Senior Executive, Institutional Review Board, Centre for Applied Research

Who We Are

As Singapore's first institute for lifelong learning, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) champions inclusivity to bring education to all and ensure that they are given equal opportunities to develop to their fullest potential in our diverse learning environment.

We advocate for the same for our people. We believe everyone should have equal opportunities and develop to their fullest potential in their careers.

Embark on an exciting lifelong journey with us in making a positive difference in your career and serving our society.

For more information on Singapore University of Social Sciences, please visit www.suss.edu.sg.

About the Job

Job Description:

• Coordinate the ethics review of research involving human participants by the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Facilitate compliance with IRB policies and procedures, as well as applicable laws and regulations in Singapore, including the Human Biomedical Research Act (HBRA) and the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).
• Support the IRB in engaging researchers on issues relating to research ethics, specifically with respect to human participants and/or the use of personal data in research.
• Assist with the Centre for Applied Research (CFAR)’s administrative and logistical responsibilities.

Job Purpose:

• By working with researchers, reviewers, regulatory authorities and other relevant stakeholders in and outside the university, the IRB Senior Executive supports the SUSS-IRB to ensure the protection of the rights, safety, privacy, and well-being of human participants in research.

What You Will Be Doing

Specific Responsibilities:

• Review applications submitted to the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and provide a preliminary assessment to researchers on research ethics, potential risk of harm, and compliance with IRB policies and guidelines, as well as applicable laws and regulations in Singapore, including the HBRA and PDPA, before forwarding them to reviewers.
• Facilitate communication of questions, comments and recommendations from reviewers to researchers to enable the review process.
• Organise meetings, seminars, audits, and all other IRB functions, and manage the related records, such as minutes of meetings, correspondences with researchers, and key statistics on review activities.
• Represent the IRB as a point-of-contact with internal and external parties, including the Ministry of Health (MOH).
• Support the IRB Chairperson to develop policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the HBRA, PDPA and university policies.
• Address queries from and provide briefings to university staff and students on IRB matters, including research ethics, application timeline, and compliance.

General Responsibilities:

• Understand the role of the IRB in the university and support all functions and activities that promote research ethics.
• Process claims and purchases and participate in all university-wide activities such as Orientation Day, Open House and examination invigilation.
• Undertake ad-hoc duties and special projects as assigned by the IRB chairperson.
• Undertake ad-hoc duties and logistical support as assigned by CFAR.

Job Requirements

• At least a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
• 3+ years of experience.
• Good command of English.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and confidence in public speaking.
• Driven, organised and detail-oriented.
• Keen interest in research ethics.
• Experience in research ethics, risk management or administration in an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) in Singapore will be useful.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

What We Offer

At SUSS, we advocate the Spirit of Learning and pride ourselves as lifelong learners. You will gain access to various learning platforms and plenty of development opportunities to support your growth in a meaningful career!

Besides that, you will also get:

• Competitive Pay Package
• Hybrid Work Arrangement (Subject to Job Role)
• Medical Benefits
• Flex Benefits
• Family Care Leaves
• Volunteer Service Leaves
• Wellness & Recreation Activities
• Lifelong Learning Opportunities
• Career Development Opportunities through Internal Job Postings and Transfers