An Ethics Compliance Manager tracks employer compliance with ethical standards in addition to laws and regulations. Creates company policies, reviews departmental functions and protocol, follows developments in law and regulations affecting the industry and evolving ethical standards related to public regulations and industry practice.
Business UnitNorth Dakota State University
Location
Fargo
Posted07/17/2026
Full/Part TimeFull-Time
DepartmentVP for Research
Close Date07/30/2026
Position Information
Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance (RISC) supports the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and Conflict of Interest Committee (COIC) operations. RISC provides oversight in the areas of export controls, research security, dual-use research of concern, uncrewed aerial vehicle compliance; provides veterinary care and consultation; and subject matter expertise on promoting research integrity, security, and compliance with federal regulations.
This position serves as the primary administrator for the Institutional Review Board (IRB), the university committee responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of participants in human subjects research. The position supports the review and oversight of human subjects research conducted at NDSU by applying federal regulations, ethical principles, and institutional policies. Working closely with IRB leadership, committee members, faculty, staff, and student researchers, the incumbent facilitates the review process, provides regulatory guidance and education, develops and implements policies and procedures, and promotes compliance with applicable human subjects protections requirements. This position plays a critical role in supporting the university's research mission while ensuring the ethical and responsible conduct of research.
The position also provides back-up support for other Research Integrity & Compliance needs, including the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC) and Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), and the Conflict-of-Interest Committee (COIC). The position works cooperatively with Research & Creative Activity personnel to implement programs to ensure university compliance with federal regulations and mandates.
In this role you will:
Serve as the primary administrator for the university's Institutional Review Board. Partner with researchers across campus to facilitate ethical and compliant human subjects research. Apply federal regulations and ethical principles to review research submissions and make exempt determinations. Coordinate IRB review activities, committee meetings, and post-approval oversight. Advise and educate faculty, staff, and students on human subjects protections requirements. Support institutional compliance initiatives, policy development, and continuous process improvement. Work collaboratively with research administration, compliance, and regulatory stakeholders across the university.
Additional Responsibilities:
Provide backup support for other Research Integrity, Security, and Compliance (RISC) functions as needed. Assist with institutional reporting, compliance reviews, audits, and special projects.
Participate in training, outreach, and process improvement initiatives that support the university's research mission. Maintain professional expertise through continuing education and professional development.
Required Competencies:
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex regulatory and ethical requirements to a variety of audiences. Strong customer service and consultation skills, including the ability to build collaborative relationships with investigators, research staff, IRB members, institutional leadership, and internal or external partners.
High level of attention to detail and accuracy when reviewing protocols, consent documents, study materials, and regulatory records.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
Advanced proficiency with electronic research administration systems, databases, Microsoft Office applications, and other technologies.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated ability to acquire, maintain, and apply current knowledge of evolving federal regulations, guidance, and best practices related to human subjects protections.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in a health, science, social science, regulatory, legal, research administration, or related field and one year of experience involving human subjects research, research compliance, regulatory affairs, healthcare compliance, quality assurance, or research administration; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience in one or more of the following:
Institutional Review Board (IRB) administration or Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) operations.
Application and interpretation of federal regulations, guidance, and ethical standards governing human subjects research (e.g., Common Rule, FDA regulations, HIPAA).
Research compliance, sponsored programs administration, or regulatory affairs in an academic, healthcare, government, or research setting.
Human subjects research coordination, clinical research administration, or protocol management.
Electronic IRB or research administration systems.
Development or delivery of regulatory guidance, education, or training for investigators and research staff.
Certified IRB Professional (CIP) credential or eligibility to obtain certification.
$55,000 - $61,800 per year plus excellent benefits!
Pay is based on several factors, including budget, labor market, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and/or certification and other business considerations.
Applicant Materials Required:
Please include a resumé, a cover letter individually addressing the minimum and preferred qualifications, and contact information for three professional references with your application materials.
Our commitment to caring for our employees isn't just words—it's proven. In NDSU's most recent Gallup Engagement Survey, our strengths centered on care and development. "My supervisor, or someone at work, cares about me as a person" and "I have the opportunities to learn and grow", were noted as top drivers. This reflects the culture you'll experience here.
NDSU OFFERS OUTSTANDING BENEFITS!
Join a workplace that invests in your well-being, your future, and your success.
Full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
Health & Wellness
100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for single and family coverage
Choice of PPO/Basic or High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Coverage begins the first of the month after your hire date
Wellness incentives for healthy lifestyle participation
Exceptional Retirement Plan
Employer retirement contributions ranging from 7.5% up to an impressive 12.26%, depending on position
(One of the strongest retirement packages in the region!) - Your future is a priority, and it shows.
Time Away & Support
Generous annual leave, sick leave, and 10 paid holidays
Employee Assistance Program for confidential support
Supportive work-life balance Education Benefits That Grow With You Tuition waivers for employees (up to three classes per calendar year)
50% tuition waiver for spouse/partner and dependents
Additional Optional Benefits
Supplemental Life, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Care
Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
Supplemental Retirement Plans
Explore Full Benefit Details:
Benefits | Human Resources | NDSU
About Us:
North Dakota State University is distinctive as a student focused, land-grant, research university. We educate leaders who solve national and global challenges by providing affordable access to an excellent education that combines teaching and research in a rich learning environment. NDSU is in the highest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, R1, granted to the top research institutions in the country. NDSU has offices across the state of North Dakota, and the main campus is in Fargo, on the Minnesota border. Along with Moorhead, Minnesota, Fargo forms one of the largest metropolitan centers between Minneapolis and Seattle. The community is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live. NDSU is committed to fostering a community where differences are recognized as strengths. Rooted in our land-grant mission, we work together to meet the needs of North Dakota and its communities through education, research and outreach.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable.
Direct inquiries to:
Vice Provost, Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, Fargo, ND, 58108, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaandsu.edu.
No Smoking Notice:
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. § 23-12-10.
Veteran's Preference Notice:
This position is subject to North Dakota Veteran's Preference requirements.
Reasonable Accommodation Information:
North Dakota State University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, please contact Human Resources at 701-231-8961 or ndsu.hrndsu.edu.
