Assistant Director of Research Support Services

Position Summary

Research Support Services is responsible and accountable for overseeing the University’s research compliance programs to ensure that research requirements remain in compliance with local, state and federal regulations, industry and University best practices, internal policies and procedures at both San Diego State University (SDSU) and the San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSURF). San Diego State University has an enrollment of more than 34,000 students and is home to top-ranked graduate programs in business; engineering; public health; psychology; fine arts; biological sciences; public affairs; education; and speech, language, and hearing sciences. Ranked undergraduate programs include business, engineering, and international business. Increasingly recognized for innovative research, SDSU is establishing itself as one of the leading public research universities. Research funding has more than doubled from a decade ago. Since 2000, SDSU faculty and staff have attracted more than $1 billion in grants and contracts for research and program administration. SDSU Research Foundation is a non-profit, auxiliary organization chartered to further the educational, research, and community service objectives of San Diego State University. SDSU Research Foundation is currently administering approximately 1000 active grants and contracts, and annual revenues approaching $160 million. With 157 central support staff and 2,450 grant and contract project employees, it is the largest auxiliary within the California State University (CSU) system. Since these are two separate organizations there are functions that mirror each other like shipping, procurement, and licensing, yet work closely together.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Research Support Services, the Research Support Services (RSS) Assistant Director is responsible and accountable for overseeing the University’s research compliance programs to ensure that research requirements remain in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, industry and University best practices, and internal policies and procedures. Provides overall guidance and direction for all research-related compliance activities at SDSU, including the Human Research Protection Program, FDA regulated clinical trials, HIPAA research privacy requirements, the Financial Conflict of Interest requirements, Research Integrity and Misconduct requirements, Institutional Biosafety Program, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Program. 

The Assistant Director works in close collaboration with research operations units, administrative and scientific leadership to advise on the development of documented operational controls and effective processes and practices that demonstrate appropriate execution of compliance regulatory requirements. The Assistant Director serves as a support role to federally mandated university-wide compliance committees and the Institutional Official to ensure policies, procedures, and guidance documents continue to be streamlined and aligned with the federal regulations and federally sponsored research grants and contracts terms and conditions.

The Assistant Director will also be responsible for maintaining regulatory assurances and registrations with federal agencies by updating the agreements, when necessary, and filing mandated reports with federal agencies, and when necessary internally. Ensuring that semi-annual facility inspections and programmatic review for the animal care and use program are conducted and documented per federal regulations. Developing and presenting educational and training sessions about the ethical conduct of human, biosafety, and animal subject research and the IRB/IACUC/IBC process. Provide guidance for staff, researchers, and other university departments related to complex research protocols.

The Assistant Director will supervise and support compliance staff in the Research Support Services Unit and work in collaboration with University information technology staff to maintain the electronic platforms used to submit protocols and compliance documents for review and approval by appropriate committees or University empowered officials.

For more information on the Division of Research & Innovation, click here.

This is a full-time (1.0 time-base), benefits-eligible, at-will position. This position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.  Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Five years progressively responsible experience with research, research operations, and/or research compliance
• Thorough knowledge and ability to apply all relevant Federal, State, and University policies and federal and state guidance documents related to research compliance
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related field

Compensation and Benefits

San Diego State University will offer a competitive salary based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.  San Diego State University also offers a rich benefits package that includes:

• Extensive Leave benefits: 14 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year;
• Retirement security through a CalPERS defined benefit pension (with CalPERS and UC Retirement Plan reciprocity) and retiree healthcare benefits;
• An array of health, dental, and vision coverage at no-cost or low-cost to the employee; and
• California State University system fee reduction program (fee waiver) for the employee or their qualified dependent

SDSU COVID-19 Vaccine Policy
 

In accordance with the California State University systemwide policy, the COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all students, faculty, and staff in order to access campus.  An individual is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose of a two-shot vaccine or two weeks after the first dose of a single-shot vaccine. 

The individual hired into this role will be required to submit their completed vaccination documentation to the university’s secure online health portal prior to beginning work.  Individuals with an approved medical or religious exemption on file with the university will be required to complete regular COVID-19 testing.

Supplemental Information

Initial review of the required application materials, including cover letters and resumes, will begin on September 20, 2021. To receive full consideration, apply by September 19, 2021. The position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

SDSU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.

Applicants with disabilities and applicants who require assistance completing an application may contact Casie Martinez at 619-273-3343 or cmartinez12@sdsu.edu.