Senior Research Compliance Officer

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

About The Office of Research Compliance

The Office of Research Compliance is within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and is part of Harvard University's Central Administration. The Office of Research Compliance is broadly responsible for oversight of the review, development, and implementation of policies related to research compliance activities across the University. The Office of Research Compliance works collaboratively with offices both in Central Administration and within the Schools to integrate and coordinate compliance requirements across the University toward the overall effort of managing potential risks. The office also manages a number of University-wide Committees and coordinates comments on regulatory issues (e.g. proposed new regulations by agencies) pertaining to research activities where institutional responses are warranted.

Job Description

Reporting to the University Chief Research Compliance Officer, the Senior Research Compliance Officer (SRCO) is a highly skilled individual with in-depth knowledge of most, and working knowledge of other, regulatory areas of research compliance. Under minimal guidance from the Chief Research Compliance Officer, the SRCO is capable of establishing effective research compliance policies, procedures, and guidelines, in accordance with the seven elements of an effective compliance program pursuant to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. This requires examining regulatory requirements and working with the respective departments and schools, to assess an approach and lead the development and implementation of an exemplary compliance program. The SRCO represents the Office of the Vice Provost for Research on a number of university-wide committees and is expected to engage at the national level, represent Harvard at national meetings and build national reputations. Additionally, the individual will be responsible for the Provostial review of proposals meeting the criteria for such reviews; periodic review of existing policies and guidelines; Research Security Program; and the development, initiation, maintenance, and revision of policies and procedures where needed for process improvement purposes and to further best practices.

The SRCO coordinates his/her assigned activities with Advisory Committees, Administrative units within the schools as well as central units.

To meet the needs of the Office of Research Compliance - and in addition to technical knowledge of the regulatory environment - coordination and communication are the key functions of the SRCO with regard to planning, implementing, and monitoring the compliance program. Specific research regulatory activities cover a wide range of topics such as Conflicts of Interest in research, Export Control, protection of Human Subjects in Research, Animal Care and Use programs, Research Security, Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, Research Misconduct, Stem Cell Research, Research Data, and Privacy, International Research Compliance, etc. The SRCO will work on any number of these topics by serving as the focal point for compliance activities and assignments, according to the program’s needs. The range of activities includes, but is not limited to:

• Developing institutional policies, procedures, guidelines, and programs that enable the conduct of research while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Developing, coordinating, and participating in a multifaceted educational and training program that focuses on the elements of the compliance program, and that seeks to ensure that all appropriate employees and managers are knowledgeable about pertinent policies and federal and state standards.
• Coordinating internal compliance review and monitoring activities, including periodic reviews of policies and programs.
• Participating in investigation of matters related to compliance, including designing and coordinating internal investigations (e.g. with RMAS, School units, or OGC) and any resulting corrective action.
• Overseeing and monitoring the implementation of specific compliance program elements.
• Participating in Provostial Reviews.
• Acting as a staff person for assigned University-wide Committee reporting to, or ad-hoc committees appointed by, the OVPR.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications in order to be considered for this role:

Ph.D. or JD required. A minimum of 10 years of experience in researching and analyzing complex laws and regulations, agency policies and other documentation. Advanced education may count toward years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Ability to assess existing university operations to determine the need for new or enhanced policies and procedures; ability to support and promote an effective, ongoing regulatory compliance program; thorough knowledge of compliance issues, laws and regulations relating to research compliance; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex issues both verbally and in writing; demonstrated highly effective interpersonal skills for working closely with internal organizational units and for effective representation of organizational positions on issues with external parties and groups; thorough knowledge of project management, operations analysis, and legislative work procedures; ability to lead and manage projects; ability to work independently on multiple issues concurrently and to exercise independent judgment in establishing priorities; ability to organize work, make sound decisions and exercise good judgment.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background screenings (Identity, Education, Criminal)
• Other Information:
  • This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.
  • In-office 3 days (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and remote 2 days (Monday, Friday)

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.