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Associate Director, Research Compliance (HR Title: Assoc Dir Compliance) - ( PRO00000393 )

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Associate Director of Research Compliance provides leadership, oversight, and operational management for the university's research compliance program. Reporting to the Director of Research Compliance, the Associate Director ensures institutional compliance with federal and state regulations, sponsor requirements, and university policies governing research involving human subjects, animal subjects, biosafety, research integrity, conflict of interest, export controls, and other regulatory compliance areas.

Education & Outreach: Develop and deliver educational programs for faculty, students, and research staff. Create guidance documents, website content, SOPs and training materials. Provide consultation to investigators regarding regulatory requirements and best practices. Promote a culture of ethical research and regulatory compliance across campus.

Regulatory Oversight & Guidance: Ensure that all research activities comply with applicable regulations. Monitor changes in legislation and propose university research policies accordingly. Regularly review and propose updates to the university’s compliance policies in response to changing laws and regulations.

Regulatory Committee Administration: Oversees administrative operations supporting institutional compliance committees. Ensure protocols are reviewed in accordance with regulatory timelines and institutional procedures. serve as an advisor to committee chairs and members regarding regulatory requirements.

Policy Development & Implementation: Draft and revise institutional policies, procedures, and guidance documents. Ensure policies remain consistent with federal regulations, state requirements, accreditation standards, sponsor expectations, and institutional goals.

• Project Improvement Initiatives: Coordinate with RIC team to maintain an electronic research compliance management system that manages the IRB, IACUC, IBC and FCOI components. Engage in continuous improvement projects that enhance and improve end-user compliance.
  

Attend and participate in professional development opportunities; assists and participates in local and on-campus seminars and workshops developed for faculty, staff, and researchers; attends and participates in national and regional workshops and conferences sponsored by funding agencies and/or professional organizations, serving as a resource to other campus departments, faculty, and staff.

Provide excellent customer service with all individuals both internal and external to SMU on research compliance issues. Work closely with Sponsored Projects Administration, Environmental Health & Safety, Graduate Studies, & Academic Departments. Represent Research Compliance on institutional committees and working groups.

Supervise professional and administrative research compliance staff. Hire, train, mentor and evaluate employees. Establish performance goals and professional development plans and foster a collaborative and service-oriented work environment.

This position primarily involves office work but may require occasional visits to various research departments and offices.

Bachelor’s degree is required. Master's desired, preferably in a science related field or other relevant field of study.

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in research compliance, research administration, or regulatory affairs is required.

A minimum of 1 year of supervisory or management experience is also required.

Experience working within higher education or academic research environments is a plus. Certification as a CIP, CPIA, or CCEP is preferred. Experience with AAALAC accreditation is desired.

Candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Candidate must also possess strong written communication skills, experience with regulatory interpretation, and process improvement, and knowledge of federal regulations (Common Rule, Animal Welfare Act, PHS Policy, FCOI); federal sponsor requirements.

Candidate must be knowledgeable in the use of database systems and software relevant to research compliance, including electronic submission systems such as Cayuse, and proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.

Candidate must possess the ability to quickly adapt to new regulations and processes and develop effective communications for the research community. The candidate must be committed to continuous professional development and staying current with the latest developments in research compliance.

• Sit for long periods of time
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Stand

The position is open until filled.

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by August 26, 2026.

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of healthand related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.