Penn State Job Catalog

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

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Research Compliance

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.

• 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:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 10
• Minimum – $61,800.00
• MidPoint – $75,700.00
• Maximum – $89,600.00