IRB Vice Chair

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

The Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE) at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an IRB Vice Chair to provide ethical and regulatory oversight of research involving human subjects. This temporary, 0.3 FTE position reports to the OHRE Director and supports IRB operations across campus, including expedited reviews and full-board meetings.

Responsibilities include applying federal and local policies, coordinating with researchers and administrators, and ensuring compliance with CFR,

Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and written/oral communication skills.
• Ability to learn/apply federal and local policies governing human subjects research.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion on compliance issues.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ethical/regulatory oversight of human subjects research across UNC-Chapel Hill.
• Review and coordinate IRB activities, including expedited reviews and full board meetings.
• Ensure compliance with CFR, OHRP, and FDA regulations in all research activities.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written and oral communication

Independent judgment

Policy knowledge (federal & local)

Data analysis familiarity

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree or Bachelor’s with experience

Job description

Department: Ofc of Human Research Ethics - 621300

Career Area : Research Professionals

Application Deadline: 10/11/2026

Position Type: Temporary Staff (EHRA NF)

Position Title: IRB Vice Chair

Position Number: 20078969

Vacancy ID: N000897

FTE: 0.3

Hours Per Week: 12

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: Dependent on Experience/Qualifications

Proposed Start Date: 11/02/2026

Estimated Duration of Appointment: 12 months

Be a Tar Heel!: A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit: The Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE) administers, supports, and oversees the work of the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and all related activities at UNC-Chapel Hill. Any research project involving human subjects proposed by a member of the faculty, a postdoc, a staff member, or a student at UNC-Chapel Hill must be reviewed and approved by an IRB before that research may begin and before related grants may be funded. These IRBs are federally mandated review committees, operating under regulations promulgated by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The IRBs and OHRE are critical components of UNC-Chapel Hills Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) that serves to protect the rights and welfare of more than one million human research subjects who take part in more than 6,000 different research projects each year at UNC-Chapel Hill. All components of the HRPP must work together to ensure institutional compliance with ethical principles and regulatory requirements.

Position Summary: The Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE) is responsible for ethical and regulatory oversight of research at UNC-Chapel Hill that involves human subjects. OHRE administers, supports, guides and oversees the work of the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and all related activities. These IRBs are federally mandated review committees, operating under regulations from the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP, DHHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The OHRE and IRBs are critical components of a program that serves to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects. All components of this program, coordinated through the OHRE, must work together to ensure institutional compliance with ethical principles and regulatory requirements. Deficiencies in this area have led to very public suspensions of research at several peer universities, which have been very costly and damaging for these institutions. As serious as this would be, an even greater harm could result if errors or lack of proper oversight by this office resulted in harms to human subjects. The IRB Vice Chair reports to the Director of the Office of Human Research Ethics and through the Director to the Vice Chancellor for Research. The Co-Chairs are responsible for reviewing all research involving human subjects conducted across all areas of campus, including Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, Nursing, Dentistry and Academic Affairs. They ensure that the rights and welfare of human subjects are adequately protected, in accordance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements. This includes both expedited (in office) reviews and convened meetings of the IRB members (full board).

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity or professional-level background in sponsored research administration, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Ability to learn and apply Federal and local policies that govern human subjects research, including Code of Federal Regulations and UNC-Chapel Hill Standard Operating Procedures. Excellent organizational and written oral communication skills; ability to make timely and effective decisions; and ability to work effectively with university researchers, faculty, and administrators. Must exercise a high degree of independent judgment and discretion related to research compliance issues. Familiarity with data collection, statistical evaluation of data, etc., and strategies for conveying results to others.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience: Preferred qualifications include experience working with Federal and local policies that govern human subjects research, including Code of Federal Regulations and UNC-Chapel Hill Standard Operating Procedures

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities: This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.