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Principal Investigators

Responsibility, Committees, Compliance

We aim to support The Principal Investigator (PI) by providing essential information, resources, and guidance to foster a collaborative and compliant research environment. 

  • The PI is responsible for the management and integrity of any research project in the lab.
  • All research policies can be found on Converge Point (use your Western U login and click Policy Portal on the left-hand side).
  • For further details,  the Office of Research Regulatory Affairs will be able to assist you.  

  • We have several tools at your disposal for acquiring research funding. The Office of Sponsored Programs and Office and Research and Biotechnology can help you find and navigate these resources. 

Office of Sponsored Programs

We have several tools at your disposal for acquiring research funding. The Office of Sponsored Programs and Office and Research and Biotechnology can help you find and navigate these resources. 

1. Intramural Research Funding - The intramural/internal grant program is designed to help researchers generate preliminary data leading to external funding.

2. Seed Grants for Faculty are available to support clinical and educational research projects. 

3. Student Research Fellowship Program

4.  SPINPlus Grant and Funding Database

5. Grant Seeker - Email Dr. Michelle Steinauer

6. Kim Joyce Associates Grant Writing Services - email Susan Dominguez

 

 

 

Responsibilities

As a Principal Investigator, you play a critical role in the success and integrity of research. Your responsibilities include:

  • Ensuring the ethical and safe conduct of research within your purview
  • Familiarizing yourself with the requirements of each relevant committee
  • Submitting all required protocols and documents for committee reviews in a timely manner
  • Maintaining accurate and thorough records of all research activities and approvals

Committees

Our institution has established several committees to oversee and facilitate various aspects of research. These committees are integral to ensuring compliance, ethical standards, and overall research excellence. As a PI, it is crucial to be aware of the roles and responsibilities of each committee. 

Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC)

The IBC oversees research involving recombinant DNA, hazardous biological materials, and other potentially dangerous substances. This committee ensures adherence to safety guidelines and risk mitigation.

Key Functions:

  • Risk assessment and review of research protocols involving biological hazards
  • Development and enforcement of safety policies
  • Collaboration with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) teams
Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The IRB ensures the ethical and compliant conduct of research involving human subjects. This committee safeguards participants' rights, safety, and welfare by reviewing research protocols.

Key Functions:

  • Review of human subjects research proposals
  • Approval, modification, or disapproval of study protocols
  • Continuing oversight for compliance and participant safety

Resources: IRB 

 
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

The IACUC is responsible for the oversight of all research involving animal subjects. This committee evaluates protocols to ensure humane treatment and compliance with institutional and federal regulations.

Key Functions:

  • Review and approval of animal research protocols
  • Regular inspections of facilities and practices
  • Assessment of training and competency of research staff

Resources:

 

Please reach out to the Office of Research Regulatory Affairs & Office of Research and Biotechnology regarding any questions for Clinical Research.

 

 

 

Compliance

We offer comprehensive training and compliance support for all PIs and their research teams. Required and recommended training sessions via CITI training  include:

  • Human Subjects Research (IRB) training
  • Animal Care & Use (IACUC) certification
  • Biosafety & Biohazard Management (IBC) courses

 

Other Resources

We have three locations on the Pomona Campus and one on the Lebanon Campus. Some of these spaces are shared, as in multiple people in a large room, or individually assigned. Space is currently assigned by the Department of Research and Biotechnology. 

There are several BSL2 level cell culture rooms available per college. Please talk with them to ensure you will have space for anything BSL2 level work you may have. All other areas are BSL1. 

Gain access to your area by finishing the proper trainings

All researchers will have access to caustic cabinets, flammable cabinet, and shared fume hoods. Depending on the need of the PI, a cell culture room may be available. Cell Culture rooms are designated by the College's Dean of Research. 

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Hiring For Your Lab

All hiring should be done through the college you are working for. Please email your Operations Office for further information. Alternatively, you can email employment@westernu.edu and hr@westernu.edu.

If you need to shut down the lab, follow our policy and the General Lab Safety Guide. 

  • Purpose: Ensure proper cleanup and transfer of responsibilities when vacating a lab​.
  • Key Procedures:
    • Remove all hazardous materials and dispose of them properly.
    • Clean and inspect the laboratory to meet closure standards.
    • Submit final inventory and inspection documents to EHS​.

Reporting Links

Report an Injury Submit a Chemical Safety Concern to EHS Submit an Anonymous Report to Regulatory Affairs