Research award 2021: Ethics in Development Research
Deadline: September 16, 2020
Please note that all applications must be submitted online.
IDRC is one of the world’s leaders in generating new knowledge to meet global challenges. We offer several research awards that provide unique opportunities to enhance research skills and gain fresh perspectives on crucial development issues. These one‐year, paid, in‐house programs of training and mentorship allow research award recipients to pursue their research goals and work in one of IDRC’s dynamic program teams.
IDRC’s Advisory Committee on Research Ethics (ACRE) seeks a research award recipient who can support research ethics programming activities and make a scholarly contribution to research ethics in international development. ACRE provides guidance to staff in the assessment and oversight of the research undertaken and/or supported by IDRC. ACRE strives to strengthen the capacity of IDRC employees to identify and address research ethics.
The successful candidate will allocate 50% of his/her time for a research project relating to research ethics, under the guidance of a senior program officer. The awardee will be expected to prepare a research plan, provide progress updates, and present his/her findings at the end of the year.
Possible types and topics of research projects may include, but are not limited to:
- ethical issues that may arise in research on violence, including gender-based violence;
- research ethics in fragile contexts and in research involving vulnerable populations, such as refugees/displaced populations, and populations vulnerable to climate change, especially women, adolescent girls, and children;
- ethical dilemmas in the implementation of public health interventions in the context of complex emergencies;
- gendered dimensions of research ethics in research for development;
- ethical considerations of animal health research;
- ethical issues arising when incorporating disruptive technologies in research methodologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, big data, gene editing/CRISPR, etc. (in the research for development domain); and
- ethical dilemmas in the implementation of open data policies by governments and research organizations working in the Global South.
For the remaining 50% of their time at IDRC, the successful candidate will support ACRE’s coordinator and chair in implementing the committee’s mandate and annual work plan.
Activities may include:
- coordinating seminars and training events on research ethics for IDRC employees;
- maintaining and expanding IDRC’s database of resources on research ethics, including the development of case studies;
- developing and updating internal policies and standard operating procedures;
- providing support to the review process of research proposals;
- promoting ACRE’s services internally and externally (e.g., web announcements, Twitter);
- contributing to strengthening ACRE’s relationship with external stakeholders, such as the Tri-Council Secretariat on Responsible Conduct of Research and the Global Health Ethics Unit of the World Health Organization.
Who can apply?
You must meet the requirements stated in the IDRC Research Awards 2021 call page to be eligible.
Candidates should also have the following qualifications:
- work experience and/or graduate training in social sciences, global health, bioethics, and/or similar fields;
- demonstrated interest in research ethics in international development, and/or previous experience in international research ethics;
- knowledge of research for development;
- strong research and analytical skills;
- strong verbal and written communication skills; and
- field experience in developing countries (an asset).
Applicants should be enrolled in (or have recently completed) a master’s or doctoral program in a discipline related to any of the topics specified above. Academic engagement on research ethics would be considered an asset.
Applicants should clearly outline their qualifications for this position; explain how this opportunity will advance their career goals; highlight the importance of their proposed scholarly contribution; and recognize the dual nature of the position (i.e. applied research activity and programmatic support for ACRE).
Language requirements
- English essential position