CRTLE + Research Faculty Facilitators – IRB Mentor Fellowship
The Center for Research on Teaching and Learning Excellence (CRTLE) and the Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) invite applications for two Fellowship positions as part of a new, joint IRB Mentoring Initiative. This new role is designed specifically to enhance faculty development in mentoring by supporting students conducting human subjects research by guiding them through the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process with clarity, empathy, and consistency.
Duration: 1 semester (Fall and Spring), eligible for renewal
Weekly Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per week
Stipend: $2,500 per semester [paid at the end of the semester]
Start Date: January 26, 2025
Proposal Due: January 15, 2025 (5:00 pm).
Position Overview
IRB Mentor Fellows will provide training and mentorship to students, helping them navigate IRB requirements and prepare high-quality protocol submissions. This initiative promotes excellence in faculty–student engagement and strengthens a culture of ethical, research-informed teaching across the university.
Serving as an IRB Mentor requires a time commitment of approximately 4 hours per week, which includes time reviewing student IRB applications, meeting with students for mentoring sessions, and creating/conducting outreach. Pending expected continued funding and as allowable by UTA human resources, IRB Mentor Fellows receive a stipend of $2,500 per semester, with distribution at the end of each semester, contingent on completion of the key expectations as listed below.
Mentors will serve a one-semester term, eligible for renewal. The start date for this program will be January 2026.
Key Expectations
Collaborative Engagement
Partner with CRTLE and ORS to model ethical mentoring practices and responsible conduct of research as well as provide guided coaching and targeted feedback to students on IRB submissions. Contribute to a university-wide culture of research integrity and student success. Communicating with CRTLE and ORS throughout the fellowship is a required activity to receive the stipend.
Mentorship Training & Support
Receive structured training and resources in mentoring best practices, virtual mentoring, and IRB procedures from CRTLE and ORS to effectively guide students through the IRB process. Attending the IRB training at the beginning of the fellowship (scheduled around the availability of IRB Mentor Fellows and IRB staff) is required to receive the stipend.
Office Hours & Technology-Enhanced Mentoring
Maintain and communicate flexible office hours for student consultations (in-person and virtual). Explore digital tools and strategies (e.g., Teams, Bookings, shared documents, virtual whiteboards) to support individualized, accessible, and efficient student mentoring experiences. Learn to use the UTA’s Microsoft Bookings tool to simplify scheduling student consultation appointment, manage availability, and minimize back-and-forth communication. Using the Bookings tool and holding office hours are required activities to receive the stipend. Read here for more on the more recent Bookings with Me tools. Read here for more on the Microsoft Bookings tool and how to request setup.
Targeted Outreach
Conduct virtual-only or blended/hybrid workshops and training sessions tailored for students on the IRB and preparation of high-quality protocol applications. Conducting at least one workshop during the semester is a required activity to receive the stipend. CRTLE can assist with technology and room bookings for these outreach events as well as support broad marketing and promotion of events.
Feedback
IRB Mentor Fellows will contribute one blog post (~700-1000 words) per term for the Pedagogy Next blog/website. This can also include an optional video. Contributing at least one blog post during the semester is a required activity to receive the stipend.
Professional Development
Gain recognition as an IRB Mentor Fellow and build skills in strategic partnerships, virtual engagement, advising, design and implementation of professional development, and the facilitation of research ethics processes and conversations. A written reflection on your experience, lessons learned, highlights of success, and recommendations for the future is required to receive the stipend.
Qualifications
- Current full-time faculty member at UT Arlington committed to supporting student research and fostering ethical research practices.
- Strong interest in improving student learning outcomes through innovative approaches and mentoring
- Prior experience conducting human subject research and submitting IRB applications (at UTA) is required.
- Technical skills, including familiarity with Mentis (IRB submission system), OneDrive, Adobe, and Microsoft Word.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to work collaboratively.
- Experience with mentoring and interest in virtual engagement.
Application Process
To apply, submit the following by January 15, 2025 to regulatoryservices@uta.edu. Use the following subject line in your email: Application: IRB Mentor Fellowship.
- Detailed cover letter with your background related to human subject research and the IRB process, why you want to be an IRB Mentor, experience with CRTLE or faculty professional development related to teaching or mentorship, and ideas you would bring to the role.
- Include a formal letter of support from your department chair, indicating that they are aware of the time demands of being an IRB Mentor Fellow.
- Include a second letter from another colleague who can support your qualifications to be an IRB Mentor, including the criteria listed here.
- Copy of your recent Curriculum Vitae.
