Summary

Under the direction and supervision of the Research Operations Manager, the Research Compliance Specialist provides administrative, compliance, and operational support for the Foundations of a Resilient Microbiome (FORM) Data Coordinating Center (DCC). This position assists with maintaining project documentation, coordinating data governance activities, tracking compliance-related processes, monitoring project milestones, and supporting communication among investigators, participating institutions, and project stakeholders.

The Research Compliance Specialist works closely with the Research Operations Manager, DCC leadership, data management staff, and external collaborators to support the day-to-day operations of a large multi-institutional research program. This position helps ensure that project records, data governance activities, reporting requirements, and compliance documentation are organized, accurate, and maintained in accordance with sponsor, institutional, and program requirements.

This role is designed for individuals interested in developing a career in research administration, research operations, project coordination, or compliance within an academic research environment. The position offers mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities under the guidance of the Research Operations Manager while providing exposure to research administration, data governance, sponsored research activities, and multi-site research collaborations.

This is a part-time position working approximately 25 hours per week. As the FORM Data Coordinating Center program expands, opportunities for increased responsibilities and potential transition to a full-time role may become available based on funding, programmatic needs, and performance.

A hybrid work arrangement may be available in accordance with departmental and institutional policies, operational needs, and performance expectations.

Job Duties

• Assist the Research Operations Manager with coordinating data governance and compliance activities for the FORM DCC program.
• Maintain records related to Data Use Agreements (DUAs), Data Access Requests (DARs), access approvals, and other governance documentation.
• Track the status of compliance-related requests, approvals, reporting requirements, and project deliverables.
• Assist with monitoring data access workflows and maintaining supporting documentation.
• Organize and maintain electronic records, correspondence, agreements, and project files.
• Assist with preparing documentation for sponsor reporting, audits, and compliance reviews.
• Escalate compliance-related questions, concerns, or issues to the Research Operations Manager for resolution.

Research Administration Support

• Assist with the preparation and organization of sponsor reports, progress updates, and supporting documentation.
• Collect, maintain, and organize information required for program reporting and compliance activities.
• Support document routing, approval processes, and record retention activities.
• Assist with maintaining project standard operating procedures (SOPs), guidance materials, and process documentation.
• Support administrative activities related to research agreements, subcontracts, and collaborative projects as assigned.

Operational Support

• Maintain project databases, trackers, and shared electronic filing systems.
• Support special projects, process improvement initiatives, and operational activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Four years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Health, Healthcare Administration, Life Sciences, Research Administration, or a related field.
• No prior research administration experience required with Bachelor's degree. 
• One year of administrative, internship, student worker, healthcare, research, or related experience preferred.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and sensitive records.
• Ability to learn institutional policies, procedures, and research administration practices.
• Interest in research administration, project management, data governance, or research operations.
• Experience organizing documents, maintaining databases, or coordinating meetings and communications.