Research Integrity Program Coordinator

Virginia Tech•Blacksburg, VA

2d•$62,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Division of Scholarly Integrity and Research Compliance (SIRC) at Virginia Tech supports the business management of the Research Integrity and Consultation Program (RICP). SIRC is deeply committed to both the highest ethical standards in scholarship and to the proactive facilitation of basic, translational, and transformative scientific research for the improvement of the human condition across the world. The office assists researchers with the fulfillment of their responsibility for compliance with policies and regulations pertaining to research. The RICP upholds the highest standards of ethical and responsible research by ensuring compliance with federal, state, and institutional requirements. The program provides guidance and education to the research community and oversees the fair, thorough, and confidential resolution of concerns related to research misconduct. The program is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and professionalism in all research activities conducted at the university. The Research Integrity Program Coordinator manages Virginia Tech’s research misconduct processes; maintains confidential case records according to university and federal policy; serves as a liaison between the division, committee members, faculty, staff, and students to coordinate research misconduct complaints, investigations, and inquiries; develops and updates training, educational, and outreach materials related to the responsible conduct of research; and assists with coordinating the Research Integrity and Scholarly Excellence lecture series. The Research Integrity Program Coordinator will independently manage and perform a variety of programmatic duties for the RICP, ensuring daily operations are organized, accurate, and completed in a timely and professional manner.

Requirements

Degree in related field(s) or equivalent training or experience in a business administration, research, or compliance environment.
Demonstrated customer service experience
Strong analytical, time management, multi-tasking, communication, writing, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently, prioritize work, organize, and manage a complex workload effectively under tight deadlines
Demonstrated ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents such as research protocols, manuscripts, regulations, policies, standard operating procedures, and guidance
Ability to maintain discretion, confidentiality, and impartiality

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in health/science
Knowledge of federal research misconduct regulations and the responsible conduct of research principles
Prior experience in compliance, investigations, education, or research administration in an academic or medical center/school environment
Prior experience supporting compliance committees
Broad knowledge of research methods and terminology
Familiarity with NIH, NSF, PHS, and other federal sponsor requirements related to research misconduct

Responsibilities

Managing the day-to-day operations of the program, including managing the RICP general email inbox, coordinating meetings, and scheduling trainings.
Assisting with the management of research misconduct cases: Receive, evaluate, manage inquiries, and provide compliance support, evidence management, coordination, and report drafting.
Managing secure confidential case files, safeguarding sensitive information, documenting actions and evidence, meeting regulatory timelines, preparing reports for the Research Integrity Officer, and archiving files and records in accordance with federal and institutional requirements.
Developing and updating educational, training, and outreach materials related to responsible and ethical conduct of research trainings; conducting training and performing outreach, and keeping the website up to date.
Assisting with the oversight of regulatory compliance by interpreting requirements, ensuring adherence to federal regulations and university policies, maintaining compliance records, and coordinating with stakeholders and federal agencies.
Drafting communications regarding research integrity expectations, research misconduct cases, and preparing communication materials for committee members, leadership, federal agencies, and faculty, staff, and students involved in cases and investigations. Drafts will be reviewed by the supervisor prior to dissemination.
Compiling and analyzing data and identifying trends related to research misconduct cases and investigations.
Developing and revising standard operating procedures and guidance documents for review and approval by the supervisor.
Creating an organizational culture within the team and across the research community that provides a safe, supportive, and enriching environment.
Serving as a liaison between the division, committee members, faculty, staff, and students to coordinate complaints, investigations, and inquiries.
Providing excellent customer service to all staff, faculty, students, and committee members for case and investigation-related inquiries and needs.