IRB Program Specialist

University of Connecticut; Storrs-Mansfield (CT); On-site; USD 68,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Connecticut is seeking an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Program Specialist to join the Research Integrity & Compliance team. The role collaborates with faculty and IRB members to ensure research with human subjects complies with applicable regulations and university policies.

Responsibilities include intake assessments, pre-reviews, potential IRB service, and development of policies, training materials, and educational programs for investigators and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years of related experience.
• Ability to obtain Certified IRB Professional (CIP) within one year of eligibility.
• Experience applying federal laws and university guidelines to promote compliant practices in human subjects research.
• Demonstrated interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills to multi-task and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Performs initial intake and assessment of IRB submissions for completeness.
• Assists with administrative pre-reviews of IRB protocols in exempt or expedited review categories.
• May assist with full board review pre-reviews.
• Serves as IRB member or alternate when qualified.
• Prepares correspondence to investigators detailing IRB findings.
• Assists in developing policies and procedures for compliance in human subjects research.
• Delivers educational training for faculty, staff, and student researchers.
• Provides a resource to faculty, staff, and students during IRB application processes.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Search #: 499893
Work type: Full-time
Location: UConn Storrs
Categories: Human Resources, Administrative Services, Research

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of the Vice President for Research is seeking an engaged Institutional Review Board (IRB) professional to join our Research Integrity & Compliance team. Reporting to the IRB Program Manager, the IRB Program Specialist (Administrative Program Support 4) will collaborate with faculty, Research Integrity & Compliance staff, and members of the IRB to ensure that all research involving human subjects conforms to all applicable University, state, federal, and other external regulatory requirements and guidelines.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs initial intake and assessment of IRB submissions for completeness prior to processing.
• Assists with administrative pre-reviews of IRB protocols in exempt or expedited review categories, including modifications to previously approved research. May also assist with administrative pre-reviews of protocols submitted for full board review.
• When qualified, serves as an IRB member or alternate member and performs IRB reviews.
• Prepares detailed correspondence to investigators to communicate findings of the IRB.
• Assists in the development of written policies and procedures that foster and enhance compliance in research involving human subjects.
• Assists in the development of educational/training materials to facilitate compliance by UConn investigators and key study personnel with their approved protocols; with federal regulations and relevant University and IRB policies related to the protection of human subjects participating in research.
• Participates in delivering educational training programs and workshops for faculty, staff, and student researchers.
• Serves as a resource for faculty, staff, and students who have questions when preparing applications to the IRB. Serves as a compliance resource to the research community and other interested internal parties.
• Keeps current on federal, state, local, and other human subject research regulations, guidelines, and policies and ensures that such changes are communicated to the appropriate person(s).
• Attends IRB meetings as needed, takes notes, and prepares reports.
• Maintains IRB study-related documents and digital records in accordance with federal guidelines, IRB, and UConn policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and four years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to obtain Certified IRB Professional (CIP) within one year of becoming eligible.
• Experience using independent judgment to interpret, analyze and apply Federal laws and University guidelines to promote compliant practices in research involving human subjects.
• Demonstrated experience using interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in a professional environment.
• Demonstrated use of organizational skills to effectively multi-task to meet deadlines and trouble-shoot problems.
• Experience working under the direction of a supervisor, as well as exercising independence and discretion.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively and collaboratively with administrators, faculty, staff and students in a diverse work environment.
• Demonstrated experience working as a member of a team and interacting with colleagues in a positive, flexible and constructive manner.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current Certified IRB Professional (CIP).
• At least two years of experience in research compliance utilizing knowledge and understanding of federal laws, regulations and procedures pertaining to human subjects’ protection in research including, but not limited to: 45 CFR 46, 21 CFR 50, and 21 CFR 56.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The hiring range for this position is $67,666 to $87,966. An offer of employment, if made, will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s skill and experience, as determined by the University.

For more information about benefits and other offerings available to University employees, we encourage you to review the Human Resources website and explore the sections under the Benefits & Leaves header at the top of the page. Under Benefits & Leaves, select Benefits to access an overview as well as additional information on topics such as paid time off, benefits, retirement, and other resources. As you explore these pages, please note that this position is covered by the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA) and look for information specifically identified for UCPEA, as provisions may vary by employee group.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA).

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on November 18, 2026.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status.

Advertised: Nov 04 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Nov 18 2026 Eastern Standard Time