Research Integrity Program Director

University of Colorado

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Integrity Program Director is a key member of the compliance team in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Colorado Denver and University of Colorado Anschutz. This position is responsible for administering policies concerning research misconduct, conducting inquires and investigations, leading responsible conduct of research education and fostering a culture of ethical research at both the Anschutz campus and the downtown CU Denver campus. The work requires extensive collaboration with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Deans’ offices of the Schools and Colleges and the hospital affiliates of the CU Anschutz campus. This role is crucial for maintaining trust in academic, scientific, and medical research particularly on campuses with robust research programs at all fields and skill levels.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
6-8 years of professional experience in regulatory compliance, research administration or research at an academic institution.
A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.
Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
Exceptional analytical, and investigative skills requiring a high degree of discretion and ethical judgement.
Mediation training and experience.
Ability to manage stressful situations and individuals under stress with compassion.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience in research misconduct investigations
Previous teaching experience, including classroom
Legal education, credentials or work experience
Institutional policy development experience in an academic setting

Responsibilities

Consult confidentially with researchers regarding potential ethical dilemmas. Coordinate with other compliance offices as appropriate.
Evaluate any allegations of research misconduct by conducting a preliminary assessment and documenting the findings.
Communicate findings to relevant parties involved in a considered and thoughtful manner.
Assess and problem solve for any systemic policy or process failures that the concern may have identified.
Maintain a strong technical understanding of PHS Regulations and ORI guidance for assessing and reporting research misconduct, as well as other applicable federal, state, and local governmental laws, including ongoing continuing education in this policy area.
Coordinate with IT security, the applicable data system owners and the respondent to appropriately sequester all data and other evidence relevant to an allegation. All sequestered data and material will be stored in accordance with applicable policies and procedures and in a manner that will facilitate the evaluation of the allegation.
Ensure that appropriate and discrete communication with funding agencies and leadership is maintained throughout the process. Coordinate with other potentially impacted compliance offices and committees to protect the rights of participants or animals etc.
Charge, administer and support Inquiry and Investigation committees that are established to appropriately address allegations in accordance with federal funding agency regulations or campus policies and procedures.
Serve as the liaison with the appropriate Deciding Official. Provide all reports and supporting documentation needed for the Deciding official’s review and determination.
Manage any findings or follow-up action needed from the research misconduct process including notifications or any relevant federal, state or local governmental entities.
Maintaining and supporting a current curriculum that is compliant with the various funding agencies regarding responsible conduct of research training in compliance with current funding agency policies as applicable.
Collaborate with undergraduate, graduate and training programs across the various schools and colleges to ensure that there is consistent, compliance and accurate content at a level appropriate for the audience. Coordinate with leadership including the VC for Research, the provosts and deans to address issues and concerns that may arise at the national, regional or local level.
Periodically assess, implement and measure improvements to the program.
Work with interested parties on campus to ensure data integrity and data storage is available for the range of data types produced.
Understand new technologies such as artificial intelligence and large data sets to develop strategies to facilitate compliance and long-term data storage.
Collaborate and coordinate with technical resources in the schools, colleges and central administration to ensure that any policies, procedures and guidelines support the culture of responsible conduct of research
Support the campuses to develop and maintain appropriate standards and resources to protect original data and all data transformations.
Ensure that both campuses have up-to-date policies and procedures for managing research misconduct that are appropriate to meet the regulatory requirements of the applicable funding agency. Research that is not externally funded and governed directly by federal code should also be managed through a similar transparent and defined process.
Review other policies and procedures maintained by the Regents, campus, compliance office or school that may impact how research is conducted on campus and ensure they are incorporated into appropriate campus policies and procedures.
Be aware and understand the technical controls that can be used to facilitate a culture of responsible conduct of research.
Coordinate with care team, IT security, legal counsel to ensure that all individuals impacted by a research misconduct case are appropriately supported while the review is ongoing.
Be the liaison for any forensic or expert consultant management that is needed to address a specific case.
Serve as a liaison for any regulatory body connected to a case.
Coordinate with federal, national and local professional organizations to maintain a leading program.