Research Ethics Associate
We are seeking a Research Ethics Associate who will be responsible for processing research applications for regulatory compliance upon submission to the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta (HREBA). This role collaborates with the three HREBA boards (Cancer Committee-CC, Community Health Committee-CHC and the Clinical Trials Committee-CTC) aligning studies with the expertise on the board for scientific review. The Research Ethics Associate ensures each study has been reviewed by expertise in science, legal, privacy and methodology prior to assigning the study to a scheduled meeting for presentation and review.
Reporting directly to the Team Lead, Research Ethics, this is a full-time, permanent position to be based in our Edmonton Research & Development Park (south side). There is also the potential to work hybrid in this role.
You would be a good fit for this position if you:
- Possess in-depth knowledge, advanced judgment, and clinical experience in patient/client care
- Can balance multiple priorities with short deadlines and many interruptions
- Enjoy engaging with internal and external clients
- Are effective at working independently and making sound decisions
We are game changers
Alberta Innovates is a provincially funded corporation with a mandate to deliver 21st-century solutions for the most compelling challenges facing Albertans. We do this by building on our province’s research and technology development strengths in the core sectors of health, environment, energy, food and fibre, and platforms such as artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and omics. We are working with our partners to diversify Alberta’s economy, improve our environmental performance and enhance the well-being of Albertans through research and innovation.
Our subsidiary, InnoTech Alberta, offers a diversified range of scientific engineering and technological research and testing capabilities, and the facilities to support technology scale-up. Our multidisciplinary team has the depth of experience to work across all sectors, from energy to health to food and fibre. InnoTech Alberta offers you access to research talent, technical expertise, and unique facilities that can help accelerate technology development that serves both the private and public sector.
Intrigued? Here’s some more information about the position:
The Research Ethics Associate will be accountable for, but not limited to, executing the following:
- Ensure that the membership and operation of the Research Ethics Board (REB) is following regulatory requirements.
- Attend full board meetings to present the screened studies to the board, capture the reviews of the assigned studies to relay information collected to applicable study teams, and capture minutes and notes on discussions that take place.
- Communicate discussions to researchers through written correspondence.
- Work closely with the Chair and Manager to promote an efficient review and approval process.
- Develops guidelines, manuals, policies and procedures regarding the Research Ethics Associate position, the REB and its role within Research Administration and the organization.
- Review study members applications and to perform the tasks associated with their role upon review of their curriculum vitae.
- Reviews ethics applications for completeness and accuracy; identifies issues; communicates and coordinates correspondence with researchers and sponsors; tracks studies/renewal timelines; and manages/maintains study files and related databases.
- Reviews all study modifications, renewals, and closures; maintains files/supporting documentation.
- Coordinates monthly review meetings by, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements; organizing and facilitating meeting arrangements; preparing and distributing pre-meeting packages; and taking minutes.
- Supports Committee Chair and members by drafting and finalizing timely post-review correspondence to communicate REB requirements to investigators.
- Screens incoming correspondence and filters by level of review required, including acknowledging updates to study protocols with special attention to patient safety.
- Acts as a resource person to research staff, external research, industry and group representatives and responds to cancer research ethics queries.
- Develops relationships with internal and external stakeholders, peers, colleagues, Board Chairs, Vice Chairs and research sites and study teams across Alberta.
- Primary liaison between the study teams and the HREBA boards and responsible for providing timely communications with investigators, sponsors and other stakeholders.
Qualifications and skills we are looking for:
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- Bachelor’s degree in a Health or Social Sciences discipline
- TCPS2 (Tri-council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans)
- Good Clinical Practices
- Minimum 5 years related experience
- Knowledge of ethics review process, TCP2, GCP, HIA and other regulatory guidelines in research
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2 2022), the International Council of Harmonization (ICH) Guidance E6: Good Clinical Practice Consolidated Guideline; Health Canada (HC) Division 5 of the Food and Drug (FDA) Regulations.
- Independent Decision-Making and Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and accountability with decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching.
- Possess in-depth knowledge and skills, advanced judgment and clinical experience in patient/client care.
- Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships both internal and external stakeholders.
- Interpersonal and communication skills (e.g., verbal and written)
- Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word
- Ability to prioritize and work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Exemplary people skills, ability to deal with confidential information with a high degree of diplomacy
- Detail oriented and accuracy driven attitude
Why Alberta Innovates?
We offer our employees opportunities to work on projects that will expand their skill sets while witnessing the visible impacts of their efforts. We value the development of our employees and create opportunities for working in capacities that allow new skills to be learned. We know that the wellness of our team is the most important part of our business, so we offer a strong benefits package and generous vacation and paid time off programs to promote work-life balance which includes flexible work and wellness programs.
At Alberta Innovates, we respect diversity and embrace an inclusive culture. We value uniqueness and different perspectives as they play a critical role in our success. To achieve this, individuals are selected based on qualifications, merit, and abilities and we encourage applications from all backgrounds to apply.
The final candidate will be required to undergo a security clearance and provide credible references. Interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Deadline for submission of application is on July 13, 2025.
ALBERTA INNOVATES IS COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUITY IN EMPLOYMENT AND ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM ALL QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS. WE WISH TO THANK ALL APPLICANTS FOR THEIR INTEREST. HOWEVER, ONLY THOSE INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW WILL BE CONTACTED.
Employment Status: Permanent
Hours bi-weekly: 72.5
Classification: CB
Pay Grade: 08
Hourly Wage: $65,608 - $82,071