Research Compliance Specialist

The Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR) supports and advances research across Tufts University. This position is part of the Research Compliance team and partners closely with faculty, researchers, administrators, and institutional stakeholders to support Research Security, Export Controls, Conflict of Interest (COI), and other research compliance initiatives that help advance, protect, and safeguard the university's research enterprise.

We are seeking a highly organized and collaborative professional who can independently manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with faculty and researchers, and help support the continued growth of the university's Research Security, Export Controls, Conflict of Interest, and research compliance programs.

This role offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement. Team members have the option to work remotely for much of the time while remaining available to attend in-person meetings and activities on Tufts campuses as needed. For individuals who prefer a greater on-campus presence, workspace and regular in-person engagement opportunities are available.

The Research Compliance Specialist plays an important role in supporting Tufts University's Research Security, Export Controls, Conflict of Interest (COI), and other research compliance programs. Working closely with faculty, researchers, administrators, and external partners, this position helps advance compliant, ethical, and secure research activities across the university.

Responsibilities include:

Research Security & Export Controls

• Support implementation and ongoing administration of Tufts University's Research Security and Export Controls programs.
• Conduct Restricted Party Screenings and compliance risk reviews related to research activities, international collaborations, and other research partnerships.
• Assist faculty, researchers, and administrators with Research Security and Export Controls processes and requirements.
• Collect, maintain, analyze, and distribute Research Security and Export Controls program metrics.
• Support program improvements and other Research Security and Export Controls initiatives.

Conflict of Interest (COI)

• Serve as a resource to the Tufts community regarding Conflict of Interest policies and procedures.
• Support the COI disclosure process, including intake, triage, review, and follow-up activities.
• Draft and maintain Conflict of Interest management plans.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the COI Committee.
• Collect and report COI program metrics and participate in process improvement efforts.

Research Compliance Operations

• Coordinate administration of Data Use Agreements and related activities in collaboration with the Technology Transfer and Industry Collaboration team.
• Support research compliance projects, reporting activities, communications, and documentation.
• Contribute to ongoing compliance initiatives and special projects within the Research Compliance team.

Basic Requirements:

Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:

• Associate's degree and 5 years of related experience, or Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of related professional experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple responsibilities in a collaborative environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting research compliance programs, particularly in the areas of Export Controls, Research Security, and/or Conflict of Interest (COI).
• Experience working in higher education, academic research, research compliance, research integrity, regulatory compliance, or another highly regulated environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex initiatives, track deliverables, manage competing priorities, and independently drive work to completion.
• STEM, legal, public policy, international affairs, or related background.
• Foreign language proficiency.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ECoP).