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 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. 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.

Experience in interpreting policies, regulations, and guidelines is required. Demonstrated ability to analyse complex documents 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. Demonstrated commitment to creating a collaborative team approach with a focus on fostering a diverse and inclusive work workplace 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. Ensures that there is sufficient flexibility in the ethics evaluation process to accommodate a wide range of research areas. 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. Leads in the development and implementation of recent 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. e Legal, UMFA, SCUR, Board of Governors, Senate) Assists with the facilitation and implementation of the UM’s 5-yr Strategic Research Plan (SRP) 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. 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. (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.

Serves as a resource for researchers/research teams and others on regulations and guidelines governing the ethical conduct of research. 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.

In addition to a robust 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. 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