Ethics and Regulatory Specialist

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

We are seeking an Ethics and Regulatory Specialist to join our Research Ethics Team at our Office of Research Strategy and Integrity (ORSI). You will play a key role in providing specialist ethics advice to improve the quality of applications submitted to University’s Ethics Committees, and implement improvements across the whole research ethics ecosystem at the University. You will be expected to communicate with a broad range of stakeholders and introduce change, consistent with emerging ethical issues and advances in research ethics. We encourage applications from persons with experience in developing, reviewing, and critiquing ethical guidelines. A key part of this role is to develop and maintain updated research ethics guidelines that are consistent with accreditation requirements from the Health Research Council and consistent with the University of Auckland Research Ethics Improvement Plan (Improvement Plan).

This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week, on an 18-month contract. The salary banding for this role is G. Please contact the hiring manager for more details.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Review and report on new ethics guidelines from National Ethics Advisory Committee, (and other relevant domestic and/ or international organisations) and devise updated guidance consistent with the needs of the University that incorporates these into materials such as the Applicants’ Manual, Guiding Principles, and Ethics systems and processes 
• Communicate new initiatives and ethics advisory across a broad range of stakeholders both institutional and external to the University
• Deliver performance objectives in accordance with the Improvement Plan
• Manage and monitor service metrics associated with the Improvement Plan
• Design, document and improve processes across the Ethics Team to support a streamlined approach to research ethics consistent with the Improvement Plan
• Contribute as necessary to the day-to-day operation of the Ethics Team by providing specialist advice and pre-screening on ethics and regulatory applications via Ethics RM
• Provide administrative and secretarial support to all Ethics Committees including as required

For more detailed information, please refer to the position description.

He kōrero mōu | About you

You will hold a relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant experience in research ethics, bioethics, philosophy, or law. Our suitable candidate will meet the requirements below:

• Relevant tertiary qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in a general advisory role, with preferably two years experience in a comparable role.
• Experience developing ethics advisory, policies, guidelines and training materials.
• Proficiency in the use of 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 ethics and an understanding of university processes and procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy with a focus and experience of performance & service metrics.
• Ability to design, document and improve processes.
• Knowledge of the research ethics ecosystem in New Zealand is an advantage, and applicants with expertise across research ethics, regulatory compliance and the development of ethics guidelines are encouraged to apply.

About the Research Ethics Team

The Research Ethics Team supports the application and approval processes for research ethics applications 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 Ethics Team undertakes regulatory reporting and compliance functions, and reports to institutional and external regulatory bodies.  Supporting good decision-making of the ethics committees is a key responsibility of the Ethics Team. This role is fixed term to support major improvements to be delivered to ethics services at the University.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

The University of Auckland 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 28/04/2024 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.

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment.  For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to www.equity.auckland.ac.nz

The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone can thrive. For further information see Te Ara Tautika | the Equity Policy and visit www.equity.auckland.ac.nz