Research Integrity Administrator

Position Summary

The Office of Research Integrity supports the Rice research community's highest standards of research integrity and scholarly excellence. The office partners with faculty, staff, and students to foster an innovative and productive research environment within an appropriate ethical, legal, and professional framework. Through collaboration, education, and administrative support, the office helps ensure that research activities are conducted responsibly and in compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. The Compliance Administrator III oversees and facilitates the coordination and enhancement of conflict of interest and research integrity programs in accordance with Rice's mission. This position assists in developing and implementing departmental initiatives while providing administrative and program support to the department.

Ideal Candidate Statement

The ideal candidate works independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and other university stakeholders. The successful candidate will have three or more years of research compliance experience, strong analytical and organizational skills, and the ability to effectively manage compliance activities and interpret regulatory requirements. This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration, with a minimum of two days in the office per week. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (additional related experience in research ethics and compliance within higher education may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis)
• 3+ years of related experience in research compliance activities (additional related education may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis)

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory requirements for university research (e.g., research integrity, conflicts of interest, research security, intellectual property protection, and research commercialization)
• Advanced knowledge of university research administration, including sponsored programs and related reporting requirements
• Significant working knowledge of research administration procedures and terminology, including programmatic solutions that meet standard and unique federal and industry agreement requirements
• Ability to lead committees and teams to achieve university and departmental goals
• Demonstrated ability to manage and analyze digital business data, including tracking key performance indicators and preparing administrative reports for appropriate oversight and action
• Outstanding customer service approach that simultaneously supports multiple stakeholders and achieves successful resolutions
• Ability to communicate complex and highly technical issues professionally, clearly, concisely, and persuasively to all levels of the institution (e.g., university administrators, faculty, students, and other research personnel)
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities of varying complexity and visibility
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of sensitive matters using tact and sound judgment
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups

Preferences

• Master's degree in a relevant field
• 2 years of experience managing staff or teams
• Certification in one or more areas of research compliance (e.g., Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), Certified IRB Professional (CIP), Certified Professional in IACUC Administration (CPIA), Certified in Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC), etc.)
• 2 years of experience teaching or delivering training workshops to diverse groups

Essential Functions

• Completes the essential functions described for Research Compliance Administrator I and II
• Works with the Regulatory Services Manager to develop and implement short- and long-term research integrity and compliance initiatives and serves as a backup for the RSM as needed
• Ensures that the research conflict of interest program meets the seven elements of an effective compliance program
• Develops, implements, and manages efficient policies and procedures to facilitate research compliance oversight in accordance with federal regulatory, accreditation, and institutional requirements
• Leads the continuous improvement of departmental operations, including compliance processes, educational campaigns, electronic systems, and reporting
• Performs analyses and investigations of research activities to determine compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures
• Works with stakeholders to develop remediation actions, as needed
• Serves as a technical advisor to ORI staff on complex regulatory and procedural issues
• Coordinates and assists with inquiries and audits involving complex and sensitive matters of research integrity and compliance
• Develops and coordinates reports for oversight agencies and sponsors, as appropriate
• Serves as an advisor to the campus community regarding relevant and emerging regulations, their interpretation, and application
• Delegates and supervises the completion of tasks by other staff, committees, and teams
• Coordinates university alignment with accreditation requirements, quality assurance activities, and best practices
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Pay

$73,326 - $85,000 (Exempt/salaried positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime)