Institutional Review Board Coordinator
About the position Performs advanced (journey‑level) consultative and technical work to support the administration and coordination of Institutional Review Board (IRB) functions. Oversees and coordinates the review process for human subjects research, including exempt, expedited, and full board protocols, renewals, amendments, and study closures. Develops and implements IRB policies and procedures in coordination with leadership and provides technical assistance to agency staff, other HHS agencies, universities, researchers/principal investigators, students, and the public. Provides regulatory and ethical guidance to IRB members, investigators, and agency staff related to human subjects protections and conflicts of interest. Coordinates IRB meetings, prepares agendas and review materials, and drafts IRB determinations and correspondence in accordance with established policies and timelines. Develops and delivers orientation, training, and guidance on IRB policies and procedures for IRB committee members, DSHS staff, and researchers. The position operates under general supervision of the Research Advancement Manager and the Director of Public Health Research Advancement and exercises moderate latitude for initiative, discretion, and independent judgment in fulfilling program responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Coordinates and administers day‑to‑day operations of the DSHS IRB.
- Manages and tracks the full lifecycle of human subjects research submissions, including exempt, expedited, and full board reviews, renewals, amendments, and study closures.
- Provides regulatory and procedural guidance to investigators, IRB members, and DSHS program staff.
- Prepares IRB meeting agendas, review materials, draft determinations, and official correspondence to ensure timely and accurate processing of submissions.
- Assists in the development, revision, and implementation of IRB policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures to support compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Monitors regulatory changes affecting IRB operations and supports implementation of updates under direction of leadership.
- Participates in process improvement activities to enhance consistency, efficiency, and documentation of IRB workflows.
- Maintains IRB tracking systems, files, and official records in accordance with retention and confidentiality requirements.
- Prepares summary, activity, and compliance reports related to IRB operations.
- Provides technical assistance and information to internal and external stakeholders, including other government agencies, academic institutions, researchers, and the public, regarding IRB requirements and processes.
- Develops and delivers orientation, training, and guidance related to IRB policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Supports other research‑related committees, data‑sharing activities, or governance functions as assigned.
- May participate in Continuity of Operations (COOP) or emergency response activities in support of the agency’s public health mission. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.
Requirements
- Knowledge of state statutes, administrative rules, and federal regulations governing human subjects research, including IRB requirements.
- Knowledge of ethical principles related to the protection of human subjects and privacy.
- Knowledge of social, behavioral, educational and health science research.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration and management.
- Knowledge of publications process at DSHS or within state government.
- Skill in interpreting and applying regulatory and policy requirements.
- Skill in developing and maintaining program procedures and documentation.
- Skill in data management, reporting, and the use of information systems to support program operations.
- Skill in written and verbal communication for technical, policy, and public audiences.
- Skill in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and web‑based information systems.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
Benefits
- insurance coverage and other benefits available through the State of Texas Group Benefits Plan administered by the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS)
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