Coordinator, Animal Research Ethics Board (AREB) chez University of Saskatchewan

The AREB Coordinator helps ensure that researchers, research personnel and the UACC program comply with national and international standards, ethical principles, regulatory requirements and institutional policies for the humane care and use of animals in research, teaching, testing, and production.

The coordinator is to interpret policies and guidelines and apply interpretations to uniquely complex questions on a daily basis. Work volume can be high and complex requiring concentration to manage multiple activities and competing priorities. This work requires handling inquiries of a confidential or sensitive nature in a professional manner (tact, discretion, and cultural sensitivity), providing guidance to faculty, staff, and students, based on policies and procedures, and independently determining solutions or appropriate actions as required.  

Duties and Responsibilities: 
 

• Coordinate and manage animal research and teaching animal use protocol (AUP) submissions.
• Undertake a review and evaluation of applications to ensure compliance with regulating entities and internal UACC procedures.
• Advise the AREB Co-Chairs, AREB Vice-Chair and AREB members on issues or concerns associated with AUP submissions.
• Manage the organization and logistics of bi-monthly AREB meetings and bi-monthly subcommittee meetings.
• Maintain accurate and complete documentation of AREB discussions and decisions during meetings (i.e. meeting minutes).
• Provide advice to researchers on institutional and CCAC procedures and guidelines for preparation of AUP applications and associated documents. 
• Monitor and update content for the animal care and use program on the OVPR website and SharePoint Online. 
• Support the administration and advancement of the USask animal care and use program by coordinating and advising on the animal ethics review process.
• Develop, review and maintain standard operating procedures, policies, and forms for the animal ethics review process and the UACC administrative functions.
• Serve as a voting member of the UACC and participate in bi-annual meetings. 
• Process AUP applications and associated correspondence with researchers, animal facility management, safety resources, and other units as necessary.
• Support reporting to the AREB and UACC by organizing and compiling monthly and annual statistics on AUPs. 
• Other related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications: 
 

Education: An undergraduate degree in a related field is required. A graduate degree in a relevant field is considered an asset.
 
Licenses: N/A

Experience: 2-3 years of research administrative experience in a University setting, preferably at a large research-intensive institution. Knowledge of the University research environment, particularly as it relates to animal care and use and research ethics would be an asset.

Skills: Demonstrated ability to prioritize and work independently in a variety of routine and critical situations with frequently changing priorities; highly effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both written and verbal; a desire to listen and respond to the needs and concerns of researchers and a willingness to be accessible to faculty, staff and students; strong computer skills including proficiency using spreadsheets, word processing, presentation, and database software (e.g. Microsoft Office software, including Access); ability to adapt to and work in a dynamic work environment maintaining a professional and positive demeanor; demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to demonstrate initiative and creativity; and the ability to function under pressure and in stressful situations.

The University of Saskatchewan recognizes alternate career paths; therefore, a combination of education and experience may be considered.