Higher Education Hiring | Research Integrity Officer at University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, United States

Research Integrity Officer

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University of Maryland

Location: College Park, Maryland
Category: Admin-Laboratory and Research
Application Deadline:

Job Description

Position Number:

130032

Title:

Research Integrity Officer

Functional Title:

Research Integrity Officer

Category Status:

33-Exempt Regular

Applicant Search Category:

Staff

University Authorized FTE:

1.00

Unit:

PRES-Office of Integrity and Responsible Conduct

Campus/College Information:

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.

The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The Research Integrity Officer (RIO) will serve a critical role in the Office of Integrity and Responsible Conduct (“OIRC”). This position is key to fostering a culture rooted in integrity, responsibility, and adherence to expectations and requirements for responsible conduct at the University of Maryland, College Park (“UMD”), particularly regarding the research that is conducted under the institution’s auspices.

The RIO will serve as the institutional official responsible for administering UMD’s policy and procedures for addressing allegations of research misconduct in compliance with relevant federal regulations, guidance, or other sources of authority or sponsor requirements. In this capacity, the RIO has primary responsibility for ensuring that UMD complies with all such requirements, including by maintaining acute awareness of any regulatory, guidance, or policy changes and developing deep knowledge of related best practices in the handling of research misconduct cases. The RIO will also support the development and delivery of RCR programming/training and other research integrity initiatives, participate in policy development, and serve as an institutional resource regarding research misconduct and detrimental research practices. Through these and related efforts, the RIO will play a crucial role in the continued fostering of a research environment that promotes research integrity and the responsible conduct of research, discourages research misconduct, and deals promptly with allegations or evidence of possible research misconduct in accordance with the institution’s compliance obligations as a recipient of federal funds and its continued dedication to realizing the University’s mission with regard to excellence in research.

The RIO will report to the Executive Director of OIRC.

Benefits Summary

Top Benefits and Perks:

Exempt Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Earned J.D. or advanced degree in a STEM field/scientific discipline from an accredited institution.

Experience:

A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant work experience (e.g., in research compliance and/or administration, in an academic research environment or in a regulatory role), including at least three (3) years of experience as a RIO or in a position supporting a RIO.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proven experience conducting complex investigations, including in accordance with the time constraints associated with federal regulatory requirements.
Knowledge of current best practices in addressing research misconduct and fostering research integrity and familiarity with applicable federal regulations.
Ability to perform basic forensic analysis of evidence/data and use forensic applications (e.g., to analyze/detect alleged image manipulation and plagiarism).
Demonstrated dedication to ensuring due process in research misconduct proceedings.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, superior writing and documentation skills, and the ability to interact effectively and efficiently with a variety of internal and external individuals or agency officials/representatives.
Ability to interpret federal regulations and related guidance, as well as to distill and explain the requisite information to different audiences (e.g., institutional leadership, general counsel, or parties in cases).
Ability to provide guidance and instruction to others.
Ability to address highly sensitive and potentially emotionally challenging situations with tact, discretion, and integrity.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to manage multiple, ongoing, and complex projects.
Excellent judgment, discretion, personal maturity, integrity, and ability to maintain neutrality in challenging situations.
Keen intellect and issue-spotting capability, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for detail and thoroughness.
Demonstrated commitment to serving a diverse population with cultural competence, diplomacy, and sensitivity.

Preferences:

Earned Ph.D. in a STEM field/scientific discipline.
Experience working in a research group or clinical/laboratory setting.
Experience working at a large, Research 1 (“R1”) institution with a research portfolio and funding profile that is similarly scaled to UMD.
Significant experience with forensic analysis, including image analysis, for research misconduct matters.
Significant experience engaging with federal funding agencies and regulatory oversight bodies.
Experience addressing detrimental research practices.
Experience advising on authorship/publication or data-related practices.
Experience advising on policies and procedures related to research misconduct/research integrity issues, institutional requirements/expectations, or investigations.
Knowledge of the complexities surrounding investigations into sensitive issues.
Experience drafting/creating RCR content and/or developing/delivering training sessions or workshops on research integrity, research ethics, or the responsible conduct of research (RCR).
Ease with presenting information to committees and faculty audiences on research integrity-related topics.

Additional Information:

Salary range $152,000-$190,000.

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Physical Demands

This position works in a fast-paced, executive-level office of the University. The worker may be required to travel to meetings and/or perform job-related duties on and off campus. Work is typically performed in a normal office environment, although it may involve performing certain job duties in a laboratory setting or other research environment. Work may involve sedentary work with repetitive motion, as well as exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. The worker may be required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as: performing forensic analysis, including reviewing and analyzing images, data, and figures, and preparing related reports; viewing a computer terminal; and, extensive reading.

Posting Date:

10/07/2024

Open Until Filled

Yes

Best Consideration Date

11/15/2024

Diversity Statement:

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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