Director of Research Training Programs

Job Description:

Brown University is a leading research university distinct for its student-centered learning and deep sense of purpose. Our students, faculty and staff are driven by the idea that their work will have an impact in the world.

Brown University offers a flexible work/life balance; summer hours, winter break and a comprehensive Benefits package including time off, annual paid holidays; benefits offerings including health, dental, vision, tuition assistance, retirement, wellness, employee discounts and more.  To learn about Brown University’s benefits, visit the University Human Resources web page here for further information.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Research in the Office of the Vice President for Research, the new Research Training Programs group will be responsible for supporting the university research enterprise through three main areas.            

• The necessary internal training and related certificate programs for staff who support research operations within OVPR and campus-wide;
• The required training related to regulated areas of research such as Responsible Conduct of Research, Conflict of Interest, Export Control, Research Security, Sponsored Projects, and the Ethical Conduct of Research; and
• Areas of faculty development related to the research enterprise such as grant writing, peer review, intellectual property management and development, data management and sharing, and growing a research lab.

The Director of the Research Training Programs group will set strategies and oversee operations for Brown's organizational development and training functions related to research administration and faculty research development in concert with OVPR leadership. The Director will be responsible for developing and implementing organizational research and research administration training programs related to the three major functions of the Research Training group. Conducts and directs the assessment of training needs, development and creation of shared university-wide templates, the creation of training content or materials, and the coordination and delivery of training sessions. May be responsible for management or executive development programs, technical training, safety training, or train-the-trainer programs. This position will work closely with Talent Development in University Human Resources, Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) programs, hubs of research administration support outside OVPR, and other groups across campus to ensure coordination among training and development opportunities.

Assess institutional training needs and develop new trainings

• Conduct research enterprise-wide needs assessment to determine overall strategic plan and timeline for development and implementation of a catalog of research training for staff and faculty.
• Assess outcomes to ensure learning needs of the research community and regulations and laws that govern research are met. Ensure that slate of trainings ensure compliance with all regulations and laws related to the research enterprise.
• Collaborate with colleagues in research compliance in monitoring new regulations and policies and determine area(s) of accountability for ensuring compliance.
• Propose and develop new trainings deploying best practices in learning and development.

Oversee and manage research administration training programs and resources

• Facilitate university wide staff training programs related to research administration, including reviving the OSP certificate program and expanding to cover all regulatory areas related to research administration. 
• Design and develop program materials, handbooks, e-learning  and other resources. Maintain appropriate repositories of resources for staff and faculty and continually communicate about available supports.
• Streamline processes, templates, and research administration practices across the university, with particular focus of aligning the research administration hubs within schools.
• Oversee comprehensive communications strategy to effectively reach all audiences.
• Manage programs to ensure Brown’s compliance with regulatory training in the areas of Responsible Conduct of Research, Research Security, Conflict of Interests, Export Control, and other areas.
• Work with central research administration units to develop shared templates for pre- and post-award activities.
• Track and oversee participation and develop a robust evaluation process. Identify areas in need of improvement and continually adjust current training programs.
• Work closely with Talent Development in University Human Resources and other groups across campus to ensure coordination among training and development opportunities.
• May supervise a small team of staff.

Develop and execute slate of faculty development programming

• Develop, implement, and support a faculty development program to assist faculty in all aspects of research at Brown.
• Utilize existing research on best practices in faculty development as well as assessment of the current needs at Brown to inform recommendation and implementation of programming.
• Continually assess institutional need and impact of programs via program evaluations, focus groups, surveys, and other tools.
• Areas of faculty development related to the research enterprise include but are not limited to grant writing, peer review, intellectual property management and development, data management and sharing, and growing a research lab.

Develop and communicate key performance metrics

• Develop program evaluation strategy to analyze all programs within the training and faculty development for research space.
• Continually monitor data on current offerings to measure how goals are being met.
• Solicit and incorporate feedback from faculty and others in the research community into process improvement efforts.
• Analyze data and adjust programming continually.
• Regularly present findings to OVPR leadership and university senior leadership
• Use data to inform recommendations for additional training and programming.

Job Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in organizational training, learning, and development within the research space at an institution of higher education, hospital, or research institute or related experience.
• Experience building and managing a team.
• Experience working with the research enterprise.
• Experience in train-the-trainer efforts
• Excellent communication skills
• Facility with technical tools and administrative processes
• High attention to detail
• Experience creating effective training materials in different media (digital, elearning, web, video)
• Ability to effectively conduct training and development activities in different media (in person, hybrid, virtual)
• Ability to work with subject matter experts to translate required processes into training materials
• Ability to explain complex requirements clearly
• Possess a willingness and ability to support and promote a diverse and inclusive campus community

Preferred:

• Experience creating and growing a research training program in a higher education setting

Cover letter and resume required with application.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown University.

Recruiting Start Date:

2024-04-04

Job Posting Title:

Director of Research Training Programs

Department:

Office of the Vice President for Research

Grade:

Grade 12

Worker Type:

Employee

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

37.5

Position Work Location:

Hybrid Eligible

Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected] .

EEO Statement:

Brown University is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO/AA employer , Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, and caste, which is protected by our University policies.