Institutional Review Board Chair

Job Title: Institutional Review Board (IRB) Chair 

Status: Part-time/15-20 hours per month

Department: Office of Academic Affairs

Salary Range: $20,000

Supervisor: Associate Provost

Location: Remote

About American Jewish University

American Jewish University (AJU)’s mission is singularly focused on the future of Jewish life in North America—training and educating the next generation of rabbis, educators, professionals, and lay leaders, and creating innovative, dynamic pathways for Jewish learning and living. With locations in Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, and Simi Valley, as well as distance education programs serving learners nationwide and globally, AJU is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education offering both community-based and formal academic programs.

AJU comprises two academic schools offering degree programs: the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (ZSRS), which provides an in-person MA in Rabbinic Studies and ordains Conservative rabbis; and the Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership (Masor School), which offers fully online programs in early childhood education at the BA, MA, and EdD levels, along with certificate programs and an EdD in Jewish Education and Communal Leadership. AJU also delivers for-credit undergraduate-level coursework to high school students through its Jewish Learning Experience (JLE) program. In 2024–25, the University enrolled 164 full-time equivalent (FTE) students with a total, unduplicated enrollment of 536.

Position Overview

The IRB Chair provides important leadership and oversight for the University’s Institutional Review Board, ensuring ethical and compliant review of research involving human participants. The Chair oversees protocol review, leads IRB meetings as needed, and works collaboratively with administrative support and IRB members to maintain clear, efficient processes appropriate for a small-university setting.

Key Responsibilities

A. IRB Leadership & Governance

• Provide leadership to ensure ethical and regulatory compliance in human subjects research.
• Address urgent concerns or noncompliance issues in coordination with University leadership.
• Maintain independence, confidentiality, and conflict-of-interest safeguards.

B. Protocols for Review Oversight

• Oversee intake and screening of submissions to determine the appropriate level of review (not human subjects research, exempt, expedited, or full board).
• Conduct or delegate expedited reviews and ensure timely determinations.
• Lead reviews to ensure appropriate risk/benefit analysis, consent processes, and participant protections.
• Identify when outside expertise when specialized review is needed.

C. IRB Meetings, Documentation, Communication, and Recordkeeping

• Chair IRB meetings on a regular schedule, ensuring committee participation, structured deliberation, and timely action.
• Oversee voting and ensure accurate documentation of determinations and required revisions.
• Manage conflicts of interest (including Chair recusal), including arranging alternate leadership when necessary.
• Work with designated staff to prepare agendas, track submissions, maintain records, and communicate decisions to investigators.
• Review and sign IRB determinations and related correspondence as required.

D. Policy and Process Improvement 

• Maintain and update IRB policies, procedures, and templates, to match current regulations and institutional practice and recommend improvements to streamline review while protecting participants. 
• Contribute to annual reporting and program self-assessment appropriate for institutional scale.
• Participate in fact-finding or compliance review activities as needed and recommend corrective actions.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience conducting or overseeing research involving human participants.
• Prior IRB experience (e.g., IRB membership or equivalent human research oversight experience).
• Strong working knowledge (or willingness to rapidly develop knowledge) of applicable human subjects regulations and ethical standards.
• Excellent judgment, communication skills, diplomacy, and ability to facilitate committee deliberations.
• Commitment to an educational, service-oriented approach that supports researchers while maintaining protections.

Preferred Qualifications

• Senior academic appointment.
• Prior IRB leadership experience (Chair/Vice Chair/Expedited Reviewer) or significant committee leadership.
• Experience mentoring investigators and supporting student research oversight.
• Experience using online IRB management tools (i.e. Kuali)