Research Security Officer

University of Victoria; Victoria; On-site; CAD 64,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Victoria invites applications for a Research Security Officer within the Research Security Unit. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Research Security & Innovation, the RSO will assist in open source due diligence and risk assessment to safeguard UVic research.

The RSO will be the initial contact for research security reviews and will help organize meetings and events for the UVic research community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in research administration in a post-secondary setting.
• Proficiency in internet research and data analysis.
• Experience in performing risk assessments.
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams and writing reports/presentations.

Responsibilities

• Perform open source due diligence to safeguard UVic research and identify security risks.
• Act as the initial contact within the Research Security Unit for reviews of research agreements and contracts.
• Assist in evaluating and communicating research security risks for informed decision-making.
• Provide administrative support to RSU, including coordinating meetings with researchers and organizing security events.
• Participate in communities of practice for research security.

Skills

Open source due diligence

Risk assessment

Data analysis

Report writing

Presentation materials

Team collaboration

Communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Open source intelligence tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Share this job as a link in your status update to LinkedIn.

Organizational Unit

University of Victoria -> VP Research -> Innovation & Partnerships

Location

University of Victoria - Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2 CA (Primary)

Posting Close Date

24 September 2026

Please note that positions will close at 4 p.m. on the closing date.

FTE

1.0

Salary Grade

$63,782.00 - $82,915.00

Additional Posting Information

N/A

Salary posted will be pro-rated based on FTE and achieved as per the collective agreement, if applicable.

Classification

SG6

Start Date

10/1/2026

End Date

6/30/2027

Employee Group:

PEA - Term

# of Hires Needed

1

Category

Other

About this Opportunity

The University of Victoria is one of Victoria's largest employers and one of Canada’s best diversity employers. Together we are more than 5,000 dedicated faculty, librarians and staff supporting the University of Victoria’s diverse academic programs, world-class research and commitment to civic engagement.

The salary range for this position is:

• Recruitment range: $63,782 to $70,307. Starting salary is determined in accordance with the PEA Collective Agreement.
• Performance range: Up to $82,915. Progression beyond the recruitment range is available through annual performance increases, in accordance with the PEA Collective Agreement
  

Job Summary

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Research Security & Innovation (SMRSI), the Research Security Officer (RSO) will assist the Research Security Specialist (RSS) in performing open source due diligence (OSDD) and risk assessment to safeguard UVic research. The RSO will be the initial point of contact within the Research Security Unit (RSU) for research security reviews of research agreement and contract files being processed by the Contracts Unit. The RSO will contribute in assessing any identified research security risks, drawing the potential implications of OSDD findings, and communicating the OSDD results summary to stakeholders. The RSO will also provide administrative support to RSU, including but not limited to coordinating meetings with researchers and helping organize research security events for the UVic research community. As a member of RSU, the RSO will also participate in communities of practice for research security.

Objectives:

• Identify potential research security risks through open-source due diligence to safeguard UVic research.
• Support timely and effective research security reviews for research-related activities.
• Assist in evaluating and communicating research security risks to support informed decision-making.
• Contribute to the efficient delivery of research security services and initiatives across UVic.
  

Job Requirements

This position requires a level of education equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the field of Engineering or Science, with an interest in the field of Research Security, along with 2 years of relevant work experience, preferably in research administration in a post-secondary setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional experience:

• Proficiency in internet research and data analysis
• Experience in performing risk assessments
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating with functional teams in a collaborative environment
• Demonstrated experience in writing reports and/or developing presentation materials

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to efficiently search the internet to gather objective information about entities
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of information into clear, concise, and insightful narratives.
• Ability to perform proportionate risk assessments and identify practical risk mitigation measures
• Experience in writing effective reports and/or developing high-impact presentation materials
• Ability to be a strong team player who works effectively with both peers and supervisors
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to reprioritize workload to meet emerging deadlines
• Ability to work under pressure and handle occasional interruptions on activities
• Ability to communicate in a diplomatic, respectful and positive manner
• Highly responsible and thoroughly discreet in dealing with confidential information and sensitive matter
• Excellent organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Office and Copilot)

Assets:

• Training and experience in conducting open source due diligence
• Knowledge and experience of using open source intelligence tools and techniques
• Familiarity of research security policies in Canada and like-minded countries
• Familiarity of research funding programs and associated research security requirements Experience in leveraging AI to enhance research and workflows

Territory Acknowledgement:

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.

Equity Statement:

UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups .

Accessibility Statement:

If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: [e-mail] Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

What UVic Offers:

To learn more click here