Flexible Schedule
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Virtual Opportunity
Non-Affiliate/Community IRB Member (Volunteer) Organizational Mission The Office of Regulatory Affairs and Research Compliance (ORARC) is a comprehensive administrative office designed to review, approve, assist, and oversee all research projects involving human subjects conducted by faculty, staff, and students across the Harvard Longwood Campus (HLC) Schools, including Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that functions as part of ORARC and is required by federal law to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects participating in research activities. The committee meets this mandate by reviewing proposed and ongoing human research activities, ensuring they meet specific criteria for approval. ORARC provides administrative support to two IRBs: Harvard Faculty of Medicine (HMS/HSDM) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Harvard Chan School). For more information, please visit our website: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/orarc IRB Membership Description, Expectations, and Responsibilities We are seeking a non-affiliated member for the two IRBs at the HLC Schools - the Harvard Faculty of Medicine (HMS/HSDM) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (Harvard Chan School). Selection of IRB is up to the applicant; we have positions open on both IRBs and accepted candidates can elect to join one or both. Selection may be based on interest or availability. Below is a brief summary to assist with this decision: IRB 1: HMS/HSDM Common Research Reviewed: Investigational and medical devices, genetics, biospecimens, international research, student projects, oral health and dental science, mental health interventions, emerging technology, pediatrics, general medicine, surgery, psychiatry Meeting Schedule: Monthly on the last Tuesday; 4-6PM IRB 2: Harvard Chan School Common Research Reviewed: Clinical trials, investigational drugs, international research, HIV/AIDS, maternal health, pediatrics, mental health interventions, emerging technology, immunology/infectious disease, epidemiology, environmental health, nutrition Meeting Schedule: Monthly on the first Wednesday; 10:30AM-12PM Non-affiliated members are expected to provide input regarding their individual knowledge about the local community and be willing to discuss issues and research from that perspective. A non-affiliated member can have a scientific or nonscientific background, and would be expected to provide input on areas germane to their knowledge, expertise and experience, professional and otherwise. IRB members serve a 1-2 year term and are eligible for re-appointment at the end of each term. IRB meetings are held remotely once per month on a set schedule, which can be viewed here, and last 1-2 hours. This membership is on a volunteer basis and does not include any salary or benefits. Please note: you may be compensated with a small monetary token, which will be discussed in the interview process. Time Commitment: Convened IRB meetings typically last 1-2 hours but, depending on the size of the agenda, that can vary.There will be 3-4 hours of preparatory work per committee member before each meeting - this can also vary depending on the Primary and Secondary Reviewer assignment for each agenda item. At minimum, it is expected that all IRB members are familiar enough with each agenda item to participate in the discussion. The non-affiliated member must not be a current employee, former employee, or student of Harvard University and its affiliate schools or hospitals. Additionally, this Member should not have an immediate family member who is a current employee, former employee, or student of any Harvard School or affiliate. Additionally, the non-affiliated member must: ●Have an interest in the protection of human subjects participating in biomedical and social-behavioral research, and the research enterprise in general. ●Regularly attend the majority of scheduled monthly IRB meetings and any ad-hoc meetings. ●Participate as a reviewer on applications to which they are assigned. Advanced preparation on meeting day is mandatory. Application assignment is based on expertise. ●Review and participate in a discussion of all applications and agenda items at each meeting. ●Keep abreast of regulations and policies governing IRB review of research and the conduct of ethical human subjects research. ●Participate in IRB educational activities (e.g. monthly education sessions, local offerings, webinars, industry conferences, etc). ●Complete required New IRB Member Training/Orientation. ●Complete CITI Human Subjects Training, and obtain refresher training every 3 years. ●Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality. ●Have excellent communication and analytical skills, both verbal and written. ●Be comfortable with an electronic environment, remote meeting participation on Zoom, ability to navigate email, downloading documents to computer, and have access to internet. ●Complete the annual member self-assessment ●Build collegial working relationship with fellow committee members. ●Disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest (financial, personal, professional, scientific). Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values. To apply for this volunteer position, please send your resume/CV, as well as a cover letter describing your interest in the position and your qualifications, to irb@hsph.harvard.edu.
Date Posted: Jan 27, 2025
