DIVISION OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Virginia Tech is a public land-grant university, committed to teaching and learning, research, and outreach to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world. Building on its motto of Ut Prosim (that I may serve), Virginia Tech is dedicated to InclusiveVT—serving in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence. We seek candidates who adopt and practice the Principles of Community, which are fundamental to our on-going efforts to increase access and inclusion, and to create a community that nurtures learning and growth for all of its members. Virginia Tech actively seeks a broad spectrum of candidates to join our community in preparing leaders for the world.

The Office of Research Compliance (ORC) at Virginia Tech is seeking an IRB Administrative Specialist to support the business management of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The ORC is deeply committed to both the highest ethical standards in scholarship, and to the proactive facilitation of basic, translational and transformative scientific research for the improvement of the human condition and world. The office also assists researchers with the fulfillment of their responsibility to assure compliance with policies and regulations pertaining to research animals (IACUC) and biosafety (IBC).

The ORC is a critical unit within the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) which supports university-wide strategic initiatives and operational functions of Virginia Tech’s $520+ million research enterprise and associated technology commercialization activities, which span eight academic colleges, eight university research institutes, and three affiliated corporations. The university is embarking on its next phase of strategic growth in research across its Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Northern Virginia locations, including the integration of Carilion medical school as Virginia Tech’s 9th college in 2018. With over 1500 new IRB submissions a year, the IRB Administrative Specialist holds a key position in support of the ambitious plans Virginia Tech is implementing to become a leading 21st century land grant university that delivers innovative solutions to the most pressing global challenges of our time.

The IRB Administrative Specialist will join a dedicated team of IRB professionals working to assure protection of the rights, dignity and safety of all human subjects involved in teaching and research activities. The incumbent will provide administrative support to the University’s IRB administrative team and to the chair and members of the Institutional Review Board comprised of subject matter experts who make final determinations concerning approvability of protocols submitted for IRB review. The position requires interpersonal and teamwork skills; the ability to take directions and work independently; the ability to prioritize, problem solve and work in an organized manner under tight deadlines; and effective communication skills. The incumbent will report to the IRB administrative team lead who in turn reports to the Associate Vice President for Research Compliance.

Primarily, this position will be responsible for, but not limited to:
- Acts as first point of IRB-Office contact for researchers/stakeholders within and outside university; communicates clearly and professionally.
- Contributes to culture of excellent customer service and efficiency
- Supports business management/workflow of the IRB and the IRB administrative team
- Works with researchers to determine whether IRB approval is required for their project.
- Serves as a resource person guiding researchers in the proper completion, correction and submission of protocols
- Processes/routes/monitors progress of submitted IRB protocol applications
- Provides support to IRB Analyst with full board meeting activities. Confirms IRB member meeting attendance to ensure quorum, creates agenda, prepares and distributes the full board meeting packets
- Issues IRB approval letters and other protocol related correspondence
- Manages/monitors human subject protection training
- Generates and analyzes reports for QA and other purposes
- Assists with post-approval protocol audits

- Bachelor’s degree in health/Science or related field(s) or equivalent training or experience.
- Demonstrated customer service experience.
- Demonstrated organizational and prioritizing skills, including attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret complex documents such as research protocols, consent forms, federal regulations and guidelines, policies, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Must possess a learning orientation to changing technology.

- Demonstrated experience in IRB administrative support or quality assurance program support.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of human subjects research.
- Demonstrated experience in a professional setting.
- Experience in handling complex and confidential material.
- Demonstrated experience and/or training in human subject protections.

For a full description of the position and requirements, and to apply, please go to www.jobs.vt.edu, posting SW0180214.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status; or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees, or applicants; or any other basis protected by law.

For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the executive director for Equity and Access at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, North End Center, Suite 2300 (0318), 300 Turner St. NW, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire accommodation please contact the hiring department.