Skip to main content
Back to home

Research ethics

IRB Member

The IRB Member plays a crucial role in the review, approval, and ongoing monitoring of research involving human subjects.

Apply by email
Location
Remote
Position type
Contractual
Reports to
IRB Chair/Vice-Chair, IRB Directors
Practice area
Human subjects protection

The opportunity

Help protect participants and the integrity of research.

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.

What you’ll do

Key Responsibilities

Review Research Protocols

  • 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.

Attend IRB Meetings

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.

Conduct Ethical Reviews

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.

Collaborate with IRB Leadership

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

Conflict of Interest Management

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.

Ongoing Education and Training

Participate in annual and periodic training activities to remain current on:

  • Ethical standards
  • Regulatory requirements
  • Emerging issues in human subject research protections

Provide Specialized Expertise

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

Participate in Audits and Compliance Activities

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

Other Duties

Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What you bring

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • 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.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 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

The engagement

Compensation & benefits

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

Ongoing Work Compensation

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

Additional Benefits

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

Bring your expertise to Unison.

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.

Apply by email