Research Compliance Specialist, Post Approval Monitoring & Education

The University of Virginia is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated compliance professional to join the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) within the Office of the Vice President for Research. This role supports the Post Approval Monitoring (PAM) & Education Program, which ensures compliance with institutional policies and federal regulations governing human subjects research.

Job responsibilities include Post Approval Monitoring visits with documentation of findings, assisting with educational outreach, and collaborating with research teams to promote ethical and compliant research practices. The compliance specialist will work with IRB staff and other research offices to support compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. This role is ideal for individuals interested in research ethics, regulatory compliance, and education in a dynamic university and academic medical center setting.

Post Approval Monitoring and Education is conducted on research protocols overseen by the IRB-HSR (Health Sciences Research) and IRB-SBS (Social & Behavioral Sciences). The Compliance Specialist will work closely with researchers and IRB staff to enhance understanding of IRB requirements, assist investigators in navigating protocol submissions, and support ongoing study maintenance to ensure continued compliance.

Required Relative Experience:

• Familiarity with the history of research ethics and foundational documents such as theBelmont Report, including its core principles:Respect for Persons, Beneficence, and Justice.

• Ability to read and comprehend complex human research protocols across biomedical and social/behavioral disciplines to conduct thorough, accurate reviews and monitoring assessments.

• Strong analytical skills to identify potential compliance issues and communicate findings clearly and professionally.

• Ability to engage diplomatically with researchers to support ethical study conduct and regulatory compliance.

Preferred Experience:

• Previous experience in an academic or healthcare research setting.

• In-depth knowledge of federal regulations and ethical guidance documents governing human subjects research, including those applicable to biomedical, clinical, and social/behavioral studies.

• Familiarity with IRB processes and human research protections.

• Prior experience working in a research setting involving human participants, such as clinical trials, behavioral studies, or public health research.

Required Qualifications/Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to interpret and apply federal regulations and ethical principles.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Comfortable handling sensitive or complex issues with professionalism, discretion, and empathy. Able to maintain confidentiality.

• Possess excellent organizational skills to maintain a schedule and perform multiple projects simultaneously with changing priorities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree; 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Experience: At least 2 years of experience in human subjects research, research compliance, or a related area required. Previous experience as a study coordinator or researcher working in a research setting involving human participants strongly preferred.

• Driver's License: Valid driver's license with zero or positive points balance required and at least 2 years of driving experience.

• Preferred Licenses or Certification: CCRC, CCRP, CIP eligible

Anticipated Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 annually. Actual starting salary will be commensurate with experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment

Physical Demands: Job requires the ability to sit and or stand for prolonged periods and frequent walking for facility inspections or visits. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

Position Location: The position is based in Charlottesville, VA (Hybrid eligible). The position will be required to regularly visit research offices and study sites across Grounds for individual outreach, meetings, monitoring visits, and education.

To Apply:

Please apply online, and search for "R0077859." Internal applicants must apply through their UVA Workday profile by searching "Find UVA Jobs." Complete an application online with the following documents:

• CV/Resume

• Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

Reference checks will be completed by UVA's third-party partner, SkillSurvey, during the final phase of the interview. Five references will be requested, with at least three responses required.

Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Jessica Speth, Academic Recruiter, at js9rk@virginia.edu.

About UVA and the Community

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Click here to read more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.