|
Director
Human Research Protection Program Position Description Directs, plans, coordinates and supervises the operations and activities of a specialized unit or small department; develops and implements policies and procedures, administers the budget, organizes tasks and sets priorities. Serves as liaison with university personnel and community at large. Works under general supervision with broad latitude for initiative and independent judgement. About the University Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a Carnegie R1 (very high research activity) Doctoral/Research-Extensive, Hispanic Serving, and state-assisted institution. Located on a beautiful 1,850-acre campus in Lubbock, a city in West Texas with a growing metropolitan-area population of over 300,000, the university enrolls over 40,000 students with 33,000 undergraduate and 7,000 graduate students. As the primary research institution in the western two-thirds of the state, Texas Tech University is home to 10 colleges, the Schools of Law and Veterinary Medicine, and the Graduate School. The flagship of the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech is dedicated to student success by preparing learners to be ethical leaders for a diverse and globally competitive workforce. It is committed to enhancing the cultural and economic development of the state, nation, and world.
About Lubbock:Referred to as the "Hub City" because it serves as the educational, cultural, economic, and health care hub of the South Plains region, Lubbock boasts a diverse population and a strong connection to community, history, and land. With a mild climate, highly rated public schools, and a low cost of living, Lubbock is a family-friendly community that is ranked as one of the best places to live in Texas. Lubbock is home to a celebrated and ever-evolving music scene, a vibrant arts community, and is within driving distance of Dallas, Austin, Santa Fe, and other major metropolitan cities. Lubbock's Convention & Visitors Bureau provides a comprehensive overview of the Lubbock community and its resources, programs, events, and histories. About the Department and/or College Texas Tech University is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of individuals participating in research. Texas Tech's Institutional Review Board (IRB) is charged with reviewing all human subjects research in accordance with federal regulations (45 CFR 46), state laws, and Texas Tech policies (TTU OP 74.09). HRPP supports the institution in promoting ethical conduct of human research and educates Texas Tech faculty, staff, and students regarding compliance and ethics. HRPP supports the IRB and maintains all IRB records including meeting agendas and minutes, policies, regulations, reference materials, and IRB protocols. HRPP provides research support through IRB development, web-based IRB submission, reliance agreements, and post approval monitoring. Major/Essential Functions
- Supervise and coordinate HRPP staff activities to ensure efficient and compliant processing of human research protocol submissions, reviews, and approvals. Provide leadership, guidance, and support to maintain high-quality and timely service to the research community.
- Oversee the HRPP budget and resource allocation.
- Facilitate the work of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) by supporting IRB Chairs and committee members in the ethical and regulatory review of research protocols involving human participants. Ensure that reviews are conducted in accordance with institutional, state, and federal requirements.
- Lead efforts to recruit and retain qualified IRB members, coordinate training programs, and implement continuing education initiatives to ensure regulatory compliance and professional excellence.
- Plan, staff, and coordinate IRB committee meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas and reviewing materials, recording minutes, and documenting deliberations and determinations consistent with regulatory and institutional standards.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty, students, and staff who are preparing, submitting, or awaiting review of IRB protocols. Provide guidance and responsive communication to assist investigators in navigating the submission and review process.
- Acquire and maintain in-depth knowledge of institutional, state, and federal regulations and ethical principles governing human subjects research, including 45 CFR 46, 21 CFR 50/56, and related guidance. Apply this knowledge in daily operations and decision-making. Monitor and interpret changes in human subjects protection regulations and best practices. Update policies and communicate impacts to the research community.
- Coordinate the submission of required reports to OHRP, FDA, sponsors or other regulatory agencies as needed. Support and prepare for regulatory inspections and institutional program assessments.
- Coordinate HRPP activities with related compliance areas such as Financial Conflict of Interest, Research Services, Research Security, Animal Care, and Environmental Health and Services.
- Collaborate with partnering institutions and their HRPP/IRB offices to coordinate review and oversight of multi-institutional and collaborative research projects, ensuring compliance with reliance agreements and review processes.
- Pursue and maintain professional certification as a Certified IRB Professional (CIP) to demonstrate and sustain expertise in human research protection and IRB management.
- Assist in developing and delivering educational programs and training sessions for Texas Tech University IRB members, students, faculty, and research staff on human subject research, and the use of Cayuse IRB for human research protocols.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledgeable in researching and comprehending state and federal documents.
- Proficient skills in Microsoft Office, especially spreadsheets, database and reporting tools.
- Ability to work within an electronic environment.
- Effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex priorities.
- Ability to lead a team under potentially stressful conditions.
- Ability to compare, contrast and quality check work and keen attention to detail.
- Ability to handle several tasks/projects at a time and prioritizing responsibilities.
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in related area required plus five years progressively responsible management experience. Additional education may substitute for experience on a year for year basis. Preferred Qualifications
- Post graduate or Doctoral degree in job related field.
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal research regulations (45 CFR 46, 21 CFR 50/56, HIPAA Privacy Rule, FERPA) and ethical principles (Belmont Report).
- Demonstrated strong skills and track record in sustained measurement of program outcomes, ability to work independently and with others to achieve desired results.
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP)** credential or eligibility within one year of hire.
- Demonstrated ability to build strong collaborative relationships across academic and administrative units.
- Some IT system background of online submission software.
- Experience in a university or research environment.
Safety Information Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees. Does this position work in a research laboratory? No Required Attachments Cover Letter, Professional/Personal References, Resume / CV Job Family Research Administration Job Sub Family Research Compliance Annualized Pay Range $78,000 - $102,600 - $126,200 Pay Statement Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan. EEO Statement All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran. |
Texas Tech University
Feb 12, 2026