Research Ethics Officer

University Corporate Services, Research Ethics, Governance and Compliance

This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working – some time on campus and some from home.

This new full – time post is available from immediately on a permanent basis.

Summary of the role

This is an exciting opportunity for those who have previously worked in research governance/ research ethics-type roles or those who have an interest in increasing their knowledge and skill within the different areas of the research integrity, ethics and governance profession. The post holder will work within a committed team, developing and sharing their expertise through exposure to a highly varied portfolio of research from all three university faculties. 

The post holder will support and advise on the safe and ethical conduct of research in accordance with the university’s research ethics framework and legislative and regulatory requirements for human and research that involves animals. They will assist the Head of Research Ethics, Governance and Compliance in providing assurance that the rights, dignity, safety and wellbeing of research participants are protected and that the University’s research ethics and governance procedures are followed in accordance with relevant legislation and the high standards of research integrity.  

They will be required to develop knowledge on obtaining appropriate authorisations and will provide an important and effective link between external agencies, stakeholders, research teams and relevant University professional services staff

The Research Ethics Officer will be responsible for supporting researchers in setting up complex projects and in the conduct of ongoing studies, ensuring that research governance processes take place according to protocols. Working closely with research ethics committee chairs and members,  the officer will provide specialist advice and guidance on complex issues at different stages of the research life-cycle, building up a wide knowledge and understanding of associated research processes to facilitate challenging and remarkable research.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024).  We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today.  More than 99% of our research is of international quality and 47% is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. 

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

Benefits

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 41 days leave per year
• options for flexible working
• numerous discounts at leading retailers
• onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
• sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

Informal Enquiries

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr Antony Walsh, Head of Research Ethics, Governance and Compliance [email protected]