Research Compliance Specialist II

Rochester Institute of Technology; United States; On-site; USD 66,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking a Research Compliance Specialist to provide strategic oversight of non-financial research compliance programs, focusing on COI, export controls, and federal agency requirements. This on-campus role ensures research integrity and fosters a culture of compliance across the university.

The position reports within the Office of the Vice President for Research and collaborates with faculty and support offices to maintain compliance with NSF, NIH, DOE,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in research compliance.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the COI process for sponsored research, including reviews and management plans.
• Conduct export controls reviews, OFAC screening, and develop Technology Control Plans when required.
• Utilize compliance systems to track, document, and report activities.

Skills

COI process

Export controls

Compliance systems

Federal sponsor requirements

NDAs/DUAs/MTAs drafting

Education

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Position Highlights

Join Rochester Institute of Technology's Sponsored Research Services team and play a key role in supporting the university's growing research enterprise. Reporting within the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Research Compliance Specialist provides strategic oversight and implementation of non-financial research compliance programs, with a focus on conflict of interest, export controls, and federal agency requirements. This position helps ensure research activities are conducted with integrity while fostering a culture of compliance and ethics across the university. This position is fully on campus and is not eligible for remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Conflict of Interest (COI) process for sponsored research projects, including reviews, management plans, and compliance with federal sponsor and RIT requirements.
• Conduct export control compliance reviews, OFAC and restricted party screenings, project assessments, and develop Technology Control Plans (TCPs) when required.
• Utilize research administration and compliance systems to track, document, and report compliance activities.
• Support pre-award and post-award non-financial compliance requirements related to agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA, and DOD.
• Review and draft research-related agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs).

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees the Conflict of Interest (COI) process for researchers, including reviewing project COIs, drafting management plans, addressing conflict issues associated with individuals conducting externally sponsored research, and entering results into grants and COI systems.
• Conducts export control compliance reviews on all sponsored projects, OFAC and banned party screening, project reviews, and determinations.
• Creates Technology Control Plans (TCPs) when necessary.
• Works with leadership, faculty, and university support offices to inform, enhance, update, and coordinate university research compliance resources and practices required by federal agency requirements (NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA and DOD).
• Advises and assists on pre- and post-award non-financial compliance issues such as NDAs and material transfer agreements.
• Assists on research misconduct reviews as required.
• Coordinates and assists on project reviews with the Institute Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institute Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and Radiation Safety Committee.
• Participates on university committees as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations that govern research compliance and safety standards.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements related to grant funding or sponsored research projects.
• Skill in risk assessment and mitigation in the management of research compliance strategies.
• Skill in effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders regarding complex or technical topics.
• Skill in technical, legal, and compliance related writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field
• 3 years of relevant experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.

FLSA Category

Exempt

Work Location

On Campus

Compensation

$65,900 - $105,400

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above.

RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

About Rochester Institute of Technology

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long-standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co-op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting-edge facilities that reflect RIT’s strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.