Director of Conflicts of Interest & Research Integrity

University of Connecticut - Mansfield, CT

Full-time - Executive

Mansfield, CT

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Conflicts of Interest & Research Integrity at the University of Connecticut will lead and oversee compliance activities related to research integrity and conflicts of interest. This role involves managing the operational aspects of the Conflicts of Interest in Research Committee, ensuring adherence to federal regulations and university policies, and providing guidance and training to faculty and staff. The Director will also serve as a liaison with various committees and federal agencies, promoting ethical research practices and compliance across the institution.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational oversight of Conflicts of Interest (COI) in a Research Committee.
• Administer the COI committees, including pre-review, initial and continuing COI disclosure reviews, and development of management plans.
• Coordinate reporting to committees, sponsors, and federal agencies; monitor active COI management plans.
• Develop, implement, and monitor procedures promoting compliance with COI policies and plans.
• Provide regulatory and ethical consultation to faculty, research teams, and staff.
• Oversee the Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR) training program.
• Serve as the Deputy Research Integrity Officer (RIO).
• Ensure compliance with federal RCR and RCER requirements, including those set by NIH, NSF, and USDA.
• Develop and manage the process of collecting, reviewing, and assessing RCR plans and training for researchers.
• Assist in moving complex issues to resolution by working with key stakeholders.
• Establish and implement short- and long-range goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures.
• Supervise staff, set priorities, and ensure high customer satisfaction.
• Maintain knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and guidelines.
• Work closely with institutional leadership to ensure compliance with ethical and regulatory requirements.
• Design, develop, implement, evaluate, and modify technical and administrative committee review processes.
• Analyze data and prepare audit reports and summaries for the Institutional Official/Designee.
• Identify educational needs of researchers and oversee the development of targeted training programs.
• Assist with inquiries related to scientific misconduct and non-compliance issues.
• Establish and maintain internal operating procedures and systems.
• Participate in internal and external inspections and prepare related reports.

Requirements

• Master's degree in an appropriate field.
• At least 8 years of experience directly related to the duties specified, with at least three years in a supervisory role.
• Appropriate certification as a research professional.
• Extensive knowledge of protocols and federal regulations regarding the conduct of research.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to assess risk and exercise sound judgment in policy interpretation.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to multitask and work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Considerable critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making abilities.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree in an appropriate field.
• Advanced compliance certification.
• Experience working in an institution of higher education.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn
• Outstanding benefits package
• Desirable work environment