Human Research Compliance & Quality Specialist in Albuquerque, New Mexico at University of New Mexico

Requisition ID: req37137

Working Title:
Human Research Compliance & Quality Specialist

Position Grade:
13

Position Summary:
Position Summary:

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences (UNM HS) Office of Research is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented professional to serve as a Human Protections Specialist with primary responsibility for Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) within the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP). This position supports the implementation and oversight of core QA/QI functions, including the review and evaluation of research compliance matters and the identification of process improvement opportunities across IRB operations.

Working closely with HRPP staff, investigators, and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), the individual in this role applies federal regulations (45 CFR 46), institutional policies, and AAHRPP standards to promote consistent, thorough, and well-documented review processes. Through systematic assessment and communication of findings, this position contributes to the protection of human subjects and the integrity of the institution's research oversight activities.

The institution's Human Research Protections Program (HRPP) is a comprehensive, AAHRPP-accredited program dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of individuals participating in human research. The Human Research Protections Office (HRPO) supports three Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), the Human Tissue Oversight Committee (HTOC), and the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) by providing regulatory oversight, guidance, and education. Through these activities, the HRPO promotes ethical, compliant, and scientifically sound human subjects research across the institution.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities include:

1. Coordinates and implements Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement (QA/QI) activities within the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), with a focus on research compliance oversight and continuous improvement.
2. Conducts for-cause and not-for-cause (routine) audits of human subjects research to assess compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and IRB determinations.
3. Reviews and evaluates allegations and instances of noncompliance and unanticipated problems involving risks to participants or others (UPIRTSOs), ensuring thorough documentation, analysis, and appropriate follow-up.
4. Prepares detailed reports and presents audit findings, noncompliance determinations, and unanticipated problems to Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and institutional officials for review and action.
5. Tracks and monitors corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs), ensuring issues are appropriately resolved and documented in accordance with HRPP procedures.
6. Provides guidance and support to investigators and research staff to promote compliance and facilitate the implementation of corrective actions and process improvements.
7. Collaborates with HRPP staff to ensure consistent interpretation and application of federal regulations (45 CFR 46), institutional policies, and AAHRPP standards.
8. Identifies trends, recurring issues, and areas of risk through QA/QI activities and communicates findings to HRPP leadership to inform program improvements.
9. Assists in the development, implementation, and refinement of QA/QI processes, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and internal guidance documents.
10. Contributes to ongoing efforts to maintain AAHRPP accreditation, including documentation, reporting, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
11. Supports training and education efforts related to research compliance, audit processes, and QA/QI best practices for HRPP staff and the research community.
12. Participates in the development and monitoring of QA/QI performance metrics and reporting activities.
13. May assist in coordinating QA/QI-related communications with institutional stakeholders and represent the HRPP in internal meetings as assigned.
14. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment:

• For HSC positions: Certification as Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC), Clinical Research Associate (CRA), or Certified IRB Professional (CIP) must be obtained within 1 year of date of hire.

Campus:
Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM

Benefits Eligble:
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

Department:
Human Research Protections (184B)

Employment Type:
Staff

Staff Type:
Regular - Full-Time
Status:
Exempt

Pay:
Monthly: $4,277.87 - $6,009.47

Benefits Eligible:
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.

ERB Statement:
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required:
Yes
For Best Consideration Date:
7/16/2026

Application Instructions:
Only applications submitted throughthe official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this jobadvertisement on a 3rd party site, pleasevisit UNMJobs to submit an application.
INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED - PLEASE READ ALL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING. To receive full consideration, applicants must include:Completed application submitted through the official UNMJobs siteCurrent resumeCover letter (specifically addressing your ability to meet the "Additional Requirements" and "Preferred Qualifications" listed above)Contact information for three (3) professional references (required at the time of application submission)Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Biomedical Science, or closely related field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., public health, clinical research, regulatory affairs, or related discipline).
• Demonstrated experience with increasing responsibility in a Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) or closely related compliance environment.
• Experience conducting or supporting research compliance audits, monitoring activities, or quality assurance/quality improvement (QA/QI) functions.
• Experience reviewing, analyzing, or supporting determinations related to noncompliance and unanticipated problems involving risks to participants or others (UPIRTSOs)
• Knowledge of federal regulations governing human subjects research, including 45 CFR 46, as well as AAHRPP accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of HIPAA Privacy Rule and applicable state laws governing the protection of personal health information.
• Experience working in an HRPP at a research university or academic medical center preferred.
• Experience preparing or reviewing materials submitted to an Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Direct experience with IRB administration, research compliance, or human subjects research oversight.
• Experience using an electronic IRB system (e.g., Huron IRB); experience with Huron is preferred.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear summaries and present findings to IRBs or institutional stakeholders