Department

Planning and Support- Research

Job Purpose

The Senior Research Specialist Ethics and Compliance at MBZUAI plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing Institutional Review Board (IRB) programs and research policies that align with the university’s strategic goals, emphasizing research excellence, compliance, and ethical standards. This position involves supporting a culture of research integrity and compliance through the establishment of robust policies, procedures, and educational initiatives. Streamline IRB protocol processes to enhance operational efficiency and maintain accurate records of research compliance activities. Collaborating with IRB members and external stakeholders. Ensure adherence to regulations, provide guidance to researchers, and promote a culture of research integrity across the institution.

Key Responsibilities:

1. 1-Institutional Review Board (IRB) Program Development and Implementation:
   • Lead the development and implementation of Institutional Review Board (IRB) programs and research
     policies that align with the university’s strategic goals and objectives, emphasizing research
     excellence, compliance, and ethical standards.
   • Support the establishment of robust policies, procedures, and educational initiatives to promote a
     culture of research integrity and compliance within the institution.
   • Lead the development and revision of IRB policies, procedures, and educational materials to ensure
     consistency, clarity, and compliance with federal regulations and ethical guidelines.
2. 2-Research Policy Development and Monitoring:
   • Support the development and revision of IRB policies, procedures, protocols, and educational materials
     to ensure alignment with federal regulations, institutional policies, and ethical standards in human
     subject research.
   • Monitor and evaluate compliance with research policies, financial management practices, and reporting
     requirements, maintaining accurate records of research compliance activities.
3. 3-Operational Oversight and Support:
   • Implement streamlined processes for IRB protocol submissions, reviews, and approvals to enhance
     operational efficiency, reduce administrative burdens, and facilitate timely decision-making.
   • Provide guidance and assistance to researchers on IRB requirements, protocol preparation, and compliance
     issues, fostering a collaborative environment for decision-making.
   • Provide guidance and training to research staff on the interpretation and application of IRB policies,
     ensuring that all team members are well-informed and compliant with established operational protocols.
   • Oversee the efficient management of IRB protocol submissions, reviews, and approvals, implementing
     streamlined processes to enhance operational efficiency and reduce administrative burdens.
4. 4-Communication and Collaboration:
   • Collaborate closely with IRB members, researchers, and external stakeholders to provide guidance,
     support, and training on IRB requirements, protocol preparation, and ethical considerations.
   • Serve as a key point of contact for external inquiries and requests related to IRB protocols, compliance
     issues, and regulatory requirements, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
   • Organize regular forums, workshops, or training sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing, best practices
     exchange, and continuous improvement in research compliance practices among stakeholders.
   • Serve as a liaison between the research office and other university departments to ensure alignment of
     research policies and procedures with institutional guidelines and regulations.
5. 5-Record Keeping and Accountability:
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of research compliance activities and reporting requirements to
     ensure transparency and accountability.
   • Establish standardized documentation practices and record retention policies to ensure compliance with
     record-keeping regulations and facilitate efficient information retrieval during audits or inspections.

Academic Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in Research Ethics, Compliance, Data Science, or a related discipline.

Professional Experience

• Six years of related experience, of which two years should be direct IRB and/or research experience.
• In-depth knowledge of local and international ethical codes and regulations governing the protection of human
  subjects in research.
• Experience with electronic administration systems for managing research compliance activities.
• Demonstrated ability to pay high attention to detail to ensure accuracy in reviewing protocols, maintaining
  records, and communicating effectively with stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex regulatory information clearly and concisely to
  researchers, IRB members, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, and implement corrective actions in the context of research
  ethics and compliance.
• Critical thinking skills to evaluate information objectively, assess the ethical implications of research
  protocols, identify risks, and make informed decisions.
• Proven track record of working autonomously to manage day-to-day research administration tasks effectively.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and deadlines in a dynamic research
  environment