Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO) is an independent, non-profit organization established in 2012 to fuel Ontario’s life sciences sector by strengthening clinical trials and connecting partners to advance care and accelerate economic growth. A strategic focus for CTO is streamlining the process for the research ethics review of multi-site clinical trials and health research, while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

We are recruiting for a new position: Director, REB Qualification and Policy Development. As the REB landscape evolves within Ontario and across Canada, the Director will lead the development and execution of programs and policies to support high-quality review processes and REBs in their important role as the single REB of record reviewing multi-site ethics review applications. With extensive REB experience and knowledge of applicable regulations and policy, the Director will shape policy, processes and programs to ensure the streamlined research ethics review system is compliant with external requirements, and respects the resources, needs and operational realities of REBs, researchers, participants and sponsors. The Director will also strategically develop programs, policies and tools to support the research community in submitting high-quality applications for ethics review.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain expertise, information and updates pertaining to research ethics legislation, requirements and policies, and proactively identify areas for improvement and modernization across Canada to support pan-Canadian REBs operating in Stream, an online platform for streamlined research ethics review, including stakeholder engagement.
• Stay informed of and engage with development of policies and applicable regulations and guidelines relevant to research ethics review in Canada and globally, and particularly relevant to Stream.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships and consensus across institutions and REBs to identify opportunities to strengthen and improve research ethics review and oversight related to streamlined systems.
• Plan and participate in REB Council and other relevant committee meetings; Develop and evolve policies and guidance materials and facilitate implementation through collaboration with the REB Council, CTO Team and others as appropriate.
• Lead the CTO REB Qualification program. Ensure the REB Qualification program remains consistent with applicable regulations and policies. Continually review current practices, and recommend program improvements.
• Develop and finalize policies, guidance documents, standard operating procedures and templates relating to REB review activities in Stream; ensure all processes and documents are consistent with external standards and respect individual REB review considerations.
• Mobilize activities related to CTO REB Qualification Program and research ethics policy, including organizing events, scheduling meetings, drafting agendas, and maintaining accurate and well-organized records.
• Create educational resources, training content, and additional materials that support program initiatives.
• Additional duties may be assigned.
• Some travel required.

Essential Background and Skills:

• Undergraduate/Graduate degree, preferably in a health-related, research, ethics or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience working within a research ethics review environment (e.g. with a Research Ethics Board that reviews clinical trials). Alternative experience may be considered, such as experience in a clinical research environment with responsibilities in research submissions/ethics, policy and procedures.
• Experience developing policies and procedures to support quality and compliance.
• Expert understanding regarding research ethics review processes and policies, including regulations and guidelines governing clinical research and research ethics.
• Experience with the administration and conduct of clinical trials in the academic/hospital environment is an asset.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to handle competing priorities in high stress situations and under tight deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, professional tact, judgement and a demonstrated ability to collaborate with and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders.
• Strong communications skills, employing high quality standards for drafting, editing and proofreading documents; ability to present complex topics in a concise and accurate manner.
• Fluency in English required; fluency in French (oral and written) is preferred.

Clinical Trials Ontario offers a positive, collaborative team environment with flexibility and competitive benefits and pension. This position involves opportunities to collaborate broadly across Ontario and beyond, with opportunities for learning and growth.

Please submit applications with cover letter and salary expectations by March 13, 2026 at 12:00 noon in confidence by email to: hr@ctontario.ca

For further information please contact:

Matthew DAscanio
Clinical Trials Ontario

661 University Avenue, Suite 460
MaRS Centre, West Tower
Toronto, Ontario | M5G 1M1
Email: matthew.dascanio@ctontario.ca
www.ctontario.ca