"Research Compliance Officer - 121717"

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus.
Western Carolina University (WCU) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Compliance Officer to join the Office of Research Administration (ORA). The Compliance Officer provides support and monitoring for a wide range of research compliance functions within the ORA. Functions include financial and non-financial oversight and auditing. This position will play a crucial role in ensuring that the universitys research activities comply with federal, state, and institutional regulations, policies, and ethical standards. The Research Compliance Officer will work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to promote a culture of research best practices.
The Research Compliance Officer reports to the Director of Research Compliance and Integrity, within the ORA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the development, implementation, and maintenance of compliance programs and policies related to research activities, including but not limited to human subjects research, animal welfare, conflict of interest, and export controls.
• Review and process research compliance submissions, including Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) applications.
• Provide coordination, monitoring, and support for active grant awards with compliance needs, including but not limited to cost approval auditing, grant monitoring, and effort reporting.
• Conduct compliance audits and assessments to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to applicable regulations and policies.
• Stay current with federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policies related to research compliance.
• Collaborate with other university departments and committees to promote research integrity and ethical conduct.
• Provide training and support to faculty, staff, and stakeholders on research compliance policies, procedures, and best practices.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and policies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and research compliance management software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
This position requires a Bachelors degree in a relevant field (e.g., life sciences, social sciences, law, or related discipline) with two (2) years of experience in research or research administration activities or other relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters degree from an accredited institution in a relevant discipline; Experience in research compliance; Professional experience in an academic research office or division; Demonstrated understanding of applicable federal and state regulations; Knowledge of Responsible Conduct of Research best practices.

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must apply online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include a cover letter, resume, and a listing of at least three professional references with their complete contact information.
For questions or additional information, please contact Mallory Ball at mball@email.wcu.edu