Research Compliance Officer

Department
Provost URA: Research Compliance
About the Department
University Research Administration has the responsibility to review and provide institutional endorsement for all proposals to federal and other external sponsors (excluding gifts), assuring compliance with university policies and sponsor terms and conditions. URA is the institutional authority for the negotiation and acceptance of financial support or other contractually binding obligations in the form of a contract, grant, or agreement, including material transfer agreements and clinical trials.
Job Summary
Working under the general supervision of the, Director, Research Compliance & Training the incumbent ensures that researchers comply with regulatory and ethical laws, regulations and procedures by working with various stakeholders in the management and development of sponsored program policies and procedures related to Research Compliance; promotes Research Compliance by working directly with staff and researchers in the preparation of and assessment of project-specific regulatory requirements; and serves as a subject matter expert and point of contact to university personnel for advice, resources, education, and coordination of the assigned areas for which s/he has the subject matter expertise. The successful candidate will work with the Director and University stakeholders to implement an effective research security program. Other duties as needed or required.
The job maintains regulatory compliance programs, including the interpretation of systems to identify areas of risk and may coordinate internal audits. With a moderate level of direction, participates in compliance documentation, compliance training, and compliance committee formation.
Responsibilities

• Developing institutional policies, procedures, guidelines, and programs that enable the conduct of research while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements to support the Institute's efforts to promote international research collaborations in a manner that is consistent with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and guidance pertaining to research security.
• Review federal and state statutory and regulatory updates and other resource materials in order to remain abreast of national and state trends in research security compliance.
• Work collaboratively with the Director and other University Stakeholders to develop and implement the University's Research Security Program in response to the requirements of National Security Presidential Memorandum - 33 (NSPM-33).
• In conjunction with the Office of Legal Counsel, maintain awareness of relevant privacy, data security, and data sharing laws of countries where University collaborative research is occurring.
• Research national trends and enforcement activities affecting the research enterprise, including those involving foreign activities.
• Participate on campus-wide committees addressing research security compliance and work with appropriate academic and non-academic units to implement solutions.
• Assist in the drafting of policies and procedures to implement research security and compliance requirements.
• Monitoring the implementation of compliance program elements.
• Participate in appropriate professional organizations.
• Coordinates department or clinic compliance with a moderate level of guidance.
• Prepares, completes and submits all compliance documentation on a routine basis. Coordinates compliance committee meetings.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor's degree, in related field of study.
• Advanced degree strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Experience working in a sponsored programs research administration office, or in an academic environment strongly preferred.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Must be highly proficient at Microsoft Office Suite (including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills) and Adobe Acrobat; must be comfortable learning multiple new software packages.
• Ability to work with various sponsor electronic systems.
• Rapid proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as AURA, FAS, Workday, ACCTS, PETS, GEMS, e-Payments, Business Objects and a high level of proficiency in Excel.
• Stay current with technology and digital tools.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work independently while being able to prioritize and accomplish objectives in a timely manner.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to prioritize and efficiently manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams to solve issues through data driven analysis and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals at various organizational levels, using tact, courtesy, and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to Interpret sponsor guidelines and regulations to ensure accurate response.
• Customer-oriented support is a high priority of the office with a demeanor of civility and professionalism at all times.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Develop and manage interpersonal relationships.
• Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.
• Manage detail-oriented workload, to organize and prioritize during high-pressure, high-volume periods and manage stress.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment and absolute discretion regarding confidential matters with tact.
• Stay current with technology and digital tools.

Working Conditions

• Interact by phone, email, online meetings or in person with faculty and administrative staff at the University and occasionally with staff of federal government, non-federal sponsors, and other institutions and organizations.
• Sit for 4 hours or more.
• Use computers extensively for 4 hours or more.
• Use standard office equipment and troubleshoot IT equipment in a remote/hybrid environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References Contact Information (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Legal & Regulatory Affairs
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.