Research Security Leader

UOM University of Melbourne; Parkville; On-site; AUD 146,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

17% superannuation

Salary packaging benefits

Health and wellbeing programs

Professional development opportunities

Discounted services

Cultural and recreational benefits

Job summary

The University of Melbourne is seeking a strategic leader to head Research Security across a major research-intensive environment. You will advise on national security, export controls and foreign interference risks, shaping policy and training to strengthen integrity and collaboration.

You will lead a specialist team, drive proactive compliance initiatives, engage with regulators and senior academics, and protect the University's global reputation in an evolving security landscape.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience in research, security or compliance.
• Deep knowledge of research security, foreign interference guidance and related legislation affecting the university sector.
• Apply advanced analytical thinking and sound judgement to complex, sensitive and ethical research risk scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Research Security Advisors to deliver high-quality, timely advice and support to researchers.
• Oversee allocation, workflow and prioritisation across the team, balancing reactive requests and proactive compliance initiatives.
• Develop and deliver training, briefings and communications, and represent the University with regulators and sector forums.

Skills

Leadership

Research security

Regulatory guidance

Education

Postgraduate qualifications

Job description

Role type: Full-time; Continuing Department: MRE – Office of Research Ethics and Integrity Salary: UOM 9 - $146,049 - $151,951 p.a. plus 17% super Strategic research security leadership role / shape compliant global collaborations and protect University reputation / partner with senior academics, regulators and government.

Investing in you – 17% superannuation, benefits package including salary packaging, health and wellbeing programs, discounted services, and professional development opportunities.

The University of Melbourne We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website.

Your next career opportunity: You will lead a specialist research security team supporting secure, compliant and impactful research collaborations. You will advise on complex national security, export controls and foreign interference risks across a leading research-intensive university. You will shape education, guidance and policy that strengthen research integrity and protect the University’s global reputation.

What you will deliver:

Lead and mentor Research Security Advisors to deliver high-quality, timely advice and support to researchers. Oversee allocation, workflow and prioritisation across the team, balancing reactive requests and proactive compliance initiatives. Provide expert guidance on complex research security matters, including export controls, sanctions and foreign interference obligations. Monitor emerging geopolitical, research security and cybersecurity risks, and translate insights into strengthened protections and practices. Develop and deliver training, briefings and communications, and represent the University in engagements with regulators and sector forums.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Hold postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience in research, security or compliance.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of research security, foreign interference guidance and related legislation affecting the university sector.
• Apply advanced analytical thinking and sound judgement to complex, sensitive and ethical research risk scenarios.
• Communicate complex regulatory and security concepts clearly through training, briefings, outreach and written guidance.
• Lead and develop staff, drive efficient team operations and build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Draft regulatory submissions, engage confidently with government and regulators, and remain curious about emerging research security issues.

What we offer you!

• Build future financial security with 17% superannuation
• Supportive flexible work arrangements underpinned by our commitment to inclusion and well-being
• Career development opportunities, including access to a range of tailored programs, such as Academic Women in Leadership, and learning platforms including LinkedIn Learning
• Progressive, considerate leave provisions to empower your work-life balanceand well-being, including leading parental leave, gender affirmation leave and cultural leave
• Salary packaging and access to a range of discounted services including Bupa health insurance, and access to unique cultural and recreational benefits such as discounts for the Melbourne Theatre Company
• Health and well-being services including a leading Employee Assistance Program

For more information check out our benefits page!

Your new team:

Melbourne Research & Enterprise supports researchers to secure funding, translate discoveries and deliver real-world impact. Within this division, the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity leads governance, ethics, integrity and research security frameworks. You will join a collaborative, service-oriented team that partners with academics, professional staff, institutes and government. The team values integrity, responsiveness and continuous improvement, offering rich exposure to complex national security issues and sector-leading practice.

Be Yourself

The University of Melbourne is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a child-safe organisation. The diversity of our community enriches us all, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and fair workplace where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Discover more about Diversity and Inclusion at UniMelb.

We're committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and ongoing workplace support, providing adjustments throughout. We warmly encourage applications from people with disabilities. Learn more about how we support an accessible recruitment process.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians. Visit our Indigenous staff page to learn more about our investment and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Indigenous applicants are encouraged to connect with our Indigenous Employment & Development team at [e-mail].

Applications close: Wednesday 21 October 2026 -11:55 PM; Melbourne time zone.