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Human Research Protection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northwestern University

IRB Reliance Manager

Chicago, IL

$110K - $119K/yr

... of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). This role manages reliance activities for research reviewed by both internal and external IRBs, ensuring consistent application of institutional ...

Corewell Health

IRB Manager

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

The IRB Manager will contribute to fostering a culture of responsible conduct of human subjects research to protect the rights, welfare, and safety of all research participants. The primary ...

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$26K

$103.7K

$147K

How much do human research protection jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for human research protection in the United States is $103,722.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Human Research Protection, and why are they important?

To thrive in Human Research Protection, you need a solid understanding of research ethics, regulatory compliance, and human subjects protections, often supported by a degree in a relevant field and CITI certification. Familiarity with IRB management systems, federal regulations (such as the Common Rule), and protocol review tools is typical. Attention to detail, strong communication, and ethical judgment are crucial soft skills for effectively evaluating research proposals and safeguarding participant welfare. These competencies are vital to ensure research integrity, participant safety, and institutional compliance with legal and ethical standards.

What is Human Research Protection?

Human Research Protection refers to the policies, practices, and oversight mechanisms designed to ensure the rights, safety, and well-being of individuals participating in research studies. This involves reviewing research protocols, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and monitoring ongoing studies to protect participants from harm. Human Research Protection programs are often managed by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or Ethics Committees, which enforce regulations and ethical guidelines, such as those outlined in the Belmont Report and federal regulations like the Common Rule. These protections are essential in maintaining public trust in research and upholding the integrity of scientific studies.

What is the difference between Human Research Protection vs IRB Coordinator?

AspectHuman Research ProtectionIRB Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires IRB-related certifications, research ethics trainingTypically holds IRB or research compliance certifications
Work EnvironmentInvolves overseeing ethical standards in research studiesManages IRB submissions, documentation, and communication
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, hospitals, universitiesResearch institutions, hospitals, universities
Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles ensuring research ethicsCommonly compared with Human Research Protection roles in compliance

Human Research Protection professionals focus on safeguarding research participants and ensuring ethical standards are met, often overseeing policies and training. IRB Coordinators handle the administrative aspects of Institutional Review Board processes, managing submissions and documentation. While both roles work closely within research ethics, Human Research Protection has a broader oversight role, whereas IRB Coordinators focus on the operational side of IRB procedures.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Human Research Protection, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Human Research Protection often navigate complex regulatory requirements and ensure strict compliance with ethical standards, which can be challenging due to evolving guidelines and diverse research protocols. Balancing the needs of researchers with the protection of participants requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Building collaborative relationships with Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), researchers, and administrative staff can help address these challenges, as can ongoing professional development and staying informed about regulatory changes.
Infographic showing various Human Research Protection job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,722 per year, or $49.9 per hour.
IRB Reliance Manager

IRB Reliance Manager

Northwestern University

Chicago, IL

$110K - $119K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago

Northwestern University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

94th of 534 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Department: IRB Office Salary/Grade: EXS/11 Job Summary: The IRB Reliance Manager oversees the implementation and daily operations of Northwestern University's IRB Reliance program, contributing to the strength and effectiveness of the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). This role manages reliance activities for research reviewed by both internal and external IRBs, ensuring consistent application of institutional policies and federal regulations. Serving as a key liaison, the Manager collaborates with the IRB, Principal Investigators, research teams, clinical sites, regulatory agencies, and external IRBs on reliance processes. Under the direction of the Director, IRB Office, the role ensures compliance with institutional and legal requirements related to reliance agreements, as well as applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g., Common Rule, ICH GCP, HIPAA). The Manager supervises and mentors reliance staff, serves as a subject matter expert to the research community, and supports the development and continuous improvement of reliance processes to facilitate efficient and compliant multi-site research. As a member of the IRB Office leadership team, the IRB Reliance Manager will support the OR mission and values of understanding empathy, modeling accountability, ensuring fairness, embracing community, and valuing creativity. Specific Responsibilities: Operational Management/Leadership * The goal of the following activities is to ensure that all operational priorities are aligned with the mission and direction of the IRB. * Manages day-to-day IRB reliance activities, including workload coordination and timely execution of reliance activities. * Serves as primary liaison between Northwestern University IRB, Principal Investigators, clinical study sites, individual study teams, and external organizations and IRBs regarding IRB reliance issues. * Communicates with federal regulatory agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Human Research Protections, and funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and Industry sponsors regarding IRB reliance issues and provides regulatory and policy guidance to IRB members and IRB Office staff as needed. * Works with the Northwestern University legal counsel to address legal and institutional requirements related to reliance agreements and the reliance process. * Develops policies, guidelines, and procedures related to the IRB reliance process when Northwestern is serving as the reviewing IRB or the relying IRB. * Serves as a subject matter expert in state, local, and federal laws and regulations as they apply to human research. Analysis * Provides Analytical and administrative support to the Northwestern IRB related to IRB reliance activities. * With the Director, IRB Office participates in HRPP evaluation, strategic planning and formulation of goals and objectives. * Consistently monitors and evaluates eIRB+ and other electronic tracking systems used to support the IRB Reliance Process for gaps and needed improvements. Training * Provide oversight and training as necessary for the Reliance Agreement process to IRB Office staff, the Northwestern research community and external stakeholders. * Provide training for IRB Office staff as required.

Facilitate professional development of direct and indirect reports. * Provides training as necessary to faculty and staff on the regulations and on preparation of reliance agreements. Other * Leads and participates in specials projects for the office. Miscellaneous * Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: * Bachelor's Degree or equivalent degree in relevant academic field. * CIP eligible. * 5+ years of relevant experience, including demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations governing human research. * Demonstrated characteristics: adaptability, agility, coaching, collaboration, collegiality, customer focus, ethics and integrity, judgment, and multi-tasking. * Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state and local regulation governing human research. * Demonstrated competencies: computer proficiency, report writing, and human research regulations. Preferred Qualifications: * Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant academic field. * Certification as an IRB professional (CIP) * Active participation in the community of IRB professionals * Experience with Huron's Click IRB software and HRPP Toolkit * Some knowledge of the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Program (AAHRPP) process, tools and requirements * Ability to assess risk. Target hiring range for this position will be between $110,000-$119,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs.

For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more. Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more. Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources.

Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.

View additional information on the accommodations process. #LI-EN1

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