Administrative Officer: Research Ethics (Social, Behavioural and Education Research)

Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious higher education institution is seeking an individual to support the Research Ethics Committee by managing submissions, developing guidelines, and providing training. Candidates should have strong organisational and communication skills, with a background in research ethics. The role is critical for ensuring compliance with necessary standards in human research.

Qualifications

• NQF-level 8 with three years' experience or NQF-level 9 with 1-2 years.
• Experience with human research ethics review processes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage conflicts of interest.

Responsibilities

• Screen and process research ethics submissions.
• Develop and maintain website content and REC documents.
• Provide training on the online submission system.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of ethics standards

MS Office proficiency

Agility in task management

Education

NQF-level 8 qualification

NQF-level 9 qualification

Job description

Overview

Department Description/Departement Beskrywing
The Division for Research Development (DRD) is tasked with the advancement, facilitation and support of responsible conduct of research at Stellenbosch University (SU), including facilitating compliance with national and international norms and standards with respect to ethical research. The DRD aims to be a strategic, innovative, pro-active, collaborative, and service- and client-oriented professional and administrative support (PASS) division within the SU landscape. The Office for Research Integrity and Ethics, situated in the DRD, is responsible for ensuring that all research conducted within the University adheres to the highest ethical and integrity standards. It plays a crucial role in fostering a research environment that is responsible, transparent, and compliant with regulatory and ethical guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Screening and processing of Research Ethics submissions for completeness and review.
• Client-facing support regarding the REC application and review process.
• Developing and maintaining website content, REC documents, manuals, and guidelines.
• Providing training on the online submission system.
• Managing follow-ups with researchers and REC reviewers for timely submission and review.
• Providing administrative and logistical support to the REC manager.
• Providing input into the improvement of online application forms and other system enhancements.
• Staying up to date and building your own knowledge on research ethics issues, relevant legislations and regulations, and international and national standards relating to research ethics and compliance.
• Designing and implementing ethics application and review processes in consultation with the Manager: Research Ethics (SBE).
• Providing secretarial support to the REC: SBE (e.g. drafting minutes and feedback letters).
• Collecting and compiling information about Research Ethics applications and non-compliance matters, in consultation with the Manager: Research Ethics (SBE).
• Facilitating or moderating research ethics webinars.

Qualifications/Pos Vereistes

• NQF-level 8 qualification in a relevant discipline with three years of relevant experience, OR
• NQF-level 9 qualification in a relevant discipline with one to two years’ experience, where such experience includes:
• Evidence of maintaining high levels of organisation of files and documents, accurate minute-taking, and maintaining quick turnaround times.
• Knowledge of national and international ethics standards and guidelines for human research.
• Recent experience with providing administrative and logistical support for human research ethics review processes within a South African higher education and/or research environment.
• Advanced experience with MS Office applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Teams.
• The ability to communicate professionally and effectively, demonstrating a strong sense of diplomacy and collegiality, both verbally and in writing.
• The ability to review documents for quality control of applications.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality and to manage conflicts of interest.
• Demonstrable agility in managing multiple priorities and tasks.

Recommendations/Aanbeveling

• Postgraduate degree or diploma in applied or research ethics.
• Experience in research management.
• Recent experience with managing REC submissions on an online review system.
• Experience with conducting research projects involving human participants.
• Experience with document and visual communication development using visual design tools.

How To Apply/Hoe Om Aansoek Te Doen

#PSS

The University is committed to employment equity (EE), and appointments will be made in line with the institutional EE Plan.

Stellenbosch University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post.

APPLY ONLINE AT BY USING THE APPLY NOW LINK AT THE TOP RIGHT-HAND CORNER OF THE SPECIFIC VACANCY PAGE.

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Should no feedback be received from the University within four to six weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

Enquiries/Navrae

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms M.E. Shana on 021 808 9183, or at

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits, as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753 (Stellenbosch) / 021 938 9636 (Tygerberg), or at

Currency ZAR

Commencement Date 01-Jan-2026

Closing Date 29-Sep-2025

Amount of Travel

Work At Home