IRB Specialist

Working Title

Posting Details

Job Title IRB Specialist

Requisition Number RE55209

Working Title

Department Name 40148:

Office of Research Integrity

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 44

Salary Range $44,/year

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education MA

for more information about equivalencies: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./equivalencies

Required Related Experience 1 yr

Required License/Registration/Certification None

Physical Requirements Sitting and/or standing for long periods of time; repetitive motion related to computer work.

Shift Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Job Summary
Support Research Ethics and Human Subjects Protection at UK The University of Kentucky is seeking an IRB Specialist to join the Office of Research Integrity ( ORI ). This role helps facilitate the review and oversight of human subjects research by supporting investigators, coordinating review processes, and ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements. The successful candidate will serve as a resource for researchers, IRB members, and study teams while helping maintain the integrity of the research review process.

What You’ll Do

• Guide investigators and study teams through IRB submission and compliance processes
• Review protocol materials and assist researchers in meeting IRB requirements
• Coordinate review committee activities and prepare protocol documentation for review
• Process review materials, correspondence, and records in accordance with established procedures
• Support onboarding and training activities related to human research protections
• Maintain knowledge of human subjects protection regulations, policies, and accreditation standards
• Assist with quality improvement initiatives, process updates, and special projects

What You’ll Bring

• Knowledge of research administration, compliance, or human subjects protections
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Experience managing documentation and coordinating multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic record systems

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree
• 1+ year of related experience

What’s In It For You

• Meaningful impact:
  Help ensure the ethical conduct of research involving human participants
• Professional development:
  Build expertise in research compliance and human subjects protections
• Varied responsibilities:
  Engage in protocol review support, investigator assistance, training, and process improvement
• Collaborative environment:
  Work with researchers, faculty, administrators, and IRB members across the university
• Hybrid flexibility:
  Opportunity for hybrid work arrangements with approval
• UK’s Exceptional Benefits

Why Now? Research involving human participants continues to grow in scope and complexity, creating an ongoing need for knowledgeable professionals who can support investigators while maintaining strong compliance standards. This role provides an opportunity to contribute to research that advances knowledge and improves lives, while helping ensure studies are conducted responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with regulatory requirements. You’ll join a team dedicated to supporting high-quality research and protecting the rights, welfare, and safety of research participants.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities MS Office Products (Word, Excel, outlook), database

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Final date to receive applications 08/07/2026

Our University Community We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination.

The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources.

These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.