Ethics and Regulatory Specialist

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are looking for an Ethics and Regulatory Specialist to join our Research Ethics Team.  In this role you will provide specialist ethics and regulatory advice and support to researchers, with the aim of improving the quality of applications submitted to the relevant Human Ethics Committee or Biological Safety Committee.  You will use your subject matter expertise to review research ethics applications and develop high-quality guidance, training materials and communications that increase research community awareness and understanding of ethical and regulatory requirements for research.

Specific responsibilities of the role include:

• Providing specialist advice and support to researchers on preparing ethics and regulatory applications.
• Pre-screening applications for compliance and consistency with institutional and national ethics and regulatory requirements.
• Delivering expert advice, support and training via workshops, seminar presentations, online materials, and one-to-one engagement with researcher and research groups.
• Developing newsletters and other forms of communications to highlight ethics and regulatory issues of significance for the research community.
• Preparing agendas and minutes for assigned Ethics Committees and coordinating committee processes and decisions.
• Partnering with colleagues in the Research Ethics Team and across the University to continuously improve ethics and regulatory systems and processes.

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week role on a permanent contract. The salary range for this role is $83, 000 - $102,900 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.

For more detailed information on the role accountabilities and requirements, please review this position description.

Mō tō mātou rōpū | About the team

The Research Ethics Team is part of the Research and Innovation Office | Puna Tiketike at the University.  The Research Ethics Team supports the application and approval processes for the University of Auckland Human Participants Ethics Committee (UAHPEC), Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (AHREC), Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and Biological Safety Committee (BSC).  The team also provides support for applications to Health and Disability Ethics Committees (HDECs) and training opportunities for researchers.

He kōrero mōu | About you

Our suitable candidate will meet the requirements below:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in ethics, bioethics, philosophy, law or equivalent relevant experience.
• 4-5 years’ experience in a general advisory role, with at least two years’ experience in a comparable specialist role.
• Strong awareness of Māori research ethics guidelines (Te Ara Tika).
• Experience developing policies, guidelines or training materials.
• Proficiency in the use of a research management system (preferably Ethics RM) and Microsoft suite of programmes.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to advise and adapt style to various levels.
• Ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work to deadlines efficiently.
• A strong understanding of ethical and regulatory requirements associated with research.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with a strong focus and experience of performance & service metrics.
• Ability to design, document and improve processes.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau  is New Zealand's leading University and maintains significant computational, laboratory, and analytic facilities. Auckland is frequently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities. 

The University is committed to providing an excellent working environment through the following:

• Flexible employment practices (including working from home and flexible hours)
• Up to 6.75% company superannuation scheme
• A competitive salary with five weeks' annual leave

In addition, we also offer career development programs, discounted car parking, a generous parental leave allowance, childcare, and other discounts on internal and external services. 

For more information, please visit Staff Benefits.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Applications must be submitted online by the closing date of 18/12/2024 to be considered. Please include your cover letter and CV highlighting how you can meet the abovementioned skills and experiences.

Please note that we may close the advert earlier if we find a suitable candidate.

Please reach out to Dr Dana Wensley, Head of Research Ethics- [email protected] for a confidential conversation. Please note we are happy to answer your questions, but we do not accept applications by email.