Deputy Research Integrity Officer

Purdue University • West Lafayette, IN

433d

About The Position

The Deputy Research Integrity Officer (Deputy RIO) at Purdue University plays a vital role in supporting the Research Integrity Officer (RIO) to uphold the integrity of research practices across the university. This position involves managing responses to allegations of research misconduct and fostering a culture of compliance and ethical conduct in research. The Deputy RIO collaborates with various university departments, faculty, and external regulatory bodies to ensure adherence to the highest standards of academic and research excellence.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent) in a relevant field such as Law, Research Administration, Ethics, Biomedical Sciences or a related discipline.
• Six or more years of professional experience in research administration, research compliance, legal, or regulatory affairs, ideally within an academic or research-intensive institution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to handle sensitive issues confidentially and with discretion.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex legal and ethical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively across different units and maintain professional relationships with faculty, staff, and external agencies.
• Ability to clearly present complex regulatory issues and investigation findings to various audiences, including faculty, students, staff, and senior leadership.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs on research ethics, integrity, and compliance, including the responsible conduct of research.
• Ability to draft investigation reports, policy documents, and other materials with precision, ensuring clarity and adherence to institutional and federal guidelines.

Nice To Haves

• A terminal degree in a research field or ethics.
• Additional certifications in research administration, compliance, or ethics (e.g., Certified Research Administrator, Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional).
• Experience in handling research misconduct cases, including familiarity with investigations, regulatory compliance, and the application of institutional policies.
• Prior experience working with federal agencies and knowledge of their expectations for handling research misconduct (e.g., NIH, NSF, Office of Research Integrity).

Responsibilities

• Support the RIO in managing research misconduct investigations, including handling inquiries and formal investigations into allegations of research misconduct.
• Collaborate with relevant university offices and faculty members to maintain effective communication during the research misconduct process.
• Work with the RIO to preliminarily assess research misconduct allegations and determine the need for further investigation.
• Ensure proper documentation of all inquiries and investigations, maintaining detailed records in accordance with university policy and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in the development and delivery of training programs on research integrity, ethics, and responsible conduct of research (RCR).
• Coordinate and update RECR training and tracking procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations and university policies.
• Assist with researcher training data accuracy and provide timely input and reports on RECR training completion.
• Contribute to reviewing, drafting, and implementing university policies related to research integrity and misconduct.
• Assume responsibility for all RIO duties in the absence of the RIO, including oversight of investigations.

Benefits

• Defined Contribution Retirement Plan
• Exempt from overtime eligibility
• Background check required for employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree