Sr. Research Compliance Assoc

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute•Brookline, MA

About The Position

The Sr Research Compliance Associate works within the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance to support the Institute’s robust research conflicts of interest and industry interactions program. Responsible for the review and management of faculty, research staff, and institutional outside relationships and agreements that are related to research, to ensure compliance with sponsor regulations and institutional policies for conflicts of interest and commitment. This work advances and preserves the integrity of the academic mission of the Institute by facilitating beneficial collaborations with industry that improve academic research while ensuring that these activities are conducted within the requirements of institutional policies. Frequently interacts with faculty and research scientists to provide advice on the policies relating to conflicts of interest and commitment in research, identifies issues and risks for consideration by the Faculty Conflict of Interest Committee, reviews individual agreements of faculty and research staff, and supports the Program Manager to disseminate policies and education to faculty and research staff. Works independently to manage complex processes. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Requirements

Regulatory experience and ability to spot issues
Advanced level experience with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Superior organizational skills
Superior editing and proofreading skills
Ability to prioritize and complete tasks independently and in a timely manner
Ability to make sound administrative judgments and assume responsibility for decisions
Ability to anticipate the needs of the individuals assigned to support
Ability to maintain information that is sensitive and frequently of a confidential nature
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a scientific or legal field.
Minimum of 4 years of experience in conflicts of interest, research compliance, or similar regulatory work.
Candidates must have in-depth knowledge of conflict-of-interest regulations, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work under deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Relevant post-graduate education (e.g., JD, Master’s, PhD) is preferred but not required.
Experience in academic, research, or hospital settings, as well as a background in science or medicine, is an advantage.
The role also requires the ability to identify issues and strategize process improvements.

Responsibilities

With little oversight from the Program Manager, responsible for the timely intake and review of financial disclosures and outside activity agreements from faculty and research scientists that may pose conflicts of interest with research under institutional policies and sponsor regulations
Participate in the administration, testing, updating, and operation of the online conflict of interest disclosure system and database
Responsible for providing information and support to the DFCI Faculty Conflict of Interest Committee. Identify cases, trends, and issues for committee consideration
Responsible for the identification and review of institutional interests that may pose conflicts of interest with research under institutional policies
Responsible for the compliance review of faculty and research staff outside activity agreements
Answer questions via email or phone from faculty, research staff, directors, administrators, other internal customers or external academic affiliates regarding conflict-of-interest policies and processes in formal and informal settings. Facilitate compliance with institutional policies by enabling these individuals to understand policy requirements
Support the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance to conduct an annual research compliance risk assessment and develop work plan to address identified risks, including conducting audit and monitoring activities
Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and guidelines in functional areas, based on cases and other priorities or initiatives as identified by supervisors
Participate in the design and delivery of training and website content relating to research conflicts of interest and Institute policies on outside activities. Participate in tracking completion of training
Monitor updates and changes in sponsor requirements and maintain a current and in-depth understanding of policies and regulations regarding research conflicts of interest
Enhance professional growth and development by participating in educational programs, distributing and reading current literature and conducting and participating in in-service meetings and workshops
Support other ORIC team members during peak times of activity
Comply with office practices that support the efficient operation and documentation of the research conflicts of interest program
Provide professional guidance and mentorship to other Research Compliance Associates, I and II
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor