IRB Vice Chair

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 18,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Office of Human Research Ethics oversees Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to ensure ethical and regulatory compliance for research involving human subjects. The IRB Vice Chair reports to the Director of OHRE and coordinates with campus stakeholders to maintain protections and review workflows.

This temporary, 0.3 FTE position supports expedited and full-board reviews across medical, public health, nursing, dentistry, and other schools with

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of Federal and local policies governing human subjects research.
• Excellent organizational and written/oral communication skills.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in regulatory matters.
• Familiarity with data collection and statistical evaluation methods.

Responsibilities

• Review research involving human subjects across campus.
• Ensure rights and welfare of human subjects are protected per ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee expedited (in office) reviews and convened meetings of the IRB members (full board).

Skills

Federal policies

Local policies

Organizational skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Independent judgment

Data collection

Statistical evaluation

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Details

• Position Title: IRB Vice Chair
• Position Type: Temporary Staff (EHRA NF)
• 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
• Application Deadline: 10/11/2026
• Position Number: 20078969

About the University

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.

Organizational Unit Responsibilities

The Office of Human Research Ethics (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).

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.

Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.