The Human Research Protections Office at Utah State University (USU) is responsible for the oversight and coordination of activities that support USU’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). Its primary goal is to ensure the safety and welfare of human participants in research involving human participants, their private information, and/or their biospecimens.

Most of the day-to-day work in the Human Research Protections Office (HRPO) (Program Coordinator III) involves the delegated tasks of the University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). The Human Research Protections Coordinator will assist in the facilitation of both HRPP and IRB functions and operations. This includes providing front-line support campus researchers; reviewing IRB exclusions, exemptions, protocols, renewals, closures, reportable events, and amendments in a timely and thorough fashion; supporting HRPO outreach initiatives; supporting other members of the IRB; and assisting with regulatory-, ethical-, and accreditation-based activities as needed.

This position is telework eligible within the state of Utah. Telework outside of the state of Utah is subject to review and approval by the University prior to a job offer being extended.

To apply, please provide a cover letter which addresses your interest and qualifications regarding this role, as well as a CV or resume and three professional references.

• Engage with required and recommended trainings regarding the protection of human participants in research.
• Utilize training, policies, regulations, laws, procedures, federal guidance, accreditation standards, best practices, and other relevant resources in order to timely and thoroughly review requests for exclusion, requests for exemption, protocols, modifications, and other protocol-based review actions delegated to this position by the IRB.
• Serve as a member of the Institutional Review Board for actions requiring Full Board Review.
• Advise faculty, staff, and student researchers on regulatory and other relevant standards for the eventual review of research using formal and informal communication methods. Conduct self-driven research and seek assistance where requirements or best practices are unclear.
• Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with campus researchers and other stakeholders regarding protocol reviews, HRPP policies, institutional policies, accreditation standards, and federal regulatory frameworks which impact the review of research with human participants.
• Maintain thorough and timely records of all communications and protocol review actions.
• Represent the Human Research Protections Office during outreach, educational, or other functions as designated by the Executive Director. Conduct training and education activities as assigned.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with campus researchers and other HRPP stakeholders.
• Support the HRPP’s accreditation and compliance efforts as designated by the Executive Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field plus two years of relevant work experience; or 6 years of experience within a research enterprise
• Excellent communication skills – written, verbal, and interpersonal
• Strong detail-orientation
• Advanced working knowledge of the English language
• Must maintain an Internet connection capable of holding meetings, communicating in a timely manner with office colleagues, and completing the review tasks required of this position.
• Positive, collaborative attitude
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive topics
• Ability to effectively meet deadlines, complete self-directed work, and provide timely responses
• Commitment to ethical practices and model for ethical behavior
• Demonstrated ability to interpret regulatory frameworks and apply them to unique factual scenarios, i.e. strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree; extra consideration for Ph.D., JD, or other terminal degree
• Advanced working knowledge of the Spanish language
• Experience working in Kuali Protocols or similar human subjects research compliance SaaS platforms
• Certified Institutional Review Board Professional (CIP) credential or willingness to obtain credential after 2-3 years of IRB-related work experience
• Experience conducting research or working with researchers

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile
3. Please provide a cover letter which addresses your interest and qualifications regarding this role. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 04/2024

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023