Position Highlights
Join Rochester Institute of Technology's Sponsored Research Services team and play a key role in supporting the university's growing research enterprise. Reporting within the Office of the Vice President for Research, the Research Compliance Specialist provides strategic oversight and implementation of non-financial research compliance programs, with a focus on conflict of interest, export controls, and federal agency requirements. This position helps ensure research activities are conducted with integrity while fostering a culture of compliance and ethics across the university.
This position is fully on campus and is not eligible for remote work. To receive full consideration, applicants must submit both a resume and cover letter with their application.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the Conflict of Interest (COI) process for sponsored research projects, including reviews, management plans, and compliance with federal sponsor and RIT requirements.
- Conduct export control compliance reviews, OFAC and restricted party screenings, project assessments, and develop Technology Control Plans (TCPs) when required.
- Utilize research administration and compliance systems to track, document, and report compliance activities.
- Support pre-award and post-award non-financial compliance requirements related to agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA, and DOD.
- Review and draft research-related agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Data Use Agreements (DUAs), and Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs).
Sponsored Research Services, Office of the Vice President for Research
Sponsored Research Services (SRS) operates within the Office of the Vice President for Research and supports RIT's expanding research portfolio. The office manages more than 720 proposals annually and oversees approximately $100 million in research awards each year. SRS partners closely with faculty, researchers, and financial and compliance offices across the university to support responsible research administration and advance RIT's strategic research goals. As part of a division of more than 35 professionals, the Research Compliance Specialist will contribute to ensuring compliance, accountability, and excellence throughout the research lifecycle
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversees the Conflict of Interest (COI) process for researchers, including reviewing project COIs, drafting management plans, addressing conflict issues associated with individuals conducting externally sponsored research, and entering results into grants and COI systems
- Conducts export control compliance reviews on all sponsored projects, OFAC and banned party screening, project reviews, and determinations. Creates Technology Control Plans (TCPs) when necessary
- Works with leadership, faculty, and university support offices to inform, enhance, update, and coordinate university research compliance resources and practices required by federal agency requirements (NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA and DOD)
- Advises and assists on pre- and post-award non-financial compliance issues such as NDAs and material transfer agreements. Assists on research misconduct reviews as required
- Coordinates and assists on project reviews with the Institute Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institute Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and Radiation Safety Committee. Participates on university committees as requested
- Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations that govern research compliance and safety standards
- Knowledge of compliance requirements related to grant funding or sponsored research projects
- Skill in risk assessment and mitigation in the management of research compliance strategies
- Skill in effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders regarding complex or technical topics
- Skill in technical, legal, and compliance related writing
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies
Minimum Education & Experience
- Master's degree in related field
- 3 years of relevant experience
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
Job Level Overview
Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.
FLSA Category
ExemptWork Location
On CampusCompensation
$65,900 - $105,400Application Materials
When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.
Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or ResumeCandidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Additional Details
In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.
If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to [email protected]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Skills Required
- Master's degree in a related field
- 3 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal research compliance laws and safety regulations
- Experience managing Conflict of Interest (COI) processes and drafting COI management plans
- Experience with export control compliance, OFAC and restricted party screenings, and creating Technology Control Plans (TCPs)
- Experience using research administration and compliance systems to track and report activities
- Experience reviewing and drafting research-related agreements (NDAs, DUAs, MTAs)
- Strong written communication and collaboration skills for advising faculty and stakeholders
- Ability to establish and maintain relationships with state and federal regulatory agencies
What We Do
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a top-ranked university and world leader in cooperative education. It is a community that leverages the power of technology, the arts, and design for the greater good, focusing on innovation and excellence in teaching, research, and service. RIT offers a wide range of degree programs designed to prepare students for professional success through experiential learning.
