Job Title: IRB Member 

Location: Remote 

Reports To: IRB Chair/Vice-Chair, IRB Directors 

Position Type: Contractual 

  The IRB Member plays a crucial role in the review, approval, and ongoing monitoring of research involving human subjects. The IRB ensures that research studies comply with ethical guidelines, federal regulations, and company policies. As a committee member, you will contribute your expertise to ensure the protection of human subjects and the integrity of the research process. Committee members may include professionals from diverse fields, including physicians, statisticians, community representatives, pediatricians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and other relevant disciplines.

• Review research protocols and study-related documents to ensure compliance with ethical principles, federal and state regulations, and organizational policies.
• Assess risk-benefit analyses, informed consent processes, privacy and confidentiality protections, and participant recruitment strategies.

• Participate in regularly scheduled IRB meetings (typically held bi-weekly) to review:
  • New research protocols
  • Continuing reviews/renewals
  • Amendments
  • Progress reports
• Provide input regarding ethical considerations and potential risks associated with proposed research studies, particularly within your area of expertise.
• Offer recommendations to improve study design, participant safety, and data integrity.

• Ensure compliance with ethical standards governing human subject research, including:
  • Voluntary participation
  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality protections
  • Risk mitigation strategies
• Evaluate whether proposed research aligns with current ethical standards, community expectations, and protections for vulnerable populations.

• Work closely with the IRB Chair, Vice Chair, and Executive Directors to provide timely feedback and recommendations regarding research protocols and related matters.

• Disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest, including financial, professional, or personal interests that could affect objective decision-making regarding a protocol under review.

• Participate in annual and periodic training activities to remain current on:
  • Ethical standards
  • Regulatory requirements
  • Emerging issues in human subject research protections

• Offer specialized review and guidance based on professional expertise (e.g., pediatrics, social work, psychology, nursing, statistics, public health, or community advocacy).

• Assist with audits, monitoring activities, and compliance reviews of approved studies to ensure continued adherence to ethical and regulatory requirements.

• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., MD, PhD, RN, MSW, JD, or equivalent).
• Experience in clinical research, social research, human subjects protection, research ethics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to critically evaluate research protocols, medical records, and research data.
• Working knowledge of applicable regulations and guidelines, including:
  • The Common Rule (45 CFR 46)
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

• Previous experience serving on an Institutional Review Board (IRB), Research Ethics Board (REB), or similar oversight committee.
• Expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychology
  • Nursing
  • Social Work
  • Statistics
  • Public Health
  • Community Advocacy

Compensation for IRB Committee Members is based on current industry standards.

• IRB Members will be compensated a flat fee in accordance with the IRB Member Fee Schedule (Form-601) for:
  • Meeting preparation
  • Protocol review activities
  • Meeting participation

IRB Members are eligible for the following benefits:

• Reimbursement of approved travel expenses
• Monthly internet stipend of $35
• Access to special rates for services provided by the organization

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume/CV, along with a brief statement of interest outlining their relevant expertise and experience, to Careers@unison-re.org.