Research Compliance Specialist

LLNL•Livermore, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking to fill multiple openings for a Research Compliance Specialist. This role involves providing advanced technical support and scientific expertise in life sciences research compliance, focusing on areas such as biosafety, dangerous gain-of-function research, international research of concern, animal ethics, and human subjects research protections. The specialist will ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and institutional regulations, policies, and procedures. This position combines scientific and technical expertise with regulatory analysis to support responsible research and institutional compliance. The role reports to the Research Compliance Manager within the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division of the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate. A hybrid work schedule may be offered after a probationary period, with specifics varying based on team and organizational needs.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
PhD degree in a relevant scientific, clinical, or life sciences research-related discipline (e.g., microbiology, virology, biology, animal science, veterinary science, public health, bioengineering, or a closely related field) or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Advanced technical foundation in one or more relevant life sciences research areas, such as molecular biology, microbiology or biosafety, animal models and welfare, human research methods and participant protections, biological risk assessment, or research security.
Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, research protocols, experimental methods, and technical documentation, including identifying methodological limitations and their implications for risk and compliance requirements.
Demonstrated knowledge of relevant regulatory and ethical frameworks related to research compliance (e.g., NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, PHS Policy, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Animal Welfare Act regulations, USG Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research, HHS Policy for Protection of Human Subjects) with the ability to research, interpret, and apply complex and evolving regulatory requirements within established institutional processes.
Strong analytical judgment and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess risk, document defensible recommendations, manage sensitive information, and recognize matters requiring escalation or additional expertise.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills to explain and present complex scientific, technical, and regulatory concepts and provide recommendations to researchers, compliance staff, and management.
Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple complex assignments independently with minimal direction.

Nice To Haves

Relevant research compliance certification(s), such as Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA) certification, Certified IRB Professional (CIP) credential, Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP), or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP).
Experience conducting or supporting scientific, technical, or regulatory reviews in one or more assigned research compliance areas.
Experience developing technical guidance, training, or compliance-related procedures for scientific or research audiences.
Experience using electronic research administration systems, databases, or data-analysis tools to manage compliance records and identify trends.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain advanced level knowledge of federal regulations applicable to research compliance in biosafety, dangerous gain-of-function, international research of concern, animal ethics, and/or human subjects research protections.
Provide technical interpretation of regulatory requirements to institutional research compliance programs, policies, and procedures.
Serve as a technical resource for researchers, research compliance staff, and management regarding research compliance requirements.
Perform advanced level scientific, technical, and regulatory reviews of research compliance protocols to evaluate compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, institutional policies, and accreditation standards.
Evaluate research objectives, experimental designs, methodologies, procedures, and anticipated outcomes to identify potential risks and assess the adequacy of safeguards, monitoring, and mitigation measures.
Interpret and apply relevant regulatory frameworks to novel or complex research scenarios and recommend appropriate compliance approaches, escalating novel or precedent-setting issues as appropriate.
Generate, review, and support the preparation of regulatory reports and documentation for review and submission by the Institutional Official or designated authority.
Participate in and support regulatory inspections and site visits, serving as a technical point of contact for assigned matters.
Support investigations of regulatory non-compliance, including drafting non-compliance reports and tracking corrective actions under the direction of the Research Compliance Manager or designee.
Develop and deliver scientifically and technically grounded training, policies, and guidance documents tailored to research disciplines and compliance responsibilities.
Use electronic research administration systems and data analysis tools to maintain accurate records, assess program performance, identify emerging risks, and improve compliance practices.
May provide technical guidance to junior staff, students, or project teams within assigned areas of expertise.
Perform other duties as assigned.