Associate Director, Research Integrity & Compliance (HR title: Research Compliance Specialist III)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Job Info

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Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Department:

The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) advances the goals of SMU's 2nd Century Strategic Plan enhancing the academic quality and stature of the University by supporting and safeguarding the growth of research. The ORI aims to provide leadership, quality communication, responsiveness, and transparency to the research community.

The ORI provides leadership in the development of new research initiatives, guidance and assistance through intellectual property development, grant management, and adherence to regulations and policies, and facilitates graduate recruitment, retention and graduation.

Research Integrity & Compliance (RIC) is the central research integrity office to help faculty, staff, and students navigate complex federal and state research compliance regulations so innovative and collaborative research may flourish. RIC supports and protects the interest of the University, and its employees, in research compliance matters through guidance, education, and technical assistance.

RIC is responsible for the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)/Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Program, the Research Financial Conflict of Interest, Export Control, and NAGPRA. In addition, RIC provides support in cases of alleged research misconduct, assists in reviewing data sharing agreements, and executes reliance agreements.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Associate Director of Research Compliance has the primary responsibility to advise and consult with faculty, staff, and student researchers to ensure that research is of high quality and meets University and Regulatory Agency standards. This position is an on-campus, in-person position with key responsibilities to identify, support, develop, and enforce compliance strategies across the university. The Associate Director will collaborate closely with research departments and colleges, provide guidance and education on regulatory requirements and ethical research practices.

The RIC Associate Director reports directly to the RIC Director and includes responsibilities in the following general areas:

Essential Functions:

• Education & Outreach: Engage with the university community to promote awareness and understanding of research compliance requirements. Develop and provide training sessions on compliance and ethical research standards. Create comprehensive training programs for new and existing staff, and for other university departments on compliance policies and procedures. Additional information attached
  
  
• Regulatory Oversight & Guidance: Ensure that all research activities comply with applicable regulations. Monitor changes in legislation and propose university research policies accordingly. Regularly review and propose updates to the university's compliance policies in response to changing laws and regulations.
  
  
• Compliance Reviews & Audits: Conduct reviews and make determinations on human subject, animal welfare, and biosafety research projects and related activities to ensure compliance. Address any issues of non-compliance and develop corrective actions.
  
  
• Policy Development & Implementation: Work with RIC Director to develop and refine policies that support ethical research practices and compliance with regulatory requirements. Develop clear and concise compliance guidelines and procedures for all areas of research within the university.
  
  
• Project Improvement Initiatives: Coordinate with RIC team to develop and maintain an electronic research compliance management system. Engage in continuous improvement projects that enhance and improve end-user compliance.
  
  
• Attends and participates in professional development opportunities; assists and participates in local and on-campus seminars and workshops developed for faculty, staff, and researchers; attends and participates in national and regional workshops and conferences sponsored by funding agencies and/or professional organizations, serving as a resource to other campus departments, faculty, and staff.
  
  
• Provide excellent customer service with all individuals both internal and external to SMU on research compliance and maintenance. Maintain the database utilized for research integrity and compliance, also know as Sitero/Mentor. Contributes to special projects as needed.
  

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required. Master's desired, preferably in a science related field.

A minimum of five years of work experience in a research compliance department, directly involved in conducting protocol reviews, and managing/serving on compliance committees that review research.

Significant experience interacting and working directly with faculty and student investigators is also required. In-depth knowledge of human subjects research-related regulations highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong leadership and interpersonal skills: Capable of effectively leading and motivating diverse teams, fostering an inclusive work environment. Proven ability to interact with faculty, staff and students, facilitating collaborative relationships and consensus among university departments and colleges.

Strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities: Demonstrated capacity to proactively identify compliance issues and develop strategic solutions in a timely manner.

In-depth knowledge of federal and state research compliance regulations: Extensive expertise in understanding and interpreting complex compliance regulations such as IRB, IACUC, IBC, and other federal and state regulations pertaining to research. Experience in adapting policies and procedures to align with changing regulations.

Effective communication skills: Ability to articulate complex compliance-related concepts and policies clearly to a variety of audiences. Experience in writing policy documents, compliance reports, and training materials that are applicable to both expert and lay audiences.

Strategic planning and project management skills: Experienced in overseeing compliance initiatives and projects, with a track record of successful program development and implementation. Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, keeping projects on time and within budget.

Technical proficiency: Knowledgeable in the use of database systems and software relevant to research compliance, such as familiarity using an electronic submission system.

Adaptability: Quick to adapt to and create effective communication to the research community on new regulations and processes. Committed to continuous professional development and staying current with the latest developments in research compliance.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Stand

Deadline to Apply:

The position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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