Job Description
The Vanderbilt University Human Research Protections Program (VU HRPP) is a new program within the Research Integrity & Compliance office at Vanderbilt. The VU HRPP Director is responsible for the leadership of the VU HRPP, including the development of a comprehensive human subjects protections program guided by a strategic vision. The VU HRPP will support Vanderbilt University Social, Educational and Behavioral Research (SEBR) human subjects research and all exempt determinations. Reporting directly to the Assistant Provost for Research Integrity and Compliance, the HRPP Director frequently works with researchers across the university, the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, regulatory agencies, and collaborating institutions.
Research Integrity and Compliance, within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), coordinates with a network of offices and schools to help faculty, students, and staff to meet regulatory, legal, and ethical obligations that accompany research. The office is guided by the Research Integrity and Compliance Committee, which helps ensure that compliance programs serve to advance research.
The goal of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation is to promote Vanderbilt's distinctive research culture, which aspires to improve the human condition through path-breaking discovery and innovation. In addition to overseeing the university's research portfolio, the VP-RI also oversees the implementation of the university's new future vision and trans-institutional strategies and works closely with the Provost, academic Deans, Vice Provosts, and faculty at large to advance the quality of research and scholarship university-wide. The Office develops strategies and provides services to enhance extramural support for research from all sources including corporate, foundation, federal, and philanthropic; advance a cohesive and vibrant trans-institutional research agenda; and build strategic partnerships around shared priorities in research. The VP-RI works with the Vanderbilt University Research Council in advocating for the research and scholarship missions of all disciplines at Vanderbilt.
This is a hybrid position where on-campus work takes place on Vanderbilt University's campus in Nashville, TN.
Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and launch a new HRPP to meet the needs of the VU research community. In coordination with the IRB, create policies and procedures that are compliant with federal regulations and current best practices, implement software, and establish trainings
• Direct VU HRPP staff and manage daily operations
• Coordinate with VUMC on health sciences IRB services, as well as processes to support research collaborations across the two institutions
• Maintain Federal wide Assurance (FWA) and ensure compliance with its terms, as well as Vanderbilt policies, federal regulations, and state and local laws relevant to the conduct of human subjects research
• Guide the university, including the IRB and HRPP staff, in the interpretation of regulations and compliance reporting requirements. Maintain current knowledge of regulations and best practices as they evolve
• Establish effective communication pathways with the Vanderbilt research community
• Develop a quality assurance program and lead the AAHRPP accreditation process
• Represent HRPP with internal University leaders, collaborating university HRPPs, and regulatory agencies
• Report quarterly performance metrics and develop data driven program improvements

Supervisory Relationships

The position has supervisory responsibility for key staff as assigned; the position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Provost for Research Integrity and Compliance.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• Certified IRB Professional (CIP) certification is preferred.
• 8 years of relevant experience, including IRB experience and experience with academic research management and regulations is necessary.
• Experience managing a team, including establishing and measuring objectives, optimizing work assignments, facilitating career development and staff retention.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Solid understanding federal and state laws and regulations governing human subject research
• Experience with AAHRPP accreditation preferred
• An ability to analyze complex scientific and ethical issues, creativity in finding solutions, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters
• Demonstrated leadership and experience in policy and program development
• Project a high degree of intelligence, energy, and imagination, and have an outstanding work ethic and personal enthusiasm for the mission of Vanderbilt University, as well as a genuine commitment to the advancement of science and education
• Value the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion as an organizational operating principle

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.