Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Research Ethics Board (REB) is looking to recruit new members from the communities we serve to bring lived experiences and diverse insights to the review of research considerations. We encourage candidates from indigenous, racialized and LGBTQ2S+ communities, people of colour, women, people with disabilities and individuals who identify with the diverse communities that make up Scarborough, to apply.
About SHN and SHN REB:
SHN has the vision to provide better health care through research that matters to the communities that we serve. SHN is partnering with our diverse communities to generate and apply new knowledge and innovative solutions that will make health care more equitable, accessible and relevant. All research at SHN is guided by the SHN REB, a multidisciplinary board whose members are committed to reviewing all research at SHN and organizations that are a part of the Scarborough Ontario Health Team. The REB examines the potential risks and benefits, ethical implications, protection of participants, and the relevance of the research.
What are the qualifications?
REB members work together with the REB Chair and researchers to ensure the rights and welfare of research participants are protected and that the benefits of the research justify the potential risks involved. This position offers an opportunity to play a significant role in improving the quality of health care for the Scarborough community.
You must be able to:
- Commit time for board meetings, including meeting preparation
- Complete onboarding training, including REB Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Participate in discussions with other REB members and invited researchers, offering your reviews and opinions clearly and directly while listening respectfully to others
- Provide meaningful contribution to your review of research applications/protocols, REB Policies, REB documents and SOPs
- Consider complex issues thoughtfully and objectively
- Maintain confidentiality of all research materials and discussion
- Be able to read and comprehend English
- Have secure computer access as well as some computer skills, as meeting materials are sent through email and meetings are conducted over Microsoft Teams
- Members must complete the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans – TCPS 2 (2022) online Tutorial
- The following would be considered an asset:
- Previous REB membership experience
- Legal expertise, particularly in research
- Knowledge of research
What is the commitment?
Members must engage in a 1.5 hour monthly meeting, plus the time needed to review materials, which can vary.
There are approximately 10 meetings per year and members are expected to attend at least 6 meetings in a year.
Materials are provided two weeks in advance of the meeting to ensure enough time is provided for thorough review.
In addition, members may be asked to join a Delegated Review Team to assist with reviews that are lower risk and outside of meeting windows.
Why join the REB?
As a REB member, you will be critical to the success of research with human participants so that we can continue to learn, grow and provide our patients with the best medicine through translational research.
REB members will be able to attend Research Rounds, educational retreats and will receive training on various research related topics, offering opportunities for tremendous personal growth.
SHN REB is currently in the process of becoming a Board of Record for Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO), meaning members will have the opportunity to provide ethics review and oversight for some of the largest multi-site studies in the province.