Research Integrity Investigations Administrator

University of South Florida•Tampa, FL

15h•$56,966 - $71,208•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Research Integrity Officer, the Grant Compliance Administrator I provides substantive administrative, analytical, and investigative support for the University’s research-integrity and research-misconduct program. The position supports the full lifecycle of matters involving alleged fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, and related research-integrity concerns, from the initial receipt and documentation of allegations through preliminary assessment, inquiry, investigation, institutional decision-making, required reporting, corrective-action monitoring, and case closeout. The position also assists in distinguishing matters that fall within the University’s research-misconduct process from authorship disputes, honest error, differences of scientific opinion, general research noncompliance, employment concerns, and other issues that may require referral to a different institutional office or process. The position manages sensitive and frequently complex case records; monitors procedural requirements, deadlines, and required notifications; and supports the preservation, sequestration, organization, and review of research records and other potentially relevant evidence. Responsibilities include assisting with structured interviews; reviewing publications, research data, laboratory and electronic records, correspondence, policies, and other documentation; developing factual chronologies; identifying evidentiary consistencies, discrepancies, and gaps; and preparing accurate, neutral, and well-supported summaries, memoranda, notices, correspondence, and draft reports. The Grant Compliance Administrator I coordinates the administrative activities of inquiry and investigation panels, including conflict-of-interest screening, scheduling, preparation and secure distribution of case materials, meeting support, documentation of procedural actions, and tracking of panel requests and deliverables. The position also facilitates appropriate coordination among the Research Integrity Officer, University counsel, information technology, colleges, faculty and academic leaders, research administrators, sponsors, collaborating institutions, journals, and governmental oversight agencies. The position exercises independent judgment and applies research-integrity subject-matter expertise when analyzing assigned matters, identifying procedural or evidentiary risks, determining necessary follow-up, and recommending appropriate next steps. All work must be performed impartially and with strict attention to confidentiality, evidence integrity, procedural fairness, recordkeeping, and applicable University, sponsor, and governmental requirements. The position does not independently make final findings of research misconduct or other institutional determinations; those authorities remain with the Research Integrity Officer, review panels, and other officials designated by University policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree -OR- equivalent combination of related education and experience.
Minimum of three (3) years of related experience

Responsibilities

Receives and documents allegations and related information; supports initial triage and preliminary assessments of jurisdiction, applicable definitions, specificity, credibility, time limitations, and other threshold considerations.
Coordinates evidence-preservation and sequestration activities with the Research Integrity Officer, University counsel, information technology, colleges, and other offices; maintains organized records of collection, custody, access, and disposition.
Conducts or supports structured, neutral interviews; reviews research records, publications, electronic communications, policies, and other evidence; develops chronologies and identifies material consistencies, inconsistencies, gaps, and follow-up needs without prejudging outcomes.
Administers inquiry and investigation panels, including conflict-of-interest screening, appointment and scheduling support, preparation of case materials, meeting coordination, deadline tracking, and documentation of procedural actions.
Drafts notices, correspondence, case summaries, procedural memoranda, interview summaries, reports, and other written materials for review by the Research Integrity Officer, panels, University counsel, and designated institutional officials.
Maintains secure and confidential case files, case-management records, status reports, and audit trails; monitors procedural deadlines, required notifications, corrective actions, and matter closeout in accordance with applicable requirements.
Coordinates, as directed, with respondents, complainants, witnesses, faculty and academic leaders, research administrators, sponsors, collaborating institutions, governmental oversight agencies, and other stakeholders while preserving appropriate role boundaries and confidentiality.
Researches and analyzes applicable laws, regulations, sponsor requirements, institutional policies, and procedural standards; assists with development of procedures, templates, training materials, and process improvements that support consistent and defensible case administration.
Identifies and promptly escalates conflicts of interest, threats to evidence, procedural risks, public health or safety concerns, sponsor-reporting issues, retaliation concerns, and other matters requiring institutional action.
Supports other research-integrity, research-research-compliance, audit, or special-project responsibilities as assigned.