Institutional Review Board Analyst

University of Southern California; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southern California is seeking an IRB Analyst within the HRPP to support day-to-day IRB operations, ensuring research compliance with Belmont principles and applicable laws. The role emphasizes review determinations, effective communication, and coordination with investigators and staff.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree and at least 1–2 years of research or IRB experience, plus strong knowledge of federal regulations and USC’s ethics framework.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 2 years experience in research or IRB preferred.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local regulations and laws for human subjects research.
• Demonstrates commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

Responsibilities

• Promotes inclusive relationships and USC Code of Ethics.
• Reviews minimal risk biomedical and social-behavioral research proposals for IRB compliance.
• Determines level of review under exempt/expedited procedures and records findings.
• Writes detailed correspondence describing concerns, required changes, and rationale for decisions.
• Evaluates investigators’ responses to IRB changes and assesses approval requirements.
• Serves as a point of contact for day-to-day HRPP operations and issue resolution.
• Keeps management informed of legal/regulatory/tech changes affecting HRPP operations.
• Attends HRPP Summits and relevant meetings; pursues certifications as applicable.

Skills

IRB processes

Regulatory compliance

Ethics in research

Federal regulations

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

The Office of Research and Innovation is implementing the University of Southern California’s (USC’s) strategic plan by building interdisciplinary research collaborations that address societal needs and by increasing the impact and prominence of our research. The office invests in research initiatives, promotes our research among sponsors, and provides services that ensure that USC achieves the highest ethical standards in its research. The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) at USC ensures that research involving people is conducted consistent with the Belmont Principles and federal, state, local laws and regulations, and Institutional policies. The HRPP provides direct oversight to the Institutional Review Boards (IRB). Reporting to an IRB Lead Analyst, the IRB Analyst position is a full-time, professional staff member who plays an integral role in the day-to-day functions for the Institutional Review Board. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

Job Accountabilities:

• Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics.
• Conducts reviews of minimal risk biomedical and social behavioral research proposals submitted to the IRB in compliance with Federal regulations and Institutional policies and procedures.
• Under supervision, makes an initial determination regarding the necessary level of review. Identifies issues or concerns that must be addressed to approve the research under the exempt and expedited procedures and records review findings in tracking software in a timely manner.
• Composes detailed correspondence that effectively describe concerns, required changes to make the study approvable, and the rationale for the decisions and requested changes for studies that are determined to be no greater than minimal risk.
• Analyzes and evaluates investigators’ response to changes requested by the IRB and advises whether the requirements for IRB approval have been met.
• Serves as a point of contact for questions, and for decision-making and problem-solving for day-to-day IRB operations including the resolution of technical problems and questions of IRB investigators and study personnel.
• Develops and maintains awareness and knowledge of current changes within legal, regulatory, and technology environments that may affect operations. Ensures senior management and staff are informed of any changes and updates in a timely manner.
• Establishes and maintains an appropriate network of professional contacts.
• Maintains membership in appropriate professional organizations.
• Attends HRPP Summits (in person), relevant meetings, seminars and conferences and maintains continuity of or pursues any required or desirable certifications, if applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Experience: 2 years Field of Expertise: Previous experience in research and/or previous experience in an IRB
• Knowledge of federal, state, local regulations and laws, and routine policies and ethical practices for research involving people
• In addition, the successful candidate must also demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC’s Unifying Values.

The hourly range for this position is $30.00 - $35.94. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Experience: 1 year

Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum work experience

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy.

USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at [phone], or by email at [e-mail]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city – responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region – we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work.