Manager, Human Research Ethics

WESTERN UNIVERSITY; London; On-site; CAD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Western University seeks a Manager, Human Research Ethics to lead the OHRE, oversee daily operations, and guide researchers and REBs in compliance with TCPS2, ICH-GCP, and applicable laws. The role requires building a high-performing team, implementing process improvements, and delivering training and resources to preserve participant protection and institutional accountability.

The position is based on-site at Western University, with a focus on governance, policy interpretation, and

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in a health sciences, clinical research, research administration, or related discipline
• TCPS2 CORE Certification
• Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) certification preferred
• Additional certification in research ethics or research administration would be asset

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for Western's Human Research Ethics program, ensuring compliant administration of research ethics processes
• Lead a team of research ethics professionals and promote standardization, resources, and guidance
• Support researchers and Research Ethics Boards with timely, risk-informed decisions and institutional policy alignment

Skills

Leadership

Policy interpretation

Communication

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Team coaching

Quality improvement

Change management

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in health sciences / clinical research / related discipline

Tools

WREM

Electronic research ethics management systems

Job description

Employee Group PMA - Professional and Managerial Association

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Western Research provides strategic and administrative support to foster a culture of research excellence that enhances Western University's profile on the global stage.

Responsibilities

The Manager, Human Research Ethics will provide operational leadership for Western's Human Research Ethics program, ensuring efficient, consistent and compliant administration of research ethics processes supporting both clinical and non-clinical human research. Reporting to the Director, Research Ethics and Compliance, the Manager will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE) and related procedures, provide expert advice regarding complex research ethics matters, and support timely, consistent, and risk-informed decision making in accordance with institutional policies, provincial and federal legislation, and national research ethics standards.

The role will lead a team of research ethics professionals and staff, promote research excellence through continuous process improvement and standardization, and develop practical resources, training and guidance that support researchers, Research Ethics Boards (REBs), and the broader research community. The Manager will also provide leadership for research ethics systems, operational quality improvement initiatives, and the implementation of new processes and programs that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the human research ethics program while safeguarding research participants and institutional accountability.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master's Degree in a health sciences, clinical research, research administration, or related discipline
• TCPS2 CORE Certification
• Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) certification from a recognized provider (e.g., CITI, N2/CANTRAIN, ACRP, SOCRA) is preferred
• Additional certification in research ethics or research administration would be considered an asset

Experience:

• 7 years of experience in the following:
  • Progressively responsible experience in human research ethics and/or clinical research administration supporting clinical research ethics reviews
  • Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying TCPS2, Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), applicable federal and provincial legislation and regulations, privacy legislation (including PHIPA), Health Canada requirements, U.S. Common Rule and FDA regulations, and institutional policies governing human participant research
  • Experience supervising professional staff and leading operational teams
  • Experience implementing operational improvements, standard operating procedures and quality improvement initiatives
  • Experience working with electronic research ethics management systems (e.g., WREM, or similar platforms)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of TCPS2 and Canadian human research ethics frameworks
• Advanced knowledge of applicable federal and provincial legislation, regulations, and privacy requirements governing human participant research, including PHIPA
• Advanced knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Health Canada requirements, and other regulatory frameworks applicable to clinical research and clinical trials
• Knowledge of international ethical and regulatory requirements governing human participant research, including the U.S. Common Rule and FDA regulations, where applicable
• Extensive knowledge of Research Ethics Board operations, governance, review processes (e.g., full board, delegated, multi-jurisdictional, etc.), and oversight requirements for human participant research
• Strong understanding of clinical research methodologies and regulatory requirements
• Exceptional judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in complex or ambiguous situations
• Strong leadership, coaching and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability to balance operational priorities while managing multiple competing deadlines
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with researchers, clinicians, administrators and external stakeholders
• Strong project management and continuous improvement skills
• Ability to maintain and develop an effective network of contacts that provide information regarding emergent opportunities and best practices in the field of human research ethics
• Communication skills with the ability to converse with, write reports for, and deliver presentations to all levels of the organization
• Ability to deal confidentially with information that has financial, political, regulatory and reputational implications
• Ability to draw on diversity of skills, backgrounds and knowledge of people to achieve more effective results
• Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the organization's strategy and goals
• Ability to handle complex, ambiguous situations with diplomacy, calmness and good judgment

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone [phone].

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site.