Research Compliance Specialist

Job Description

We have multiple openings for a Research Compliance Specialist at LLNL. In this role you will provide advanced technical support and scientific expertise in life sciences research compliance in one or more of the following research compliance areas: biosafety, dangerous gain-of-function, international research of concern, animal ethics and/or human subjects research protections and support compliance with all applicable federal, state, local and institutional regulations, policies and procedures. In this role, you will combine scientific and technical expertise with regulatory analysis to support responsible research and institutional compliance. This position reports to the Research Compliance Manager in the Biosciences and Biotechnology Division within the Physical and Life Sciences Directorate.

This position may offer a hybrid schedule, which includes the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week, after a probationary period. The specifics of the hybrid schedule, including the exact number of days required in the office and virtual work options may vary based on the needs of the team and the organization. 

You will

• Develop and maintain advanced level knowledge of federal regulations applicable to research compliance in the areas of biosafety, dangerous gain-of-function, international research of concern, animal ethics and/or human subjects research protections.
• Provide technical interpretation of regulatory requirements to institutional research compliance programs, policies and procedures.
• Serve as a technical resource for researchers, research compliance staff, and management regarding research compliance requirements.
• Perform advanced level scientific, technical, and regulatory reviews of research compliance protocols to evaluate whether proposed research is in compliance with federal, state and local regulations, institutional policies and accreditation standards.
• Evaluate research objectives, experimental designs, methodologies, procedures and anticipated outcomes to identify potential risks and assess adequacy of safeguards, monitoring and mitigation measures.
• Interpret and apply relevant regulatory frameworks to novel or complex research scenarios and recommend appropriate compliance approaches, escalating novel or precedent-setting issues as appropriate. 
• Generate, review, and support the preparation of regulatory reports and documentation for review and submission by the Institutional Official or designated authority.
• Participate in and support regulatory inspections and site visits including serving as a technical point of contact for assigned matters.
• Support investigations of regulatory non-compliance including drafting non-compliance reports and tracking corrective actions under the direction of the Research Compliance Manager or designee.
• Develop and deliver scientifically and technically grounded training, policies and guidance documents tailored to research disciplines and compliance responsibilities.
• Use electronic research administration systems and data analysis tools to maintain accurate records, assess program performance, identify emerging risks and improve compliance practices.
• May provide technical guidance to junior staff, students, or project teams within assigned areas of expertise
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
• PhD degree in a relevant scientific, clinical or life sciences research-related discipline (e.g., microbiology, virology, biology, animal science, veterinary science, public health, bioengineering or a closely related field) or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced technical foundation in one or more relevant life sciences research areas, such as molecular biology, microbiology or biosafety, animal models and welfare, human research methods and participant protections, biological risk assessment or research security.
• Ability to critically evaluate scientific literature, research protocols, experimental methods, and technical documentation, including identifying methodological limitations and their implications for risk and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant regulatory and ethical frameworks related to research compliance (e.g., NIH Guidelines for Research Involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules, PHS Policy, Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Animal Welfare Act regulations, USG Policy for Stopping High-Risk Life Sciences Research, HHS Policy for Protection of Human Subjects) with the ability to research, interpret and apply complex and evolving regulatory requirements within established institutional processes.
• Strong analytical judgement and problem-solving skills, including the ability to assess risk, document defensible recommendations, manage sensitive information and recognize matters requiring escalation or additional expertise.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills to explain and present complex scientific, technical, and regulatory concepts and provide recommendations to researchers, compliance staff, and management.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and execute multiple complex assignments independently with minimal direction.

Qualifications We Desire

• Relevant research compliance certification(s), such as Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA) certification, Certified IRB Professional (CIP) credential, Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP), or Certified Biosafety Professional (CBSP).
• Experience conducting or supporting scientific, technical, or regulatory reviews in one or more assigned research compliance areas.
• Experience developing technical guidance, training, or compliance-related procedures for scientific or research audiences.
• Experience using electronic research administration systems, databases, or data-analysis tools to manage compliance records and identify trends.

Pay Range

$175,530 - $222,564 Annually

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting; pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage.  An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

Position Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance

This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.  If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing.  Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship. 

Pre-Employment Drug Test

External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.

Wireless and Medical Devices

Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession.  This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.  

If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas.  Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Reasonable Accommodation

Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory.  If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request. 

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