Medical Director-IRB

Find your calling at Mercy!

Position Details:

Position Summary 

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair provides administrative, ethical, and regulatory leadership for the institution’s human subjects protection program. The Chair oversees the review of all research involving human participants to ensure full compliance with federal regulations, state laws, and institutional policies. This role ensures the protection of the rights, safety, and welfare of human research subjects while facilitating ethical scientific advancement. 

Core Responsibilities 

• Meeting Leadership: Preside over convened full-board IRB meetings, manage protocol discussions, and facilitate consensus voting on complex ethical issues. 

• Protocol Review: Conduct expedited and exempt reviews, evaluate protocol amendments, and handle standard adverse event or non-compliance reports.  Oversee training of designated reviewers and ensure reviewer compliance with Mercy IRB SOPs and other applicable policies.  

• Regulatory Compliance: Interpret and apply federal regulations (e.g., DHHS 45 CFR 46, FDA 21 CFR 50/56), state statutes, and the ethical principles of the Belmont Report. 

• Committee Oversight: Mentor and train IRB members and administrative staff on evolving regulatory updates and ethical review standards. 

• Researcher Liaison: Advise investigators on protocol design, consent form requirements, and human subject risk mitigation strategies. 

• Corrective Action: Authorize the suspension or termination of research approvals when required to protect participant safety. 

Required Qualifications 

• Education: Advanced degree in a relevant scientific, medical, or legal discipline. 

• Experience: Ideally a minimum of 3 years of active service as a voting member on an IRB. 

• Expertise: Demonstrated deep understanding of human subjects research regulations, the Common Rule, and bioethics. 

• Skills: Exceptionally strong interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and clear written communication skills 

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.