Associate Director Research Programs and Compliance

Associate Director Research Programs and Compliance

Job no: 492972

Work type: FT

Location: West Des Moines

Categories: Staff

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences (DMU), you will make a meaningful contribution to the dynamic future of medicine and health sciences.

Des Moines University, in partnership with the national executive search firm Scott Healy & Associates, invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Director of Research Programs and Compliance.

This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative and forward-thinking research professional to help support and strengthen the university’s growing research enterprise. Reporting to the Director of Research Operations, Compliance and Strategy, this position supports institutional research compliance programs, laboratory and animal research operations, health and safety initiatives, and regulatory oversight activities across the university.

Please note:This search is being conducted in partnership with Scott Healy & Associates. All candidate materials should be submitted directly to the search firm.

What You’ll Do

• Support institutional compliance programs including IBC, Radiation Safety, IACUC, and IRB

• Coordinate research laboratory and animal facility safety initiatives

• Support faculty, staff, and student research activities and compliance efforts

• Assist with protocol review, research quality oversight, and regulatory compliance

• Deliver compliance and safety training programs

• Collaborate with university leadership to strengthen research infrastructure and operational excellence

• Provide supervision and support for research assistants

What We Are Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as research administration, life sciences, or public health

• Experience in research administration, compliance, laboratory operations, or research safety

• Knowledge of federal research regulations and compliance standards

• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills

• Ability to interpret complex regulations and exercise sound judgment

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related discipline

• Experience supporting academic or healthcare research environments

• Experience administering IBC, Radiation Safety, IACUC, and IRB programs

• Familiarity with electronic research administration systems

• Professional certifications related to IRB, IACUC, biosafety, radiation safety, laboratory safety, or animal care oversight

Total Rewards

Our employees are what make DMU special, so we treat them well. Qualified faculty and staff enjoy a generous employer contribution toward medical coverage, a 10% retirement match, flexible work arrangements, community service time, tuition assistance, professional development funding, wellness resources, and generous paid time off.

To learn more about DMU benefits and culture, visit:

About DMU

Founded in 1898, Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is a premier medical and health sciences institution offering multiple graduate degree programs across the Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, and Health Sciences.

In 2023, DMU relocated to a new 88-acre campus in West Des Moines, Iowa, featuring technology-rich educational spaces and expanded state-of-the-art research facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

DMU’s mission is to improve lives in our global community by educating diverse groups of highly competent and compassionate health professionals.

Application Process

All applications, nominations, and inquiries should be directed in confidence to:

Christopher S. Healy, President

Scott Healy & Associates

View email address on click.appcast.io

Applications should include:

• Cover letter

• CV or resume

• Contact information for three professional references

For full position details and application instructions, visit the Scott Healy & Associates search profile atAssociate Director of Research Programs and Compliance | Scott Healy & Associates (

Applications received by July 6, 2026 will receive priority consideration. The search will remain open until the position is filled.

Position Description

Advertised: 21 May 2026 Central Daylight Time

Applications close: