Research Compliance Officer

Application Instructions

To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, resume, and a listing of at least three professional references with their complete contact information. For questions or additional information, please contact Mallory Ball .

Based on qualifications/experience, internal equity, and departmental budget restrictions.

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes ‘Best Employers’ lists each year, including:

• 2025 – Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.
• 2024 – Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes ‘America’s Best Midsize Employers’ list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
• 2022 – Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers by State’ list.

Western Carolina University is the UNC system’s westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following the date of hire.

Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.

Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.

Leave earning employees (staff and 12‑month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences – many of which are offered free of charge.

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus. Western Carolina University is seeking a dedicated and detail‑oriented Research Compliance Officer to join the Office of Research Administration (ORA). The Compliance Officer provides support and monitoring for a wide range of research compliance functions within the ORA. Functions include financial and non‑financial oversight and auditing. This position will play a crucial role in ensuring that the university’s research activities comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and ethical standards.

The Research Compliance Officer will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to promote a culture of research best practices. The Research Compliance Officer reports to the Director of Research Compliance and Integrity within the ORA.

• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of compliance programs and policies related to research activities, including but not limited to human subjects research, animal welfare, conflict of interest, and export controls.
• Review and process research compliance submissions, including Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) applications.
• Provide coordination, monitoring, and support for active grant awards with compliance needs, including but not limited to cost approval…