Research Ethics Officer : Department of Research and Innovation

SUMMARY:
The University of Fort Hare is a vibrant, equitable and sustainable African university, committed to teaching and research excellence at the service of its students, scholars and the wider community.

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Officer: Research Ethics. The main purpose of the position is to provide overarching administrative support to UFH Research Ethics Committees (RECs) and Biosafety Committee (BSC). The position coordinates logistical arrangements for REC and BSC meetings, ensures compliance with UFH policies and relevant regulatory guidelines and facilitates the submission of mandatory reports. Additional responsibilities include supporting online application systems, facilitating training for committee members and researchers, and compiling documentation for audit purposes.

POSITION INFO:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Honours degree (NQF Level 8) in a relevant field
• At least 2 years experience in the process of research ethics clearance of research projects in a Higher Education environment.
• At least 2 years administrative experience, preferably in a Higher Education environment

• Training in Research Ethics
• Experience in facilitating Research Ethics training
• Training and experience in managing meetings, including developing meeting agenda and writing minutes
• Experience in preparing information and documentation for audits
• Knowledge of and experience in running online research ethics application system
• Familiarity with the national research ethics guidelines of South Africa

• Providing overarching administrative support to UFH Research Ethics and Biosafety Committees, staff and students.
• Coordinating logistical arrangements of REC and BSC meetings, including agenda, minutes and follow up actions.
• Coordinating ethics and biosafety clearance applications for research projects
• Validating documents and research proposals in accordance with requirements for ethics or biosafety clearance.
• Preparing reports for submission to Senate Research Ethics Oversight Committee (SREOC), the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) and other regulatory bodies.
• Organizing mandatory training of UFH Research Ethics and Biosafety committee members.
• Organizing training on research ethics and integrity for students and researchers.
• Ensuring compliance with NHREC guidelines in terms of membership of committees.
• Keeping standard operating procedures updated in accordance with relevant policies, guidelines and NHREC requirements.
• Providing support for the online research ethics application system
• Compiling information and documentation for audit purposes.
• Promoting a culture of ethical awareness and integrity within the research environment at UFH.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Competency in use of online systems
• High level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Good interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Time management and problem-solving capabilities