Sr. Research Specialist (IT Syst., Security and Compliance)

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title
Sr. Research Specialist (IT Syst., Security and Compliance)

Job Category
Staff & Executive - Information Technology

Department
Clinical & Translational R

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking an experienced Sr. Research Specialist (IT Syst., Security and Compliance) within the Rutgers Contract Research Collaboratory (RCRC), part of the Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science (RITMS).

The Sr. Research Specialist (IT Syst., Security and Compliance) will support the technology infrastructure, security posture, and operational systems that enable innovative clinical and translational research programs. This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with investigators, sponsors, operational teams, biostatisticians, data managers, external vendors, Rutgers Information Technology, and quality personnel while supporting business applications, user services, system validation, information security, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will serve as RCRC's primary technology administrator, responsible for coordinating technical operations across the organization, managing business-critical systems and user access, supporting validated and compliant technology environments, and ensuring systems remain secure, reliable, and fit for research and operational use. The individual will play a key role in enabling organizational growth by implementing scalable technology solutions, supporting audits and inspections, maintaining documentation and controls, and fostering a culture of service, security, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary liaison between RCRC and Rutgers IT. Translate research and operational needs into technical requirements, coordinate support and system changes, track service commitments, and escalate unresolved issues.
• Provide technical support to RCRC staff, study teams, and clients using RCRC-supported systems, including access assistance, application guidance, and initial troubleshooting. Prioritize service requests, coordinate escalation and backup coverage, and track issues through resolution.
• Support RCRC's use of REDCap, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, coding platforms, data warehouse systems, LMS, and other business applications. Administer RCRC-managed applications, including internally developed tools, and coordinate support and changes for centrally managed services with Rutgers IT or vendors.
• Coordinate ETL and integration requirements and issue resolution with Rutgers IT and designated data engineering support.
• Maintain assigned RCRC endpoints and technology environments. Document setup and coordinate support, maintenance, and changes with Rutgers IT or vendors for centrally managed infrastructure, cloud services, and collaboration platforms.
• Implement and monitor assigned security controls for RCRC systems consistent with Rutgers policies and applicable study and sponsor requirements. Coordinate vulnerability remediation with responsible IT teams and support centralized security monitoring and incident response led by Rutgers security.
• Execute computer system validation activities, including preparing test protocols, executing approved tests, documenting results and deviations, and maintaining validation records. Support compliance with 21 CFR Part 11 and other applicable requirements. Coordinate clinical or operational review with designated system or process owners and obtain required quality approvals.
• Maintain IT SOPs, system inventories, and change-control documentation. Coordinate required technical review with responsible IT teams and obtain approvals from designated RCRC system owners and quality reviewers. Implement and document approved changes within assigned responsibilities.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as the primary technology administrator for RCRC-supported systems, applications, and services, ensuring reliable and effective operation of business and research technology solutions. Acts as the primary liaison between RCRC, Rutgers Information Technology, software vendors, and external service providers to coordinate support, system enhancements, issue resolution, and technology initiatives.
• Provides technical support to RCRC staff, study teams, and clients by troubleshooting issues, managing service requests, and facilitating timely resolution of technology-related problems.
• Administers user access and security permissions across RCRC systems by coordinating provisioning, access reviews, role modifications, and deprovisioning activities in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
• Supports the implementation, maintenance, validation, and continuous improvement of computerized systems used for research and operational activities, including documentation and testing activities necessary to maintain compliance.
• Implements and monitors assigned security controls, supports vulnerability remediation efforts, and assists with security incident response, risk management, and compliance activities.
• Maintains accurate and inspection-ready system documentation, including standard operating procedures, inventories, validation records, change-control documentation, and technical work instructions.
• Supports audits, sponsor assessments, regulatory inspections, and due diligence reviews by preparing technical documentation, responding to information requests, and implementing assigned corrective and preventive actions.
• Coordinates technology projects, software implementations, vendor relationships, licensing activities, and system integrations to support evolving organizational and client needs.
• Leads and contributes to business continuity, disaster recovery, training, and continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen operational efficiency, system reliability, security, and regulatory compliance.

FLSA
Exempt

Grade
28S

Salary Details

Minimum Salary
81155.000

Mid Range Salary
97671.000

Maximum Salary
116172.000

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status
Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours
37.50

Daily Work Shift
Day

Work Arrangement

Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 or the applicable provisions of relevant collective negotiations agreements, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or discontinuation, and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System.

Union Description
HPAE 5094

Payroll Designation
PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Terms of Appointment
Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility
ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent full time relevant education (on a year for year basis) plus four (4) years of relevant full time experience in the specialty area of IT Systems, Security, and Compliance.
• Experience with IT administration, technical support, access management, documented change control, and coordination across technical and operational teams.

Certifications/Licenses

• Strong communication skills.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in university computing environments is preferred, as is experience with networks, LANs, and network software.
• Experience supporting IT systems and users in academic research, clinical trials, and a contract research organization.
• Experience working in Higher Education.
• Familiarity with electronic data capture systems and regulated research workflows.
• Experience with computer system validation.
• Strong understanding of ITIL principles, experience with ITSM platforms (such as Servicenow or equivalent) and cloud collaboration services (such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace).
• Strong knowledge of access control management.
• Proven experience leading IT teams.

Equipment Utilized

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number
26ST2110

Posting Open Date

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus
Downtown New Brunswick

City
New Brunswick

State
NJ

Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.