Research Ethics & Compliance

Position number: 33804

Date posted: August 31, 2026

Job details

Dir. Human Research Ethics & Strat. Adv to VPRI - L10 EMAPS Continuing Full-Time

Full-time:

Yes

Permanent

Yes

Work schedule

35 Hours/week (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)

Salary

$51.08 to $91.94 per hour ($92,965.60 to $167,330.80 per annum)

Expected Start Date

November 9, 2026

Trial/Probation period

1820 hours worked For more information please contact: Allison Stephen, Director, Office of the VP (Research and International) - [email protected]

Qualifications

Reporting to the Vice-President (Research and International) (VPRI), the Director of Human Research Ethics and Strategic Advisor to the VPRI is responsible for directing, developing, and promoting the ethics function as it pertains to research with human participants at UM in accordance with the TCPS2, legislation, and regulatory frameworks. This role will ensure the establishment of high ethical standards of conduct to uphold the ethical integrity of the university. The position's responsibilities as Strategic Advisor to the VPRI include developing and implementing new and revised policies and procedures that fall under the jurisdiction of the VPRI, assisting with the facilitation and implementation of the UM's 5-yr Strategic Research Plan (SRP), and acting as liaison to the Vice-President regarding institutional strategic initiatives with external partners. This is an in-person position located at the Fort Garry campus.

MINIMUM FORMAL EDUCATION/TRAINING:

- Completion of PhD in a discipline related to research with human participants is required.

EXPERIENCE:

Required

- Five years of related experience in a human research-related field.
- Sound knowledge of Canada’s and Manitoba’s laws, policies, regulations and guidelines governing research with human participants including the TCPS2, FIPPA and PHIA. .
- Tri-Council Policy Statement 2: Course on Research Ethics (TCPS2: CORE) and the Access and Privacy Office’s Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) training and certifications are required.

Preferred:
- Experience leading organizational change or contributing to strategic direction preferred.
- Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) certification preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

- Demonstrated ability to think analytically, logically and strategically is required.
- Experience in interpreting policies, regulations, and guidelines is required.
- Demonstrated ability to analyse complex documents is required.
- Demonstrated ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy is required.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet all required deadlines in a demanding environment is required.
- Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize with an eye to consistently producing high quality work is required.
- Broad understanding of diverse research areas and methodologies, particularly with respect to research conducted in partnership with Indigenous peoples is required.
- Independent, proactive administration experience with exceptional communication (oral and written), organizational and presentation skills for effective interaction within the university and with external agencies, organizations, and partners is required.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cutting-edge initiatives and change is required.
- Strong client service orientation, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality is required.




- Demonstrated commitment to creating a collaborative team approach with a focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment within the unit and across the organization is required.
- Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships with groups and individuals including senior level academics, researchers, administrators, and external partners is required.
- Knowledge of university policies related to research is required.
- Demonstrated ability to revise policies and procedures is required.
- Sound knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, internet applications and other UM information systems is required.

Key responsibilities

Oversight of Ethical Review and Related Compliance Process for Human Participant Research

- Oversees the implementation of systems and workflows to ensure efficient and timely ethics submissions and reviews.
- Directs research ethics education for faculty, students, and Research Ethics Board (REB) members.
- Supports the operation of human research ethics at UM, ensuring compliance with regulations, guidelines, and policies.
- Undertakes ongoing assessment of office processes, including time to completion of protocol reviews and steps therein, and ensures consistency in reviewers’ feedback on the ethical acceptability of protocols.
- On an going basis, reevaluates the structure and terms of reference of the Human Ethics Resource Committee (HERC)
- Ensures that there is sufficient flexibility in the ethics evaluation process to accommodate a wide range of research areas.
- Interacts regularly with the REB Chairs to address issues as they arise.
- Oversees the recruitment of REB Chairs and members.
- Refers alleged cases of research misconduct to the Vice-President (Research and International).
- On behalf of UM, continues to liaise with Research Manitoba’s RITHIM initiative with respect to health and biomedical human research ethics.
- Provides training, annual performance reviews and assignment of work to the team.
- Ensures a positive and productive working setting consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the VPRIO portfolio.

Strategic Advisor to the Vice-President (Research and International)

- Leads in the development and implementation of new and revised policies and procedures that fall under the jurisdiction of the VPRI.
- Drafts new and revised policies and procedures; ensures they are aligned with UM’s strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinates the approval process through the various channels and governing bodies (i.e Legal, UMFA, SCUR, Board of Governors, Senate)

- Assists with the facilitation and implementation of the UM’s 5-yr Strategic Research Plan (SRP)

- Collaborates with UM leadership to define the strategic vision and goals for the Plan.
- Engages with faculty, researchers, students, and the university community to gather input and build consensus around the research priorities.
- Contributes to writing the Plan.
- Serves on the SRP implementation committee; develops metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness of the research plan, and measure impact.
- Represents the VPRI on the implementation committee for the University Strategic Plan.

- Liaises with the VPRI regarding institutional strategic initiatives:





- Works with the VPRI to assemble and mobilize strategic groups of institutions to present a coherent strategy towards priority areas, such as Arctic defense and security, economic reconciliation, etc. (Institutions include: Oceans Network Canada, Oceans Tracking Network, ArcticNet, Assiniboine Conservancy, Coast Guard, Arctic Gateway Group, Reimagining Winnipeg and Manitoba Rail System, Canada Water Agency, Manitoba Hydro, Provincial Govt., Federal Govt, etc.).
- Liaises closely with other VPRI unit Directors (i.e Major Projects Office, Research Security, Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization, and Innovation, Compliance, etc), and other units (i.e Office of Legal Counsel, etc), to ensure a coordinated approach connected to the dynamic agenda of the VPRI.

- Sits on university committees, as appropriate.

Institutional Liaison

- Fosters, develops, and implements effective communication with external stakeholders.
- Serves as a resource for researchers/research teams and others on regulations and guidelines governing the ethical conduct of research.
- Develops and/or recommends the use of institutional agreements to facilitate multi-jurisdictional ethics reviews.

Leadership and Supervision

- Provides leadership to the Office of Human Research Ethics by clarifying individual roles, setting expectations, coaching staff, supporting performance, developing capability, and reducing knowledge continuity or role succession risks.
- Provides strategic and operational leadership for the human research ethics portfolio to support clear accountability, effective service delivery, cross-unit coordination, and continuous improvement across the research administration lifecycle.
- Oversees the portfolio’s core services, team operations, key processes, stakeholder relationships, and related systems required to deliver effective human research ethics support.
- Is accountable for ensuring the Office of Human Research Ethics operates with clear roles, effective processes, timely issue resolution, documented practices, and service standards aligned with VPRIO priorities including the development of new and revised policies, procedures, operational guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure conformity with international, national, and institutional requirements.
- Exercises delegated authority and escalates matters outside that authority or involving legal, financial, compliance, operational, reputational, or stakeholder risk.
- Leads, coaches and mentors team members individually and assists them to achieve position expectations and deliverables.
- Collaborates with VPRIO Director in hiring staff.

Additional information

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected] or (phone hidden). Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.

📌 Dir. Human Research Ethics & Strat. Adv to VPRIEMAPS (Winnipeg)
🏢 University of Manitoba
📍 Winnipeg