Title: Research Associate (IRB Coordinator)
Position Number:T
Hiring Unit: Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI) Office of
Research Compliance (ORC) Human Studies
Location: UH System Offices Manoa Campus
Date Posted: January 27 2026
Closing Date: February 28 2026
Band: B
Salary: salary schedules and placement information
Full Time/Part Time: Full-time
Month: 11-month
Temporary/Permanent: Temporary
Duties and Responsibilities
(** Denotes Essential Functions)
- **Under the direction of the Human Studies Program Manager conducts human subjects research application pre- reviews for completeness accuracy and appropriate level of review and continuous monitoring of human research projects in accordance with federal state university and accrediting organization (AAHRPP) policies and procedures within a target timeframe.
- **Works with the Human Studies Program Manager IRB members other HSP personnel and the research community to ensure regulatory compliance and ethical oversight of human subjects research by serving as a resource for ethical research practices and regulatory requirements.
- **Responsible for coordinating monthly Institutional Review Board (IRB) meetings special meetings and investigations IRB reviews develops meeting agendas provides IRB members and research applicants with meeting notices and schedules applicant interviews and writes meeting minutes and/or post-incident reports as required by federal regulation.
- **Serves as a liaison between the IRB and the research community providing regulatory support and guidance while maintaining IRB member anonymity.
- **Serves as a regulatory subject matter expert in Biomedical and Social & Behavioral Sciences human subjects research.
- **Serves as an IRB member and engages in continuing education maintaining required IRB member training.
- **Cultivates and maintains relationships with research community members research teams and administrators.
- **Reviews applications with regard to researcher and key personnel conflict of interest.
- **Remains aware of recent academic and scientific literature in the field and advises the IRB of such coordinating scientific review of human subjects research applications.
- **Assesses special protections for vulnerable populations and determines and/or recommends to the IRB whether the special protections for vulnerable populations are adequate and in compliance with policies and procedures.
- **Supports the University through HSP local community outreach training and collaboration in educational programming as required by accreditation.
- **Assists the HSP Manager in reporting of Unanticipated Problems to university officials the Office of Human Research Protections and the Federal Drug Administration when appropriate.
- **As appointed by the IRB reviews exempt applications and coordinates IRB member review of exempt applications providing guidance and support.
- **Provide protocol status information upon request to the Office of Research Services to facilitate the processing of extramural awards that require IRB approval.
- **Prepares written standard operating procedures (SOPs) and assists in the implementation of policies to effect corrective action in problem areas as identified by IRB evaluation post-approval monitoring federal regulation and accreditation expectations.
- **Attends and participates in continuous education related to human subjects research.
- **Assists HSP Manager and IRB Chair in recruitment and training of new IRB members.
- **Facilitate IRB Authorization Agreements (IAAs) for ceding IRB oversight to and from other institutions.
- **Assist the HSP Manager in creating the outreach and educational curriculum of the UH Human Studies Program by maintaining current in depth knowledge of evolving IRB National & International standards (EU GDPR for example) changes protocols and processes in education and training develop and implement HSR and Research Ethics educational programs and training for IRB members (train new members and regularly provide continuing education) HSP Personnel (continuing education) OVPRI Personnel UH System research community (lectures presentations workshops conferences webinars other educational resources) and collaborate with other organizations such as HIDOE HIDOH and Public Health and other HSP personnel nationally such as PRIM&R Smart IRB and AAHRPP.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Professional Work Experience
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Considerable working knowledge of principles practices and techniques in the area of human subject research and activities as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts principles and methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws rules regulations and theories and systems associated with ethical research.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve wide ranging complex problems through the use of creative reasoning and logic to accurately determine the cause of the problems and the resolution of the problems in an effective innovative and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information and ideas clearly and accurately in writing verbally and by preparation of reports and other materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with academic faculty and research personnel university administrators federal and state agencies funding agencies IRB committee members accrediting organization administrators and community members.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and software apply word processing software data management website electronic filing and online application software such as eProtocol.
- Must obtain a Valid Institutional Review Board (IRB) Professional (CIP) Certification at least two years from date of hire.
- Knowledge of the methods procedures and techniques used in research or experimental laboratory work including research reporting and design both in biomedical and social and behavioral sciences research.
Desirable Qualifications
- Masters or other advanced degree in biomedical or behavioral sciences humanities biology public health social work psychology nursing or related field.
- Work experience in a field where research typically included human subjects.
- Considerable knowledge of the principles of federal compliance.
- Training in the ethical protection of human subjects in research.
To Apply:
Select the Apply button in the top right corner of the screen; first-time NeoGov users will need to create an account. Please ensure your application includes the following materials:
- Cover Letter: A letter detailing your interest and how you meet both the minimum and desirable qualifications. All minimum qualifications must be met by the closing date to be considered.
- Resume/CV: A current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
- Professional References: The names telephone numbers and email addresses of three (3) professional references.
- Unofficial Transcripts:Copies of unofficial transcripts are required for the application though official versions must be provided upon hire. Please note that copies of diplomas and academic summaries are not acceptable substitutes.
- Foreign Credential Evaluation: For degrees earned outside the U.S. you must provide a course-by-course analysis and equivalency statement from a NACES-member agency at your own expense.
Important Note: To protect your privacy do not include any photos Social Security Numbers or dates of birth in your packet. Only the most recent application will be reviewed and all submitted materials become the property of the University of Hawaii. Please ensure all documents are complete and legible to be considered by the search committee. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Inquiries:
Kristin Bacon