Talent.com
Director, Office for the Protection of Research Subjects

Director, Office for the Protection of Research Subjects

University of IllinoisUrbana, IL, US
4 days ago
Job type
  • Full-time
Job description

Director, Office for the Protection of Research Subjects

This position will be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement but will require regular presence on campus in Urbana-Champaign. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

The University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign is a public land-grant research university in Illinois in the twin cities of Champaign and Urbana. It is the flagship institution of the University of Illinois system and was founded in 1867. The university serves the people of Illinois through a shared commitment to excellence in teaching, research, public engagement, economic development and health care. Faculty, staff and students share their knowledge, expertise and resources with residents in every corner of the state through public service and outreach programs.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation invites applications for the position of Director of the Office for the Protection of Research Subjects (OPRS). The Director will ensure the rights and welfare of participants in human research activities conducted by the University, provide administrative leadership and strategic direction for operation of the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), and assist researchers in adhering to IRB requirements, laws, regulations, policies, and ethical principles.

Responsibilities

Among the responsibilities of the Director are the following :

  • Regulatory Responsibilities :
  • Ensure that human subjects' research is reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and that research is subsequently conducted in accordance with international, federal, or state regulations and guidance, with funding agency specific guidelines, and with institutional policies.
  • Serve as campus Human Protections Administrator for Federal Wide Assurance (FWA) and as the primary contact for the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
  • Supervise the response to institutionally initiated and externally initiated audits and site visits pertaining to OPRS and IRB related matters.
  • Manage the annual status report and re-accreditation process by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protections Programs (AAHRPP).
  • Provide leadership and support to IRB chairs, board members, and OPRS staff on ethical principles, laws, regulations, policies and business process regarding the review and conduct of human subjects' research.
  • Collaborate with administrators and staff under the OVCRI's oversight and with other University administrative units to ensure compliance with regulations and support of the University's mission and objectives.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication and cooperative working relationships with university administrators, faculty, staff, government and private agencies, and other stakeholders.
  • OPRS | IRB Review and Processes :
  • Supervise OPRS and IRB business processes and operations for review, approval, and post-approval monitoring of human subjects' research.
  • Provide oversight and supervision of personnel and daily operations of the OPRS office. Oversee hiring, training, supervision, and performance review of OPRS personnel.
  • Establish and maintain a positive working environment that encourages productivity, retention, and professional development of OPRS staff.
  • Lead OPRS in setting goals, developing strategic plans, and implementing programs to support and improve human subjects' protection and support the University's mission and objectives.
  • Supervise ongoing evaluation and development of standard operating procedures for human research subject protection to ensure investigator compliance and optimize OPRS and IRB operations.
  • Work with OPRS staff, IRB members, and the OVCRI to evaluate and develop institutional policies as necessary.
  • Collaborate in the development of procedures and systems to support clinical research and cross-discipline human subject research.
  • Supervise response to adverse events or allegations of noncompliance and prescribe corrective action plans to ensure the protection of human subjects and compliance with regulation and policies.
  • Supervise the implementation of electronic research administration software for the Urbana-Champaign campus.
  • Coordinate the preparation of statistical reports and other data for reports to the University administration as requested, including monthly and annual reports, and other reports as requested.
  • Assist in identifying and recruiting prospective IRB Chairs and members and make recommendations to the VCRI for appointments.
  • Training :
  • Develop required campus training programs for faculty, students and staff conducting human subjects' research.
  • Provide training in protocol preparation and procedures related to human subjects' research for new faculty, students, and staff members.
  • Oversee and administer training of IRB members and OPRS staff for professional development and for efficient regulation-based review and approval of human subjects' research.
  • Monitor informational resources available on the OPRS website.
  • Representation of Campus :
  • Represent the Urbana-Champaign campus as liaison with agencies funding and regulating human subjects' research.
  • Establish and maintain close working relationships with the HRPP administration at collaborating institutions, including administration of Institutional Authorization Agreements, Collaborating Investigator Agreements, and Memorandum of Understanding
  • Participate in relevant professional conferences or meetings, including those of the Big Ten Alliance, AAHRPP, PRIM&R and others as appropriate.
  • Serve on University and campus committees as required.
  • Other Responsibilities :
  • Engage in continuing professional development activities to improve knowledge of technical and ethical aspects of research with human subjects.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., social, behavioral, educational, or biological science) and / or equivalent professional certification (e.g., nurse practitioner).
  • At least 10 years' applicable experience, including demonstrated strong leadership, organizational and administrative skills related to research administration in a complex academic research institution. Experience should include a record of commitment to and delivery of responsive service to the research community.
  • Experience in producing creative and innovative solutions and approaches to common problems.
  • Experience in managing an accreditation process.

    • Preferred Qualifications

  • Doctorate degree and / or equivalent professional certification (e.g., M.D.).
  • Certification for Institutional Review Board Professionals (CIP).

    • Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work effectively, collaboratively and diplomatically with investigators and offices of senior level administration, sponsored programs administration and other university administrators.
  • Effective management skills, including demonstrated ability to hire and train new staff and an ability to motivate and retain professional staff.
  • Ability to manage a sensitive and / or confidential data environment.
  • Demonstrated understanding of federal regulations and agency guidelines for human subjects, including HHS, FDA, HIPAA, FERPA, and other agency specific regulations (such as DOD, NIJ, US DoED, EPA, NSF, US DOE, NIH, NEA, NEH, DoEd., etc.).
  • Understanding of University contracts and agreements relating to the IRB, for example, sponsored research agreements, material transfer agreements, and data use agreements.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform effectively with a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities, with minimal direction.
  • Demonstrated effective communication, organization, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

    • Appointment Information

    This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. The budgeted salary range for the position is $125,000 to $145,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

    Application Procedures & Deadline Information

    Applications must be received by 6 : 00 pm (Central Time) on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, resume, and names / contact information (including phone number and email address) for three professional references. Incomplete applications and applications not submitted through jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Leslie Lewin Reinhart at 217-333-0034. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

    The University of Illinois offers a very competitive

    Create a job alert for this search

    Director Office The • Urbana, IL, US