Research Compliance Specialist - San Francisco State University

Launch your career in research administration as a Research Compliance Specialist at San Francisco State University, where you'll play a key role in supporting innovative research and maintaining high standards of regulatory compliance. Joining the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs, you'll manage IRB and IACUC protocols, streamline compliance policies, and provide crucial support to faculty and students alike. This role offers substantial growth potential and a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on first-generation students and diverse research initiatives.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply and be part of this impactful team!

Another Source's client, San Francisco State University, is recruiting a Research Compliance Specialist to join their team in San Francisco, California. (This position is internally titled: Human and Animal Protections Specialist.)

Here's a little about the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs at San Francisco State University and the position they are recruiting for:

ORSP helps to create a dynamic, engaging and vibrant environment for SF State faculty and students. By providing support and infrastructure, ORSP gives faculty and students the opportunity to engage in life changing programs that have an impact both individually and to the broader community.

Learn more about:

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs: https://research.sfsu.edu/

• Human and Animal Protection: https://research.sfsu.edu/HAP

The anticipated yearly salary range for this position is $65,000-86,464 based on experience.

About the role:

The Research Compliance Specialist supports and manages the operations of SFSU's Human & Animal Protections (HAP) unit in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). This role oversees compliance efforts for the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), providing essential administrative, technical, and analytical support to the university's research community while ensuring adherence to Federal, State, CSU, and campus policies.

What you will be doing:

Protocol and ADE Review, Investigator Communication, and Outreach

• Review and assess IRB/IACUC protocols and Applications for Determination of Exemption (ADE) for clarity, completeness, and compliance.

• Administer and approve specific IRB/IACUC submissions; assign Exempt and Expedited protocols to the Chair, relay pre-review recommendations to Principal Investigators (PIs), and manage approval notices.

• Oversee and manage the HAP email inbox, triaging inquiries and escalating issues to relevant IRB/IACUC chairs, the ORSP Director, and Institutional Official (IO) when needed.

• Hold "office hours" and provide outreach sessions, including classroom presentations, for faculty and staff to educate and support compliance and protocol submission.

Policy Maintenance, Development, and Operational Improvements

• Develop, streamline, and enhance HAP policies and procedures, including creating training guides for researchers and advisors.

• Maintain and update internal databases (e.g., IRBManager) and manage HAP website content.

• Collaborate with other campus units (e.g., Environmental Health & Safety, Risk Management) and external consultants to ensure full regulatory compliance for human and animal research protections.

Regulatory Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding human and animal research protections, consistent with SFSU's Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) and Animal Welfare Assurance.

• Draft and submit required reports to federal agencies, maintain detailed records of compliance responsibilities, and update regulatory registrations for IRB and IACUC.

Student Assistant Leadership

• Recruit, train, and provide direction for HAP student assistants, fostering skill development and supporting their understanding of compliance processes.

Meeting Coordination and Support

• Manage logistics for IRB and IACUC committee meetings, including scheduling, reserving spaces, preparing agendas, and note-taking.

• Uphold SFSU's User Friendly Principles (P530C) and the Principles of Conduct for a Multi-Cultural University (P30D).

• Adhere to safe work practices and foster a safe environment for colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent training/experience in office administration.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills to explain processes to students, faculty, and staff.

• Skilled in organizing work, managing multiple priorities, and making independent decisions with sound judgment.

• Proficient in preparing reports and establishing effective working relationships within and outside of the unit.

• General knowledge of software tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook) and ability to handle time-sensitive inquiries.

• Foundational understanding of public administration principles, gained through education or equivalent administrative experience.

• Thorough knowledge of complex programs and relevant regulations, with advanced understanding of public and business administration, operational management, and fiscal oversight.

• Expertise in survey techniques, operational analysis, and research methods to develop policies and solutions.

• Ability to work with external partners, handle sensitive situations, and use consultative skills to build consensus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education or working with faculty.

• Familiarity with human and animal protections policies, procedures, and compliance requirements.

• Experience in policy and procedure writing.

• Completion of IRB/IACUC training (e.g., CITI, PRIMR) preferred.

• Experience with online protocol systems (e.g., IRBManager) is a plus.

Why a career with CSU is for You:

The CSU system offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

• Immerse yourself: Being on campus allows you to enjoy renowned sporting events, artist events, world-renowned speakers. Stroll through trails, museums, and enjoy all campus has to offer.

• Tuition waiver: up to 2 courses, or 6 units, per semester for employee, spouse, registered domestic partner or eligible dependent child for any of the 23 campuses.

• Mission driven culture: Transforming the lives of a diverse student body, including first-generation students and under-represented communities.

• Jury duty: The CSU will continue an employee's salary while they are on jury duty, regardless of length of jury service.

• CalPERS Retirement Plan: CalPERS is a defined benefit retirement pension plan. Lifetime medical benefits for you, your spouse, or registered domestic partner. Learn more here: http://www.calpers.ca.gov/

• 403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan (Similar to a 401k plan)

• A healthier you. Access to athletic and gym facilities on campus

• Transportation support. Pre-tax commuter benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination:

The California State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all CSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis. We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.

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