Become A Board Member

We are now accepting applications for NCI CIRB membership. The CIRB consists of four boards, each addressing different types of trials. This year, there are openings on the boards for medical oncologists, pharmacists, statisticians, and patient representatives. The new cohort of board members will be appointed by early September.  Orientation and the opportunity to observe several meetings will take place October – November.  New board members will assume their roles as full voting members in January. 

The CIRB consists of four boards, each addressing different types of trials. To learn more about each board and what areas of responsibility they cover, see About the Boards.

If you are interested in applying, please fill out the NCI CIRB Board Member Application and the Conflict of Interest Screening Worksheet and submit with your CV to cirbmembership@emmes.com.  

CIRB MEMBERSHIP BASICS

• Each CIRB includes Ethicists, Nurses, Patient Advocates, Pharmacists, Physicians, and Statisticians.
• Each CIRB has a different area of specialization (see below) and may require additional board members to ensure the proper expertise is represented.
• Members serve on one of four CIRBs - refer to list below.
• Prior IRB experience is preferred, but not required.
• NCI employees and contractors are not eligible to serve on the CIRB. 
• CIRB meetings are scheduled for four hours in length and are conducted via web-enhanced teleconference.
• Occasionally members are asked to serve as a consultant reviewer for other CIRBs.

CIRB MEMBER Position Description:

A CIRB Member should have the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

1. Knowledge and the ability to apply the:
   1. Ethical principles underlying protection of study participants
   2. Common Rule
   3. Federal regulations applicable to the protection of study participants
   4. Ability to apply expertise to IRB role
2. Strong interpersonal and communication skills
3. Comfortable articulating opinions and position on a particular topic(s)
4. Enjoy working in a collaborative environment

Responsibilities: 

1. Maintain knowledge of regulations and policies pertaining to human research
2. Maintain knowledge of CIRB policies pertaining to serving as a CIRB member
3. Understand the Conflict of Interest Policy for CIRB Members and disclose potential or known conflicts of interest
4. Review all materials received and/or electronically posted prior to meetings
5. Attend regularly scheduled CIRB meetings via teleconference and ePanel©
6. Engage in discussions and vote at CIRB meetings
7. When assigned, serve as primary reviewer for scheduled reviews and submit a written review of the assigned study using the appropriate reviewer form within the designated timeframe.
8. Maintain confidentiality of CIRB discussions and all meeting materials
9. Attend and participate in monthly board meeting educational training sessions, ad hoc webinars, and any in-person educational meetings
10. Respond by indicated deadline to requests from CIRB Operations Office for information

BOARD SPECIALIZATION AND MEETING SCHEDULE

To learn more about each board and what areas of responsibility they cover, see About the Boards in the About section of this website.

ORIENTATION & CONTINUING EDUCATION

• CIRB members participate in an orientation program designed to provide knowledge of applicable human subject protection regulations and procedures and the ability to apply the ethical principles underlying protection of study participants.
• Continuing Education participation for CIRB members is required. Training is offered throughout the year in a variety of formats which include: monthly board meetings, ad hoc webinars, and in-person education days. 

Thank you for your interest in the CIRB for the National Cancer Institute. If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone, please contact us at cirbmembership@emmes.com or call 888-657-3711.   

If you are interested in becoming a board member, please refer to the following: