RESEARCH INTEGRITY SPECIALIST

Hiring Department: OVCR Office of Research Integrity
Location: Chicago, IL
Requisition ID: 1034600
Posting Close Date: June 23, 2025
Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $85,000 to $110,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

PRIMARY SUMMARY

The Research Integrity Specialist plays a critical role in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research in supporting the ethical conduct of research. This position is responsible for administering and supporting institutional research integrity processes, including managing cases of alleged research misconduct in accordance with university policies and federal regulations. The Specialist serves as a key resource for faculty, staff, and students, ensuring compliance, promoting best practices, and fostering a culture of integrity in research.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, public policy, forensics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, detail-oriented processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters.
• Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, database tools).
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree (Master’s, JD, or PhD) in a relevant discipline.
• Experience interpreting and implementing federal regulations.
• Experience in an academic research or compliance setting.
• Knowledge of federal research misconduct regulations (e.g., ORI, NSF OIG).
• Experience with forensic tools (e.g., EnCase, Sumuri Paladin, Recon ITR) and/or digital analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with drafting federal or institutional reports and conducting investigations in a regulated environment.
  The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
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• Support Research Integrity Officer(s) and Faculty Committees in all aspects of case management, including intake, assessment, inquiry, investigation, and resolution of research misconduct allegations.
• Manage evidence related to proceedings, including sequestering, cataloging, preserving, and documenting material securely and accurately.Prepare comprehensive documentation, including initial assessments, reports for inquiry and investigation committees, and formal communications with involved parties.
• Serve as a liaison to faculty, staff, and students, providing authoritative guidance on university research integrity policies and federal regulations (e.g., PHS, NSF).
• Oversee case tracking and deadlines, ensuring timely progression of all stages in accordance with university procedures and federal expectations.
• Support policy development, including regular review and recommendation of updates to institutional policies and procedures related to research integrity and misconduct.
• Develop and maintain documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and process maps to promote transparency, efficiency, and institutional knowledge.
• Conduct process improvement analyses to optimize workflows, increase compliance, and strengthen the university’s research integrity framework.
• Stay current with evolving federal requirements and best practices related to research integrity and compliance.
• Support workplace environment, conflict of commitment and interest, export controls, and research security compliance, as needed and available.
• Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall mission and objectives of the central research office