Summary
MBZUAI is seeking a Head of Research Ethics, Governance and Compliance to lead its research ethics and compliance framework in Abu Dhabi. The role oversees ethics committees and review processes, develops guidance for ethical AI and data governance, and manages research risk monitoring, audits, incident escalation, and training. It also advises institutional leadership and works with researchers, regulators, funding bodies, and partner institutions. Applicants need at least 8 years of relevant experience and a master’s degree in a related field; a JD or PhD and CIP or CIPP certification are preferred.
The posting
As published on mbzuai.ac.ae. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
The Head of Research Ethics and Compliance leads the development and enforcement of a robust research ethics and compliance framework that supports innovative, responsible, and legally sound research across all disciplines. This role is pivotal in shaping the institution’s approach to ethical AI, data governance, human subject protection, research integrity, and regulatory compliance. The incumbent will ensure that all research activities ranging from biomedical studies to AI and digital health, and human-machine interaction meet the highest standards of ethics, safety, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance:
- Lead the creation and continuous improvement of the institution’s research ethics and compliance strategy, policies, and procedures.
- Develop and oversee the institution-wide frameworks for ethical AI and responsible data governance, including the use of sensitive, personal, or biometric data.
- Guide senior leadership on complex ethical issues arising from emerging technologies, including AI, neurotechnology, genomics, and digital surveillance.
Oversight of Ethics and Compliance Programs:
- Direct the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Ethics Committees, and other compliance bodies ensuring all research involving human subjects, animals, or high-risk technologies undergoes rigorous ethical review.
- Oversee implementation of policies related to biosafety, export control, conflict of interest, and responsible conduct of research (RCR).
- Establish protocols for data stewardship, secure access, anonymization, and algorithmic transparency in AI-driven and data-intensive research.
Ethical AI and Data Governance:
- Develop principles and institutional guidelines for AI ethics, algorithmic fairness, bias mitigation, explainability, and human-in-the-loop systems.
- Collaborate with researchers and technologists to embed ethical considerations at every stage of the AI and data research lifecycle.
- Support compliance with international and regional data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, DIFC, ADGM, UAE Federal Law) and establish ethical review processes for AI based research proposals.
Risk Assessment, Monitoring & Audit
- Establish and maintain a risk assessment framework for research activities, identifying potential ethical, legal, and operational risks.
- Design and oversee regular monitoring programs to ensure adherence to approved research protocols, data protection standards, and institutional policies.
- Lead or coordinate compliance audits of research projects, centers, and labs, ensuring corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
- Provide risk and compliance reports to the Vice President for Research, Research Council, and relevant governance bodies.
- Serve as the escalation point for compliance breaches or incidents, ensuring appropriate resolution and reporting to regulatory bodies where required.
Training and Institutional Capacity Building:
- Design and deliver training programs on topics such as research ethics, data protection, responsible AI, and compliance requirements.
- Build institutional awareness of ethics in practice through seminars, workshops, and faculty engagement.
- Provide ongoing guidance to researchers navigating complex, cross-jurisdictional regulatory or ethical dilemmas.
Stakeholder Engagement and External Representation:
- Act as a liaison with regulatory authorities, funding bodies, partner institutions, and government agencies.
- Represent the institution in national and international forums focused on research ethics, AI regulation, and data protection.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to align research policy and practice.
Professional Experience Required
Essential
- Minimum 8+ years of experience in research compliance, research ethics, or regulatory affairs, with demonstrated leadership in multidisciplinary environments.
- Deep familiarity with ethics frameworks and global standards (e.g., Belmont Report, Declaration of Helsinki, UNESCO AI Ethics, OECD AI Principles).
- Strong understanding of data governance and ethical issues in AI, including privacy, transparency, algorithmic accountability, and fairness.
- Excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills with proven experience advising researchers and institutional leadership.
- Ability to work effectively across cultures and multidisciplinary teams.
Preferred
- CIP (Certified IRB Professional), CIPP (Certified Information Privacy Professional), or equivalent certification(s).
- Experience working in interdisciplinary research environments involving AI, biomedical, behavioral, or digital health domains.
- Track record of policy development or institutional governance in areas of AI ethics or data management
Academic Qualifications Required
- Master’s degree in Ethics, Law, Public Policy, Biomedical Sciences, Data Science, or a related field.
- A JD or PhD in a related field will be strongly preferred.