Research Integrity Specialist

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago.  Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

The budgeted salary range for the position is $85,000 to $110,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.

Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

Primary Summary

The Research Integrity Specialist plays a critical role in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research in supporting the ethical conduct of research. This position is responsible for administering and supporting institutional research integrity processes, including managing cases of alleged research misconduct in accordance with university policies and federal regulations. The Specialist serves as a key resource for faculty, staff, and students, ensuring compliance, promoting best practices, and fostering a culture of integrity in research.

Key Responsibilities

Support Research Integrity Officer(s) and Faculty Committees in all aspects of case management, including intake, assessment, inquiry, investigation, and resolution of research misconduct allegations.

Manage evidence related to proceedings, including sequestering, cataloging, preserving, and documenting material securely and accurately.

Prepare comprehensive documentation, including initial assessments, reports for inquiry and investigation committees, and formal communications with involved parties.

Serve as a liaison to faculty, staff, and students, providing authoritative guidance on university research integrity policies and federal regulations (e.g., PHS, NSF).

Oversee case tracking and deadlines, ensuring timely progression of all stages in accordance with university procedures and federal expectations.

Support policy development, including regular review and recommendation of updates to institutional policies and procedures related to research integrity and misconduct.

Develop and maintain documentation, including standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and process maps to promote transparency, efficiency, and institutional knowledge.

Conduct process improvement analyses to optimize workflows, increase compliance, and strengthen the university’s research integrity framework.

Stay current with evolving federal requirements and best practices related to research integrity and compliance.

Support workplace environment, conflict of commitment and interest, export controls, and research security compliance, as needed and available.

Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall mission and objectives of the central research office.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as science, engineering, public policy, forensics, or a related discipline.

Demonstrated experience managing complex, detail-oriented processes.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong interpersonal and organizational skills with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters.

Proficiency in standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, database tools).

Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree (Master’s, JD, or PhD) in a relevant discipline.

Experience interpreting and implementing federal regulations.

Experience in an academic research or compliance setting.

Knowledge of federal research misconduct regulations (e.g., ORI, NSF OIG).

Experience with forensic tools (e.g., EnCase, Sumuri Paladin, Recon ITR) and/or digital analysis techniques.

Familiarity with drafting federal or institutional reports and conducting investigations in a regulated environment.

APPLICATION: To ensure fullest consideration, application materials must be received by June 23, 2025. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search. Salary is commensurate with experience and education. All candidates must create a candidate profile through http://jobs.uic.edu and upload a cover letter, resume and contact information for three references by the close date.

Interested candidates must apply directly on the UIC job board at:

https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/15097?c=uic

As an EOE/AA employer, the University of Illinois encourages applications from individuals regardless of an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, and Veteran or disability status.

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit: https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899