Research Compliance and Development Associate

TITLE: Research Compliance and Development Associate

DEPARTMENT: Grants and Sponsored Programs

REPORTS TO: Director of Sponsored Programs

CLASSIFICATION: Staff-12 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

JOB SUMMARY:

The Research Compliance and Development Associate (RCDA) supports the mission of the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) by overseeing research compliance programs and supporting faculty in the development of competitive grant proposals. The RCDA ensures compliance with regulatory requirements governing human subjects research, animal care and use in research, and other compliance areas such as Export Control, Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research, and Conflict of Interest. This position also supports faculty in identifying funding opportunities, understanding sponsor requirements, and preparing proposals for submission to federal and non-federal agencies.

The RCDA is responsible for facilitating the efficient functioning of compliance committees (IRB and IACUC), advising faculty on compliance requirements, and serving as a liaison between researchers and compliance committees. The position also plays a critical role in faculty research development by monitoring funding landscapes, reviewing funding opportunities, supporting proposal development, and contributing to workshops and resources to strengthen research capacity across campus.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate and facilitate Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) meetings, communications, and protocol reviews.
• Conduct pre-reviews of IRB and IACUC submissions for accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain compliance records for all grants and contracts involving human subjects research and animal care and use.
• Advise faculty on regulatory requirements for compliance in research.
• Identify and analyze funding opportunities from federal and non-federal sponsors and communicate key information to faculty.
• Review Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for eligibility, submission requirements, and compliance with sponsor guidelines.
• Develop resources, templates, and guidance documents to support faculty in proposal preparation.
• Support faculty in proposal development by assisting with narrative alignment, editing, compliance matrices, and timeline management.
• Facilitate collaboration across faculty teams, external partners, and interdisciplinary groups to strengthen proposals.
• Track trends in funding priorities, guidelines, and federal programs; prepare summaries and briefs for faculty.
• Provide project management support during proposal development, including establishing calendars, assigning roles, and communicating deadlines.
• Participate in professional development, workshops, and certification programs to maintain current knowledge in compliance and proposal development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Sponsored Programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of regulatory oversight of human subjects and animal research (IRB/IACUC).
• Knowledge of federal funding agencies, priorities, and distinctions in proposal review processes (NSF, USDA, NIH, DOE).
• General knowledge of sponsored award budgeting and research administration.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and compliance requirements simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret and synthesize information clearly and concisely.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for working with faculty, staff, and external partners.
• Ability to develop tools, templates, and guidance resources to improve faculty proposal development.
• Certified IRB Professional (CIP) preferred.
• Experience in compliance oversight and proposal development preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

OTHER DUTIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• At least three (3) to five (5) years of experience in research compliance and/or research development.
• Previous experience in higher education or research administration setting.
• Project management experience preferred.

Licensing and Certifications: NA

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work requires extended periods of sitting, talking, and computer use.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work is primarily performed in an office setting with regular interaction with faculty, staff, and administrators.
• May require occasional attendance at workshops, training sessions, or meetings outside of regular business hours.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.