UConn Careers

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research Integrity and Compliance, the Director of Conflicts of Interest & Research Integrity (University Director) will provide leadership and oversight of activities to ensure compliance with federal regulatory and University policies involving research. The Director will oversee the facilitation and support of research reviewed by the Conflicts of Interest (COI) in Research Committee and Research Integrity at the UConn Health Center, UConn Storrs and regional campuses.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide day-to-day operational oversight of Conflicts of Interest (COI) in a Research Committee. Responsible for the administration of the COI committees, including, but not limited to, pre-review, initial and continuing COI disclosure reviews; development of management plans; coordination with reporting to committees, sponsors, and other federal agencies; monitoring active COI management plans and programmatic processes for quality improvement.
2. Develop, implement, and monitor procedures promoting compliance with COI policies and plans, including interaction and integration with other committees, such as the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and other offices, including Sponsored Programs Administration (SPA) and the Office of Technology Development (OTD), and purchasing and contracting functions at UConn.
3. Provide regulatory and ethical consultation to faculty, research teams, staff, and committee members, in coordination with COI/Export Control Office, COI Committee, ICOI Committee, IRB and IACUC Chairpersons.
4. Oversee the Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR) training program.
5. Serve as the Deputy Research Integrity Officer (RIO).
6. Ensure compliance with federal RCR and RCER requirements, including those set by the NIH, NSF, USDA and others. Develop and update institutional policies and procedures related to RCR compliance. Develop and manage the process of collecting, reviewing and assessing RCR plans and training for researchers. Track and monitor participation in RCR training and maintain records of completion. Ensure RCR training meets the requirements of federal funding agencies. Provide education and resources on ethical research practices.
7. Assist in moving complex issues to resolution by working with key stakeholders to determine concerns, provide guidance, bridge understanding, and reach conclusions; develops and maintains positive relationships with collaborating organizations, and acts as a liaison with federal and state agencies. 
8. Establish and implement short-and long-range goals, objectives, policies and operating procedures; monitor and evaluate operational effectiveness and affect changes required for improvement.
9. Supervise staff, set priorities and functional standards, give direction to staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer satisfaction; design, implement, and evaluate organizational and staffing models to effectively accomplish the goals and objectives of the program.
10. Maintain a current knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies and guidelines in order to interpret and apply as required; oversee the writing and updating of policies, and participate in and provide related education and training to staff and faculty.
11. Work closely with institutional leadership to ensure compliance with the ethical and regulatory requirements.
12. Design, develop, implement, evaluate, and modify technical and administrative committee review processes and internal research auditing policies, protocols, systems, and procedures.
13. Work with appropriate internal resources to analyze data and prepare and present audit reports and summaries, and provide feedback to the Institutional Official/Designee, researchers, and the appropriate offices as appropriate.
14. Identify educational needs of researchers, based on audit data and other information; oversee the development and delivery of targeted training programs and materials based on review and audit results, as well as on changes to legislative, statutory, and/or University requirements; assure stakeholder compliance with all training requirements. 
15. Assist with specific inquiries related to scientific misconduct and/or other related non-compliance issues, as requested.
16. Establish, update/maintain internal operating procedures; assure proper maintenance of systems and records. Provide analysis and advocate for appropriate resources.
17. Participate in internal and external inspections and work closely with Associate Vice President for Research Integrity or designee in the preparation of related reports and communications.
18. Serve as a member of the compliance boards/committees, and provide oversight/assurance of related activities, including member appointments, scheduling of meetings, selection of protocols for full board reviews, preparation of meeting materials (agendas, summaries, minutes), and distribution of decisions.
19. Performs related duties as required. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Master's degree in an appropriate field.
2. At least 8 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified with at least three of those years in a supervisory role.
3. Appropriate certification as a research professional.
4. Extensive knowledge of protocols and federal regulations regarding the conduct of research.
5. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills, with ability to articulate compliance issues and to enforce compliance standards and requirements across constituencies.
6. Demonstrated ability to assess risk and exercise sound judgment in the interpretation and application of policies.
7. Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
8. Ability to multitask and work effectively within tight timelines and deadline pressure.
9. Considerable critical thinking, problem solving crisis management, and decision-making abilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Advanced degree in an appropriate field.
2. Advanced compliance certification.
3. Experience working in an institution of higher education. 

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, permanent position.  The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment.  For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #498698 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on January 10, 2025.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.