Institutional Review Board Administrator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the complex world of research ethics, the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrator is paramount.
As research landscapes evolve, the demand for knowledgeable professionals who can navigate, enhance, and safeguard our research ethics framework is on the rise.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an IRB Administrator?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker seeking to understand the depth of this role,
- A hiring manager striving to find the perfect candidate,
- Or simply captivated by the intricacies of research ethics administration,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable IRB Administrator job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Institutional Review Board Administrator Duties and Responsibilities
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrators play a crucial role in ensuring that research activities involving human subjects are conducted ethically and in compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
They oversee the administration of the IRB and facilitate the review and approval of research protocols.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Managing the day-to-day operations of the Institutional Review Board office
- Coordinating the review process of research protocols and ensuring timely completion
- Ensuring that research proposals are in compliance with ethical guidelines and federal regulations
- Providing guidance to researchers on the preparation and submission of IRB applications
- Maintaining records of all IRB activities including proposals, minutes of meetings, communications, and decisions
- Organizing and preparing for IRB meetings, including distributing materials for review, scheduling, and minute taking
- Training and providing support to IRB committee members
- Keeping up to date with changes in federal, state, and institutional regulations related to human subject research
- Developing and implementing IRB policies and procedures
- Conducting educational workshops and training sessions for researchers and staff
Institutional Review Board Administrator Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are looking for a detail-oriented Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrator to manage the research review process.
The IRB Administrator will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the review and approval of research protocols to ensure ethical standards and regulatory compliance.
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of federal regulations related to human subjects protection and experience in a research environment.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate and manage IRB review process
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and institutional regulations related to human subjects research
- Provide support and guidance to researchers in the preparation and submission of IRB applications
- Manage the scheduling and administration of IRB meetings
- Prepare and distribute meeting agendas, minutes, and correspondence
- Ensure timely processing and review of applications, amendments, and other related documents
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date IRB files and records
- Provide training and education to IRB members and research community
- Keep updated with changes in regulations and best practices related to human subjects research
Qualifications
- Proven experience as an IRB Administrator or similar role
- Strong knowledge of federal regulations relating to human subjects protection (45 CFR 46, 21 CFR 50 and 56)
- Experience in a research or academic environment
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to handle confidential information
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s degree preferred
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP) designation is a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Institutional Review Board Administrator
- Work Environment: Office setting, with potential for remote work. Some travel may be required for conferences or meetings.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Research Administration or IRB Chair.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Institutional Review Board Administrator Do?
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrators typically work within universities, research institutions, or hospitals.
They may also be employed by governmental agencies or other organizations involved in conducting or overseeing research.
They are responsible for coordinating and managing the activities of the Institutional Review Board, which is tasked with reviewing and approving research involving human participants to ensure ethical standards and regulatory requirements are met.
The IRB Administrator is primarily responsible for reviewing all submitted research protocols, evaluating them against ethical guidelines and regulatory standards, and preparing them for the Board’s review.
They may also help researchers in preparing their submissions, offer guidance on ethical and regulatory requirements, and provide feedback on potential issues or areas of concern.
In addition, the IRB Administrator is responsible for maintaining accurate and updated records of all IRB activities.
This includes tracking all applications and their statuses, recording meeting minutes, and documenting all decisions and modifications required by the Board.
They also provide training and orientation to new Board members and researchers, ensuring they are familiar with the regulations and ethical considerations related to human subjects research.
Another important aspect of the IRB Administrator’s role is to stay up-to-date on regulatory changes and advancements in research practices.
This involves continuous learning and adapting to ensure the Board’s activities remain compliant and relevant.
In the case of any adverse events or noncompliance issues, the IRB Administrator is responsible for conducting or coordinating investigations and reporting the findings to the Board and any relevant authorities.
Institutional Review Board Administrator Qualifications and Skills
An Institutional Review Board Administrator requires a unique blend of skills and qualifications to efficiently manage ethical reviews and ensure regulatory compliance in research institutions.
These include:
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and institutional policies and regulations related to human research protections to ensure compliance.
- Strong analytical skills to review and evaluate research protocols and related documents, identifying potential ethical or regulatory issues.
- Excellent communication skills to effectively convey complex regulatory information to researchers, board members, and other stakeholders.
- Superior organizational skills to manage multiple review processes simultaneously, keep track of deadlines, and maintain meticulous records.
- Proficiency in using electronic IRB systems for submission, review, tracking, and reporting purposes.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse teams including researchers, IRB members, and institutional officials, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
- Problem-solving abilities to manage issues that may arise during the review process and find compliant, ethical solutions.
