Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Research Compliance Specialist

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Michigan is seeking a Research Compliance Specialist to support the Institutional Biosafety Committee and Institutional Review Entity. The role focuses on ensuring safe, compliant life sciences research and coordinating with related offices.

The position demands strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a basic life sciences field is required or equivalent experience.
• Advanced degree in a related life science field is preferred.
• 3-5 years of related experience including wet lab experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytic, data management and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in screening life sciences research proposals for applicable federal requirements.
• Document screening results and coordinate referrals with IRE and investigators.
• Maintain IRE records and educational materials on review activities.
• Coordinate with IBC, IACUC, IRB, and other units as needed.
• Assist with IBC applications, reviews, and inventory submissions.
• Develop resources for IBC discussions and support meetings.
• Draft and review IBC minutes and ensure accurate records.
• Contribute to procedures and guidance for IBC staff and stakeholders.
• Collect and produce reliable data regarding IBC and IRE work.
• Support QA initiatives to strengthen collaboration between researchers and compliance staff.
• Contribute to special projects related to IBC and IRE work.

Skills

Research compliance

Regulatory terminology

Project management

Communication

Data management

Team collaboration

Prioritization

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Microsoft Excel

Proficiency with Google Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology; Molecular Biology; Biochemistry; or related life sciences (intermediate)

Advanced degree in Microbiology; Molecular Biology; Biochemistry; or related life sciences (senior)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

This position may be filled at the level of 103322-Research Compliance Specialist Senior or 103735-Research Compliance Specialist Intermediate, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected applicant.

The University of Michigan (U-M) Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) oversees a variety of interdisciplinary units that collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to catalyze, support, and safeguard research and scholarship activity across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses. A unit of OVPR, the Research Compliance Office is comprised of three distinct but overlapping areas: Institutional Biosafety Committee administration, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee administration, and Controlled Substances in Research Monitoring. The staff of the Research Compliance Office also work on emerging research compliance topics related to new policies and areas of research.

The OVPR Research Compliance Office currently seeks a talented and motivated individual for a position on the staff team supporting the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and the Institutional Review Entity (IRE). The IBC is a compliance committee that ensures research is conducted safely and in compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research with Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules and other federal regulations. The Institutional Review Entity (IRE) is the designated review body for potential dangerous gain‑of‑function (DGoF) research. The person in this role will support the work of these committees and assist with institutional review of life sciences research that may be subject to emerging federal oversight requirements. They must be able to work effectively as a team member, as well as independently, and be able to manage competing priorities and duties in a fast‑paced, detail‑oriented, deadline‑driven environment. This position reports to the Associate Director of Research Safety Compliance.

Responsibilities

• Assist in screening life sciences research proposals and ongoing projects for potential applicability of federal requirements concerning dual use research, pathogens with enhanced pandemic potential, and high‑risk life sciences research, including DGoF research.
• Document initial screening results and coordinate referrals and follow‑up with the Institutional Review Entity (IRE), principal investigators, and other appropriate institutional offices.
• Maintain IRE records, compliance guidance, and educational materials related to these review activities and monitor relevant federal policy developments.
• Assist in coordinating with other research compliance committees, units, and staff (e.g., IACUC, IRB, EHS, Export Controls, and departmental research administrators).
• Assist with the IBC application and review process for basic research applications, specified clinical trials, and review of IBC inventory and permit‑related submissions.
• Assist in developing IBC resources for discussion topics and participate in a staff support role at meetings of the IBC and related subcommittees and working groups.
• Assist in drafting and reviewing IBC minutes to ensure the record of committee business is complete and accurate.
• Assist with development of procedures and guidance for IBC business, including standard operating procedures and guidance materials for IBC staff, committee members, and the U‑M research community.
• Assist in collecting, maintaining and producing reliable data regarding IBC and IRE work.
• Assist in the facilitation of Quality Assurance Program intended to strengthen a collaborative partnership between researchers and compliance team members.
• Work on projects and initiatives related to IBC and Institutional Review Entity (IRE) work and other areas of research compliance as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field in the basic life sciences (intermediate level).
• Advanced degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field in the basic life sciences (senior level).
• 3-5 years related experience including 2 years of experience designing or performing experiments in a biological sciences wet lab or a related field.
• Fluent understanding of technical life sciences research terminology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytic and information management skills.
• Outstanding attention to detail.
• Experience working as a productive and collaborative member of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate projects, prioritize multiple projects, and carry projects through to completion by deadline.
• Advanced skills with Microsoft and Google office suites, including data management skills in Excel.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience conducting scientific research at an academic institution.
• Experience with regulatory compliance pertaining to life sciences research.
• Knowledge about IBC guidelines and policies.
• Knowledge of federal policies governing DGoF research, dual use research of concern, pathogens with enhanced pandemic potential, or other high‑risk life sciences research.
• Experience screening life sciences research for additional institutional or federal review, or supporting an Institutional Review Entity.
• Experience working for an IBC, IACUC, or other research compliance committee.
• Knowledge of University of Michigan policies and procedures.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

This position may be filled at the level of 103322-Research Compliance Specialist Senior or 103735-Research Compliance Specialist Intermediate, depending on the experience and qualifications of the selected applicant.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.