Director, Research Compliance at University of Houston Clearlake in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

The Director, Research Compliance is responsible for ensuring both ethical and legal requirements are known and observed in the conduct of all research and sponsored program activity. In addition, this position serves as the liaison between the Director of University Compliance, the Associate Provost of Research and Sponsored Programs, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) staff, faculty, and other campus stakeholders to keep the UHCL community informed of changes to research ethics, regulations, laws, and policies.

Duties:

• Provides training and technical assistance for the members of campus compliance committees (e.g., Institutional Review Board/IRS, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee/lACUC). Develops and delivers training programs on research integrity, compliance requirements, and ethical conduct for researchers, staff, and students. Tracks training completion for all constituents. Updates and maintains the research compliance websites. Communicates and collaborates with other ORSP staff.
• Facilitates the IRB and IACUC review processes, ensuring that all human subjects and animal research protocols comply with federal regulations (e.g., 45 CFR 46, Animal Welfare Act) and university policies. Initiates and coordinates writing and revision of forms, procedure manuals, campus policy, guidelines, and training processes. Collaborates with researchers to maintain ethical standards in human subjects and animal research. Identifies, manages, and reports on adverse events.
• Ensures compliance with federal Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) and Research Security requirements, including those set by the NIH, NSF, and others. Develops and updates institutional policies and procedures related to RECR/Research Security compliance. Develops and manages the process of collecting, reviewing and assessing RECR/Research Security plans and training for researchers. Tracks and monitors participation in RECR/Research Security training.
• Ensures compliance with federal and university regulations related to Financial Conflict of Interest (FCOI). Updates and maintains institutional policies and procedures related to FCOI compliance. Reviews and assesses FCOI disclosures submitted by faculty, staff and researchers to identify potential conflicts. Ensures timely and accurate reporting of FCOI to federal agencies and maintains comprehensive records.
• Reviews and provides guidance related to Export Controls for various contracts and research activities, including identifying compliance risks, information security requirements, and travel. Assists in monitoring and initiating audits of Technology Control Plans. Reviews foreign collaborations and activities including hosting of foreign nationals; international shipping of tangible items or research deliverables to an international location.
• Maintains a campus-wide policy for data management. Provides review of compliance concerns related to data management, particularly regarding compliance with federal grant requirements and sponsored project agreements, and data use agreements relating to data received from third parties. Sequesters/takes custody of data as necessary for investigations of noncompliance and/or research misconduct.
• Stays abreast of federal regulations (e.g., Code of Federal Regulations Title 45, 21, and 42), guidelines, and policies related to research integrity and compliance. Interprets and applies regulations from funding agencies (e.g., NIH, NSF, DOE) related to research compliance, including financial disclosures, conflict of interest policies, and relevant procedures and policies related to proposal and award administration. Monitors changes in federal regulations and ensures timely updates.
• Conducts regular audits and reviews of research protocols, disclosures and training completions. Identifies and addresses compliance issues and recommends corrective actions. Prepares and submits required compliance reports to regulatory agencies.
• Works closely with the Associate Provost of Research and Sponsored Programs to devise a strategy to expand the university's research profile. Maintains adequate personnel to ensure research compliance in the above areas as well as future federal regulations and performs related duties as assigned.

Required:

Master's degree in Business, Education, or Science, or a related field.

Minimum five years of directly related professional experience working with research compliance and/or regulatory policies (i.e. Research Administrator, IRB/IACUC/Export Controls analyst, etc.).

Four years of supervisory/leadership experience.

Knowledge of state and federal research compliance regulations.

Knowledge of regulatory audits and facility inspections.

Knowledge of human and animal research protocols as well as conflict of interest certifications.

Working knowledge and ability to effectively use Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and technology systems.

Must have strong organization and management skills including planning, assessment, and conflict resolution.

Ability to plan and implement initiatives within the unit and campus wide.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to build and sustain relationships with campus community members and to effectively communicate to stakeholders using various methods.

Ability to manage time and multiple priorities within the unit.

Desired:

Doctoral degree in Business, Education, or Science, or a related field.
Full-time position with benefits. Background check required. To apply, please complete the online application and attach a resume and a cover letter. Applications without the required documents will be disqualified.

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