Program Manager, Research Accreditation and Policy - Office of the Vice President for Research
CMU is a top-ranked private research-intensive university based in Pittsburgh, PA, with a vision of fostering ground-breaking impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The university is internationally recognized for its programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, business, science, humanities, and fine arts, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Last year, CMU’s research expenditures exceeded $720 million, supported by industry partners across major sectors, federal agencies such as the NSF, DoD, DOE, NIH, and ARPA-H, as well as nonprofit foundations and international organizations.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at CMU is seeking a Program Manager, Research Accreditation and Policy to join the team. OVPR has responsibility for nurturing interdisciplinary research initiatives at one of the nations' leading research institutions. OVPR provides overall research administration and policy for all colleges and schools, as well as the university's more than 100 centers and institutes. Working closely with deans, department heads, faculty, students and staff, the office provides an innovative and supportive research environment that spans all disciplines and campuses and assures that research activities are planned and conducted in accordance with regulations and University policy.
The position provides leadership and oversight for institutional human and animal research protection policies, accreditation activities, and post-approval monitoring programs. This position plays a critical role in ensuring ongoing compliance with federal regulations, accreditation standards, and institutional requirements for the conduct of Human Subjects Research and Animal Research.
The Manager collaborates closely with research oversight committees and offices—including IRB, IACUC, Conflict of Interest (COI), and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)—to develop, implement, update, and maintain policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and guidance documents. The role also provides project management support for accreditation and reaccreditation efforts and oversees post-approval monitoring processes to promote high-quality, compliant research.
Core Responsibilities:Accreditation and Reaccreditation
- Provide project management support for IRB and IACUC accreditation and reaccreditation activities, including preparation, documentation, and submission processes.
- Coordinate internal teams and stakeholders to support accreditation self-assessments, site visits, and follow-up activities.
- Track accreditation requirements, deadlines, and action items to ensure timely and successful outcomes.
- Support continuous readiness for accreditation and post-accreditation compliance.
Policy Development and Management
- Work closely with IRB, IACUC, COI, and IBC leadership and staff to develop, revise, and maintain institutional policies, SOPs, and guidance documents related to research compliance and oversight.
- Monitor changes in federal, state, and accreditation requirements and proactively assess the impact on institutional policies and practices.
- Draft new policies and guidance as needed to support evolving regulatory expectations and institutional practices.
- Ensure policies and procedures are clear, consistent, and aligned across research oversight programs.
- Manage and maintain research compliance content on institutional websites, ensuring information is current, accurate, and accessible.
Post-Approval Monitoring
- Develop, implement, and manage the IRB post-approval monitoring (PAM) program.
- Design and oversee investigator self-assessment processes to support compliance and quality improvement.
- Facilitate on-site and remote post-approval monitoring visits, including scheduling, communication with investigators, and document review.
- Identify trends, areas of concern, and best practices through monitoring activities.
- Prepare written reports and present findings and recommendations to the IRB and other appropriate stakeholders.
Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
- Serve as a liaison among research oversight committees, research administration offices, and institutional leadership on policy and accreditation matters.
- Promote a culture of compliance, education, and continuous improvement in research oversight.
- Participate in institutional committees, working groups, and training efforts related to research compliance and accreditation.
Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Five years' experience in research, project management, program management, research compliance, and/or award management
- Experience in academic setting and/or consulting
- Experience working with IRB, IACUC, COI and IBC professionals in an academic or consulting setting is valuable.
- Experience and understanding of federal regulations, accreditation standards and institutional requirements around academic research is valuable.
- Education paired with meaningful experience that demonstrates comparable knowledge may be considered.
Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.
Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!
For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.
At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.
Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!
Location
Pittsburgh, PAJob Function
Research CompliancePosition Type
Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time
Full timePay Basis
SalaryMore Information:
Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
Statement of Assurance
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Five years of experience in research, project management, program management, research compliance, and/or award management
- Experience in an academic setting and/or consulting
- Experience working with IRB, IACUC, COI, and IBC professionals
- Understanding of federal regulations, accreditation standards, and institutional requirements related to academic research
Carnegie Mellon University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Carnegie Mellon University and has not been reviewed or approved by Carnegie Mellon University.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as a standout, with automatic employer contributions to a TIAA-administered plan at 8% of base salary (and 9.78% for 9‑month academic appointments), plus optional employee deferrals. Vesting after three years is clearly specified, which helps set expectations for long-term value.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental and family support is strengthened by 100% paid parental leave for six weeks and 100% paid maternity leave for 6–8 weeks (delivery-type dependent), effective July 1, 2024. Childcare support is also referenced through a Cyert Center subsidy up to $5,000 per family, alongside no-cost EAP access.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle benefits include free Pittsburgh Regional Transit access and access to fitness classes and facilities, adding recurring non-cash value to the overall package. Pittsburgh’s relatively affordable cost of living can further increase the perceived adequacy of a given salary compared with higher-cost coastal hubs.
Carnegie Mellon University Insights
What We Do
Carnegie Mellon University founder Andrew Carnegie said: "My heart is in the work." No statement better captures the passion and drive of our people to make a real difference. At Carnegie Mellon, we're not afraid of the work. Our educational environment creates problem solvers, drivers of innovation and pioneers in technology and the arts. Employers in every field say our graduates are ready to hit the ground running the day they graduate. So, join us. Whether you're looking for a career or an education. Or both.
