IRB Compliance Specialist

Edtech.com's Summary

George Mason University is hiring an IRB Compliance Specialist to support the review and oversight of human subjects research. The specialist provides regulatory guidance, facilitates IRB review processes, ensures compliance with federal and institutional standards, and supports faculty, students, and staff throughout the submission and review process.

Highlights

Supports Institutional Review Board (IRB) Program operations and compliance for human subjects research.
Evaluates research protocols for completeness, risk, and regulatory compliance including FDA and DHHS regulations.
Provides guidance and education to investigators and research staff on IRB processes and federal regulations.
Maintains accurate IRB records and documentation including minutes.
Requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and IRB certification (CIP) or ability to obtain within two years.
Experience in research environments, knowledge of federal regulations, and strong writing and organizational skills needed.
Proficient in Windows, RAMP system, and standard office software including spreadsheets and word processing.
Preferred experience includes work in higher education and familiarity with electronic submission systems.
Part of the Office of Research Integrity and Assurance focusing on ethical and responsible research conduct at George Mason University.
Salary commensurate with education and experience; position is full-time and remote eligible.

IRB Compliance Specialist Full Description

Department:Â Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact

Classification: Gen Admin Supv 2/Coord 2

Job Category:Â Classified Staff

Job Type:Â Full-Time

Work Schedule:Â Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Remote

Workplace Type:Â Remote Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility:Â Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band:Â 05

Salary:Â Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check:Â Yes

About the Department:

The Office of Research Integrity and Assurance (ORIA) fosters and promotes state-of-the-art research and scholarship at Mason, providing resources that promote ethical and responsible conduct of research. The office provides services that ensure Mason research and scholarship community is knowledgeable about and complies with federal and other relevant regulations that pertain to research and research integrity. ORIA also identifies compliance risks, communicates those risks to the Mason community, and monitors and investigates instances of noncompliance.

About the Position:

The IRB Specialist supports Mason's commitment to ethical conduct of human subjects research by providing essential operational, administrative, and compliance support for the Institutional Review Board Program. This position helps ensure that human subjects research is reviewed, documented, and managed in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and ethical standards.

The position contributes to the university by supporting faculty, students, and staff throughout the IRB submission and review process, maintaining accurate records, facilitating communication, and helping ensure consistent and timely processing of protocols. By strengthening the day-to-day operations of the IRB program, the IRB Specialist supports responsible research practices, improves the researcher experience, protects research participants, and reduces institutional compliance risk.

Responsibilities:

Evaluates and manages incoming applications to ensure that all information is provided. Completes all necessary checklists and worksheets. Completes and sends reminder/follow up letters and email. Performs initial, amendment and continuing reviews of research protocols to include those subject to FDA and DHHS regulations. Reviews applications for completeness and to determine whether or not each protocol meets the definition of human subjects research. Evaluates risk to subjects and others. Determines appropriate level of review for each protocol. Reviews each protocol to ensure that GMU and federal regulations are met and that the researchers have addressed all of the IRBs concerns before final approval. Obtains adequate expertise for the review of research through consultation where necessary;
Instructs and counsels investigators and research support staff. Works one on one with investigators and students to explain regulations and procedures. Assists with educational IRB presentations. Ensures that investigators and their staffs complete required CITI training; and
Maintains complete, accurate and error free records including IRB minutes.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelorâs degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
Active Certified IRB Professional (CIP) or ability to obtain certification within two years of employment;
Experience working in a research environment and familiarity with the IRB;
Excellent writing skills are needed to generate clear, precise, detailed and grammatically correct technical letters, memos, and reports. Superior organizational skills and attention to accuracy are required in order to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities and a high volume workload. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a capacity to work well with multiple constituencies of various educational and social backgrounds;
Exceptional analytical ability is necessary in order to apply knowledge of federal regulations and institutional policy to research proposals. Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines. Ability to identify when to refer issues to a Senior IRB Compliance Specialist and/or supervisor, and have the ability to make accurate and appropriate independent judgments, and also be able to accept direct supervision. Ability to effectively advise investigators and research staff on federal regulations and IRB submission requirements, and assisting them as needed in preparation of submission forms;
Proficient in the use of multimedia hardware and software applications, including the use of Windows, RAMP, spreadsheet and word processing; and
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in a human research related administrative or clinical setting is preferred, ideally in a higher education environment;
Experience using electronic submission systems;
Working knowledge of federal regulations governing human subjects research; and
Demonstrated skill in advising investigators and research staff on federal regulations and IRB submission requirements, and assisting them as needed in preparation of submission forms.

Instructions to Applicants:Â

For full consideration, applicants must apply for theÂ IRB Compliance Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/.Â Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:Â July 17, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:Â July 31, 2026

Open Until Filled:Â Â Yes

Original Job Description