Research Compliance Specialist II

Position Highlights Join Rochester Institute of Technology's Sponsored Research Services team and play a key role in supporting the university's growing research enterprise. Reporting within the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Research Compliance Specialist provides strategic oversight and implementation of non-financial research compliance programs, with a focus on conflict of interest, export controls, and federal agency requirements.

This position helps ensure research activities are conducted with integrity while fostering a culture of compliance and ethics across the university.

This position is fully on campus and is not eligible for remote work. To receive full consideration, applicants must submit both a resume and cover letter with their application.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage the Conflict of Interest (COI) process for sponsored research projects, including reviews, management plans, and compliance with federal sponsor and RIT requirements.

Conduct export control compliance reviews, OFAC and restricted party screenings, project assessments, and develop Technology Control Plans (TCPs) when required.

Utilize research administration and compliance systems to track, document, and report compliance activities.

Support pre-award and post-award non-financial compliance requirements related to agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA, and DOD.Review and draft research-related agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs).Sponsored Research Services, Office of the Vice President for Research Sponsored Research Services (SRS) operates within the Office of the Vice President for Research and supports RIT's expanding research portfolio.

The office manages more than 720 proposals annually and oversees approximately $100 million in research awards each year. SRS partners closely with faculty, researchers, and financial and compliance offices across the university to support responsible research administration and advance RIT's strategic research goals. As part of a division of more than 35 professionals, the Research Compliance Specialist will contribute to ensuring compliance, accountability, and excellence throughout the research lifecycle

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Oversees the Conflict of Interest (COI) process for researchers, including reviewing project COIs, drafting management plans, addressing conflict issues associated with individuals conducting externally sponsored research, and entering results into grants and COI systems

Conducts export control compliance reviews on all sponsored projects, OFAC and banned party screening, project reviews, and determinations. Creates Technology Control Plans (TCPs) when necessary

Works with leadership, faculty, and university support offices to inform, enhance, update, and coordinate university research compliance resources and practices required by federal agency requirements (NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA and DOD)
Advises and assists on pre- and post-award non-financial compliance issues such as NDAs and material transfer agreements. Assists on research misconduct reviews as required

Coordinates and assists on project reviews with the Institute Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institute Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and Radiation Safety Committee. Participates on university committees as requested

Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations that govern research compliance and safety standards

Knowledge of compliance requirements related to grant funding or sponsored research projects

Skill in risk assessment and mitigation in the management of research compliance strategies

Skill in effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders regarding complex or technical topics

Skill in technical, legal, and compliance related writing

Ability to establish and maintain relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies

Minimum Education & Experience Master's degree in related field3 years of relevant experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Job Level Overview Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity,…