Research Ethics Submission Specialist - Regional Clinical Research Services Centre - LHSCRI

Posting Period

Open:           November 22, 2024

Deadline:      December 6, 2024

Non-Union

Job Summary

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI) provides scientific leadership aligned to the strategic plan and clinical strengths of LHSC.  Discovery-based scientists, clinical investigators, practice-based researchers, research staff and learners are supported through LHSCRI's Office of Research Services and Research Operations Office.  Research Operations are focused on integration of research in the hospital, and direct research support. 

Reporting to the Manager, Regional Research Support Centre (RRSC), the Research Ethics Submission Specialist is responsible for facilitating the submission of research ethics applications to the Board of Record and obtain initial approval. Responsible for ensuring timely, accurate and complete submissions, and record keeping.  Collaborates and maintains good working relationships with the principal investigators, LHSC clinical research unit staff, other research teams and external stakeholders. REB specialist may provide support to St. Joseph's Health Care London principal investigators or research groups as required.

Regular Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

Rate of Pay: $32.66 - $40.83 

Teaching, Learning and Research 

London Health Sciences Centre is proudly one of Canada's largest acute-care teaching and research hospitals. LHSC has an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, with education agreements in collaboration with over 55 schools, hospitals, and community agencies from across Ontario, Canada and internationally; among our many education partners, our three regional partners are Western University, Fanshawe College, and Thames Valley District School Board. LHSC provides students with a place that they can learn and discover knowledge and skills to take them forward in their careers as health care professionals. Approximately 2,900 Nursing, Health and other students ranging from secondary school to university graduate level programs receive training at LHSC every year. As an employee of LHSC, you will be expected to engage in role-related teaching, professional development, and research activities in addition to standard position duties and responsibilities. 

Responsibilities:

• Provides subject matter expertise in all aspects related to application submissions for REB approval including supports design of ethically sound research protocols.
• Leads the review, interpretation, clarification, troubleshooting of sponsor study protocols and encodes relevant information into REB submission platform e-forms.
• Works closely and collaboratively with Board of Record officers to ensure that REB submission documents are complete, and the information provided meet the expectations of reviewers.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of REB practices, regulations, processes and industry trends. 
• Ensuring monitoring and tracking the REB approval process of research studies. Maintains an REB submission database
• Troubleshoots study specific issues that delays study approval time. 
• Participates in meetings regarding REB harmonization and actively supports initiatives
• Communicates with sponsors, principal investigators and research staff about REB approval status of studies and facilitates timely responses to outstanding queries. 
• Helps develop and improve a standardized REB file endorsement process from initial REB approval to continuing reviews and amendments.  
• Continuously demonstrates respect and draws upon active listening, influencing, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Supports grant writing, protocol development, biostatistics, clinical epidemiology, study feasibility, research ethics submission, clinical trial monitoring, data management, etc.
• Provide guidance to new researchers as well as clinicians, health disciplines and nursing staff wanting to conduct or participate in research on how to navigate research ethics submission processes including how to access related support and resources at LHSCRI.
• Propose continuous improvement projects that could increase the efficiency of existing processes, remove barriers, and encourage community building amongst different researcher and staff groups.   

Qualifications

• University Degree in a Health Sciences related program (ie. Bachelor of Medical Sciences) required
• 3-5 years experience in clinical research involving human participation in research studies preferred. Certifications or advanced studies in Applied Clinical Research Certifications or advanced studies in Applied Clinical Research; SOCRA or ACRP Certification; Certification in ICH GCP, Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations (Part, Division 5), USA FDA 21 CFR, TCPS2 preferred
• Experience working with Research Ethics Boards of Record, preferentially Western University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board, and Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board 
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience working within current regulations and guidelines for clinical trials (ICH GCP, Health Canada Food and Drug Regulations (Part, Division 5), USA FDA 21 CFR, TCPS2 Tri-Council Policy Statement, and privacy legislation (PIPEDA, PHIPA) 
• Well-developed interpersonal, verbal and written skills for communicating effectively with health care professionals.
• Excellent judgment and personal integrity. Willingness to contribute to an environment of shared decision-making. 
• Demonstrated computer proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and experience with electronic forms, databases and research ethics submission platforms. 
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and adherence to study protocol requirements

If interested in this role, please apply with a resume that outlines all current and previous experience relevant to the position. 

We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive work environment that inspires respect. LHSC is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from equity-denied groups including Indigenous people, racialized people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. LHSC is also committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Upon individual request, we will endeavor to remove any barrier to the hiring process to reasonably accommodate candidates, including those with disabilities, while maintaining a fair, consistent and equitable recruitment approach. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application, interview or selection processes, please contact Recruitment Services at 519-685-8500, extension #34321 or recruitment@lhsc.on.ca . 

As part of the selection process applicants may be required to complete an examination or test. Please be advised that a reference check may be conducted as part of the selection process. 

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful candidates, as a condition of job offer, would be required to provide a satisfactory police information check (original document) completed in the last 6 months. 

Please be advised, if you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. As per the Government of Canada, LHSC is considered a hospital/healthcare organization, even if an employee is functioning in a non-patient facing role. Individuals on a work or study permit seeking employment in this sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process, including but not limited to a medical exam, which may also apply to employees looking to renew their work permits. It is the employee?s accountability to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions, and we encourage all candidates and LHSC employees to be proactive and review restrictions as soon as possible as it could be a lengthy process. 

Immunization Requirements:  
 

Before beginning employment at LHSC, all new hires will be required to: 

• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B, Tetanus/ Diphtheria/Polio; Meningitis;  

• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing (two step);  

• Provide proof of Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccination reflective of Ontario Health?s current definition of being fully vaccinated  

• For more information visit https://www.lhsc.on.ca/careers/health-review-requirements