Job Summary
The Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair provides scientific,
ethical, and regulatory leadership for a biomedical Institutional
Review Board responsible for the review and oversight of human
subjects research conducted within the university. This includes
research in sleep medicine, integrative physiology, psychology and
engineering.
The Chair ensures that all IRB reviews are conducted in accordance
with federal regulations, ethical principles, institutional
policies, and applicable state and local requirements.
The Chair leads convened IRB meetings, facilitates efficient and
consistent review of research protocols, promotes the protection of
research participants, and supports investigators in conducting
ethical and compliant research.
The Chair leads convened IRB meetings, facilitates efficient and
consistent review of research protocols, promotes the protection of
research participants, and supports investigators in conducting
ethical and compliant research.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a
workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.
Who We Are
RIO is the central point for support and advocacy for CU Boulder’s
world-class scholarship, creative work, and growing research
enterprise. We are focused on creating global impact by cultivating
and supporting collaboration, transformation and leadership. At the
heart of this focus are the contributions of a wide range of
world-class experts, working together to accelerate ideas
throughout the entire innovation lifecycle. We endeavor to embody
CU Boulder's dedication to exemplify excellence by creating a
welcoming and inclusive environment, enhancing the success and
inclusion of all students, staff and faculty, and deepening our
ability to share and engage with varied perspectives.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
IRB Leadership and Oversight
- Preside over convened Panel B IRB meetings and ensure orderly,
objective, and efficient conduct of Board business.
Review research protocols involving human participants from
various fields including integrative physiology, behavioral
science, and psychology programs.
Promote compliance with applicable regulations, including:
- 45 CFR 46 (Common Rule)
- FDA regulations, as applicable
- HIPAA Privacy Rule, as applicable
- Intitutional policies and procedures
Foster a culture of ethical research and participant
protection
Ensure that IRB deliberations appropriately balance scientific
merit, participant welfare, and regulatory requirements
Protocol Review Responsibilities
- Lead the Board in determining whether research satisfies
criteria for IRB approval.
- Review and assess:
- Risks and benefits of research procedures
- Subject recruitment methods
- Informed consent processes and documents
- Privacy and confidentiality protections
- Protections for vulnerable populations
- Data and safety monitoring plans, when applicable
- Serve as a designated reviewer for selected expedited,
continuing review, amendment, adverse event, and reportable event
submissions in accordance with institutional policy
- Serve as a reviewer for selected exempt studies
Evaluate research involving:
- Human physiology testing
- Exercise and performance studies
- Biospecimen collection
- Psychological assessments
- Surveys and interviews
- Behavioral intervention studies
- Cognitive and social science research
Regulatory Determinations
- Work with IRB staff to ensure accurate documentation of:
- IRB decisions
- Required modifications
- Approval criteria
- Meeting minutes
- Make or delegate determinations regarding:
- Expedited review eligibility
- Continuing review requirements
- Unanticipated problems involving risks to participants or
others
- Noncompliance and protocol deviations
Investigator and Institutional Support
- Provide guidance to investigators regarding ethical and
regulatory requirements.
- Assist researchers in understanding IRB expectations and
improving protocol submissions.
- Participate in educational outreach and training activities
related to human subjects protections.
- Serve as a resource for faculty, students, and research staff
conducting human subjects research.
Quality Improvement
- Promote consistency across protocol reviews.
- Find opportunities to improve IRB processes, review efficiency,
and investigator support.
- Participate in institutional quality improvement initiatives,
if applicable.
- Support implementation of new regulatory guidance and policy
changes.
What You Should Know
- This position will work 16 hours per month and will be
hybrid.
What We Can Offer
The hourly rate for this 9% part-time position is $100/hour.
Benefits
At the
University of Colorado Boulder , we are
committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our
employees. Our comprehensive
benefits package includes medical,
dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition
assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local
transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder
offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class
outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through
the
CU Advantage program.
Be Statements
Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.
What We Require
- Advanced degree (PhD, MD) in a biomedical, behavioral,
psychological, physiological, or related scientific field.
- 5+ years of service on an Institutional Review Board
(IRB).
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may
substitute.
What You Will Need
- Strong leadership and meeting facilitation skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply research regulations and
institutional policies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to foster respectful discussion among IRB members with
diverse expertise.
- Sound judgment and ethical decision-making.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet review
timelines.
- Dedication to protecting the rights, welfare, and privacy of
research participants.
- Ability to critically evaluate research design, participant
risks, and informed consent processes.
- Knowledge of federal regulations governing human subjects
protections, including the Common Rule.
- Strong understanding of ethical principles outlined in the
Belmont Report.
What We Would Like You to Have
- Experience as an IRB Chair, Vice Chair, or designated
reviewer.
- Experience as a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on a
CU IRB-approved study.
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Integrative physiology
- Sleep research
- Exercise science
- Human performance research (minimum of 5 years)
- Behavioral science
- Clinical psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Experience reviewing minimal-risk and greater-than-minimal-risk
human subjects research.
- Familiarity with CU Boulder’s electronic IRB management
systems.
- Familiarity with NIH grant funding.
Special Instructions
To apply, please submit the following materials:
- A current resume.
- A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background
and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and
responsibilities of the position.
We may request references at a later time.
Please apply by
9/10/26 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For
consideration, please apply through
CU Boulder Jobs .
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in
any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying
information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school
attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting
or removing this information.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu