The Institutional Review Board is looking for a faculty member to fill an open position.

Robert Augustine, the dean of the graduate school, said he is looking for someone from the College of Education and Professional Studies to serve the remaining eight months on a previous member’s appointment.

The term on the board will last from January through August of 2012.

“I need a faculty member who is a scientist and who has experience conducting research with human subjects and can bring that expertise to the process of reviewing research proposals,” Augustine said via email.

Cheryl Siddens, a compliance coordinator for the Institutional Review Board and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, said the board is composed of both science and non-science members, as well as faculty, staff and community members.

The Institutional Review Board helps protect the rights of human subjects involved with research studies at Eastern.

In order for a research project to use human subjects, the board must review the projects.

“The main function of the IRB is to conduct reviews of research proposals and to provide written verification that the research has appropriate protections of the rights and welfare of the human participants,” Augustine said.

Siddens said the board helps to ensure the rights of people who participate in human research.

“It’s important to protect the rights and welfare of people in research to make sure the research is conducted in an ethical manor,” Siddens said.

Siddens also said that the state of Illinois requires an Institutional Review Board to be put in place in order to receive federal funding for research projects.

“Failing to provide assurance puts the university at risk for research misconduct. Such findings could result in sanctions and penalties from granting agents or scientific societies,” Augustine said. “In addition, the University must model exemplary research standards for all constituents and ensure that faculty and students understand the standards for the ethical conduct of research with human subjects.”

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].