Research Compliance Officer

University of California, Irvine•Irvine, CA

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Research Engagement & Compliance (REC) unit at UC Irvine, within the Office of Research, is responsible for ensuring campus compliance with federal, state, and university regulations concerning various research compliance areas. These areas include Conflict of Interest, Export Controls, Undue Foreign Influence, Research IT Security, Research Funding Classification, Dual Use Research of Concern, Cannabis Research, and Research Misconduct and Research Integrity. REC also provides resources, training, and education for these areas. This role provides advanced research compliance oversight and administration to support institutional research integrity, sponsored research accountability, and regulatory compliance activities. The position requires expert knowledge of federal, state, University, and sponsor regulations related to research misconduct, research integrity, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), clinicaltrials.gov compliance, whistleblower investigations, and sponsored research requirements. The role involves overseeing institutional responses to highly sensitive compliance matters in collaboration with campus leadership, legal counsel, federal agencies, and internal stakeholders. Additionally, the position advises faculty, Principal Investigators (PIs), and campus units on complex compliance obligations, sponsor reporting requirements, and regulatory matters associated with research activities and sponsored awards. A key responsibility is developing and implementing policies, procedures, training programs, and operational guidelines to ensure institutional compliance and minimize legal, financial, regulatory, and reputational risk. The role also includes conducting complex analysis, monitoring, case management, and training activities related to research integrity, sponsored research compliance, and institutional reporting requirements.

Requirements

Demonstrated self-discipline and independent judgment completing highly complex, broadly defined assignments.
Advanced knowledge and ability to apply all relevant Federal, state, and university regulations policies, and federal guidance documents.
Advanced knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research design, scientific research concepts and terminology.
Strong proficiency in public speaking and writing.
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training
5-10 years experience in research, legal or compliance environment with emphasis related to this position.

Nice To Haves

Ability to apply a complex array of issues, mental flexibility, and creativity related to compliance issues.
Demonstrated subject matter expertise in two or more research compliance areas under this role’s purview.
Demonstrated critical thinking, strategic problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, confidential matters, or difficult interpersonal interactions that may involve power differentials or can be emotionally charged.
Excellent skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations.
Experience analyzing allegations of misconduct in an area of research compliance and making recommendations.
Proven success in managing compliance review boards or committees.
Relevant compliance certification (if applicable) preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides advanced research compliance oversight and administration in support of institutional research integrity, sponsored research accountability, and regulatory compliance activities.
Applies expert knowledge of federal, state, University, and sponsor regulations related to research misconduct, research integrity, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), clinicaltrials.gov compliance, whistleblower investigations, and sponsored research requirements.
Oversees institutional responses to highly sensitive compliance matters in collaboration with campus leadership, legal counsel, federal agencies, and internal stakeholders.
Advises faculty, Principal Investigators (PIs), and campus units on complex compliance obligations, sponsor reporting requirements, and regulatory matters associated with research activities and sponsored awards.
Develops and implements policies, procedures, training programs, and operational guidelines to ensure institutional compliance and minimize legal, financial, regulatory, and reputational risk.
Conducts complex analysis, monitoring, case management, and training activities related to research integrity, sponsored research compliance, and institutional reporting requirements.