IRB Analyst I

The Tufts Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) leads and supports the university's research and innovation enterprise across all campuses. It sets strategic research priorities, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, oversees research administration and infrastructure (including animal care and biosafety programs), and advances faculty success through grant support and professional development. OVPR also manages technology transfer, industry partnerships, and entrepreneurship initiatives, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering Tufts' global research reputation.

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a federally mandated committee that reviews all human subject research proposals to ensure that protocols are in place for the protection and welfare of human research participants. The office of the Social, Behavioral, and Educational Research (SBER) IRB is responsible for the oversight and administration of the Tufts University Human Subject Protections Program on the Medford Campus.

This is a hybrid position. The expectation is that the day-to-day work can be conducted largely remote. You will be expected to be on-site for specific planned events pertaining to job duties, such as inspections, site visits, monitoring, etc. Welcoming applicants from geographically adjacent states that are willing to travel on-site as needed and planned for in advance.

The IRB Analyst I plays a critical role in supporting Tufts University's Social, Behavioral & Educational Research Institutional Review Board (SBER IRB). This position ensures that human subjects research conducted by student and faculty investigators complies with institutional policies, federal and state regulations, and ethical principles designed to protect the rights, safety, and welfare of participants.

Working under the guidance of the IRB Operations Manager, the IRB Analyst I manages key aspects of the review and approval process, provides guidance to investigators, and helps streamline IRB operations. The role collaborates closely with IRB members, other analysts, and staff within the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.

Responsibilities include:

Review of IRB Submissions

• Conduct preliminary triage of all eIRB submissions and assign them to IRB staff for review.
• Apply federal regulations, state and local laws, and institutional policies to initial submissions, continuing reviews, and modifications.
• Make determinations regarding "not human subjects research," engagement, and exempt research under supervision.
• Conduct preliminary reviews of expedited research and assign to designated reviewers.
• Review investigator responses to IRB stipulations, assess adequacy, and complete approvals as appropriate.
• Communicate review outcomes to investigators promptly and clearly.

IRB Committee Support

• Assign and distribute materials for expedited and convened meeting reviews.
• Review designated reviews for completeness and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Assist with meeting preparation, post-meeting communications, and record-keeping.

Advise and Assist the Research Community

• Respond to email and phone inquiries from investigators and research staff.
• Provide instruction and regulatory guidance on IRB submissions and the electronic system.
• Support training and educational presentations in collaboration with senior IRB staff.
• Build positive relationships with the research community to promote compliance and effective communication.

Record Management and Data Integrity

• Maintain documentation of IRB reviews and communications in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policies.
• Perform quality checks on data entered in the electronic IRB system.
• Generate reports for the Institutional Official and other university departments under supervision.

Process Improvement

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and implement new or revised processes under supervision.
• Stay current on evolving regulations and best practices in human subjects research oversight.

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, applicants should apply online and include:

1. Resume
2. Brief Cover Letter explaining your interest in this position and including any experience you have with IRB processes

Basic Requirements:

• Knowledge and experience typically acquired through completion of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field
• Minimum of 1 year of administrative experience
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to multitask efficiently, meet deadlines, and respond to ad hoc requests in a timely manner
• Ability to handle confidential information and issues with discretion and sound judgment
• Ability to learn software systems related to IRB administration and oversight
• Critical thinking skills and ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external constituencies

Preferred Qualifications:

• IRB or human subjects research experience
• CIP (Certified IRB Professional) certification
• Familiarity with Huron IRB software solution for protocol management