IRB Vice Chair

UNC-Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Office of Human Research Ethics (OHRE) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill oversees ethical and regulatory review of research involving 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 OHRP, DHHS and the FDA. The OHRE and IRBs protect the rights and welfare of human subjects.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn and apply Federal and local policies governing human subjects research.
• Familiarity with data collection and statistical evaluation methods.
• Ability to communicate findings and regulatory requirements clearly.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ethical and regulatory review of research involving human subjects.
• Administer and supervise IRBs and related activities across campus.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written and verbal communication

Decision making

Independent judgment

Collaboration with researchers

Data interpretation familiarity

Education

Post-Baccalaureate degree

Bachelor’s degree + 3+ years experience acceptable

Job description

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

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

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.

Office of Human Resources 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.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please select the response below that describes your level of education that best or most closely satisfies the education requirements for this position.
  • Bachelor’s degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in any field/discipline
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in required discipline(s) listed or related field
  • Master's degree or Doctorate degree in any field/discipline
  • None of the above