Position: Research Ethics Officer
Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto
Department: Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board (OCREB)
Reports To: Executive Director, OCREB
Salary: Commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan, plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)

Hours: 35 hours/week
Job Type: Hybrid
Status: Full-time, Permanent

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking a Research Ethics Officer with research ethics and clinical trials experience to join the Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board (OCREB) team. The successful candidate will have research ethics guideline experience and knowledge of the research ethics environment to ensure compliance with local, national and international requirements.

The Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board (OCREB) is a central, expert oncology REB serving the hospitals/cancer centres in Ontario that conduct oncology clinical trials. OCREB’s centralized model not only provides a robust ethical focus on oncology research, but also streamlines the review process, minimizes redundancy, promotes consistency, and saves the time and cost of having the study reviewed by an REB at every participating institution/study site.

OICR is Ontario’s cancer research institute. We bring together people from across the province and around the world to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. We take on the biggest challenges in cancer research and deliver real-world solutions to find cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. We are committed to helping people living with cancer, as well as future generations, live longer and healthier lives.

Launched in December 2005, OICR is an independent institute funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Position Summary

The Research Ethics Officer is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring ethics review process standards and policies and for conducting education in research ethics for the Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board (OCREB) and for OCREB’s affiliated centres. This position significantly contributes to continuous quality improvement and compliance through education and communication on research ethics, within and outside of OCREB, and through activities that promote conformity with applicable standards, policies and regulations associated with human research participant protections.

The Research Ethics Officer provides support, education and leadership within the broader research ethics community. The Research Ethics Officer is pro-active in identifying and correcting weaknesses in compliance with applicable regulations, guidelines and standards associated with human research participant protections. The Research Ethics Officer reports to the Executive Director of OCREB and works closely with the OCREB Chair and Research Ethics Manager.

Position responsibilities include:

Policy Development and Maintenance

Serves as OCREB’s subject matter expert on policies and regulations associated with human research participant protections
Develops and implements policies, documents, procedures, training and guides that ensure the research ethics review process conforms to local, provincial, national and international requirements
Serves as the chair of the OCREB Policy and Procedure Committee

Quality Assurance

Develops and implements the internal quality management program to ensure that the research ethics review processes conform to local, provincial, national, and international requirements.
Maintains up to date knowledge of provincial, national and international standards, policies, and regulations associated with human research participant protections. Identifies implications for OCREB and develops and implements processes to maintain compliance

Training, Education and Relationships

Plans, develops and delivers a variety of orientation and education sessions to REB members, REB office personnel and affiliated centres
Fosters collaborative relationships with the research community and institutions served by OCREB
Provides leadership and oversight for OCREB policies, processes and documentation
Represents OCREB on relevant external organizations and committees

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in research ethics, health administration or equivalent education or work experience
Experience in research ethics, research policy development and design and implementation of quality assurance programs in research programs and compliance programs
Experience working in a research ethics office
Thorough knowledge and understanding of provincial, national and international standards, policies and regulations associated with human research participant protections
Sound knowledge of clinical trial conduct; oncology trial experience
Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills
Experience working with research study documentation
Accuracy and attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team

For more information about OICR, please visit the website at www.oicr.on.ca.

To learn more about working at OICR, visit our career page.

CLOSING DATE: Until Filled

OICR is committed to fostering a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is central to, and mutually supportive of, our research excellence mandate. We welcome and respect the diversity of all members of our community and we support an inclusive culture for all. We welcome all applicants, and encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to furthering a diversity of ideas within our community. OICR is committed to fair assessment of a candidate’s abilities, and consideration for diversity of thought, method, and experience. Providing an accessible workplace and recruitment process is important to us, as described in our Accessibility Plan (https://oicr.on.ca/accessibility/). Should you require accommodation during any stage in the recruitment process, please complete the form at the bottom of page https://oicr.on.ca/careers/. Information received related to accommodation will be handled confidentially.

Resume Format:Please attach your resume as a .pdf or .doc file.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research thanks all applicants. However, only those under consideration will be contacted.

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

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