Research Compliance Specialist

This position may be considered for hybrid or remote work, subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement and dependent on the needs of ORCA leadership and the research community. Preference for this position will be given to applicants who are able to work a hybrid schedule. While telecommuting, the employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing their regular job duties during scheduled hours of work and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if they were working in person at a UCSC worksite. The position may require periodic presence on campus for meetings, events, and other in-person responsibilities. Candidates should be able to commute to campus as required. The position is subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 04-06-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Office of Research Compliance Administration (ORCA) is a unit of the Office of Research at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC). UCSC has a responsibility to ensure that any research conducted by UCSC personnel is conducted in compliance with University, local, state, federal, and funding agency regulations. ORCA provides guidance, education, and assistance with administrative processes to faculty, researchers, staff, and students in areas of research compliance. The areas of research compliance supported by ORCA currently include: human and animal subjects protection, conflicts of interest and commitment, export control, cannabis research, stem cell research, and other related compliance areas as required.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Office of Research Compliance Administration (ORCA) Director, the Research Compliance Specialist provides support and coordination for a range of research compliance activities managed by ORCA, with a primary focus on the Institute of Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) operations. Key responsibilities include reviewing protocol submissions, providing education and outreach to researchers and committee members, and contributing to the development and maintenance of policies and procedures. The incumbent applies research compliance knowledge to interpret and implement regulations, policies, and guidelines, advises the research community on relevant regulatory matters, and serves as a key resource for communication and technical guidance. The position may support other areas of research compliance and participate in cross-training, as needed.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $86,000 - $91,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus. This position may be considered for hybrid or remote work, subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement and dependent on the needs of ORCA leadership and the research community.

Union Representation: RP Union - Research and Public Service Professionals (RPSP)

Job Code Classification: 005269 (RSCH CMPLNC ANL 3 RP)

Travel: Never or Rarely

JOB DUTIES

50% - Research Applications

• Reviews complex research protocols and applies knowledge of federal regulations, state regulations, and University policies to ensure and document compliance.
• Provides guidance on preparing and revising research applications.
• Applies research compliance professional concepts to review and pre-review complex research protocols, as well as documentation of research.
• Reviews protocol submissions for completeness, regulatory applicability, and compliance with institutional and federal requirements.
• Manages assigned protocol reviews, continuing reviews, modifications, and routine inquiries in a timely manner.

30% - Policy and Compliance Review

• Communicates with researchers and committee members and provides guidance on how to resolve particular issues and meet requirements of external regulatory bodies, and properly documents these actions in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Conducts protocol and agreement congruency reviews under established guidance.
• Supports post-approval monitoring activities, including data collection, follow-up, and documentation.
• Supports and analyzes research compliance requirements and disclosures in other areas, as needed.

10% - Training & Documentation

• Trains individuals and departments on relevant compliance processes, forms, and policies.
• Delivers compliance education to researchers and staff through one-on-one consultations, groups sessions, or standardized presentations.
• Assists with maintaining ORCA guidance materials, regulatory documentation, and operating procedures, as needed.

10% - Department Support

• Participates in cross-training and provides transactional support for submissions related to Conflicts of Interest, Export Control, and other research compliance areas as needed.
• Collaborates with team members to support workload balancing, process improvements, and shared program goals.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and/or training.
• Experience in supporting a complex and highly regulated compliance program.
• Thorough knowledge and ability to apply all relevant Federal, state, and university regulations, policies, and federal guidance documents.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of research design, scientific research concepts, and terminology
• Working knowledge of computer systems, their use and applications; especially software applicable to protocol submission workflow management.
• Demonstrated written communication skills with the ability to compose correspondence and summaries in a comprehensive and organized manner.
• Demonstrated verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective and professional relationships.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of customer service principles and the ability to provide responsive and accurate support to researchers and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a detail driven, high-volume, complex environment, coordinating multiple diverse tasks with deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound independent judgement to complete complex tasks.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in higher education research compliance.
• Experience working in the University of California system.
• Certification as an IACUC Administration Professional (CPIA), or similar certification in a compliance area relevant to the work of UCSC.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• This position requires the ability to report to campus to work in-person as operationally required, with reasonable notice as determined by your manager; travel expenses not covered.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• This position may be considered for hybrid or remote work, subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement and dependent on the needs of ORCA leadership and the research community. Preference for this position will be given to applicants who are able to work a hybrid schedule. While telecommuting, the employee is responsible for ensuring a worksite environment suitable for accomplishing their regular job duties during scheduled hours of work and, if applicable, arranging for dependent care just as they would if they were working in person at a UCSC worksite. The position may require periodic presence on campus for meetings, events, and other in-person responsibilities. Candidates should be able to commute to campus as required. The position is subject to the terms of a telecommuting agreement.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.