Director of Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance

Classification Title:

DIR, Research Admin

Job Description:

Serve as the University resource regarding the compliance efforts related to the full breadth and scope of the University’s research enterprise.

Specific areas of oversight and management include, but are not limited to:

• Research Integrity/Responsible Conduct of Research;
• Research Misconduct (Director, or designee, serves as University’s Research Integrity Officer);
• Research-Related Conflicts of Interest;
• International Research Activities;
• Export Control; and
• Research Security, including data security, facility security/classified program, and protections against undue foreign influence.

In carrying out oversight and management functions, integrate the following:

• Collaborate with UF Research divisions, University colleges and departments, research-related committees, and central administrative offices, including the Office of General Counsel, UF Compliance and Ethics, the Office of Internal Audit, and the Conflicts of Interest Office;
• Assist the Division of Sponsored Programs, Contracts and Grants Accounting, and Cost Analysis with their primary responsibilities for financial compliance;
• Draft policies and procedures to implement research integrity, security, and compliance requirements;
• Develop and provide training, education, and outreach, including utilizing innovative efforts to communicate compliance initiatives and provide compliance resources (i.e., social media, websites, newsletters, etc.);
• Conduct research compliance risk assessments and continuous monitoring processes with implementation of corrective actions/improvement plans, as needed;
• Serve as point of contact with external regulators on research compliance matters;
• Conduct assessments of faculty administrative burden and develop efficiencies to alleviate burden where possible;
• Stimulate and promote research compliance throughout the University, with a particular emphasis on customer service, technology and data-collection improvements to support better service, implementation, management, performance of programs, and monitoring and self-correction; and
• Prepare an annual report for the Vice President for Research (VPR) including outcomes of annual assessments. Immediately report any material compliance issues to the VPR, and other applicable Senior Vice Presidents and Chief Compliance, Ethics, & Privacy Officer (CCO). Provide copies to the Vice President and General Counsel, the Chief Audit Executive, and the CCO.

Administer and oversee the research misconduct and research integrity violations processes in accordance with University and sponsor policies.

Serve as the University resource supporting international research and other sponsored activities, including challenges associated with:

• Adherence to non-programmatic requirements from sponsors, which includes assisting the Division of Sponsored Programs and Contracts & Grants Accounting in the financial monitoring and auditing of UF and in-country partner activities;
• Working with UF General Counsel in addressing all legal issues for operations outside the US; and
• Working with other units to satisfy human resource and purchasing requirements for non-US operations.

Review federal and state regulatory updates and other resource materials in order to remain abreast of national and any state trends in research compliance, actively participate in national organizations (such as the Council on Governmental Relations), and attend national conferences and educational seminars. Advise the VPR, other Senior Vice Presidents, and Compliance administrators on national trends and enforcement activities affecting the research enterprise, including foreign activities. Prepare appropriate communications for affected faculty and staff, in consultation with the Office of the General Counsel.

Provide administrative oversight, strategic planning, and personnel and budgetary management for UF Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with education and experience

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience. Must be eligible and willing to hold DOD security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

JD in appropriate area and six years of relevant experience.

The candidate will preferably have three years of compliance experience in an academic research institution or other research setting.

Exceptionally qualified candidates will have:

• An interpersonal and collaborative approach that is effective in an academic research setting and must work well with faculty as well as administrators.
• Extensive knowledge of compliance principles, terminology, and regulatory requirements that impact the research endeavors of academic research institutions required.
• Experience in leadership or management, program development and management, and research-related administration with proven collaborative, team-oriented leadership ability and extensive interpersonal and communications skills is highly desirable.
• The Director of RISC must have a proven record of focus on and excellence in client service, integrity, principles and strategies for client service.
• Strong background in, and knowledge of, effective operational practices and compliance management techniques are preferred.
• Ability to translate complex regulations and findings into understandable and meaningful terms is required.
• Audit or inspection experience is helpful.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, applicants must provide a cover letter, resume, and a list of professional references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No