Title: Director, Human Research Protection Program (HRPP)
Classification: 9355IC (Administrative Director 1- Institutional Compliance)
Reports-to: Associate VP for Research Integrity and Compliance (and Institutional Official)
Position Summary
The Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) Director serves as the strategic leader of the University of Minnesota's human subjects research oversight program across all system campuses. The Director reports to the Associate Vice President for Research Integrity and Compliance (UMN Institutional Official) and safeguards the rights, safety, and welfare of research participants, while ensuring full institutional compliance with federal, state, and international regulatory frameworks.
As a key partner to the research enterprise, the HRPP Director drives continuous quality improvement, maintains gold-standard accreditation from the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs (AAHRPP), and aligns HRPP strategic goals with University-wide research innovation.
Core Responsibilities
- Direct and optimize operations for the Human Research Protection Program department, which includes 26 FTEs across multiple employee groups. Foster an inclusive, accountable work environment that prioritizes staff development, clear goal alignment, and operational efficiency.
- Manage operational activities of the Institutional Review Board (IRB); ensure rigorous adherence to AAHRPP standards, lead annual reporting processes, and direct successful reaccreditation initiatives to sustain the institution's accredited status
- Oversee the continuous development and modernization of the HRPP toolkit; collaborate strategically with Research and Innovation Office (RIO) Communications to deliver proactive, transparent education and outreach that translates complex regulatory changes into clear practices for the research community.
- Serve as the primary institutional representative to federal regulatory agencies (e.g., OHRP, FDA), national professional bodies, community stakeholders, and University leadership on matters related to human participant protections.
- Provide executive-level guidance and strategic counsel to the Institutional Official, VP for Research, IRB Chairs, IRB staff, and the University research community to ensure full compliance with federal, state, and international regulatory frameworks, while enabling innovative research.
- Partner collaboratively across key legal, compliance, and clinical governance entities (Office of General Counsel, Office of Institutional Compliance, Office of Internal Audit, Sponsored Projects Administration, Gillette Children's, and Fairview Health Services) to investigate and resolve complex compliance, ethical, and oversight matters in human subject research.
- Serve ex-officio on Individual and Institutional Conflict Review Panels, providing expert evaluation of Conflict of Interest/Commitment management plans to safeguard research integrity and maintain public trust.
- Monitor local and national research trends to develop forward-looking HRPP strategic work plans. Make recommendations to Research and Innovation Office leadership that encompass resource allocation, technology modernization, staff development, and compliance initiatives that explicitly align with and advance the University's Elevate Extraordinary 2030 Strategic Plan.
The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and HRPP endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote.
This position has been designated as eligible for flexible work profile 3.
Profile 3, Mostly Remote - is expected to typically work in the office/lab 1-2 days per week. Working remotely at least 3 days per week. Your dedicated office space will be in your remote work location.
HRPP management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications
- BA/BS degree and at least 12 years of professional experience in research compliance, clinical trial administration, or human subject protection
- Demonstrated progressive responsibility or leadership in human research protections or IRB administration within higher ed or an equivalent academic setting
- Minimum of 5 years of direct supervisory experience, including management of remote staff
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's Degree (e.g. MPH, MS, MA) or doctoral/ advanced degree (e.g., JD, PhD, DrPH, MD) in a relevant field
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP) certification
- Human research protections or IRB administration experience at an R1 institution
- Proven track record leading and maintaining AAHRPP accreditation, as well as negotiating single IRB (sIRB) reliance agreements, Federalwide Assurances (FWA), and institutional cooperative agreements
- Experience supporting biomedical clinical trials, including institution-sponsored IND/IDE applications, scientific peer assessment protocols, and high-risk health system partnerships (e.g., clinical health system integrations).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Advanced mastery of complex regulatory frameworks and federal agency mandates governing human subjects research, including HHS, FDA, HIPAA, FERPA, PHS, and NSF policies, paired with an understanding of emerging ethical trends in research governance.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and empower a diverse, multi-tiered team, building a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on service excellence and continuous professional growth.
- Analytical agility with a track record of resolving complex, high-stakes ethical and regulatory challenges independently while balancing compliance mandates with institutional research goals.
- Organizational and strategic prioritization skills to manage competing operational demands, system updates, and workflow modernizations across a complex multi-campus academic enterprise.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the demonstrated ability to serve as an influential advocate, trusted advisor, and effective liaison across senior university administration, faculty investigators, federal agencies, and community partners.
About the DepartmentThe Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) is a system of interdependent groups and individuals interacting to achieve a common aim to protect research participants in the conduct of human research.
Pay and BenefitsPay Range: $150,000 - $188,500 depending on education/qualifications/experience
Time Appointment: 100% Ap pointment
Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff
Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
- Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
- Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
- Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
- University HSA contributions
- Disability and employer-paid life insurance
- Employee wellbeing program
- Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
- Financial counseling services
- Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
- Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area
While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.
How To ApplyApplications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.
This position will remain open until filled.
To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.
