We're Hiring!

Title: Research Compliance Specialist

Position Type: Fulltime Staff

Search Type: External - minimum 7 days

Department: 39R000 - Graduate Education & Research Admin

Division: 2R0000 - Academic Affairs

Position Location: Richmond Campus

Driver Classification: Non-Driver

FLSA: Exempt

Schedule Type:  Full Time (37.5 hrs per week or more)

Hours Per Week:

Additional Schedule Details: Some evenings and weekends required.

Posted Salary Grade: Exempt - G21

Retirement:   KTRS 

Contact Person: Anne Cizmar

Job Summary/Basic Functions

The Research Compliance Specialist ensures that all research activities conducted within the university comply with applicable federal, state, and institutional regulations, as well as ethical standards. This role supports faculty, staff, and students in maintaining research integrity, preventing misconduct, and fostering a culture of compliance and responsible conduct of research.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Business, Public Administration, Legal Studies, Research Administration).

Experience: • 2–5 years of experience in compliance, contracts, university, or business-related responsibilities.
• Experience in a university or research institution setting preferred.

Licensure & Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Job Duties:

• 50% - Compliance Oversight: Monitors research activities for adherence to federal, state, and institutional policies. Reviews and evaluates research proposals for compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. Conducts internal audits and inspections of research projects; implements corrective actions as needed. - (Essential)
• 20% - Training & Education: Develops and delivers (and tracks/audits completion) compliance training programs on topics such as: Responsible and ethical conduct of research (RECR), financial conflict of interest (COI), human subjects, animal care and use, and biosafety and hazardous materials. Provides guidance to faculty, staff, and students on compliance requirements. - (Essential)
• 15% - Collaboration: Works closely with Institutional Review Boards (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC), and other compliance units. Serves as a resource for research teams during sponsor or regulatory audits. - (Essential)
• 10% - Policy Development: Assists in developing and maintaining policies and procedures related to research compliance. Stays current with evolving regulations and disseminate updates to research personnel. - (Essential)
• 5% - Risk Management: Coordinates the investigation of allegations of research misconduct with appropriate committees and university administrators. Prepares compliance reports for internal leadership and external regulatory bodies. - (Essential)

Sponsorship: This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Funding Source: Institutional

Open Until Filled:

Special Instructions:

EEO Statement

Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.

Background Check Statement

Offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.