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Penn State Job Catalog

Research Compliance Specialist – Intermediate Professional (PSU0090)

Additional Levels

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

Job Summary

The Research Compliance Specialist works with investigators, research teams, faculty, administrators, staff, and students to ensure institutional and regulatory research compliance obligations are met through a review, evaluation, approval, and continual monitoring process; conduct internal audits/inspections; assist research teams navigate external audits/inspections; keep abreast of compliance requirement changes; prepare reports; provide training.

Representative Duties

  • Develop research compliance monitoring policies and procedures; establish goals and objectives identifying successful program indicators
  • Assist investigators, research teams, faculty, administrators, staff, and students meet institutional guidelines, state law, and federal regulatory compliance obligations; identify, interpret, and explain requirements impacting studies
  • Review, evaluate, approve, and continually monitor research project compliance; conduct internal quality assurance audits and inspections; maintain records and data; prepare reports detailing observations, risks, recommendations, and all other compliance actions required
  • Prepare investigators and other research personnel for sponsor, grantor, accrediting body, and regulatory authority compliance audits and inspections; conduct pre-audit/inspection interviews and record reviews identifying areas of concern; prepare reports and provide advice
  • Develop and implement effective educational programs promoting responsible scientific research conduct and integrity; conduct training sessions for faculty, staff, and students in all areas of research compliance
  • Keep abreast of changing regulatory requirements and organizational demands impacting research; disseminate information as needed
  • Attend workshops and seminars to maintain currency and obtain advance knowledge regarding compliance reviews and research standards
  • May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level Matrix

Level:
Intermediate Professional
Base Description:
– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.
Level Summary:
– Demonstrates ability to perform intermediate tasks in defined skill areas. Demonstrates intermediate knowledge of internal procedures. Works under general supervision, performing assignments that may be varied and sometimes difficult. Supports team decisions and follows through with team responsibilities. Interprets and communicates information clearly and accurately. Demonstrates intermediate problem–solving skills.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers or volunteers
Fiscal Responsibilities:
– May validate and pay invoices
Problem Solving:
– Encounters generally routine problems; occasionally faces more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows recommended course of action and procedures to resolve problems
– Applies knowledge of larger unit goals, priorities, and related procedures in determining course of action
Independence of Action:
– Work is generally monitored by supervisor
– Detailed instructions and procedures are generally provided
– Uses available guidelines to make appropriate adaptations to routine situations and refers other situations to supervisor
Communication and Collaboration:
– Communicates internally within working unit and/or the University
– May communicate with external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly and accurately both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution
Salary Structure
  • Comp Grade – 8
  • Minimum – $51,000.00
  • MidPoint – $62,500.00
  • Maximum – $74,000.00
FLSA Exemption Status
Exempt
Minimum Education
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Experience
1+ years of relevant experience
Equivalency
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Additional Job Requirements