Director – Research Integrity

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.

Job Location (Full Address):

140 Trustee Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14627

Opening:

Worker Subtype:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Department:

200052 Res Integ, Stewardship & Ethics

Work Shift:

UR - Day (United States of America)

Range:

UR URG 117

Compensation Range:

$122,600.00 - $184,000.00

Responsibilities:

Directs, establishes, and centralizes research integrity functions for the University. Directs and manages the operational aspects of research misconduct proceedings in accordance with federal regulations and University policy. Serves as the administrator of the research conflict of interest, creates and implements policies and procedures to ensure compliance, and advances senior leadership’s strategic mission and vision for research integrity. As needed, this position acts as an internal and external representative of the Research Integrity, Stewardship, and Ethics (ORISE) department for the University.

This position is a hybrid role. Work needs will determine on-campus presence, with an expectation of at least 3 days on campus per week (in Rochester, NY). On-site requirements may vary based on evolving business needs.

Essential Functions:

• Directs and manages the University’s operational response to allegations of research misconduct, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and University policy. Oversees inquiries and investigations, coordinates communications with federal oversight agencies and funding bodies, and collaborates with the Office of General Counsel (OGC) and other senior University leaders.
• Develops and implements institutional policies, processes, and procedures governing University-wide research misconduct in alignment with senior leadership’s strategic vision, impacting Office of the Vice President of Research teams (OVPR), department research administrators, and investigators. Oversees ORISE staff responsible for providing guidance and education to faculty, researchers, staff, and students on institutional policies and federal regulations related to research misconduct, ensuring consistent interpretation and application across the University.
• Directs and oversees the development, implementation, and institution-wide administration of responsible and ethical conduct of research (RECR) training programs for faculty, researchers, staff, and students. Ensures programs meet federal sponsor requirements and fosters a University-wide culture of compliance and integrity.
• Leads the administration of conflict of interest and conflict of commitment (COI/C) activities across the University. Oversees staff who review outside financial interests, administer conflict of interest committees, create management plans, and evaluate faculty start-ups and licensed intellectual property for COI/C, in collaboration with UR Ventures and other colleagues as appropriate. Establishes policies and procedures, oversees the implementation and monitoring of COI/C management plans, and advises senior leadership on institutional risk.
• Directs and manages ORISE professional staff responsible for all areas of compliance oversight, with authority for hiring, training, performance management, and succession planning. Establishes structures and expectations to ensure a sustainable and high-performing administrative workforce. Oversees the maintenance of auditable records and compliance systems. Directs staff in ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and readiness for internal and external audits. Ensures the University has the policies and systems in place to withstand federal scrutiny.
• Establishes and directs institutional policies and compliance frameworks that enable the University to respond effectively to evolving federal agency requirements, regulatory standards, and internal University priorities. Accountable for defining and ensuring the dissemination of policies, procedures, and compliance manuals related to federal regulations, research integrity requirements, and the administration of sponsored programs. Collaborates with the Office of General Counsel (OGC), OVPR colleagues, and University leadership to establish institutional practices that safeguard compliance and mitigate risk.
• Represents the University externally through interactions with federal oversight agencies (ORI, OHRP, NIH, NSF, FDA, etc.) and active participation in national compliance forums. Anticipates and interprets evolving policies, regulations, and trends, and proactively advises senior leadership on compliance risks and opportunities. Represents the University at the national level by serving as a liaison with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as peer institutions. Builds and sustains strategic partnerships across the University and with external stakeholders. Serves as a University lead representative on committees addressing research integrity and compliance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience:

• Master's degree in Ethics, Science, Legal, or other relevant field and 8 years of research and/or research compliance experience required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience Experience in higher education preferred
• Experience in higher education preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Current and in-depth understanding of the regulatory environment governing the conduct of academic research required
• Ability to work with a variety of constituents required
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with close attention to detail required

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.