Research Compliance Specialist II

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.

About the Team

Sponsored Research Services (SRS) operates within the Office of the Vice President for Research and supports RIT's expanding research portfolio. The office manages more than 720 proposals annually and oversees approximately $100 million in research awards each year. SRS partners closely with faculty, researchers, and financial and compliance offices across the university to support responsible research administration and advance RIT's strategic research goals. As part of a division of more than 35 professionals, the Research Compliance Specialist will contribute to ensuring compliance, accountability, and excellence throughout the research lifecycle.

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

Requirements

• 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.

Pay

$65,900 - $105,400

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.