QUT wishes to appoint a Research Ethics Officer within its Office of Research. The position provides high level support to the work of the Research Ethics Unit ensuring not only compliance requirements are met but also helping to create a culture where best practice can prevail.
| Position Title: | Research Ethics Officer |
| Vacancy Reference No: | 28420 |
| Closing Date: | 17 October 2008 |
| Department / Division: | Office of Research |
| Campus: | Gardens Point |
| Classification/Salary Range: | $53 253 to $57 660 pa (HEW6) |
| Plus Superannuation: | 17% employer contribution |
| Status: | Ongoing |
| Contact Name and Title: | David Wiseman, Research Ethics Coordinator |
| HR Contact and Title: | Silke Morrison, Senior HR Advisor |
DUTY STATEMENT
Purpose of Position
The primary purpose of this position relates to the provision of high level support to the work of the Research Ethics Coordinator, who coordinates research ethics administration at University level and enhances Faculty-level procedures for the ethical conduct of research.
Organisational Relationships
Research ethics administration includes responding to a substantial and growing body of legislation, regulation, guidelines and policies. At the same time, the principal objective of research ethics arrangements must be to facilitate good research and research training. There is increasingly a demand for processes that not only meet the external requirements, but also are responsive to the changing needs of researchers and are strategic in facilitating research.
The Research Ethics Unit operates across three principal domains – Advisory Services, Monitoring and Reporting. The position will contribute significantly to increasing the profile of Research Ethics to ensure not only compliance but helping to create a culture where best practice can prevail.
QUT has a network of Faculty Research Ethics Advisors (FREAs) who provide advice to the QUT community on research ethics matters. This group is a key and critical component of the research ethics framework, ensuring a diffuse knowledge network, and as such are the key client group of the research ethics unit.
It is important that the appointee foster good working relationships with the FREAs and the Chairperson of each committee.
The position provides day to day supervision to the Research Ethics Support Officer, and reports to the Research Ethics Coordinator.
The position will undertake coordination of a number of key projects and general duties in support of the three domain areas of Advisory Services, Monitoring, and Reporting, and will include:
Key Projects
- Responding to triennial review: QUT has recently had its triennial review undertaken by Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) in relation to use of animals for scientific purposes. Responding to the recommendations of the review report will be a key undertaking.
- Bio-safety Assurance Model: A new model for achieving bio-safety assurance has been developed and is now ready for delivery to Faculties. Project will require liaison with Chair, IBC and QUT Biosafety Officer in delivery of model.
- Application Forms including development of web-submit forms: Project will require gathering feedback on current forms, including input from regulatory bodies where available, and compilation of draft versions of form.
Duties include:
- Coordinate reporting requirements, internal and external, including collection of data and preparation of draft annual reports to University Council, Governance Services (Compliance Reporting) and external agencies.
- Support administrative systems to ensure an effective working link between the Research Ethics Unit and key stakeholders (Research Ethics Committees, Governance Services, FREAs etc).
- Ensure accurate record keeping of soft and hard copy material.
- Use of Research Master database for record keeping, data analysis and reporting of research projects.
- Updating the Research Ethics website using DreamWeaver web management software.
- Updating the research ethics wiki spaces using Altassian confluence software.
- Comply with requirements of Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University.
- Conduct preliminary reviews of all applications to the unit and provide general advice to applicants.
- Collating and preparing draft outcome correspondence following consideration by Chairperson or the University’s research ethics committees.
- Support delivery of communication and training programs to enhance the ethics skills and understandings of researchers, research students, and Faculty Research Ethics Advisors (FREAs).
- Support the FREAs in their undertakings in the Faculties.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential:
- Education, training and/or relevant experience equivalent to completion of degree with subsequent relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of relevant experience and/or education/training.
- Demonstrated ability in the interpretation of policy and procedures in order to provide clear and consistent advice to clients.
- Demonstrated ability in project management, including initiative to plan, organise, set goals and develop priorities to successfully complete programs.
- Demonstrated computer literacy skills including the ability to use Microsoft Office suite, Research Master, DreamWeaver and the use of Altassian Confluence software.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, as well as independently without close supervision.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills including the ability to liaise effectively with clients and colleagues whilst maintaining confidentiality in all matters.
- Evidence of well developed written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to draft, proof and edit a range of written material including reports, submissions, and memoranda correspondence.
Desirable:
- Knowledge and experience in the research regulatory environment, particularly animal based research and/or biosafety matters.
HOW TO APPLY
Please provide:
- Application Cover Sheet (doc, 60kb or pdf, 17kb)
- Applicants are encouraged to systematically address the selection criteria.
- Your current resume – including the names and contact details of referees.
Forward your application to jobapplications@qut.edu.au quoting vacancy ref no. 28420 by 17 October 2008.
Prior to submitting your application please review information regarding immigration requirements, workplace health and safety, equal employment opportunity, non-smoking policy and relocation available at
http://www.hrd.qut.edu.au/jobs/information.jsp.
After the closing date, you can check the status of the recruitment process. QUT is an equal opportunity employer and employer of choice for women.