Medical Director-IRB

Mercy; Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition support

Matched retirement plans

Job summary

Mercy seeks an IRB Chair to lead our human subjects protection program and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. You will oversee full-board meetings, advise investigators, and mentor staff to uphold ethical standards in research.

Join a mission-driven team at Mercy that values innovation, collaboration, and compassionate care, while advancing ethical science and patient safety.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant scientific, medical, or legal discipline.
• Deep understanding of human subjects research regulations, the Common Rule, and bioethics.
• Excellent interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Preside over full-board IRB meetings, manage protocol discussions, and facilitate voting.
• Conduct reviews, evaluate amendments, and oversee adverse event or non-compliance reports.
• Train reviewers and ensure compliance with Mercy IRB SOPs and policies.
• Interpret federal regulations, state statutes, and Belmont Report principles.
• Mentor IRB members and administrative staff on regulatory updates.
• Advise investigators on protocol design, consent forms, and risk mitigation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Written communication

Education

Advanced degree in science/medicine/law

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy!

As the Sisters of Mercy before us, we bring to life the healing ministry of Jesus through our compassionate care and exceptional service.

Position Summary

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair provides administrative, ethical, and regulatory leadership for the institution’s human subjects protection program. The Chair oversees the review of all research involving human participants to ensure full compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and institutional policies. This role ensures the protection of the rights, safety, and welfare of human research subjects while facilitating ethical scientific advancement.

Core Responsibilities

• Meeting Leadership: Preside over convened full-board IRB meetings, manage protocol discussions, and facilitate consensus voting on complex ethical issues.
• Protocol Review: Conduct expedited and exempt reviews, evaluate protocol amendments, and handle standard adverse event or non-compliance reports. Oversee training of designated reviewers and ensure reviewer compliance with Mercy IRB SOPs and other applicable policies.
• Regulatory Compliance: Interpret and apply federal regulations (e.g., DHHS 45 CFR 46, FDA 21 CFR 50/56), state statutes, and the ethical principles of the Belmont Report.
• Committee Oversight: Mentor and train IRB members and administrative staff on evolving regulatory updates and ethical review standards.
• Researcher Liaison: Advise investigators on protocol design, consent form requirements, and human subject risk mitigation strategies.
• Corrective Action: Authorize the suspension or termination of research approvals when required to protect participant safety.

Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in a relevant scientific, medical, or legal discipline.
• Expertise: Demonstrated deep understanding of human subjects research regulations, the Common Rule, and bioethics.
• Skills: Exceptionally strong interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and clear written communication skills

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.