Job Description

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision, provides coordination of the daily activities of the e Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office; oversees the confidential review and approval process of research activities involving human participants to protect their safety, rights, and welfare; organizes and implements the IRB program to the internal and external research community. This is an entry-level professional position where the incumbent will learn and follow the Standard Operating Procedures for the IRB Office and will become familiar with all relevant aspects of the Northwestern University Human Subject Protection Program Policy.

The position requires multi-tasking in a customer service setting with multiple demands on the individual’s time. Successful incumbents must maintain a professional demeanor to ensure resolution.

The IRB Analyst Associate will support the OR mission and values of understanding empathy, modeling accountability, ensuring fairness, embracing community, and valuing creativity.



Specific Responsibilities:

Operational Management

The goal of following activities is to ensure that all operational priorities are aligned with mission and direction of the IRB Office.
Provides guidance and assistance to investigators regarding the procedural requirements of the Northwestern Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Acts as the main point of contact for inquiries into the IRB Office and provides information on the status of studies, with some ability to cite relevant regulations, policy requirements and advice regarding what may be needed for IRB review, and forwards more complex issues to the most appropriate contact for resolution.
Processes and reviews less complex IRB submissions.


Analysis and Training

The goal of the following activities is to ensure high quality services for Northwestern University’s researchers and staff involved with human research subjects administrative procedures.
Tracks and analyzes studies’ expiration dates to prevent a backlog of expired studies.
Reviews the FSM Faculty Termination Report to ensure congruence in eIRB+.
Assists IRB chairs, members, and researchers on the regulations and ethical principles essential to the review process.


Other

Participates in specials projects for the office.
Provides backup to the IRB Analysts with regard to IRB process.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.




Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

Bachelor's degree or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
Demonstrated characteristics: adaptability, agility, collegiality, customer focus, ethical judgment, multi-tasking, and integrity.


Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

Demonstrated competencies: computer proficiency, report writing, and research regulations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and high-stress environment.
Possess interpersonal and time management skills.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing, in person and by telephone.


Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a related academic field
Previous IRB experience
Certified IRB Professional credential.
Experience with Huron’s Click® IRB software and HRPP Toolkit.


Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

Ability to learn the federal, state and local regulations in order to be in position to explain the reasons for the requirements of the IRB.
Ability to be appropriately assertive in IRB meetings and in other contexts in order to represent the Office of the IRB, the policies and procedures of the Office for Research, and the federal, state and local regulations and guidance pertaining to human subject protections.