Research Compliance Officer

Overview

Located in North Carolina’s third largest city, UNC Greensboro is among the most diverse, learner-centered public research universities in the state, with 18,000 students in eight colleges and schools pursuing more than 150 areas of undergraduate and over 200 areas of graduate study. UNCG is recognized nationally for academic excellence, access, and affordability, including ranking No. 1 most affordable institution in North Carolina for net cost by the NY Times and No.

1 in North Carolina for social mobility by The Wall Street Journal. It is designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, with a portfolio of more than $67M in research and creative activity. The University’s 2,600 staff help create an annual economic impact for the Piedmont Triad region in excess of $1B.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

The Office of Research Compliance and Integrity (ORCI), located in the Division of Research and Engagement at UNC Greensboro, oversees research integrity and compliance matters in ethical conduct of human and animal research, responsible conduct of research, biosafety, federal and state regulations, export control and international travel or collaboration policies, external professional activities, conflicts of interest and commitment, and security.

This Research Compliance Officer position serves as an IRB analyst and reviewer and provides support to the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The position also provides support for the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) program. The Research Compliance Officer ensures procedures adhere to regulatory requirements while designing processes to assist faculty and staff with the completion of IRB applications and implements procedures that support a culture of research compliance and ethics while ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations and policy.

Minimum Qualifications

• Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required; or Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 3 years of experience working with federal regulations and compliance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience assessing compliance risks in a university.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively at all levels in a university setting and as a team member.
• Ability to approach problems and decisions analytically.
• Experience analyzing, writing, implementing, and explaining policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the Cayuse system and other electronic research administration systems.
• Strong background in research with knowledge of research methodology and design.

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

• Provide status of studies to faculty Principal Investigators. Work with the study team to ensure compliance requirements are met and the study is appropriately categorized as open or closed.
• Serve as an analyst or reviewer for exempt, expedited and full board IRB protocols to ensure accuracy, ethical congruity, compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations and procedures.
• Investigate questions and advise and assist faculty, staff, and students in the submission of IRB studies and provide regulatory interpretation of local and federal policies that pertain to IRB submissions.
• Maintain accurate records of IRB activities, including correspondence and regulatory documentation.
• Review Institutional Authorization (Reliance) Agreements and Individual Investigator Agreements and recommend their approval or denial.
• Promote compliance and adherence to federal regulations through educational outreach, including presentations, classroom lectures, or meetings.
• Assist with training for new IRB staff and new IRB board members.
• Facilitate IRB meetings and serve as a voting member, documenting detailed and accurate meeting minutes and board determinations.
• Support the post-approval monitoring process to ensure university human subjects research is compliant.
• Contribute to the development of office policies and procedures.

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR)

• Assist with the development of RCR training and workshops, including education and…