Director, Human Research Ethics & Strategic Advisor to the Vice President(Research and International) The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives.

With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

The opportunity: The University of Manitoba is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Director, Human Research Ethics and Strategic Advisor to the Vice-President (Research and International). Reporting directly to the VPRI, this unique role combines leadership of the University’s human research ethics program with the opportunity to influence institutional strategy, policy development, and major research initiatives. If you are a collaborative and forward-thinking leader with a passion for research, governance, ethics, and institutional strategy, we invite you to help shape UM's research future.

The qualifications and experience we’re looking for:

- Completion of PhD in a discipline related to research with human participants is 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.
- Experience leading organizational change or contributing to strategic direction preferred.
- Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP) certification preferred.
- 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 setting 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.
- 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.
- Refs 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 environment consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the VPRIO portfolio.
- Leads in the development and implementation of new and revised policies and procedures that fall under the jurisdiction of the VPRI.
- Drafts recent 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.
- 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.
- 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. Why the University of Manitoba? Along with being one of Manitoba’s top employers, we are proud to provide a collaborative and enriching work environment. In addition to a strong compensation package with a competitive salary, the University provides an exceptional workplace that includes:
- Comprehensive group benefits and pension plan.
- Competitive vacation time.
- Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- A full spectrum of professional development opportunities.

Closing Date: September 30, 2026 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).

📌 Director, Human Research Ethics & Strategic Advisor to the Vice-President (Research and International) (Winnipeg)
🏢 University of Manitoba
📍 Winnipeg