Research Ethics Officer (R772A) - Closing Date: 20 October 2024

RESEARCH INTEGRITY OFFICE

(CAPE TOWN)

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research. It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression.

Research Ethics Officer

Permanent Post

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) is dedicated to improving the health of people in South Africa, through research, innovation, development, and technology transfer. The SAMRC adheres to the National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC) and other applicable laws, regulations, policies, and practices. Research Ethics Officer, under the leadership of Research Integrity Office (RIO), provides secretariat support for both Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and the Ethics Committee for Research on Animals (ECRA). RIO seeks to appoint a research ethics officer who will oversee all administrative aspects related to research ethics procedures throughout the organization and support the general scope of work for the Research Integrity Office.

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.

Terms & Conditions: The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. In accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. By submitting your application, SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). The SAMRC does its best to provide the most accurate information; however, if there is anything wrong and unclear applicants are encouraged to contact the HR Recruitment Office at 021-938 0648 before the closing date.

A salary in the region of R 779 666 per annum, cost-to-company.

Closing date: 20 October 2024

PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R772A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.

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Last updated on Oct 7, 2024