Director, Research Integrity

Department
Provost University Research Administration

About the Department
University Research Administration (URA) 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
The Director, Research Integrity is a member of the URA leadership team and is responsible for the leadership and management of all research integrity matters at the University. More specifically, the Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing policies, procedures, and programs related to research integrity, ethics, compliance under the purview of the Office of Research and supports organization-wide initiatives to maintain and grow such program. Through oversight and management of the research integrity program, the Director will provide substantive leadership across all areas of the research enterprise including basic, applied, laboratory and clinical research. The Director also plays a key role in facilitating the training and educating of researchers, staff, and students on research ethics and compliance issues. This position will be a key partner to the Associate Vice President for Research Administration and the Vice Provost for Research in continuing to enhance the ability of University Research Administration and the Office of Research to perform its mission-critical work in support of the UChicago Research enterprise as well as in defining the program in response to an ever- evolving and increasingly more complex regulatory framework..

The Director is responsible for working in collaboration with other URA Directors as well as other key stakeholders across campus to deliver seamless support in all areas of Research Compliance to the researchers at the University. In addition to these duties, the Director, Research Integrity serves as the institution's Research Integrity Officer (RIO) and is independently responsible for administratively supporting a myriad of processes across the University including support of the standing Committee on Academic Fraud and faculty serving on ad hoc panels investigating allegations of research misconduct against members or former members of the UChicago academic community.

The job leads regulatory compliance program activities. Anticipates problems and develops systems to identify areas of risk through internal audits. Uses specialized expertise to manage compliance documentation submission and maintenance, compliance training, compliance committee formation, and other programmatic functions.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a key member of the URA Leadership Team.
• Identifies operational goals and policies required to support the Research Integrity Program. Manages the day- to-day activity of the program.
• Serves as the University Research Integrity Officer.
• Directs, develop and implement strategic and operational institutional policies and procedures related to research ethics and integrity; remain abreast of regulatory changes and provide advice regarding policy, procedural, and resource/operational needs relative to existing and emerging areas of research/regulatory compliance; work with functional directors to develop standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and institutional requirements, including those related to reporting and certification.
• Facilitates and ensures the appropriate implementation of the process for addressing allegations of research misconduct.
• Leads and manages the process to conduct investigations into allegations of research misconduct in accordance with University policy and procedures Leads the review process for each case, including coordination with University's Committee on Academic Fraud; Supports inquiry and investigation committee activities, including guidance on policies and procedures, facilitation of interviews and related communications, and planning to meet case deadlines.
• Serves as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies and oversight bodies for the responsible and ethical conduct of research. Communicates and works with external agencies and organizations where appropriate, including federal agencies where federal regulations apply and other research institutions where such coordination is necessary.
• Identifies and implements innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes to improve department, entity or system operations by leading unit projects and/or other department/ system-directed activities. Proactively lead task forces and committees. Drive change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjust effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures. Partner effectively with stakeholders as appropriate.
• Identifies processes and standards necessary to meet and exceed faculty expectations for services provided.
• Ensures follow-up, and delivery of timely reports to Leadership, PIs and sponsors through proactive management.
• Works closely with the Office of Research, Office of Legal Counsel and others across the organization as necessary and appropriate.
• Builds and nurture relationships with related institutional offices and functions, identify opportunities for mission-advancing partnerships; and engage key members of the University academic research community to fulfil tasks and goals.
• Acts as a resource to staff on all URA teams on research compliance and ethical issues.
• Provides leadership while ensuring that a high level of service support is provided directly to faculty.
• Identifies and Coordinates with the URA Leadership to develop and implement training programs relating to issues of current importance in grant and contract management are communicated to and understood by the research community on campus.
• Active participation in research administration professional organizations such as COGR, FDP, ARIO or NCURA.
• Leads and provides expertise in the implementation of compliance activities designated by the University's strategic plans. Monitors University compliance with regulations and laws.
• Represents the University in regulatory proceedings before federal, sate and local agencies. Prepares the University's position statements and responses to information requests. Leads and manages audit responses and negotiation with administrative agencies.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Advanced degree or equivalent combination of training experience.
• Prior experience working in an academic, government, or laboratory environment.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Experience with compliance issues of sponsored program administrations and the communication of compliance policies to staff and to faculty.
• Knowledge of the Uniform Guidance or interpretation of similar regulations strongly preferred.
• Rapid proficiency in the use of University of Chicago systems such as Huron Research Suite, Oracle Cloud, Workday, Concur and a high level of proficiency in Excel.
• Strong computer skills including word processing, database management and spreadsheet skills (Microsoft Office suite and Adobe suite a must).
• Ability to develop proficiency and work with various sponsor/third-party electronic systems.

Preferred Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate teams with a clear vision, ensuring all members understand their role in achieving overall project goals. Strong interpersonal skills to manage team dynamics, handle conflicts constructively, and maintain a positive team culture. Ability to connect short-term actions to long-term goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Independence: Work independently with a high degree of initiative, curiosity and minimal supervision. Willingness to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and ability to effectively interact and collaborate with all levels of university administrators and faculty members. Make decisions independently that will have downstream impacts on the management of sponsored projects.
• Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, with faculty and administrative staff at the University, and close collaboration with all staff within the office of University Research Administration.
• Service Orientation: Positive, service-oriented attitude with a courteous demeanor, maintaining professionalism in all interactions. Ability to develop and manage interpersonal relationships.
• Discretion and Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with absolute discretion and maintain confidentiality.
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks accurately. Work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Organizational and Multitasking Skills: Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced work environment. 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.
• Judgment and Project Management: Sound judgment with the ability to prioritize and anticipate potential issues and address them proactively.
• Adaptability and Feedback Reception: Stay current with technology and digital tools. Ability to maintain composure under pressure, work flexible hours as needed, and respond constructively to feedback.

Working Conditions

• 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.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Reference 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

Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$125,000.00 - $160,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

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.

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.