsible to investigate all complaints reported by subjects participating in research projects approved by OVH REB
• Maintain all relevant REB Standard Operating Procedures
• Offer advice to researchers on research requirements and help in distinguishing research and quality improvement projects
• Prepare a formal Annual Report on OVH REB activities to MAC
• Ensure that the OVH REB IRB Registration with United States HHS (OHRP) is kept current

Qualifications:
The ideal candidate is an experienced REB Chair or REB member and/or a researcher from an academic institution, research centre or relevant government agency. Being a physician with experience or knowledge of medical science and clinical research would be desirable, but is not necessarily required for this position. A background and/or strong knowledge of clinical research would be an asset.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate personal and academic integrity; interest in and commitment to the role; a willingness to learn and continuously update knowledge and skills, teamwork and professionalism; the ability to manage workloads in a timely manner; the ability to balance leadership and diplomacy skills, and the ability to positively represent the OVH REB at local, regional and national levels. The REB Chair will be an expert on relevant guidelines, regulations, and policies and their application to research and research ethics (including TCPS-2, ICH GCP, and privacy laws in Ontario). In addition, the ideal candidate will be familiar with web‐based communication systems and/or have the ability to contribute to an eREB strategy.

Application Process:
Applications will be accepted up to November 20th, 2024 and must include a curriculum vitae and cover letter summarizing the applicant’s interest, relevant experience and background.
Applications must be submitted directly to: Michelle Dimas at mdimas@oakvalleyhealth.ca