Research Integrity Officer

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Are you passionate about upholding the highest standards in scientific research?

Duke University is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Integrity Officer to join the Duke Office of Scientific Integrity (DOSI).  In this pivotal role, you’ll help safeguard the credibility of groundbreaking research by evaluating concerns related to research misconduct, conflicts of interest, and other integrity issues.

Be You.

You will assist in the review and evaluation of matters pertaining to scientific integrity related to research conducted at Duke University, including allegations of research misconduct, non-compliance with disclosure or management of potential conflicts of interest, and/or other inappropriate research practices. 

The DOSI Investigator will serve as the institutional official for evaluating and investigating reports of research misconduct according to Duke’s policies and procedures. Integral to the position is documentation of the review and evaluation process, compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies, and collaboration with other team members, compliance offices, institutional leadership, and review committees.

This position will report directly to the Executive Vice Dean for Clinical Sciences and Research Administration, School of Medicine, Associate Vice President for Research.

Work Arrangement – Hybrid

Anticipated Pay Range - Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $103,362.00 to USD $206,722.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.

Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES

The successful candidate will have a strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and strong commitment to research integrity. The candidate will have performed this position or assisted in the performance of this position.

Possess experience serving as a Research Integrity Officer or working in close collaboration with one to uphold ethical standards in research practices.

The candidate should have demonstrated experience navigating regulatory processes related to conducting investigations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education - Work requires a masters or terminal professional degree in biomedical sciences.

Experience - Minimum of 5 years of experience, such as research administration, regulatory compliance and/or conducting research. A general understanding of federal regulations related to research, including research misconduct, is required.  Three (3) to twelve (12) months previous experience with IRB review either as a member or staff, and general understanding of federal regulations related to research, including research misconduct.

Be Bold.

Skills    

• Detail-oriented.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as contribute to team efforts.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and ability to interact with process owners across the University at a variety of levels and positions.
• Ability to manage challenging situations with the utmost integrity and tact, while being sensitive to all those involved.
• Ability to monitor situations to help protect individuals who report research misconduct from retaliation.
• Ability to understand and critically analyze various operational systems, data, and documentation used in research studies to identify potential research compliance risk(s).
• Commitment to due process during research misconduct investigations and ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality.
• An understanding of the current regulatory environment governing the conduct of academic research.
• Effective project planning and project management skills with ability to meet deadlines and prioritize multiple tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research Misconduct Review and Assessment Process (60%)

• Lead assessments and investigations related to scientific integrity concerns; oversee all procedural steps in research misconduct investigations.
• Serve as Duke’s point of contact with the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) and other federal agencies/sponsors and ensure compliance with federal reporting requirements related to research misconduct.
• Collect and preserve information related to scientific integrity concerns and record/document relevant aspects of the review process.
• Prepare written accounts of assessments and investigations as needed.

Research Non-Compliance Review and Collaboration with Other Units (30%)

• Confidentially consult with individuals to discuss potential allegations of research misconduct or scientific integrity concerns. Evaluate allegations to determine if further investigation is necessary.
• Collaborate with other DOSI team members, departmental leaders and research quality officers, and relevant University offices (e.g., Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance, Office of Counsel, Duke Health IRB, Duke Campus IRB, etc.) to evaluate and resolve research integrity matters.
• Communicate with Office of Counsel, Deans, Graduate or Medical Education, institutional leaders, or other appropriate individuals or units as needed during active reviews.

General Education and Communication (10%)

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and institutional policies; maintain awareness of any regulatory, guidance, or policy changes. As needed, update or create guidelines and policies needed for research conduct and compliance.
• Regularly communicate about research integrity with faculty, staff, and students as part of research town halls, training sessions/workshops, group meetings, or other similar events.
• Support a culture of compliance and integrity for scientific research at Duke University.

Perform other duties as assigned.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals hired into this position.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel in this position.

Choose Duke.

If you thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and have a keen eye for ethical compliance, we invite you to be part of a team that ensures excellence.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.