Principal Specialist, Research Security & Conflict of Interest Management

Broad Institute•Cambridge, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Specialist, Research Security & Conflict of Interest Management, provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Broad Institute’s research compliance programs. Reporting to the Director, this role is a key architect of the Institute’s Conflict of Interest (COI) management and Research Security frameworks. The Principal Specialist is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the Broad’s scientific mission by navigating the complex intersection of academic research, industry partnerships, and federal regulations. This includes managing high-level COI disclosures, directing the review of complex consulting agreements, and leading institutional responses to evolving export control and research security mandates. The successful candidate will be a "trusted advisor" to Broad leadership, faculty, and administrative teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of related experience in research compliance, legal, or sponsored research; or Master's degree and 8+ years of related experience, or PhD and 5+ years of related experience.
5+ years of leadership or mentorship experience required.
Deep expertise in COI management and a strong working knowledge of Research Security and Export Control regulations (EAR/ITAR).

Nice To Haves

Proven Leadership: Experience managing programs in a highly matrixed, fast-paced environment.
Advanced Negotiation: Demonstrated ability to build consensus and negotiate complex compliance issues with high-level stakeholders and external partners.
Analytical Rigor: Exceptional ability to interpret legal/regulatory text and apply it to nuanced scientific and business contexts.
Communication: Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the "soft skills" necessary to interact effectively with world-class PIs and institutional leadership.

Responsibilities

Manages and oversees the institutional COI program, including ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing disclosure review processes, and developing and monitoring complex COI management plans. This role involves reviewing sponsored research for potential conflicts and thoroughly documenting all conflict determinations and assessments.
Oversees, leads and matures the Research Security and Export Control functions including developing guidance and processes for complex project reviews, deemed export analysis, and license coordination.
Leads the Research Compliance Office’s partnership with administrative colleagues and collaborators including the Office of Sponsored Research (OSR), Development and the Office of Strategic Alliances and Partnering (OSAP) in order to align compliance workflows with business development and licensing activities.
Serves as a subject matter expert on federal regulations (e.g., PHS/NIH fCOI regulations, Chips & Science Act, NSPM-33) using this expertise to provide input into the development and improvement of institutional policies and processes to ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to best practice.
Acts as a primary facilitator for the COI Committee and Research Security Committee, driving agenda-setting and ensuring high-level policy implementation.
Establishes goals for the COI, Research Security and Export Control programs and ensures execution and timely completion of objectives.
Quickly develops expertise regarding Broad’s policy landscape, including how Broad policy relates to faculty obligations under their home institution policies and serves as a resource to the Broad community for policy assessments.
Oversees the review of personal consulting agreements for faculty and staff, identifying potential compliance and COI risks and ensuring alignment with Broad’s mission and partner institution requirements.
Performs complex project reviews, deemed export analysis, and license coordination in order to identify and resolve unique and complex Research Security and Export Control risks and issues.
Applies ingenuity, creativity and strong interpersonal skills to navigate and resolve complex problems involving researchers and personnel at all levels of the organization.
Identifies institutional risks related to COI escalating critical issues to the Director and General Counsel as necessary.
Designs and executes institutional training initiatives to foster a culture of compliance across the Broad’s diverse scientific community.
Provides expert consultation to scientists, physicians, and executive leadership on complex compliance matters, translating regulatory requirements into actionable guidance.
Supervises and mentors the research compliance office coordinator.
Mentors and potentially supervises junior compliance staff, fostering professional development within the team.
Represent the Broad Institute in external forums, working groups, and with partner institutions (MIT, Harvard, and affiliated hospitals) to harmonize compliance efforts.
Coordinates with Partner Institutions as needed to ensure faculty compliance with home institution policies.