Bioethicist

Posted January 10th 2024

Organisation
Alaka`ina Foundation

Location
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOC) has a need for a Bioethicist to support our government client in Silver Spring, Maryland. This position is mostly remote.

DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Investigate and analyze ethical issues relevant to the design and conduct of WRAIR research, international and domestic. Ethical issues may involve appropriate interpretation or implementation of DOD policies, U.S. and foreign regulations regarding the protection human subjects, international research ethics guidelines, and laws and policies or other countries. This work involves conceptual clarification and interpretation of complex ethical standards, review of peer reviewed literature in relevant areas of science and bioethics, analysis, compilation, and preparation of written briefs or reports;
Participate in WRIAR research ethics consultation service for handling questions from and providing assistance to researchers and staff with regard to research ethics, responsible conduct of research, scientific integrity, and related questions. Participate in intake process, analyzing issues, drafting reports, and regular tracking of research ethics consultations. Compile resources and guidance and conduct outreach with investigators for the consultation service, as requested by WRAIR personnel;
Review protocols upon request from WRAIR staff and provide comments and guidance with regard to ethical issues arising in these protocols;
Provide expert input in planning and organizing stakeholder meetings on bioethics topics to support the work of WRAIR investigators and collaborators. Contractor shall provide expert level Bioethics support;
Contractor shall investigate, analyze, and provide opinions and recommendations on a range of bioethics issues related to international research ethics upon request by WRAIR staff;
Contribute to development of institutional policies to support best practices in scientific research. and assist with investigating potential problems in scientific conduct and providing expert guidance on handling and adjudicating potential problems within the arena of responsible conduct and best scientific practices;
Help design and conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses in the context of research studies of research ethics issues (for example, studies of attitudes and experiences of research participants, qualitative assessment of stakeholder opinions on research problems or issues, and researchers and other stakeholders regarding research integrity challenges). Knowledge and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods including conducting interviews and focus groups, analyzing qualitative research findings, designing and conducting surveys, and performing statistical analysis will be valuable for this work;
Work with WRAIR staff to develop guidance and training materials on ethical requirements in research. Provide guidance and training in policies, procedures, and ethical principles governing human subjects’ protection as requested. The audience may be WRAIR research investigators and staff at CONUS and OCONUS sites as well as collaborating organizations;
Work with WRAIR staff to identify, coordinate, and resolve issues concerning ethical principles and the application of United States and international regulations and ethical guidelines in international settings at working groups and meetings;
Work independently in generating appropriate strategies, outlines and work plans, carrying out research in a self-directed manner, preparing written summaries and reports, giving oral presentations and seminars, and producing publication quality documents;
Review peer reviewed literature in relevant areas of science and bioethics, analysis, compilation, and interpretation of information, and preparation of written background papers;
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.

REQUIRED DEGREE/EDUCATION CERTIFICATION:

Formal training in bioethics from an academic institution at Master’s level (minimum) or doctoral level (preferred);
Advanced degree in a social science field also useful.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Knowledgeable and experienced in working on bioethics issues;
Ideally, has experience with research ethics consultation processes in the context of health research;
May include background in philosophy, bioethics, law, health care, or other relevant field;
Excellent writing skills;
Analytic thinker, able to apply ethics and policy analysis to new and unfamiliar areas;
Well organized;
Team player and communicator;
Experience with or interest in preparing training materials, seminars, workshops on bioethics and research integrity topics.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Research skills and experience including qualitative research techniques, quantitative research methods (surveys, basic statistical analysis);
Other research methods may be useful, not required: community consultation techniques, Delphi methods, research on communication strategies;
Background and experience with other social science theories and methods would be useful, for example, sociology, psychology, anthropology, or other fields;
Experience with preparing grant submissions desirable.

REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND CLEARANCE:

Must be a U.S. Citizen;
A NACI clearance is required.

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is a fast-growing government service provider. Employees enjoy competitive salaries; a 401K plan with company match; medical, dental, disability, and life insurance coverage; tuition reimbursement; paid time off; and 11 paid holidays.

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are proud to state that we do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. If you are a person with a disability and you need an accommodation during the application process, please click here to request accommodation. We E-Verify all employees.

The Alaka`ina Foundation Family of Companies (FOCs) is comprised of industry-recognized government service firms designated as Native Hawaiian Organization (NHO)-owned and 8(a) certified businesses. The Family of Companies (FOCs) includes Ke`aki Technologies, Laulima Government Solutions, Kūpono Government Services, and Kapili Services, Po`okela Solutions, Kīkaha Solutions, LLC, and Pololei Solutions, LLC. Alaka`ina Foundation activities under the 501(c)3 principally benefit the youth of Hawaii through charitable efforts which includes providing innovative educational programs that combine leadership, science & technology, and environmental stewardship.

For additional information, please visit www.alakainafoundation.com

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