University Director of Research Protections, Office of Research

University Director of Research Protections, Office of Research Overview

The City University of New York (CUNY) seeks a University Director of Research Protections in the Office of Research (OR). As part of a single integrated system of 26 colleges and schools, the CUNY Office of Research provides leadership for University initiatives that build research capacity and advance scholarship. Through its four divisions, the Office of Research fosters collaborative and transdisciplinary research, supports commercialization and startup activities, and ensures compliance with research ethics and sponsored program administration.

With an annual operating budget of more than $10 million, the Office of Research serves over 7,000 full-time and 11,000 part-time faculty across the University. In FY24, CUNY reported more than $700 million in research and sponsored project expenditures, reflecting substantial growth over the past decade. Several CUNY campuses are recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as top-tier research institutions, underscoring the University’s role as a leading and diverse public impact research institution.

Reporting to the University Executive Director for Research Integrity and Compliance, the University Director of Research Protections will manage CUNY’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), including oversight of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs); direct conflict of interest (COI) disclosure and review processes for sponsored projects; and provide leadership in related areas of research protections. The Director will partner with colleagues in Research Integrity and Compliance (RIC) on matters related to research misconduct and noncompliance, policy development, education, and quality improvement across all CUNY colleges and schools.

In addition to the CUNY Title Overview, key duties include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Oversee convened IRB processes and meetings; review submissions; facilitate discussions; and prepare and edit complex meeting minutes.
• Provide training and guidance to IRB members, HRPP Coordinators, and researchers on human subject protection regulations, policies, and ethics.
• Supervise RIC staff and provide mentorship and oversight for HRPP Coordinators at CUNY colleges.
• Serve as the primary liaison for IRB submission and review process improvements, including implementation of electronic platforms.
• Lead the development and implementation of policies and procedures governing human subjects research.
• Recruit and maintain relationships with external consultants, auditors, and subject matter experts as needed.
• Develop and evaluate best practices to strengthen IRB reliance agreement processes and oversight.
• Oversee Conflicts Committee processes, including preliminary disclosure reviews, meeting preparation, minutes, and conflict management plan development.
• Provide training and guidance to Conflicts Committee members, College Conflicts Officers, researchers, and other stakeholders on COI requirements.
• Collaborate with the University Executive Director of Research Integrity and Compliance on strategic planning and policy development.
• Partner with RIC colleagues to address potential research misconduct and noncompliance concerns; assist with audits; and support quality assurance and improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

NOTE:

-Until further notice, this position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM

Bachelor's degree and eight years' related experience required.

PREFERRED

• Advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
• Certified IRB Professional (CIP), Certified IRB Manager (CIM), or other relevant professional certification.
• Extensive experience in research compliance and integrity, including IRB administration, conflict of interest, and oversight of social-behavioral and educational research.
• Expert knowledge of federal regulations, laws, ethical standards, and best practices governing research with human subjects and other areas.
• Demonstrated success providing training and guidance to stakeholders on regulatory compliance, and policy interpretation and application for research.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project…