We are seeking a highly motivated individual to fill this critical role, which involves overseeing key operational tasks and ensuring seamless execution of daily responsibilities. The position requires a candidate with a proven track record in [specific field/industry], strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. Responsibilities include managing project timelines, analyzing performance metrics, and implementing strategies to enhance productivity. A bachelor’s degree in [relevant field] or equivalent experience is mandatory, along with at least [X] years of hands-on experience in [specific area]. Proficiency in [software/tools] and exceptional communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate will demonstrate leadership, adaptability, and a commitment to driving results in a fast-paced environment.
The Research Standards Coordinator serves as a key operational figure within the IRC Research Pillar, collaborating closely with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to uphold rigorous ethical standards, data security, and regulatory compliance for all research involving human subjects affiliated with the IRC. This position oversees the complete IRB submission process—spanning initial assessment, protocol number allocation, review coordination, outcome dissemination, and protocol finalization—while acting as the primary liaison between research teams, IRB evaluators, committee members, and external ethics organizations. In addition to IRB oversight, the role drives researcher training on standard operating procedures, curates research resources on Rescue Net, coordinates the Research Community of Practice, and facilitates Research Pillar-wide meetings, thereby fostering essential linkages across the IRC’s research network.
Major duties encompass overseeing project execution, ensuring adherence to timelines, and maintaining quality standards throughout deliverables. Responsibilities include coordinating team efforts, managing stakeholder communications, and implementing strategic initiatives to achieve organizational objectives. Additionally, the role requires conducting regular performance evaluations, identifying process improvements, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
IRB administration and coordination account for approximately 40% of the responsibilities, encompassing key tasks such as managing regulatory submissions, ensuring compliance with ethical standards, and facilitating the review process for research protocols. This role demands meticulous attention to detail in preparing documentation, coordinating with investigators and committees, and maintaining accurate records to support institutional compliance with federal and institutional policies. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential to streamline workflows and address the diverse needs of stakeholders throughout the approval process.
Oversee the entire IRB submission process, from receipt and initial assessment of incoming protocols to the assignment of sector-specific IRB identifiers. Perform thorough administrative completeness reviews, evaluate protocols to determine the appropriate review pathway—whether exempt, expedited, or full board—and present these recommendations to the IRB Chair. Serve as the primary liaison between research teams and the IRB throughout the lifecycle of a submission, ensuring seamless communication from initial submission to final close out.
Coordinate all aspects of review logistics by overseeing reviewer assignments and the timely distribution of materials for expedited reviews. For full board reviews, ensure all pre-meeting arrangements are handled, including confirming quorum, verifying conflicts of interest, distributing agendas and materials, and coordinating venue arrangements and remote call setups. Prepare all IRB decision letters and submit them to the IRB Chair for approval within 24 hours of the review outcome, then promptly distribute the signed letters to the research teams.
Maintain meticulously organized and fully compliant records of all IRB activities—such as submissions, decisions, communications, reportable incidents, and protocol closures—and assure that all documentation is promptly and accurately filed in Box and the protocol tracking system.
Oversee continuous regulatory compliance by administering the IRB board roster and tracking renewal deadlines for ethics certifications, coordinating ORP registration and Federalwide Assurance (FWA) renewals, monitoring protocol expiration dates, and compiling quarterly IRB update reports for the Institutional Official.
Research Quality and Compliance Coordination comprises approximately 35% of the position’s responsibilities, focusing on ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and maintaining high-quality research practices. This role involves overseeing compliance with institutional, federal, and sponsor-specific guidelines, conducting audits when necessary, and implementing corrective actions to address any deficiencies. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with investigators, research teams, and regulatory bodies to streamline processes, mitigate risks, and promote ethical research conduct. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a thorough understanding of research compliance frameworks are essential for success in this capacity.
Design and implement training programs tailored for researchers and research teams, focusing on Internal Research Compliance Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to data collection, analysis, and management, as well as storage protocols. These programs will cover the practical implementation and ongoing monitoring of each SOP. Additionally, oversee the tracking of training completions and compile reports highlighting any identified compliance gaps, which will be submitted to the Director of Research and the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as part of the quarterly compliance assessment process.
Maintain and update research forms, templates, and guidance materials on Rescue Net on a routine basis to ensure all staff have access to the most current and approved SOPs and IRB standards at all times.
Support the quarterly monitoring of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compliance in collaboration with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair and the Data Science Research Lead, while assisting in the identification and resolution of systemic compliance gaps within the research portfolio.
Operate and maintain AI-powered tools integrated within IRC’s research workflows while supporting the IRC AI for Research initiative. Pilot these tools with research teams, provide guidance on responsible and ethical AI implementation, and contribute to the development of researcher guidance that aligns with IRC data protection and IRB standards.
Research Team Support and Facilitation comprises roughly 25% of the position’s responsibilities, involving collaborative assistance to research teams, coordination of project logistics, and facilitation of effective communication among team members to ensure seamless workflow and productivity.
Organize and lead the IRC Research Community of Practice, designing and implementing structured convening while coordinating key contributors to ensure the community thrives as a dynamic hub for methodological education and collaborative knowledge sharing across teams.
