Job Board

Assistant/Associate Director of Research Programs and Compliance

Des Moines University
Office of Research
Employment Type: Full‑time, Exempt

Position Summary

Des Moines University (DMU) seeks an experienced Assistant/Associate Director of Research Programs and Compliance to support and advance institutional research compliance and safety programs. Reporting to the Director of Research Operations, Compliance and Strategy, this role plays a key part in coordinating research compliance activities, health and safety oversight, and scientific merit review across the research enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Research Compliance Coordination

• Support and coordinate institutional compliance programs for IBC, Radiation Safety, IACUC, and IRB.
• Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, sponsor, and institutional regulations.
• Conduct initial compliance reviews and risk assessments for research activities.
• Serve as liaison to internal compliance committees and external regulatory agencies.

Health & Safety Oversight

• Oversee research‑related health and safety programs for laboratories and animal facilities.
• Coordinate hazard assessments, emergency response planning, and safety audits.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, CDC, NIH, and other applicable standards.
• Manage chemical inventory and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) systems.

Research Program Support

• Support faculty‑driven initiatives, research centers, and student research programs.
• Promote best practices in research integrity, compliance, and risk mitigation.
• Assist with compliance reporting to internal leadership and external agencies.

Training & Education

• Develop and deliver compliance and safety training for faculty, staff, and students.
• Provide guidance on regulatory requirements and institutional policies.

Scientific Review & Research Quality

• Conduct scientific merit and compliance reviews for IBC, IACUC, Radiation Safety, and IRB submissions.
• Review grant applications, progress reports, and internal or student program submissions.
• Collaborate with investigators to mitigate safety risks and promote responsible conduct of research.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise assigned compliance, laboratory, or safety personnel as needed.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on strategic planning and continuous improvement.
• Represent the Office of Research in institutional and external forums.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in research administration or compliance.
• Knowledge of federal research regulations and health/safety standards.
• Experience with scientific review and research laboratory operations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Experience administering IBC, IACUC, Radiation Safety, IRB, and health/safety programs.
• Familiarity with electronic research administration systems.

Certifications (Preferred or Ability to Obtain)

• Radiation Safety certification
• CIP, CPIA, biosafety‑related certifications
• OSHA Laboratory Safety and/or AALAS certification