Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) Analyst

Brandeis University is delighted to announce a career opportunity for a Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) Analyst in the Office of Research Administration. If you are looking for an opportunity to work at a beautiful university campus with lots of perks including free parking and access to a top of the line athletic facility, look no further! At Brandeis we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package which includes medical, dental and life insurances.  If you hope to advance your career through educational opportunities, Brandeis offers tuition benefits for employees, dependents and spouses.  Our 403b retirement savings plan includes a generous match.

Brandeis University’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) promotes the welfare and rights of human research participants, facilitates excellence in ethical human research, and provides timely and high-quality IRB review, education, and monitoring of all research activities involving human subjects.  Brandeis’ program reviews primarily behavioral and social research.

As a member of the Human Research Protection Program team within the Office of Research Administration and reporting to the Associate Director, Human Research Protection Program, the Analyst will assist in the execution of processes related to the program, facilitate the review and approval process for submissions to the HRPP, and provide support and assistance to researchers in the preparation of application materials, both at the individual-level and through educational, training, and outreach activities.  The Analyst will demonstrate knowledge in the application of all federal, state, local, and institutional regulations, policies and guidelines, and support the work of the HRPP to ensure that it meets these requirements.  

This is a part time position working 17.5 hours per week

Responsibilities:

Protocol Support & Review (70%)

• Conducts preliminary reviews of protocol submission materials to identify areas of risk to human subjects, ensure consistency in the application, completeness, conflicts of interest, and compliance with all regulatory standards and institutional requirements. Works closely with researchers to communicate requirements and required changes in protocol submissions, working toward ensuring the highest ethical and research-appropriate methods and approaches in research projects, acting as an active partner in the research process. 

• In collaboration with other members of the HRPP team, responds to incoming emails, phone calls, walk-in visits, and scheduled appointments with researchers to answer all questions, and triage toward appropriate resources. 

• In collaboration with HRPP leadership, as needed, advises faculty and other researchers on issues of ethical research, responsible conduct of research, and research compliance. Provides advice and guidance on the review process.

• Facilitates the review process; conducts exempt determinations in the office, if qualified through experience and expertise; manages expedited reviews with IRB members and reviews with the Full Board.  

• Thoroughly reviews reliance agreements, individual investigator agreements, and ceding memos to ensure alignment with institutional policies and regulatory requirements. Collaborates with research teams to address discrepancies or missing information in agreements. Utilizes Smart IRB platform to streamline the reliance process. Regularly updates information within these systems to maintain accurate records and facilitate communication between collaborating institutions.

Program Management & IRB Operations (30%)

• Post Approval Monitoring. Works with HRPP leadership, IRB Chair, and other stakeholders to support the execution of post approval monitoring program.  Supports the processes for conducting PAM activities (forms, procedures, communications). 

• Information Systems & Records Management.  Supports the maintenance of the electronic filing system, assigns and tracks protocols through the review process, prepares and sends notifications and documents relating to the review and approval process, communicates with the IRB and board members, as needed.

• Outreach & Education.  Actively builds relationships with all members of the HSR community to become a trusted partner in the research process and contribute to the culture of compliance at Brandeis University.  Ensures all required training by community members is completed and up-to-date.  May assist in developing informational materials for the HRPP website, newsletter, and internal office policies and procedures, assists in the development and delivery of instructional materials, and participates in the conduct of workshops,