- Professional commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards in research involving human subjects.
Institutional Review Board Administrator Experience Requirements
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrators usually require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as healthcare, social science, or legal studies.
Entry-level candidates may also need 1 to 2 years of professional experience in a research or healthcare setting.
This can be obtained through internships, part-time roles, or even relevant full-time positions.
IRB Administrators should ideally have experience with ethics reviews, which may be obtained through roles in research ethics committees, clinical trial coordination, or other related positions.
They also need to be familiar with research regulations and guidelines, which could be gained through regulatory compliance roles or dedicated training.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have advanced skills and knowledge in the review and oversight of human subjects research.
They may also have experience serving on an IRB, which is typically preferred by employers.
Those with over 5 years of experience are usually considered senior-level.
They might have experience in leadership roles within an IRB, managing a team of administrators, or developing and implementing IRB policies and procedures.
Their extensive experience would make them suitable for supervisory or managerial positions in larger IRB settings.
Institutional Review Board Administrator Education and Training Requirements
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrators typically require a bachelor’s degree in a field related to healthcare, social sciences, or administration.
Given the nature of their work, which often involves reviewing clinical trials and other research studies, a background in medical ethics, law, or clinical research might be beneficial.
Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in public health, healthcare administration, or a related field.
Experience in research administration, clinical trials, or legal compliance is often preferred, and some roles may require direct experience with an IRB.
IRB administrators should have a detailed understanding of federal, state, and local regulations that govern research involving human subjects.
They also need strong organizational and communication skills, as they need to manage the review process and communicate effectively with researchers and board members.
Certification, such as the Certified IRB Professional (CIP) credential, is not typically required, but can demonstrate a commitment to the field and an understanding of the ethical and procedural issues that IRBs handle.
Continuing education is important in this role, as regulations and ethical considerations in research are often subject to change.
Therefore, many IRB administrators pursue ongoing training and professional development opportunities to stay updated.
Institutional Review Board Administrator Salary Expectations
An Institutional Review Board Administrator can expect to earn an average salary of $66,386 (USD) per year.
However, the actual income can vary significantly based on years of experience, level of education, and the location of the institution.
Certain advanced roles or prestigious institutions might offer higher compensation.
Institutional Review Board Administrator Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Institutional Review Board Administrator need?
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Administrators require strong organizational and administrative skills due to the extensive paperwork and tracking of ongoing research studies.
They should have an understanding of ethics and be able to interpret regulations related to human subject research.
They also need excellent communication skills to interact effectively with researchers, board members, and regulatory authorities.
Do Institutional Review Board Administrators need a degree?
Most employers require a bachelor’s degree for this role.
Preferred fields of study include social science, life science, or a related field.
Depending on the scope and complexity of the research studies conducted, some institutions may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or experience in clinical research or biomedical ethics.
What should you look for in an IRB Administrator resume?
Look for experience in research administration, particularly in areas related to human subject protection.
Knowledge about federal regulations regarding human subject research, such as the Common Rule, HIPAA, and FDA regulations is crucial.
Certifications like Certified IRB Professional (CIP) can also add value.
What qualities make a good Institutional Review Board Administrator?
A good IRB Administrator should have excellent attention to detail to review study protocols, informed consent documents, and other research materials.
They should possess strong problem-solving skills to navigate complex ethical dilemmas.
Additionally, they must have excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with researchers, board members, and other stakeholders.
What are the daily duties of an Institutional Review Board Administrator?
An IRB Administrator’s duties include coordinating board meetings, reviewing research protocols, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining records of research studies.
They also liaise with researchers to answer queries about the submission process, informed consent, and other ethical issues.
Ongoing education about changes in regulations and ethical standards is also part of their role.
Is it difficult to hire an Institutional Review Board Administrator?
It can be challenging to find a candidate with the right mix of administrative skills, ethical understanding, and knowledge of regulations.
As this role requires a specific set of skills and knowledge, organizations may need to invest time and resources into finding the right candidate.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
Today, we’ve unveiled the intriguing realm of an Institutional Review Board Administrator.
Guess what?
It’s not just about paperwork.
It’s about shaping the ethical standards and regulatory compliance in research, one policy at a time.
With our go-to Institutional Review Board Administrator job description template and real-world examples, you’re primed for action.
But why stop there?
Expand your horizons with our job description generator. It’s your one-stop solution for meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every policy and procedure is a part of a greater mission.
Let’s shape that future. Together.
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