Research Ethics Officer (R772A) at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Responsibilities:

• Overseeing logistical arrangements for the relevant ethics committee meetings within timelines and SAMRC policies.
• Compilation of agendas, producing minutes and providing feedback to applicants within the required timelines for both HREC and ECRA.
• Coordination of any actions resulting from the HREC and ECRA meetings.
• Ensuring effective record keeping of all applications, including approvals and amendments, and managing delegated expedited reviews and ratification.
• POPIA compliance and confidentiality
• Previewing submitted applications for ethics approval to ensure applications are complete.
• Monitoring submission of annual progress reports.
• Responding to general queries and provide accurate and timely advice in relation to complex matters about research ethics applications.
• Presenting on selected topics that promote research integrity during applied ethics workshops.
• Overseeing logistical arrangements for other training opportunities outside of SAMRC, for REC members.
• Compiling and submitting the annual and 5-yearly audit reports for both HREC & ECRA to the National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC).
• Preparing reports to the EMC and Research & Development Committee
• Reviewing and editing newly developed policies and guidelines.
• Managing the HREC and ECRA budgets to ensure expenditure according to SAMRC policies and within budget.
• Assisting with continued development and implementation of the ethics module on the online Research and Innovation Management System (RIMS) for both HREC and ECRA
• Undertaking other duties, commensurate with the role, as required by their Line Manager.
• Coordinating and updating information in research ethics office databases and websites to ensure that all research ethics-related documents and forms are up to date.
• People management/ staff development.
• Capacity development of RECs members

Core Requirements (Qualification and Experience):

• Postgraduate Diploma in either Health Research Ethics/Bioethics/Medical Ethics/Medical Law.
• At least 5 years’ relevant experience in a higher education /research institution.
• Experience in administration of Research Ethics Committee, including online submissions.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft packages including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Advantageous

• Masters/MSc/M.Phil in either Health Research Ethics/Bioethics/Medical Ethics/Medical Law.
• Experience in administration of Research Ethics Committee, including online submissions.

Required competencies (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes):

• Experience of servicing committees including maintaining committee records, producing reports and monitoring action points and/or working in a role where research ethics have been an important part of your daily work.
• High level administrative, verbal, and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to prioritise a high-volume workload, meeting deadlines and working independently or as part of a team.
• An understanding of NHREC requirements, standards, and guidelines relevant to clinical and research ethics.
• Demonstrated experience and competence in the preparation of agendas and minutes, and drafting correspondence.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet monthly deadlines and maintain a high level of confidentiality.