Compliance Officer - Office Of Research Integrity

Compliance Officer - Research Integrity

(Audit & Compliance Officer 1 - MR 10)

Office of Research Integrity

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The Compliance Officer works in conjunction with the Director of the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) to ensure safe, ethical, and responsible conduct of research across the University which directly impacts the University's reputation and its stand with federal and state agencies. This position manages the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Responsible & Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR), and Safe and Inclusive (SAI) compliance programs within ORI. They develop, implement, and maintain IACUC, IBC, RECR, and SAI compliance policies and procedures, and monitor research controls. They advise faculty, staff and students involved in research and teaching activities with regards to research compliance policies and regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

IACUC and IBC Coordinator

• Advises and educates researchers regarding IACUC and IBC policies, procedures, and application development

• Conducts intake reviews of all new IACUC and IBC research protocols; routes protocols to committee for review; documents & communicates committee approval decisions, annual reviews; modifications & closure

• Develops and maintains the IACUC and IBC protocol tracking database

• Coordinates post-approval monitoring of approved research

• Manages IACUC and IBC meeting schedule and agendas; records meeting minutes; submits semi-annual & annual reports; manages lab inspection schedule and follow-ups

• Develops policy, procedures, and revisions in collaboration with ORI Director and committee chairs regarding animal and biohazardous materials research

• Responsible for maintaining IACUC and IBC forms, protocol archives and compliance documentation

• Assists with mitigation of any research integrity/compliance concerns or issues involving IACUC and IBC

• Prepares reports as necessary for the ORI Director and the Vice Chancellor for Research

• Maintains UTC IACUC and IBC website and coordinates with Division webmaster to update as needed

IACUC Animal Facilities Manager

• Manages Facilities Work Requests/Work Orders for IACUC and Animal Facilities

• IACUC contact for UTC Office of Environmental Health and Safety

• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and chemical hygiene guidelines, keeps current safety data sheets for all substances in the Animal Facilities; ensures compliance with hazardous and biohazardous waste management in the Animal Facilities

• Manages and maintains an up-to-date chemical inventory for all substances in the Animal Facilities

• Oversees annual Animal Facilities Space Inventory

• Oversees access for all faculty, staff, and students of the Animal Facilities

• Purchases supplies for Animal Facilities as needed

Responsible & Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR); Safe & Inclusive (SAI) Working Environment Coordinator

• Advises and educates researchers regarding RECR and National Science Foundation (NSF) SAI policies and procedures

• Verifies compliance of RECR and SAI requirements by researchers with NSF, USDA NIFA, and NIH awards

• Develops and maintains RECR and SAI tracking database

• Develops RECR and SAI policy, procedures, and revisions in collaboration with ORI Director

Additional Duties

• Stays up to date with federal, state, and UT policies pertaining to IACUC, IBC, RECR and SAI to ensure UTC's policies and procedures are accurate (via trainings, conferences, listservs, etc.)

• Participates in professional organizations and attends national conferences and seminars

• Assists with policy and regulation, education, and training for UTC faculty, staff, and students

• Assists IRB Coordinator (if needed) with problem solving and analytical analysis of human subjects, research, protocols, and post-approval monitoring

• Assists with other research compliance activities as assigned

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Knowledge of research administration and compliance principles, procedures, and terminology applicable in academia; in-depth knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to research with animal subjects, biological hazards and responsible & ethical conduct of research; strong knowledge of research methodology; knowledge of best practices for chemical hygiene and chemical/biohazard storage and disposal

• Ability to apply a collaborative problem-solving approach to minimize burden on researchers without violating policies and regulations; ability to review and process complex information and adapt to an evolving regulatory environment; must possess ability to work well with others, be able to multi-task, and serve the mission of ORI, rendering service in a collegial manner; ability to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision; determination, persistence, initiative, and trustworthiness.

• Computer skills, including word processing, database development and management, etc.; strong organizational skills and attention to detail; strong critical thinking and communication skills; skill in collaborating, building and maintaining relationships with faculty, staff and students across multiple disciplines; skilled in reviewing, interpreting, and providing guidance to others regarding ethical frameworks and federal regulations applicable to research; strong skills in making independent judgements of regulations, policies, and procedures; skilled in collaborating with diverse faculty and staff in STEM disciplines

Review of applications will begin June 26, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Minimum Qualifications: Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and one year of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Preferred Qualifications: A master's degree in a relevant field; 2 or more years of experience in research, research administration, compliance related experience, knowledge and experience in IACUC, IBC and/or RECR is preferred.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.