CMU is a top-ranked private research-intensive university based in Pittsburgh, PA, with a vision of fostering ground-breaking impact on society through continual innovation in education, research, creativity, and entrepreneurship. The university is internationally recognized for its programs in computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, business, science, humanities, and fine arts, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Last year, CMU’s research expenditures exceeded $720 million, supported by industry partners across major sectors, federal agencies such as the NSF, DoD, DOE, NIH, and ARPA-H, as well as nonprofit foundations and international organizations.
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) at CMU is seeking a Program Manager, Research Accreditation and Policy to join the team. OVPR has responsibility for nurturing interdisciplinary research initiatives at one of the nations' leading research institutions. OVPR provides overall research administration and policy for all colleges and schools, as well as the university's more than 100 centers and institutes. Working closely with deans, department heads, faculty, students and staff, the office provides an innovative and supportive research environment that spans all disciplines and campuses and assures that research activities are planned and conducted in accordance with regulations and University policy.
The position provides leadership and oversight for institutional human and animal research protection policies, accreditation activities, and post-approval monitoring programs. This position plays a critical role in ensuring ongoing compliance with federal regulations, accreditation standards, and institutional requirements for the conduct of Human Subjects Research and Animal Research.
The Manager collaborates closely with research oversight committees and offices—including IRB, IACUC, Conflict of Interest (COI), and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)—to develop, implement, update, and maintain policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and guidance documents. The role also provides project management support for accreditation and reaccreditation efforts and oversees post-approval monitoring processes to promote high-quality, compliant research.
Core Responsibilities:
Accreditation and Reaccreditation
Provide project management support for IRB and IACUC accreditation and reaccreditation activities, including preparation, documentation, and submission processes.
Coordinate internal teams and stakeholders to support accreditation self-assessments, site visits, and follow-up activities.
Track accreditation requirements, deadlines, and action items to ensure timely and successful outcomes.
Support continuous readiness for accreditation and post-accreditation compliance.
Policy Development and Management
Work closely with IRB, IACUC, COI, and IBC leadership and staff to develop, revise, and maintain institutional policies, SOPs, and guidance documents related to research compliance and oversight.
Monitor changes in federal, state, and accreditation requirements and proactively assess the impact on institutional policies and practices.
Draft new policies and guidance as needed to support evolving regulatory expectations and institutional practices.
Ensure policies and procedures are clear, consistent, and aligned across research oversight programs.
Manage and maintain research compliance content on institutional websites, ensuring information is current, accurate, and accessible.
Post-Approval Monitoring
Develop, implement, and manage the IRB post-approval monitoring (PAM) program.
Design and oversee investigator self-assessment processes to support compliance and quality improvement.
Facilitate on-site and remote post-approval monitoring visits, including scheduling, communication with investigators, and document review.
Identify trends, areas of concern, and best practices through monitoring activities.
Prepare…