Job Summary
The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is responsible for oversight and management of ETSU’s Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and ensures compliance with applicable policies, accreditation standards, and external regulations for research involving human participants. We help to facilitate human subjects research and make sure it is done safely, ethically, and legally. We take pride in being service-oriented and flexible.
The IRB Review Specialist provides analytical, technical, and professional support to the ETSU IRB and research community. The IRB Review Specialist conducts in-depth reviews of research protocols, provides regulatory guidance, and ensures adherence to ethical standards. This role involves interpreting complex regulations and policies to assist the IRB, researchers, and stakeholders in maintaining research quality and compliance. Additionally, the position contributes to the development of IRB staff, members, and HRPP policies and procedures.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of federal regulations, state and local laws, and institutional requirements related to the conduct of research
- Ability to identify, prioritize, and proactively manage high volume workload, meet deadlines, and support multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
- Must have strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate and work effectively with individuals from different disciplines and backgrounds
- Ability to obtain relevant information and identifies key issues and relationships relevant to resolve complex issues or in support of achieving a long-range goal or vision
- Strong decision-making skills and demonstrated ability to assess multiple issues analytically in order to apply knowledge to variety of complex situations and research protocols
- Strong attention to detail and excellent record-keeping skills with the ability to discern crucial information needed to demonstrate compliance
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study and 2 years of professional experience; or equivalent combination of experience and education
- Solid computer skills and strong competency in Microsoft Office products
- Effective organizational and analytical skills- must be highly organized, demonstrating strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong written and oral communication skills to be able to work effectively with a highly diverse group of people
- Comfort with making judgment calls in ambiguous situations
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional experience in academic research, research compliance, or IRB administration setting
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP) credential or relevant certification
- Familiarity with ethical principles (Belmont Report) and federal regulations governing human subjects research (e.g., Common Rule, FDA, HIPAA)
- Experience with IRB management systems or electronic research administration software
- Experience working with an accreditation body and supporting activities necessary to achieve and maintain accreditation
- Familiarity with electronic research administration software
Compensation & Benefits
Job Family – Administrative Professional 1
Market Range – 7 (Salary Schedules)
For information on benefits please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.
Application Instructions
- Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.
- Employment is contingent on a satisfactory background check.
- Documents needed to apply: Cover Letter, Resume, and three (3) professional references
University Overview
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement.
Disclaimer: The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position’s essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.