Research Compliance Specialist

The Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Tufts University is seeking a Research Compliance Specialist to support the university's Research Security, Export Controls, and Conflict of Interest programs. The role involves collaboration with faculty, researchers, and administrators to uphold compliant, ethical, and secure research activities.

The position offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement with opportunities for remote work and on-campus engagement as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree plus 5 years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree with 2–4 years of related professional experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; independent, collaborative work style.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Support Research Security and Export Controls programs and related compliance initiatives.
• Coordinate and aid in COI processes, disclosures, and reporting.
• Assist with data use agreements and compliance project activities.
• Collect, analyze, and report program metrics; contribute to process improvements.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, administrators, and external partners.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Written and verbal communication

Independent work

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) supports and advances research across Tufts University. This position is part of the Research Compliance team and partners closely with faculty, researchers, administrators, and institutional stakeholders to support Research Security, Export Controls, Conflict of Interest (COI), and other research compliance initiatives that help advance, protect, and safeguard the university's research enterprise.

We are seeking a highly organized and collaborative professional who can independently manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with faculty and researchers, and help support the continued growth of the university's Research Security, Export Controls, Conflict of Interest, and research compliance programs.

This role offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement. Team members have the option to work remotely for much of the time while remaining available to attend in-person meetings and activities on Tufts campuses as needed. For individuals who prefer a greater on-campus presence, workspace and regular in-person engagement opportunities are available.

What You'll Do

The Research Compliance Specialist plays an important role in supporting Tufts University's Research Security, Export Controls, Conflict of Interest (COI), and other research compliance programs. Working closely with faculty, researchers, administrators, and external partners, this position helps advance compliant, ethical, and secure research activities across the university.

Responsibilities include:

Research Security & Export Controls

• Support implementation and ongoing administration of Tufts University's Research Security and Export Controls programs.
• Conduct Restricted Party Screenings and compliance risk reviews related to research activities, international collaborations, and other research partnerships.
• Assist faculty, researchers, and administrators with Research Security and Export Controls processes and requirements.
• Collect, maintain, analyze, and distribute Research Security and Export Controls program metrics.
• Support program improvements and other Research Security and Export Controls initiatives.

Conflict of Interest (COI)

• Serve as a resource to the Tufts community regarding Conflict of Interest policies and procedures.
• Support the COI disclosure process, including intake, triage, review, and follow-up activities.
• Draft and maintain Conflict of Interest management plans.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the COI Committee.
• Collect and report COI program metrics and participate in process improvement efforts.

Research Compliance Operations

• Coordinate administration of Data Use Agreements and related activities in collaboration with the Technology Transfer and Industry Collaboration team.
• Support research compliance projects, reporting activities, communications, and documentation.
• Contribute to ongoing compliance initiatives and special projects within the Research Compliance team.

What We're Looking For

Basic Requirements

• Associate's degree and 5 years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of related professional experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple responsibilities in a collaborative environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting research compliance programs, particularly in the areas of Export Controls, Research Security, and/or Conflict of Interest (COI).
• Experience working in higher education, academic research, research compliance, research integrity, regulatory compliance, or another highly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex initiatives, track deliverables, manage competing priorities, and independently drive work to completion.
• STEM, legal, public policy, international affairs, or related background.
• Foreign language proficiency.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ECoP).

Pay Range

Minimum $67,200.00, Midpoint $83,900.00, Maximum $100,700.00

Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.