Manager:Research Ethics Research Development

Nelson Mandela University; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Mandela University is seeking a dedicated professional to coordinate and support the human and animal research ethics committees, ensuring compliance with national and international standards. The role involves close collaboration with the Director: Research Development to strengthen ethical governance across all research activities.

Key duties include updating ethics policies, managing reviews, overseeing audits, and delivering training for researchers within the university and

Qualifications

• Honours degree or equivalent; master qualification advantageous
• Experience in research ethics or administration, preferably in higher education or research bodies
• Knowledge of national and international ethics standards and compliance requirements

Responsibilities

• Update and align policy documents on research ethics with national/international standards
• Provide efficient ethics review processes
• Facilitate compliance with approved protocols and manage misconduct allegations
• Provide technical service and administration in consultation with ethics committee chairs
• Oversee routine audits involving human participants and/or animals
• Prepare monthly/quarterly/annual analyses and reports

Skills

Research ethics

Policy development

Ethics review

Training workshops

Communication

People management

Adaptability

Education

Honours degree or equivalent

Master qualification advantageous

Job description

Nelson Mandela University reserves the right not to make an appointment. In considering candidates for appointment into the advertised posts, preference will be accorded to persons from a designated group in accordance with the approved Nelson Mandela University Employment Equity Plan.

CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

Working closely with the Director: Research Development, the purpose of the job is to enable and support research that complies with national and international trends, standards, requirements and legislation for research ethics by coordinating and supporting the activities of the human and animals research ethics committees at Nelson Mandela University.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• To update university policy documents and guidelines on research ethics in alignment with national and international research ethics, safety and integrity policies and practices
• To provide efficient and effective ethics review processes
• To facilitate optimal compliance with approved protocols and manage allegations of research misconduct
• To provide technical service and administration, in close consultation with the Chairpersons of the human and animal research ethics committees.
• To oversee the planning and implementation of routine audits and research involving human participants and/or animals
• To prepare reports with monthly/quarterly/annual analyses as required

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of the research ethics environment, including trends, regulation and compliance requirements (national and international)
• Understanding of ethical issues linked to qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and in the context of the COVID-I9 pandemic
• Demonstrate proficiency in designing and managing ethics application and review processes
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the higher education research environment
• Demonstrate proficiency in organizing and leading training workshops, discussion forums and colloquia on research ethics for researchers from within the university and externally
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Strong facilitation and mentoring skills
• Excellent people management skills, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, learn continuously and adapt to changing internal and external environments
• A service and humanising orientation

Requirements

An honours degree or equivalent (master qualification would be considered an advantage) plus three years relevant experience where such experience includes:

• Research ethics and research administration experience (or equivalent), preferably in a Higher Education, Research Agency, Research Council or similar environment
• Experience in research compliance or regulatory issues
• Basic project management training or experience

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

e.g. contact person and telephone number, e-mail; etc.