Overview:
Location: Washington, D.C. Metro Area (National Capital Region)
Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site/Hybrid (Telework Eligible with Prior Approval)
Annual Salary Range: $55 – $75/hour
Job Posting Estimated Close Date: 07/27/2025
Security Clearance: Must possess and maintain an active Top-Secret
clearance
INTECON, LLC is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Human Subjects Research Scientist to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T). This role directly supports the Human Research Protections Group (HRPG), which oversees ethical and regulatory compliance for all DHS-funded or DHS-conducted research involving human participants. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in human research protections, federal compliance frameworks, and ethical oversight programs such as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Human Research Protection Programs (HRPPs).
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Ensure compliance with major human research protections laws and guidelines, including:
- The Common Rule (6 CFR Part 46 / 45 CFR Part 46)
- The Belmont Report (Ethical principles: Respect for Persons, Beneficence, Justice)
- Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and clinical trial standards
- DHS and other Federal directives, policies, and instructions
- Provide support across a range of responsibilities including:
- Reviewing and analyzing human subjects research protocols
- Verifying Institutional Review Board (IRB) approvals
- Auditing compliance with informed consent standards and recordkeeping
- Maintaining and updating compliance tracking systems and shared document repositories
- Assist in the development of DHS human research protection policies, including:
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs), compliance checklists, and policy guidance documents
- Training curricula and instructional materials to be used across the DHS research enterprise
- Support audit planning and execution, including:
- Routine desk audits, on-site compliance inspections, and documentation reviews
- Reporting of findings to federal stakeholders and proposing corrective action recommendations
- Assist the HRPG team with:
- Analyzing complex regulatory issues and providing briefing content for executive-level management
- Representing DHS in interagency working groups and supporting stakeholder briefings
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders across diverse disciplines, ensuring a shared understanding of human subjects research compliance standards
- Organize and prioritize multiple assignments, track deliverables, and contribute to team-wide compliance reporting and performance reviews
- Travel may be required locally, regionally, or nationally to support training, outreach, or audit efforts.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in a science, public health, allied health, law, or related field required
- Master’s degree in STEM, public health, health policy, law, or IT preferred
Experience:
- Over 10 years of experience in human research protections, with demonstrated expertise in protocol review, regulatory strategy, stakeholder coordination, human subjects protections, regulatory affairs, and research compliance. Experience includes supporting federal research compliance programs, Institutional Review Board (IRB) administration, and quality assurance functions.
- A strong background in auditing, compliance monitoring, and policy development within a research or regulatory setting is highly desired.
Must Have Experience With:
- Human Research Protection Programs (HRPPs)
- Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and Research Ethics Committees (RECs)
- Federal research compliance documentation and approval workflows
- Informed consent review, risk-benefit analysis, and protocol documentation
- Quality control or assurance within a scientific or regulatory discipline
- Communicating complex compliance topics clearly to diverse audiences
Preferred Certifications and Training:
- Certified IRB Professional (CIP) – Eligibility required; certification preferred
- DHS or federal training in human subjects protections or compliance systems
- Project management or regulatory affairs training preferred
Proficiency In:
- Regulatory frameworks including Common Rule, Belmont Report, GCP
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for compliance tracking and reporting
- Written and oral communication for both technical and executive-level audiences
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder coordination
Security Clearance:
Must possess and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Group Health Plans (Medical, Dental, and Vision) coverage.
- Company-paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Supplemental Plans Available.
- Company-paid Training and Development Programs.
- Generous Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, and Sick Leave.
- 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match.
- Critical Illness and Accident Insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
About INTECON:
INTECON (Integrity Consulting), founded in 1999, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aspetto, Inc. Aspetto is a leading product and technology firm known for its strategic enterprise life-cycle support. With expertise in the acquisition, design, deployment, and sustainment of Federal and DoD tech and tactical systems, Aspetto has made a significant impact since its inception in 2008.
As an 8(a), HUBZone, and ISO 9001:2015 certified company, and a three-time INC.5000 awardee, Aspetto offers an impressive range of capabilities, including Enterprise IT & Cloud-Based Technologies, Software Development & Cybersecurity, Data & Analytics, Intelligence & Professional Services, Logistics, and Tactical Equipment. Together, Aspetto and INTECON strive to drive innovation, preserve quality standards, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our nation's security. Our client-centric approach prioritizes innovative, responsive solutions that consistently exceed expectations.
INTECON is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity. We firmly uphold the principle of Equal Pay for Equal Work, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, eligible veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.