How to Apply

A cover letter and resume are required for consideration for this position; include the cover letter as the first page of your resume. The letter should specifically address your interest in this position and outline relevant skills and experience.

Job Summary

The University of Michigan (U-M) Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) oversees a variety of interdisciplinary units that collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to catalyze, support, and safeguard research and scholarship activity across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses. A unit of OVPR, the Research Compliance Office is comprised of three distinct but overlapping areas: Institutional Biosafety Committee administration, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee administration, and Controlled Substances in Research Monitoring. The OVPR Research Compliance Office currently seeks a talented and motivated individual for a position on the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) staff team. The IBC is a compliance committee that ensures research is conducted safely and in compliance with the NIH Guidelines for Research with Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid Molecules. The IBC at U-M is responsible for reviewing applications from faculty members for research with hazardous biological agents, including recombinant DNA/SNA, to assess whether the biosafety containment level proposed is adequate to protect workers, the public, and the environment from risks posed by the work. The person in this role will serve on the IBC staff team supporting the work of the committee. They must be able to work effectively as a team member, as well as independently, and be able to manage competing priorities and duties in a fast-paced, detail-oriented, deadline-driven environment. This position reports to the Associate Director of Research Safety Compliance.

Responsibilities*

Serve along with members of the IBC staff team as a liaison between Principal Investigators, their laboratory staff, and the committee itself regarding IBC business

Assist with the IBC application and review process for basic research applications and for human gene transfer clinical trials 

Assist in developing IBC meeting agendas and resources for discussion topics 

Participate in a staff support role at meetings of the IBC and related subcommittees and working groups

Assist in drafting and reviewing IBC minutes to ensure the record of committee business is complete and accurate 

Assist with development of procedures and guidance for IBC business, including standard operating procedures and guidance materials for IBC staff, committee members, and the U-M research community

Assist in development of U-M policy and guidance in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations pertinent to research with recombinant DNA/SNA and biological hazards 

Perform congruence reviews between IBC applications and IACUC protocols, and review Material Transfer Agreements for IBC compliance 

Assist in coordinating with other research compliance committees and units (e.g., IACUC, ULAM, IRB, EHS, Export Controls) 

Assist in user testing and implementation of changes to the online IBC registration system 

Assist in collecting, maintaining and producing reliable data regarding IBC work 

Assist in the facilitation of Quality Assurance Program intended to strengthen a collaborative partnership between researchers and compliance team members 

Work on projects and initiatives related to IBC work and other areas of research compliance as assigned

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree with a biology or other basic life sciences major preferred, or equivalent applicable experience 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills 

Strong analytic and information management skills

Outstanding attention to detail 

Experience working as a productive and collaborative member of a team 

Demonstrated ability to initiate projects, prioritize multiple projects, and carry projects through to completion by deadline 

Advanced skills with Microsoft and Google office suites, including data management skills in Excel

Desired Qualifications*

Familiarity with life sciences research terminology 

Experience conducting scientific research at an academic institution 

Experience with regulatory compliance pertaining to life sciences research

Knowledge about IBC guidelines and policies 

Experience working for an IBC, IACUC, or other research compliance committee 

Knowledge of University of Michigan policies and procedures

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.