Research Compliance Coordinator

As a Research Compliance Coordinator at Texas A&M University, your primary responsibilities will include consulting and advising faculty members in preparing research protocols according to federal regulations and IRB guidelines, ensuring compliance throughout the research process. You'll also assist in the development of standard operating procedures and maintain quality control of documentation related to research submissions.

The Research Compliance Coordinator role at Texas A&M requires a Bachelor's degree in life sciences or a related field and a minimum of three years of relevant experience. Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree and PRIM&R Certification of IRB Professionals, emphasizing the importance of being well-versed in compliance regulations and practices.

In this role, your efforts to increase IRB submissions while ensuring regulatory compliance directly contribute to enhancing Texas A&M's competitiveness for external funding. By meticulously processing research protocols, you help create a robust compliance environment that attracts sponsors.

Essential skills for the Research Compliance Coordinator at Texas A&M include a thorough understanding of IRB policies, excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to develop training materials. Familiarity with federal regulations and research ethics is also crucial for guiding the university in compliance matters.

Texas A&M University places a strong emphasis on professional development. As a Research Compliance Coordinator, you'll have access to free LinkedIn Learning courses and potential educational release time, allowing you to further your skills while working towards advancing in your career.

In answering this question, focus on specific experiences you’ve had working with IRBs, including successful protocol submissions, how you've navigated compliance challenges, and any improvements you implemented. Highlight your knowledge of federal regulations and good clinical practices to show your thorough understanding of the IRB process.

Discuss your systematic approach to ensuring compliance, such as regular reviews of new regulations, training faculty on compliance matters, and creating detailed documentation processes. Providing examples of how you've proactively addressed compliance issues will strengthen your response.

Share ideas for streamlining the submission process, such as developing comprehensive training materials for researchers and setting up a feedback system for submissions. Emphasize collaboration with faculty and staff to foster a culture of compliance and support.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to frame your response. Make sure to convey the compliance issue you encountered, the steps you took to address it, and the positive outcome that resulted from your actions.

List the specific tools you’ve used in managing research compliance, such as specific grant management software, document submission systems, or databases for tracking IRB submissions. If you have experience with data analysis related to compliance metrics, be sure to include that too.

Discuss your methods for continuous learning, such as following updates from regulatory agencies, attending workshops, and engaging with professional organizations in research compliance. This shows your commitment to staying informed and proactive in your work.

Emphasize the importance of clear, timely communication among researchers, committees, and regulatory bodies. Share how you’ve facilitated communication and training in your previous roles to enhance understanding and compliance.

Talk about your methods for prioritization, such as assessing the urgency and importance of submissions, effective time management techniques, and maintaining an organized workflow to ensure deadlines are met without compromising quality.

Provide examples from your past experiences where you’ve created training materials or conducted workshops that helped researchers understand compliance requirements. Emphasize feedback received that demonstrates the effectiveness of your training.

Articulate your passion for research compliance and how it aligns with Texas A&M’s mission. Discuss your appreciation of the university's core values, your commitment to ethical research practices, and how you see yourself contributing to the team’s goals.