Role description

Department:Research, Enterprise and Social Partnerships

Location:Moulsecoomb – Research Office

Job title:Research Ethics Administrator

Post number:EG5130

Grade:4

Responsible to:Policy Officer (Ethics and Governance)

Purpose of the role

The Research Office contributes to the university research strategy by providing a high level of support and training to staff making grant applications and undertaking research. It supports staff in all stages of their research career by using its expertise to: promote funding sources; host development and network opportunities; advise on measuring impact; ensure that every bid stands the best chance of success; provide advice relating to publishing; help people manage their personal research profile.

The Research Office is also responsible for supporting the University’s Research Ethics Framework, and the policies and processes associated with it. The Framework applies to research at all levels from undergraduate dissertations through to externally-funded staff research. The Research Ethics Administrator will be responsible for assisting the Policy Officer (Ethics and Governance) with supporting the Framework including providing secretarial support for University and College Research Ethics Committees (RECs) as well as the External REC Review Panel. The postholder must therefore be able to summarise sometimes complex discussions, drafting sensitive and clear feedback that is appropriate to be sent to the applicant.

The postholder will also provide support to the Policy Officer (Ethics and Governance) with the implementation and monitoring of Tier 1 Ethical review which takes place at School level. The post holder will draft guidance and providing advice for staff and students on research ethics and ethical issues and they will also support the Policy Officer with the implementation and operation of the University’s policy on Research Integrity.

Main areas of responsibility:

Time %
Administer applications to the College RECs, ensuring application documentation is complete and maintaining appropriate filing systems for applications, correspondence and outcomes to ensure adequate records are kept. / 20
Provide advice and guidance to staff and students on processes for ethical review and approval of research. / 20
Provide administrative support to meetings of the University and College RECs, including taking and drafting minutes. / 15
Work with the Chair of the College RECs to support the process of ethical review, including providing applicants with appropriate feedback and outcomes of applications. / 15
Assist the Policy Officer (Ethics and Governance) with processes and activities to support implementation of the University’s Policy on Research Integrity. / 15
Produce data, management information and reports from REC records on request for reporting, monitoring and audit purposes, including for the annual report to the UREC. / 5
Support the Policy Officer (Ethics and Governance) with the implementation and monitoringof Tier 1 review across the institution. / 10

The post-holder may additionally be asked to undertake other duties and projects appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required.

Skills

Essential

  • Good standard of secondary education or equivalent experience reflecting good numeracy and literacy skills
  • Good level of computer skills, including Microsoft Office and databases
  • Demonstrate work experience in administration, including experience in developing and maintaining effective administrative and monitoring systems.
  • Experience of undertaking work of an analytical nature.
  • Ability to interpret, apply and communicate complex regulations and procedures.
  • Ability to produce good written and oral communications demonstrating clarity, sensitivity and diplomacy when communicating difficult information.
  • Able to work as part of a team, sharing good practice and developing effective professional relationships with colleagues.
  • Works proactively and flexibly with others to ensure effective service delivery.
  • Demonstrate a practical approach to problem solving.

Desirable

  • An understanding of contemporary Higher Education issues and priorities. This may come from employment in an educational institution or from other forms of experience
  • Experience of Committee servicing