Assistant/Associate Director Research Programs and Compliance

Assistant/Associate Director Research Programs and Compliance

Job no: 492972
Work type: FT
Location: West Des Moines
Categories: Staff

At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Under the general direction of the Director of Research Operations, Compliance and Strategy, the Associate Director of Research Programs and Compliance supports the coordination and administration of research services and compliance functions across the university. This position contributes to the development and implementation of research compliance initiatives, health and safety programs, and activities related to laboratory and animal facility operations. The role assists in ensuring adherence to federal, state, sponsor, and institutional requirements governing research activities, including IBC, Radiation Safety, IACUC and IRB. Responsibilities include participation in delivering compliance training, supporting risk mitigation efforts, and providing scientific merit and science-related review to assess protocol alignment with regulatory, safety, and institutional quality expectations.

What you’ll do:

• Compliance Coordination: Partner with leadership to coordinate institutional compliance programs for IBC, Radiation Safety, IACUC, and IRB.
• Health & Safety Management: Oversee research laboratory and animal facility safety, ensuring compliance with OSHA, NIH, CDC, and other standards.
• Research Program Management: Support faculty and student research initiatives while promoting integrity and compliance best practices.
• Training & Education: Design and deliver compliance training for faculty, staff, and students on biosafety, radiation safety, and animal care regulations.
• Scientific Review & Research Quality: Conduct scientific and compliance reviews of research protocols, grant applications, and student projects to ensure best practices.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Provide supervision, strategic planning, and serve as a liaison across the university to advance research infrastructure and compliance.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: Carries out supervisory responsibilities for direct reports of the research assistants

What we are looking for:

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field research administration, life sciences, public health)
• 5+ years of experience in research administration or compliance, including knowledge of federal regulations Uniform Guidance, FDA, USDA, NIH) and health/safety standards.
• Experience with scientific review and research laboratory operations, including wet laboratories and animal care facilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and provide sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in a relevant discipline such as research administration, life sciences, biomedical sciences, public health, or a closely related field preferred.
• Experience administering IBC, Radiation Safety, IACUC, IRB, and health/safety programs in an academic or healthcare research setting.
• Familiarity with electronic research administration systems.
• Radiation safety training and certification as required by institutional policy or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Certified IRB Professional (CIP) preferred.
• Certified Professional IACUC Administrator (CPIA) preferred or ability to obtain within 12 months of hire.
• Biosafety-related certifications preferred; willingness to pursue if assigned.
• OSHA Laboratory Safety Certification preferred.
• AALAS certification is preferred for animal care oversight.

*To view the full job description go to Position Description at the bottom of this posting.

Total Rewards:

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well! Our Total Rewards reflect this commitment. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution towards the medical plan, 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, and access to wellness facilities with programs that promote a well-balanced lifestyle. Visit to learn more about our benefits.

DMU is proud to offer employees generous benefits and perks, paid time off, free use of wellness facilities, and a host of employee engagement and recognition programs throughout the year.

Salary range is as follows:

Assistant Director $70,000 - $80,000

Associate Director $80,000 - $90,000

About:

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University is a premier medical and health sciences institution comprising three colleges– College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and College of Health Sciences – offering ten graduate degree programs.

Our

It is an exciting time to join DMU. In 2023, we relocated our primary academic and operational offices to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, while maintaining an active clinic on our former campus. This state-of-the-art campus includes technology-rich, flexible education spaces that support innovative teaching methods and connect faculty and students across all of our programs. Our new research facilities include a vibrant and spacious open laboratory, designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU enhances our community’s quality of life by educating outstanding health professionals and leaders; providing expert, compassionate patient care; serving the community in diverse ways; and stimulating the central Iowa community.

At DMU you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of Medicine and Health Sciences by supporting a diverse community of faculty and staff with programs and services across the employee lifecycle.