Job Title
Director, Research ComplianceAgency
Texas A&M Agrilife ResearchDepartment
Administrative Services StaffProposed Minimum Salary
CommensurateJob Location
College Station, TexasJob Type
StaffJob Description
About Texas A&M AgriLife
Texas A&M AgriLife is comprised of the following Texas A&M University System members:
As the nation’s largest most comprehensive agriculture program, Texas A&M AgriLife brings together a college and four state agencies focused on agriculture and life sciences within The Texas A&M University System. With over 5,000 employees and a presence in every county across the state, Texas A&M AgriLife is uniquely positioned to improve lives, environments and the Texas economy through education, research, extension and service.
Click here to learn more about how you can be a part of AgriLife and make a difference in the world!
Position Information
We are seeking a Research Compliance Director who is responsible for the oversight and direction of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Compliance Office, providing service to Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Forest Service, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, and the Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (collectively known as "AgriLife").
The Research Compliance Director is responsible for financial conflict of interest (FCOI) management and disclosures, export controls, nepotism, visiting scholars, research data stewardship, responsible conduct of research (RCR), research misconduct, Federal Wide Assurance, and acts as a liaison for researchers for TAMU IRB, IBC, IACUC, and Ag IACUC activities.
As a shared service among the AgriLife agencies and the college, the position reports to the Assistant Vice Chancellor with additional lines of authority to the Director/CEO of each agency.
Responsibilities:
Financial Conflict of Interest Oversight
Oversees the management of conflict of interests associated with sponsored research for Texas A&M AgriLife personnel. This includes financial conflict of interest (FCOI) for all AgriLife faculty, in coordination with Texas A&M University (TAMU) compliance offices.
Directs the FCOI administrative function for AgriLife: 1) ensures compliance with the federal government and other entities regarding the disclosing, reviewing, routing and approving of FCOIs and/or management plans, 2) oversees services to assist faculty and other researchers in understanding the process and its requirements and in developing FCOI management plans, and 3) establishes and oversees the process whereby annual FCOI management plans and updates are collected, reviewed and approved as required by regulation.
Export Controls Oversight
Oversees the Texas A&M AgriLife export controls program. Provides export controls interface with various AgriLife offices, Sponsored Research Services, TAMU, the Texas A&M System Research Security Office, and the Texas A&M System Office of General Counsel.
Works to identify projects with export control implications and to ensure their effective management; develops and oversees educational programs, guidelines, tools and other resources to assist the community in their understanding of export control requirements and obligations; ensures an effective management of the export control compliance program; ensures that non-routine matters that require an escalation of interaction and reporting are effectively administered; oversees periodic assessments of the export controls compliance program, and reviews, administers and updates the export controls compliance monitoring plan. This also includes screening of individuals and companies to work on various projects with AgriLife.
Visiting Scholars Oversight
Oversees the AgriLife visiting scholars program governing visitors’ access to the AgriLife research laboratories and the processes for ensuring that visitors have been screened and the appropriate questions and conversations have taken place with the faculty hosts to ensure that risks are mitigated.
Responsible Conduct of Research
Oversees AgriLife Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) program to ensure that certain categories of individuals involved in research receive proper training as required by sponsors and other federal regulations.
Coordinates with TAMU for the training of graduate students, postdoctoral research associates and other positions to ensure that training is in accordance with regulation and/or sponsor guidelines.
Nepotism
Determines the institutional controls and review of nepotism on sponsored research. Develops, reviews and recommends approval of nepotism management plans or, if needed, requests committee review of disclosed nepotism. When necessary, works with the Principal Investigator (PI), dean, director and unit heads in creating an effective management plan that covers the individuals for all of their research collaborations. Seeks director approval and communicates the decision on these proposed plans and communicates the approvals to SRS and other responsible parties.
Leadership and Assessment
Establishes and enforces accurate performance metrics to assess FCOI/COI and export controls risk as well as compliance. Clearly communicates the effectiveness of current procedures to AgriLife leadership.
Develops and recommends rules, guidelines, and procedures that address risk and compliance issues while striving to deliver the highest quality services and support to faculty. Facilitates and communicates FCOI/COI and export controls risk management protocols in collaboration with the AgriLife Research Compliance Officer, SRS, and relevant officials.
Works jointly with the AgriLife Ethics and Compliance Director, Research Compliance Officer and AgriLife Leadership on compliance-related activities as required.
Ensures adherence to federal and state regulations, Texas A&M University System policies, and Texas A&M AgriLife rules and procedures.
Other Duties as assigned
Required Education:
Bachelor’s degree applicable field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required Experience:
Ten years of professional experience in research administration and/or compliance
Preferred Education:
Advanced degree in law, business, educational administration, or a relevant field.
Preferred Experience:
Five years of professional management experience in one or more of these areas: regulatory affairs, conflict of interest, export control and other compliance.
Prior TAMUS experience with research administration responsibilities in sponsored research and in federal compliance issues regarding research compliance, conflict of interest and export control.
Required Licenses and Certifications:
N/A
Preferred Licenses and Certifications:
JD, ECoP®, Certified EAR and ITAR, CCEP, CRA
Required Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel in office settings. Familiar with federal and state research regulations, FCOI, RCR, export controls, and regulatory compliance. Strong interpersonal, multitasking, and teamwork skills, with effective oral and written communication. Detail-oriented and diplomatic.
Preferred Special Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Working knowledge of the TAMUS organizational structure and the relationships between System members. Working knowledge of Maestro, FAMIS, AggieBuy, and Emburse. Knowledge of Visual Compliance and Dimensions software platforms.
What You Need to Know
Salary: Compensation for this position is commensurate based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work schedules and remote work options may be available for this position, depending on the nature of the role and employee eligibility, in accordance with AgriLife Alternate Work Location Procedures.
Why Work at Texas A&M AgriLife?
When you choose to work for Texas A&M AgriLife, you become part of an organization that is an established leader in agriculture and life sciences with a wide range of capabilities to meet the needs of our statewide, national, and international constituents.
In addition, Texas A&M AgriLife offers a comprehensive benefit package including the following:
Applicant Instructions
Applications received by Texas A&M AgriLife must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to prepopulate the online application.
Required Documents
CV/ Resume
Cover letter
List of references
Certifications/ additional documentation
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.