Deputy Research Integrity Officer

Company: University of Oklahoma

Job Location:

Category: Assessment, Accreditation, and Compliance

Type: Full-Time

Pay Range: Targeted salary of $87,000, depending on education and experience.

Benefits Eligible: True

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel: May be required

For Best Consideration Date: May 18, 2026

Position Introduction:

Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of research excellence as our next Deputy Research Integrity Officer (Deputy RIO) at the OU Health Campus (OUHC) in Oklahoma City. This is a unique opportunity for a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the integrity of research across a dynamic academic health center. Working closely with the OUHC Research Integrity Officer (RIO), you will help lead efforts to support and protect our research community by working to promote the responsible and ethical conduct of research and by responding to concerns of possible misconduct.

In this role, you won't just support established processes - you'll help shape them as part of a dynamic team in the OUHC Research Integrity Office. The Deputy RIO is a trusted partner in managing inquiries and investigations into allegations of possible research misconduct. From reviewing complex scientific materials and sequestering evidence to conducting forensic analyses and preparing detailed reports, your work will directly impact institutional accountability and credibility. This role will interact extensively with faculty, staff, students and institutional leaders, serving as a clear and thoughtful communicator in situations that often require both sensitivity and precision. Your ability to translate complex regulatory and ethical concepts into accessible guidance will be essential as you help maintain transparency and trust for all stakeholders. Beyond investigations, this role offers the chance to influence the broader research culture. You will contribute to the development and delivery of training programs on research integrity and the responsible conduct of research (RCR), ensuring that faculty, staff, and students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to uphold the highest standards.

The Deputy RIO is also a strategic contributor to policy and procedure development. You will assist in reviewing, drafting, and implementing policies and procedures that guide the institution's approach to research integrity, helping ensure alignment with evolving regulatory requirements and national best practices. Your engagement with external partners will keep the institution at the leading edge of research integrity education and compliance.

This position requires a professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and approaches complex challenges with sound judgment, strong analytical skills, and unwavering discretion. You should bring a solid understanding of research methodologies, scientific writing, and regulatory frameworks, along with the ability to produce clear, precise, and well-structured documentation. Success in this role depends on your ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse groups while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in high-stakes situations.

As Deputy RIO, you will also serve as Acting RIO when needed, stepping into a leadership role with full responsibility for oversight of investigative processes and engagement with senior stakeholders. This is an exceptional opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented professional who is passionate about research integrity and is committed to fostering ethical research environments.

If you are passionate about promoting ethical research and are seeking a meaningful role where your expertise supports the credibility and impact of a cutting-edge research enterprise, we encourage you to apply.

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Required Education and Experience:

• Master's degree in Life Sciences, Social Sciences, Ethics, Law, or a related discipline
• 1 years of experience in research, policy, data analysis, or related field

Equivalency/Substitution: Experience or a combination of education & related experience can be considered in lieu of degree. A one-to-one ratio is used to determine the number of years of experience required in place of a degree.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

None

Department Preferences:

• Two or more years of professional experience conducting research or working in research administration, research integrity, research compliance, legal or regulatory affairs, ideally within an academic or research-intensive institution
• Experience developing and delivering training programs on research ethics, integrity, and compliance, including the responsible conduct of research
• Additional certifications in research administration, compliance, or ethics (e.g., Certified Research Administrator, Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional)
• Experience in handling research misconduct cases, including familiarity with investigations, regulatory compliance, and the application of institutional policies
• Prior experience working with federal agencies and knowledge of their expectations for handling research misconduct (e.g., ORI, DoD, NIH, NSF)

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes