community, and monitors and investigates instances of noncompliance.
About the Position:
The IRB Specialist supports Mason's commitment to ethical conduct of human subjects research by providing essential operational, administrative, and compliance support for the Institutional Review Board Program. This position helps ensure that human subjects research is reviewed, documented, and managed in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and ethical standards.
The position contributes to the university by supporting faculty, students, and staff throughout the IRB submission and review process, maintaining accurate records, facilitating communication, and helping ensure consistent and timely processing of protocols. By strengthening the day-to-day operations of the IRB program, the IRB Specialist supports responsible research practices, improves the researcher experience, protects research participants, and reduces institutional compliance risk.
This position is primarily remote with occasional travel to campus required.
Responsibilities:
- Evaluates and manages incoming applications to ensure that all information is provided. Completes all necessary checklists and worksheets. Completes and sends reminder/follow up letters and email. Performs initial, amendment and continuing reviews of research protocols to include those subject to FDA and DHHS regulations. Reviews applications for completeness and to determine whether or not each protocol meets the definition of human subjects research. Evaluates risk to subjects and others. Determines appropriate level of review for each protocol. Reviews each protocol to ensure that GMU and federal regulations are met and that the researchers have addressed all of the IRBs concerns before final approval. Obtains adequate expertise for the review of research through consultation where necessary;
- Instructs and counsels investigators and research support staff. Works one on one with investigators and students to explain regulations and procedures. Assists with educational IRB presentations. Ensures that investigators and their staffs complete required CITI training; and
- Maintains complete, accurate and error free records including IRB minutes.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Active Certified IRB Professional (CIP) or ability to obtain certification within two years of employment;
- Experience working in a research environment and familiarity with the IRB;
- Excellent writing skills are needed to generate clear, precise, detailed and grammatically correct technical letters, memos, and reports. Superior organizational skills and attention to accuracy are required in order to effectively and efficiently manage multiple priorities and a high volume workload. Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a capacity to work well with multiple constituencies of various educational and social backgrounds;
- Exceptional analytical ability is necessary in order to apply knowledge of federal regulations and institutional policy to research proposals. Ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines. Ability to identify when to refer issues to a Senior IRB Compliance Specialist and/or supervisor, and have the ability to make accurate and appropriate independent judgments, and also be able to accept direct supervision. Ability to effectively advise investigators and research staff on federal regulations and IRB submission requirements, and assisting them as needed in preparation of submission forms;
- Proficient in the use of multimedia hardware and software applications, including the use of Windows, RAMP, spreadsheet and word processing; and
- May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in a human research related administrative or clinical setting is preferred, ideally in a higher education environment;
- Experience using electronic submission systems;
- Working knowledge of federal regulations governing human subjects research; and
- Demonstrated skill in advising investigators and research staff on federal regulations and IRB submission requirements, and assisting them as needed in preparation of submission forms.
Instructions to Applicants:
For full consideration, applicants must apply for the IRB Compliance Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.
Posting Open Date: July 17, 2026
For Full Consideration, Apply by: July 31, 2026
Open Until Filled: Yes
