Research Safety Compliance Analyst - Office of Research Protections

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

1d • Remote

About The Position

Penn State’s Office for Research Protections (ORP) seeks a highly motivated and experienced professional to serve as a Research Safety Compliance Analyst in the Research Safety Program. The ORP, part of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research, plays a pivotal role in supporting Penn State’s vibrant research community, boasting an annual research expenditure of $1.44 billion and ranking among the top 30 public research universities in the nation. The ORP is comprised of the following programs: Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC), Conflict of Interest, Research Misconduct, Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), Education, Quality and Integrity, Radioisotopes (UIC), Regulated Biohazardous Materials (IBC), Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO), Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC/IRE), Controlled Substances, Drone Operations, and Scientific Diving. The Safety Compliance Analyst will report to the Director of Research Safety and Compliance. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Responsibilities

• Manage and participate in day-to-day functions of the IBC, IRE, ESCRO, and UIC such as committee meetings, program reviews, and policy development and review which includes creating and/or updating policies and procedures related to compliance.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to administration (e.g., Director, and Assistant VP for Research) in biosafety, and isotopes policies, regulations and applicable accreditation standards.
• Pre-screen, review and approve research protocols, procedures and/or processes and provide follow-up as needed for all committees within the Safety Programs (IBC, IRE, ESCRO, UIC, and back-up for Drone Operations, and Scientific Diving), as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Participate in professional development activities and conferences to maintain current knowledge of the regulations pertaining to IBC, IRE, ESCRO, and UIC.
• Review federal and state requirements, research protocols, and other government, local and University mandates and communicate information to appropriate parties on current requirements and/or changes.
• In conjunction with or as assigned by the Director, creates and updates policies and procedures to ensure compliance with University policies, and federal and state regulations.
• In conjunction with or as assigned by the Director, interact with regulatory or accrediting agencies to respond to inquiries or provide information as required; complete and submit related regulatory or accreditation reports; and inform committees, faculty and staff of relevant information obtained.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to faculty, staff and students regarding regulatory and other requirements related to compliance.
• Ensure that University researchers and collaborators are appropriately trained in protocol submission.
• Provide all necessary administrative support, outreach and training, as needed, in support of the IBC, IRE, ESCRO, and UIC committees.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to faculty and staff related to protocol preparation. This process may include telephone communication, written communication, and scheduling virtual meetings.
• Help to ensure protocols are compliant with all federal, state and local regulations, rules, policies, guidelines and SOP's.
• Via the Ancillary Review process, ensure that there is coordination with the IACUC where animal care and use protocols have biosafety components and with the IRB where human participants are involved.
• Gather preliminary information and assist in investigations and/or routine monitoring for program compliance and/or in response to reports of non-compliance or concerns.
• In conjunction with and as directed by the Director, report findings and make recommendations of unsafe conditions, non-compliance, or other discrepancies to appropriate compliance committees (IBC, IRE, ESCRO, and UIC), administration, Principal Investigator, and federal agencies as required and/or as appropriate.
• Serve as a subject matter expert as a member of the best practices committee advising on the continued development and maintenance of the University's electronic compliance management databases and transition from PRAMS to CATS.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees