Job description
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT@ MALAWI UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS AND APPLIED SCIENCES (MUBAS)
POSITION: RESEARCH ETHICS ADMINISTRATOR (MU7)
Location: Blantyre, Malaw
OVERVIEW
The Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position of Research Ethics Administrator, tenable at the University in Blantyre.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Research Ethics Committee (REC) Administrator shall head the REC Secretariat and oversee its day-to-day operations. The Administrator will be responsible for coordinating research proposal submissions and reviews, managing REC meetings and communications, and ensuring that all REC activities comply with institutional, national and international ethical standards.
The position reports directly to the Head of Research and Innovation. The position is offered as a fixed-term contract for a period of three (3) years, with the possibility of renewal.
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assisting researchers with the submission process of documents to the REC in line with established guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Providing guidance to researchers on REC requirements, timelines and compliance obligations.
- Conducting awareness sessions for faculty, students and all stakeholders on the operations of the REC.
- Screening application packages for completeness and eligibility prior to REC review.
- Managing and tracking submitted proposals through the review and approval process.
- Reviewing amendments and responses to queries and, if satisfactory, forwarding them to the REC Chairperson and designated members for final approval.
- Coordinating the protocol review process, including assignment of reviewers and timely follow-ups.
- Organising and managing REC meetings, preparing agendas, and ensuring accurate recording and circulation of minutes.
- Facilitating communication between REC members, researchers and relevant stakeholders.
- Managing the Secretariat’s daily administration, including handling correspondence, filing and database management.
- Overseeing REC revenue streams, including collection of fees, financial record-keeping and reporting.
- Planning, monitoring and evaluating REC activities to ensure efficiency and compliance.
MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- A minimum of a Master’s Degree in Applied Ethics, Bioethics, Engineering Ethics, Business Ethics and Compliance, Public Health, Law, Business Studies, Applied Sciences, Technology, Social Sciences or a related field.
- At least four (4) years’ experience in research ethics, research management or related regulatory/compliance work.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the research regulatory environment in Malawi, including familiarity with NCST procedures, intellectual property rights and relevant national laws, rules and regulations.
- Strong understanding of the University’s structures, culture and research environment across a diverse range of academic disciplines.
- Proven administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
Interested applicants should submit their applications, together with copies of relevant certificates and three (3) traceable referees, by Friday, 27th November 2026.
Applications should be submitted by email to talentsearch@mubas.ac.mw. Applicants should indicate the position applied for in the subject line of the email. The application package should be merged into one document.
Alternatively, applications may be addressed to:
The Registrar
Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS)
P/Bag 303
Chichiri
Blantyre 3