Research Ethics Coordinator

About OICR

OICR is Ontario’s cancer research institute. We bring together people from across the province and around the world to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. We take on the biggest challenges in cancer research and deliver real-world solutions to find cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. We are committed to helping people living with cancer, as well as future generations, live longer and healthier lives.

Launched in December 2005, OICR is an independent institute funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Job Details

Position: Research Ethics Coordinator

Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto

Department: Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board (OCREB)

Reports To: Research Ethics Manager

Hiring Range: $70,000 to $76,000 per annum, commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan (Sun Life), plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)

Hours: 35 hours/week

Job Type: Hybrid (minimum 1 day per week on-site)

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Position Summary

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking an experienced professional to fill an existing vacancy for a Research Ethics Coordinator (REC) to join the Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board (OCREB) program. The REC is integral to the operations of OCREB and serves as the primary liaison between OCREB and the research teams.

The REC is a key administrative position and is responsible for coordinating and managing all aspects for the submission, review, revision and approval of research protocols within OCREB via an online system. The Coordinator must be familiar with the most recent ethical standards as captured in the Tri-Council Policy statement and be able to communicate effectively with OCREB members, researchers, research coordinators and other staff at institutions throughout Ontario, as well as with other external stakeholders in the broader research community such as study sponsors and regulatory bodies such as Health Canada. The REC supports the OCREB Chair, Vice-Chairs and members and reports to the Research Ethics Manager.

Position Responsibilities

• Coordinates and manages submissions through all aspects of the review process (Full Board or delegated), from submission to approval/final decision via an online system.


• Conducts an administrative review of assigned submissions to assess for completeness and for compliance with OCREB policies and SOPs and applicable standards, regulations and guidelines.


• Assists with the preparation of meeting agendas, reviewer assignments and minutes.


• Attends OCREB meetings and distills complex discussions, consolidating key oral and written OCREB comments, recommendations and concerns into formal letters to researchers.


• Ensures that OCREB decisions are accurately communicated to researchers in a timely manner.


• Maintains accurate documentation of discussions and decisions.


• Communicates and coordinates with the Chair, Vice-Chair or other OCREB members as applicable to facilitate a final decision.


• Works collaboratively with the Research Ethics Manager, the Research Ethics Officer, the Chair, the Vice-Chairs and OCREB members to ensure consistency in the application of OCREB policies and to ensure compliance with regulations, guidelines and policies throughout the ethics review processes.


• Serves as a resource for researchers/research teams on regulations and guidelines governing the ethical conduct of research and on OCREB requirements.


• Fosters effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.


• Participates in and contributes to regular OCREB team meetings.


• Contributes to the development, implementation and communication of policies and procedures.


• Willing to engage in special projects, when possible.

Position Requirements

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in a health sciences-related field or recognized equivalent required.


• Clinical research experience in conducting clinical trials, including front-line experience with study participants trials or experience working with a research ethics board.


• Sound knowledge of clinical trial conduct.


• Sound knowledge of the regulations and guidelines governing clinical research and research ethics.


• Strong computer proficiency (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, web-based applications).


• Excellent interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills.


• Strong analytical, critical thinking, organizational and time management skills.


• Ability to synthesize findings and to judge and substantiate the significance of the findings.


• Ability to make thoughtful, informed, and thorough decisions.


• Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.


• Ability to handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet both internal and external deadlines.


• Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment

For more information about OICR, please visit the website at www.oicr.on.ca.

To learn more about working at OICR, visit our career page.

POSTED DATE:         April 20, 2026
CLOSING DATE:       Until Filled

OICR is committed to fostering a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is central to, and mutually supportive of, our research excellence mandate. We welcome and respect the diversity of all members of our community and we support an inclusive culture for all. We welcome all applicants, and encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to furthering a diversity of ideas within our community. OICR is committed to fair assessment of a candidate’s abilities, and consideration for diversity of thought, method, and experience. Providing an accessible workplace and recruitment process is important to us, as described in our Accessibility Plan (https://oicr.on.ca/accessibility/).  Should you require accommodation during any stage in the recruitment process, please complete the form at the bottom of page https://oicr.on.ca/careers/. Information received related to accommodation will be handled confidentially.  

OICR hiring managers may use approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with an initial screening or assessment of applications, and selection of applicants in accordance with OICR’s privacy policies.  Personal information associated with any job application will not be shared with or retained by any third party for the purpose of training an AI model.  Hiring managers shall determine which applications proceed through the recruitment process.

Resume Format: If you elect to apply, please click on the “Apply for this Job” button below.  You will be required to enter contact details, and to attach your resume to your application. Please attach your resume as a .pdf or .doc file.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research thanks all applicants. However, only those under consideration will be contacted.