Reliance Specialist
Institution Review Board - Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh - (26000590)
The Reliance Specialist will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, under the auspices of the University of Pittsburgh Human Research Protection (HRP). The employee will serve in the capacity of the initial point of contact pertaining to requests for various types of IRB Authorization Agreements, as well as Letters of Indemnification and Local Context Forms. This position requires the employee to obtain information related to the types of agreements being requested, as well as making an initial determination regarding the viability of the agreement in collaboration with the HRP Director and Office of University Counsel.
The Reliance Specialist will assist HRP leadership with the development of policies and procedures and guidance documents for the research community regarding Single IRB mechanisms. The employee will assist with programmatic gap analyses and process improvement projects in order to streamline the functions of the HRP, will monitor the IRB Reliance mailbox, and may be asked to assist with the workload in the Operations Division on an as needed basis.
The Reliance Specialist will serve in the capacity of the initial point of contact pertaining to requests for various types of IRB Authorization Agreements, creation of appropriate budgets, and letters of support for grant applications. The employee will be responsible for assisting in the review of draft agreements as well as serving as the initial point of contact for revisions to such agreements with input from Office of University counsel as needed.
The Reliance Specialist will serve as the primary liaison for approved Single IRB mechanisms and will provide appropriate review of projects based on the requirements of institutional agreements. When the University of Pittsburgh is the Single IRB, the employee will serve in the capacity as the reviewer which may involve either expedited or full board submissions.
This position is open to a flexible work arrangement including in office, hybrid, and remote options.
Job Summary
Serves as lead point of contact for various institutional agreements and Institutional Review Board (IRB) authorization, assists in the review of such agreements, and executes agreements on behalf of the University. Provides direction to other departmental employees. Assists in the development and implementation of a document management hub and procedural IRB mechanisms for the research community. Provides programmatic gap analysis, process improvement projects, and consultation and training. Responds to correspondence.
Essential Functions
Employee must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Organization and attention to details are crucial for this role.
Physical Effort
The job is primarily sedentary. Some travel on campus may be required to attend meetings or assist members of the research community.
Assignment Category: Full-time regular
Job Classification: Staff.Reliance Specialist II
Job Family: Compliance & Audit
Job Sub Family: Institutional Review Board
Campus: Pittsburgh
Minimum Education Level Required: Bachelor's Degree
Minimum Years of Experience Required: 3
Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience: Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid: Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department.
Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications
Relocation_Offered: No
Visa Sponsorship Provided: No
Background Check: For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check
Child Protection Clearances: Not Applicable
Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter
Optional Documents: Not Applicable
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
PI281967210
