Assistant Research Integrity Officer, Research Integrity

Assistant Research Integrity Officer, Research Integrity

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

This position is a member of the Research Integrity Office in the Office of Vice President for Research (OVPR). The Research Integrity Office oversees the review of allegations of research misconduct, in accordance with University of Michigan (U-M) and federal policies, as well as University compliance with federal requirements related to responsible conduct of research and scholarship (RCRS) training.

The Assistant Director will work with the Research Integrity Officer (RIO) and other research integrity staff to oversee the review of research misconduct cases and to develop policies and procedures. The Assistant Director will also act as a project manager to coordinate with U-M schools and colleges on all three campuses to ensure that RCRS training requirements are being met and effectively tracked.

Under supervision of the Deputy Research Integrity Officer, the Assistant Director will:

• Assess allegations of research misconduct to determine if further inquiry is warranted, including establishment of the complainant, respondent, and witness identities, where possible, identification of allegation specifics in as much detail as possible; and drafting the assessment report, as needed;
• If a research misconduct inquiry is warranted, assist with the inquiry process: including conducting structured interviews with relevant individuals; coordinating evidence sequestration; conducting analyses of evidence including but not limited to plagiarism screening and image forensic analysis; conducting literature, web, and data searches as needed; identifying and ordering evidentiary documents from libraries or electronic resources as needed; helping to identify subject matter experts;
  
  and drafting the inquiry report for the RIO to share with the Vice President for Research and Innovation (VPRI);
• If the VPRI determines an investigation is warranted, assist with the research misconduct investigation process: including helping to identify potential committee members free from conflicts of interest; drafting notices and charge letters; providing administrative and investigative support to the committee; assembling the necessary evidence for the committee; managing interviews, recordings, and correspondence; coordinating investigation activities with other University offices and/or external parties;
  
  and drafting correspondence to Federal officials, as needed;
• Organize, track, and securely maintain research misconduct evidence and case documentation;
• Serve as a point of contact for RCRS training oversight, including planning and implementation of outreach and training initiatives for promoting research integrity and responsible conduct of research with U-M schools and colleges;
• Assist with developing and updating policies and procedures and drafting new guidance, as needed;
• Participate in regional and national meetings for RIOs and RCRS coordinators to maintain up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends in research integrity and apply the knowledge to the office's activities.

• PhD, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of and experience with research in an academic setting, including authorship of scholarly publications
• Experience handling confidential and/or sensitive information with a demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and diplomacy
• Self-motivation, initiative, and broad thinking
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities
• Effective project planning and project management skills with ability to meet deadlines and prioritize multiple tasks
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to effectively interact with faculty, students, staff, and senior level management across the University
• Demonstrated skills using computer applications for data retrieval and analysis, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator
• Ability to perform well under stress
• Ability to work well independently, while also contributing to team efforts

• Experience with laboratory research and data analysis
• Three+ years of experience in a higher education setting related to research compliance and/or research administration
• Knowledge of Federal research misconduct investigation policies and procedures
• Experience working on, or strong interest in, research integrity and/or research ethics matters
• Experience with investigative or forensic techniques

This is a hybrid work environment involving one/two days per week in the office. Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and…