Research Integrity and Compliance Director

Department
Research & Sponsored Programs (ORSP)

Compensation
$110,000.00 to Negotiable Annual

General Description/Primary Purpose

The Research Integrity and Compliance Director provide strategic leadership and administrative oversight for the University’s research integrity and compliance programs, ensuring alignment with federal regulations, sponsor requirements, and institutional policies. Serving as the institution’s Research Integrity Officer, this position directs programs, processes, and personnel responsible for research compliance committee operations, research misconduct review, responsible conduct of research education, and institutional risk mitigation related to research activities. The director advises university leadership, faculty, staff, and students on complex research integrity matters; develops and implements policies, training, and compliance initiatives; and fosters a culture of ethical, transparent, and compliant research. This position supervises Research Integrity (RI) staff, collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and external oversight agencies, and reports to the Chief Research Officer.

Job Functions

- Direct and oversee the University’s research integrity and compliance functions, including supervision of research integrity staff and coordination of unit operations within the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.
- Manage the administration and regulatory support of the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB), the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and other regulatory committees as appropriate.
- Serve as the institution’s subject matter expert on research integrity, providing guidance to administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
- Develop, implement, and monitor institutional policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, sponsor, and University research regulations and standards (e.g., Uniform Guidance, Common Rule, FDA, USDA, NIH, CDC).
- Monitor changes in regulatory requirements and emerging issues in research integrity and recommend policy, procedural, or operational changes to maintain institutional compliance.
- Serve as the institutional liaison with external regulatory and oversight agencies on matters related to research integrity and compliance.
- Oversee the full progression of misconduct cases, including preliminary assessments, inquiries, investigations, and reporting to state and federal agencies when required.
- Develop, implement, and deliver research integrity and responsible conduct of research education, training, and outreach programs for faculty, staff, students, trainees, and compliance committee members.
- Collaborate with graduate programs, research support offices, and other institutional partners to integrate research integrity education into academic, committee, and sponsored research processes and to promote a campus-wide culture of ethical research.
- Prepare and review required internal and external reports, maintain program records and data, track key performance indicators, and provide regular updates to the Chief Research Officer regarding operational effectiveness and compliance benchmarks.
- Identify, assess, and monitor institutional risks related to research integrity and compliance, and recommend mitigation strategies and process improvements.
- Collaborate with academic, research administration, compliance, and legal partners to integrate research integrity requirements into institutional practices and sponsored research activities.

Marginal Functions

- Other job functions as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

- This position supervises two full-time Coordinator of Research Integrity and one full-time Research Integrity Specialist.
- Lead the training, orientation, supervision, and evaluation of staff.

Required Qualifications
Master's and 6+ years of relevant experience or Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219.

Statement(s) of Understanding

This position requires a background check. In conjunction with the University's policy, this position may also require a credit check.

The holder of this position is designated as a “Responsible Employee” pursuant to their role under Title IX. Therefore, the incumbent must promptly report allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse by or against any student, employee, contractor, or visitor to the University’s Title IX Administrator or any divisional Title IX Coordinator
Pursuant to Florida Statute 1010.35, this position requires additional information from all applicants seeking research or research-related positions prior to an interview or offer of employment. Applicants MUST fully complete the Foreign Influence Review section of their application. Additional documents (e.g., passport) may be required based on form responses.

Equal Opportunity

The University of North Florida (UNF) is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all who interact in our community. In building this environment, we strive to attract students, faculty and staff from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. The University of North Florida does not commit or permit discrimination or harassment on the basis of genetic information, race, color, religion, age, sex, disability, marital status, national origin, or veteran status in any educational, employment, social, recreational program or activity that it offers. In addition, UNF will not commit or permit retaliation against an individual who reports discrimination or harassment or an individual who cooperates in an investigation of an alleged violation of university regulation.

Carnegie

UNF is a Carnegie Community Engaged Institution. This designation celebrates the University’s collaboration with community partners from the local to the global level. It reflects UNF’s mission to contribute to the public good and prepare educated, engaged citizens.