Organize and lead Research Pillar-wide meetings by preparing agendas in collaboration with the Director of Research, coordinating logistics, and ensuring follow-through on action items.
Act as the primary liaison for research teams in addressing IRB and SOP compliance inquiries, while designing and updating researcher-focused guidance documents, FAQs, and submission support resources within Rescue Net.
Provide assistance to the IRC’s network of Data Champions by organizing methodology clinics and facilitating the transmission of feedback from country teams to the IRB Chair and Board.
Reporting to the designated supervisor or department head, this position involves providing updates on progress, addressing inquiries, and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. The role necessitates adherence to established protocols while maintaining open communication channels to facilitate transparency and accountability. Duties include compiling and presenting performance metrics, participating in team meetings, and collaborating cross-functionally to achieve departmental goals. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interpret and execute directives are essential for success in this position.
The Research Standards Coordinator operates under the supervision of the Director of Research, with most daily responsibilities carried out in close collaboration with the IRB Chair—who leads ethical review processes and board determinations—and the Data Science Research Lead, who oversees shared analytical tools, standard operating procedures, and the research data infrastructure essential to this role’s operational function. These three roles constitute the primary working alliance for the position. Additionally, the Research Standards Coordinator routinely engages with the Institutional Official, Data Stewards, Principal Investigators, Data Managers, Analysts, and the IT/Box Administrator. While the position does not include supervisory duties, it involves coordinating a network of IRB reviewers and Data Champions across headquarters and field offices, as well as interfacing with external ethics committees, local institutional review boards, the Office for Human Research Protections (ORP), and partner organizations in alignment with specific study protocols.
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in software development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential, alongside familiarity with database management systems. The ideal applicant should demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a team. Responsibilities include designing, developing, and maintaining software applications, conducting code reviews, and ensuring adherence to best practices in coding standards. Additionally, the role requires staying current with emerging technologies and industry trends to drive innovation and improve system performance.
A bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences, research administration, law, or an equivalent discipline is required.
A master’s degree is strongly preferred.
A minimum of three years of experience in research administration, IRB coordination, ethics compliance, or a comparable field is required.
Proven expertise in the design and implementation of training initiatives and capacity-building programs specifically tailored for research personnel.
Facilitated the establishment and ongoing management of a community of practice, working group, or comparable collaborative forum, ensuring effective organization and engagement.
Professional experience in humanitarian initiatives, international development projects, or research collaborations with non-governmental organizations is required.
Demonstrates proficiency in a range of technical, analytical, and interpersonal capabilities essential for achieving organizational objectives. Exhibits strong problem-solving skills to address complex challenges efficiently and effectively. Maintains a high level of adaptability to evolving industry trends and business demands. Displays exceptional communication skills to facilitate clear and concise information exchange with stakeholders at all levels. Shows a commitment to continuous professional development through ongoing education and skill enhancement.
Demonstrates exceptional organizational and project management capabilities, adept at overseeing multiple protocols, coordinating training initiatives, and maintaining meticulous meeting schedules—all while ensuring precision and thoroughness in every task.
Strong proficiency in both written and spoken English, with the ability to articulate intricate regulatory and methodological standards in a clear, accessible manner to research teams comprising individuals at different career stages.
Requires expertise in document management platforms such as box or its equivalents, along with proficiency in content management systems like Rescue Net or similar tools. Additionally, the role demands the ability to maintain structured and audit-ready records.
Proficient understanding of data protection principles, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII), informed consent, and data minimization, alongside adherence to established research ethics frameworks such as the Belmont Report and FAIR principles, is essential.
Skilled in fostering teamwork and cultivating strong professional connections across headquarters and regional teams within a multifaceted global organization.
Professional expertise in utilizing AI-enabled tools within an academic research environment, coupled with a solid grasp of responsible AI principles such as transparency, human oversight, and ethical considerations pertinent to humanitarian research.
Preferred Qualifications include Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field. Candidates should possess 3+ years of experience in software development, with proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) and DevOps practices is a strong plus. Knowledge of Agile methodologies and version control systems (e.g., Git) is expected. Additionally, experience with front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular) and back-end systems is desirable.
Proven expertise in overseeing Institutional Review Board (IRB) or research ethics review procedures, with a solid grasp of 45 CFR 46 (Common Rule) guidelines and ORP/FWA registration mandates.
Candidates must possess CIP (Certified IRB Professional) certification or demonstrate active pursuit of this credential.
Possesses demonstrated expertise in the registration procedures for Pre-Analysis Plans, including submissions to platforms such as 3ie RIDE, the AEA RCT Registry, or ClinicalTrials.gov.
Skilled in applying qualitative and mixed-methods research methodologies, along with a thorough grasp of ethical considerations pertinent to humanitarian settings.
Professional experience in deploying or utilizing AI-powered solutions within research initiatives, data analytics projects, or knowledge management frameworks is required.
In this role, you will operate within a dynamic and collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and efficiency. The position requires adherence to established protocols and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams, maintaining high standards of professionalism, and contributing to a positive workplace culture. Additionally, the role demands adaptability to evolving priorities and a commitment to continuous improvement in processes and outcomes.
International travel may occasionally be necessary, comprising up to 10% of the role, to facilitate on-site research initiatives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
3 years
