Director of Research Compliance

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Department

Office for Research & Economic Development

Job Summary

The Director of Research Compliance provides strategic leadership, regulatory expertise, and administrative oversight for the University's human, animal, and institutional biosafety research compliance programs. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance, this position directs the daily administration and continuous improvement of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) to ensure research involving human participants, laboratory animals, and biological materials is conducted in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations, accreditation standards, sponsor requirements, NIH Guidelines, and University policies.

The Director serves as the primary resource for the research enterprise on complex regulatory and ethical issues affecting research compliance. The position develops and implements policies, procedures, and educational initiatives that promote responsible conduct of research while supporting an efficient, service-oriented research environment. The Director oversees post-approval monitoring, investigations, accreditation activities, and regulatory reporting, supervises research compliance personnel, and collaborates with institutional leadership to strengthen the University's research compliance infrastructure through continuous assessment and process improvement.

Job Description

Essential Functions ​

• Directs the administration of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), ensuring compliance with applicable federal regulations, accreditation standards, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies.
• Oversees regulatory review processes for research involving human participants, laboratory animals, recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecules, and other regulated research activities.
• Oversees post-approval monitoring, quality assurance activities, and program assessments to evaluate compliance and identify opportunities for program improvement.
• Directs investigations of allegations of noncompliance, protocol deviations, adverse events, animal welfare concerns, biosafety incidents, and other reportable events, including corrective actions and required institutional or regulatory reporting.
• Establishes program priorities, performance expectations, and operational objectives for assigned research compliance programs. • Interprets federal regulations, agency guidance, and institutional policy, providing regulatory guidance to investigators, committee members, institutional officials, and University leadership.
• Develops, implements, and periodically evaluates policies, procedures, guidance documents, and standard operating procedures governing research compliance activities.
• Collaborates with institutional stakeholders including the Biological Safety Officer, Attending Veterinarian, Sponsored Programs Administration office, Environmental Health and Safety office, and legal counsel to identify compliance risks, develop institutional policy, and implement strategic initiatives.
• Leads institutional activities related to accreditation, inspections, audits, self-assessments, and external program reviews.
• Develops and delivers education and training programs that promote ethical conduct of research and regulatory compliance.
• Supervises research compliance personnel, including hiring, performance management, professional development, workload distribution, and resource allocation.
• Represents the University in interactions with regulatory agencies, accrediting organizations, sponsors, and professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

​ Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant discipline.
• Experience administering Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and/or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) programs at a research-intensive institution.
• Professional certification such as Certified IRB Professional (CIP), Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA), Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), or a comparable credential.
• Direct experience in the conduct of research at an academic institution.
• Experience supervising professional staff and managing multiple research compliance programs.

Cover letter and resume required.
Cover letter should be no more than two pages and reflect your own professional experience, judgment, and communication style. Your letter should address the following:

• Your approach to leading compliance programs that must both protect the institution and support the research community.
• One aspect of this position that would represent a meaningful professional challenge or area of growth for you.

Job Responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in a relevant discipline.

Experience administering Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and/or Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) programs at a research-intensive institution.

Professional certification such as Certified IRB Professional (CIP), Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA), Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP), or a comparable credential.

Direct experience in the conduct of research at an academic institution.

Experience supervising professional staff and managing multiple research compliance programs.

Education Qualifications

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience

Relevant experience | 10 Years Experience, 5 Years Supervisory | Required

Compensation

$133,827.20 - $200,720.00

Interview Requirement

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.