Research Integrity Program Director

Job Summary:

The Research Integrity Program Director is a key member of the compliance team in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Colorado Denver and University of Colorado Anschutz.  This position is responsible for administering policies concerning research misconduct, conducting inquires and investigations, leading responsible conduct of research education and fostering a culture of ethical research at both the Anschutz campus and the downtown CU Denver campus.  The work requires extensive collaboration with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, Deans’ offices of the Schools and Colleges and the hospital affiliates of the CU Anschutz campus. This role is crucial for maintaining trust in academic, scientific, and medical research particularly on campuses with robust research programs at all fields and skill levels.

Key Responsibilities:

Investigation Assessment

• Consult confidentially with researchers regarding potential ethical dilemmas. Coordinate with other compliance offices as appropriate.

• Evaluate any allegations of research misconduct by conducting a preliminary assessment and documenting the findings.

• Communicate findings to relevant parties involved in a considered and thoughtful manner.

• Assess and problem solve for any systemic policy or process failures that the concern may have identified.

• Maintain a strong technical understanding of PHS Regulations and ORI guidance for assessing and reporting research misconduct, as well as other applicable federal, state, and local governmental laws, including ongoing continuing education in this policy area.

Investigation Oversight

• Coordinate with IT security, the applicable data system owners and the respondent to appropriately sequester all data and other evidence relevant to an allegation. All sequestered data and material will be stored in accordance with applicable policies and procedures and in a manner that will facilitate the evaluation of the allegation.

• Ensure that appropriate and discrete communication with funding agencies and leadership is maintained throughout the process. Coordinate with other potentially impacted compliance offices and committees to protect the rights of participants or animals etc.

• Charge, administer and support Inquiry and Investigation committees that are established to appropriately address allegations in accordance with federal funding agency regulations or campus policies and procedures.

• Serve as the liaison with the appropriate Deciding Official. Provide all reports and supporting documentation needed for the Deciding official’s review and determination.

• Manage any findings or follow-up action needed from the research misconduct process including notifications or any relevant federal, state or local governmental entities. 

Responsible Conduct of Research Education and Training

• The Research Integrity Program Director is responsible for facilitating a culture of compliance and responsible conduct of research as appropriate to the type of research being conducted across the two campuses by:

• Maintaining and supporting a current curriculum that is compliant with the various funding agencies regarding responsible conduct of research training in compliance with current funding agency policies as applicable.

• Collaborate with undergraduate, graduate and training programs across the various schools and colleges to ensure that there is consistent, compliance and accurate content at a level appropriate for the audience. Coordinate with leadership including the VC for Research, the provosts and deans to address issues and concerns that may arise at the national, regional or local level.

• Periodically assess, implement and measure improvements to the program.

Data and Record Management

• Work with interested parties on campus to ensure data integrity and data storage is available for the range of data types produced.

• Understand new technologies such as artificial intelligence and large data sets to develop strategies to facilitate compliance and long-term data storage.

• Collaborate and coordinate with technical resources in the schools, colleges and central administration to ensure that any policies, procedures and guidelines support the culture of responsible conduct of research

• Support the campuses to develop and maintain appropriate standards and resources to protect original data and all data transformations.

Policies and procedures

• Ensure that both campuses have up-to-date policies and procedures for managing research misconduct that are appropriate to meet the regulatory requirements of the applicable funding agency. Research that is not externally funded and governed directly by federal code should also be managed through a similar transparent and defined process.

• Review other policies and procedures maintained by the Regents, campus, compliance office or school that may impact how research is conducted on campus and ensure they are incorporated into appropriate campus policies and procedures.

• Be aware and understand the technical controls that can be used to facilitate a culture of responsible conduct of research.

Support and Confidentiality

• Coordinate with care team, IT security, legal counsel to ensure that all individuals impacted by a research misconduct case are appropriately supported while the review is ongoing.

• Be the liaison for any forensic or expert consultant management that is needed to address a specific case.

• Serve as a liaison for any regulatory body connected to a case.

• Coordinate with federal, national and local professional organizations to maintain a leading program.

Work Location:

Hybrid – this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of #3 days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

Under the leadership of Vice Chancellor for Research Thomas Flaig, MD , we work to ensure all campus research is compliant with the highest ethical and intellectual standards. With expertise in contracting, funding, compliance, laboratory protocols, clinical research operations and more, our teams provide comprehensive resources to support investigators through every step of the research lifecycle.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage .

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution

• 6-8 years of professional experience in regulatory compliance, research administration or research at an academic institution.

• A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience in research misconduct investigations

• Previous teaching experience, including classroom

• Legal education, credentials or work experience

• Institutional policy development experience in an academic setting

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Exceptional analytical, and investigative skills requiring a high degree of discretion and ethical judgement.

• Mediation training and experience.

• Ability to manage stressful situations and individuals under stress with compassion.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

Questions should be directed to: Ethan Carter, Ethan.Carter@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by April 13, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE $88,895 - $113,075

The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .