Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement dependent with unit operational needs.

The Office for the Protection of Research Subjects at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign acts as the administrative office for the UIUC Institutional Review Board.  Although the majority of research submissions relate to social and behavioral sciences, the biomedical sciences constitute an increasing number of research submissions including a growing medical school and the university's focus on engineering and nutritional innovations.  Human Subjects Research Specialists review all submission types, communicate with the research community, and support the IRB members. https://oprs.research.illinois.edu/ 

Job Summary

Responsible for review, management, coordination and oversight of appropriate use and protection of human subjects in research and ensuring regulatory compliance and quality control. Specialists read written protocols, apply and interpret regulations and policies and communicate any issues with study team in preparation for review by board member. In some cases, Specialists serve as the designated final review of protocols.

Duties & Responsibilities

Management of IRB Protocols:

• Performs regulatory review and analysis of research applications submitted to OPRS/IRB for consistency, completeness, and compliance with federal and state regulations and OPRS/IRB policies and procedures.
• Solves routine issues within the framework of federal regulations, laws and guidance to human subjects protection and OPRS/IRB policies and procedures.
• Determines the appropriate level of review for IRB research submissions and will be designated to conduct exempt and expedited reviews.
• Interprets and provides comprehensive guidance to principal investigators, research, and support staff on complex human subjects/research regulations. Ensures the conduct of high-quality human subject research.
• Maintains a current understanding of Federal, State, and University laws, regulations and guidelines governing human subject research; attends educational and professional seminars as required to stay current in areas related to human subject research compliance.

Communication and Outreach

• Provides guidance and consultation to investigators regarding the interpretation of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), HIPAA and FERPA laws, and NIH and NSF policies, pertaining to human subjects research.
• Advises the research community about human subjects protection issues, submission of application materials, review requirements, and institutional policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, social science, humanities, or related field.
• At least two years of experience working in research compliance or related area.
• Willingness to obtain Certified IRB Professional (CIP) designation within 3 years of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of direct IRB experience.
• Certified IRB Professional designation (CIP).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to analyze and manage documents as well as the ability to write clearly and persuasively are both central to the position.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare recommendations and reports.
• General knowledge of the principles and methods of the research process.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and interact professionally with clients who may be frustrated, facing an urgent deadline, or otherwise unclear about what is expected of them.
• Outstanding organizational skills, i.e., the ability to multitask and to prioritize and carry out tasks in a fast-paced, rapidly- changing, and deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• High level of proficiency with commonly used office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) and ability to become highly proficient with University databases and electronic systems including the ability to troubleshoot with research staff when issues arise.
• Strong reading comprehension and attention to detail.

About University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Since its founding in 1867, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has earned a reputation as a world-class leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. The university is located in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana situated in Champaign County in east-central Illinois, and is situated about 140 miles south of Chicago, 125 miles west of Indianapolis, and 180 northeast of St. Louis. The University and its surrounding communities offer a cultural and recreational environment ideally suited to the work of a major research institution.

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