Research Security Specialist

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Guelph seeks a Research Security Specialist within Research Risk Management to lead the development and administration of research security policies, risk assessments and compliance with funding requirements. You will advise the University community on current and emerging security risks in sensitive research and international collaborations, and support project-specific risk mitigation.

A strong background in policy, risk management and stakeholder engagement is essential,

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field; strong policy experience.
• Extensive experience with risk assessments and governance.
• Experience with compliance in government/funding contexts.
• Proven ability to design and implement training programs.
• Superior written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated stakeholder engagement across diverse groups.
• Experience with crisis/issue management and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and manage a university-wide research security program with policies and procedures.
• Assess risks in sensitive research areas and with international partnerships; advise on mitigations.
• Monitor compliance with funding requirements and government regulations.
• Lead education and awareness initiatives for the university community.
• Coordinate with internal units and external bodies on security matters.
• Prepare investigation reports and propose corrective actions for security concerns.

Skills

Policy development

Risk assessment

Compliance

Training & education

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis management

Research governance

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree or higher in Political Science/International Relations/Public Policy/Law

5 years related experience

Job description

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Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Research Services

Requisition ID: 3116

Department:

Research Risk Management

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

General Purpose

Reporting to the Manager, Research Risk, you will promote due diligence and research security awareness though the development, management and administration of policies, programs and resources, consultations, risk assessments, education and awareness, and compliance with government and funding requirements. With this in mind, you will advise the University community on potential current and emerging security risks associated with research in sensitive areas and/or related to research partnerships, and provide support to the research community in the development of project-specific risk assessments and mitigation plans.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Research Security Specialist, you will be expected to implement overall research security control measures and good practices for safeguarding research and use your professional judgement in preparing reports and recommendations. You will also monitor the effectiveness of the University’s Research Security program and compliance with commitments made to funding bodies for high‑risk projects, and investigate, within appropriate frameworks, particular research security‑related concerns, engaging necessary stakeholders and developing recommendations for appropriate corrective actions. A skilled communicator and critical thinker, you will liaise with University colleagues, government representatives (e.g. Public Safety Canada’s Research Security Centre) and representatives of federal and provincial funding agencies, and maintain currency with the latest developments in Research Security.

Among other duties, you will be called upon to:

• Develop, implement, administer and manage a research security program, including best practices, policies and procedures.
• Incorporate appropriate due diligence considerations in related areas such as IP protections and commercialization, visiting scholars, international travel, international MOUs, etc.
• Develop, review and maintain appropriate controls to minimize research security risks, particularly in sensitive research areas and with research partners.
• Manage the use of due diligence screening tools.
• Consult and advise on issues related to research security, including risk assessment and mitigation as well as compliance with related legislation.
• Serve as the alternate Designated Official for Controlled Goods and Company Security Official for Contract Security.
• Liaise, collaborate with, and advise, internal University units to examine, advocate and advance research security matters.
• Promote research safeguarding and security within the University community.
• Keep abreast of relevant international, national and provincial news, policies, initiatives and legislative frameworks related to research security and advance knowledge in the field of research security through continuous learning.
• Identify training needs of the University community in response to regulatory, funding and government requirements as well as University policies and current or emerging geopolitical concerns.
• Plan, develop, implement, provide and/or coordinate education, awareness and outreach opportunities.
• Develop, facilitate and verify research security risk assessments for proposed research with a particular focus on research with international partners, and sensitive research areas.
• Support and guide development of risk mitigation plans.
• Support compliance with security‑related requirements associated with export controls, economic sanctions, etc.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy, ensuring appropriate management of sensitive, complex issues.
• Prepare investigation reports, and develop appropriate corrective actions for research security‑related concerns and monitor implementation.
• Contribute expertise to the work of other Research Services professionals.
• Work cooperatively within the Research Risk team to provide support and back‑up coverage, as required.
• Support the strategic priorities, goals and objectives of the Research Services Office.

Requirements

To be considered for the position of Research Security Specialist, you must be an innovative, resourceful and motivated professional that inspires trust and confidence, and whose profile includes:

• University Master’s Degree or higher in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Public Affairs or Law (or a related field).
• Five (5) years of experience in a related area such as research security, political science, international relations, public policy, public affairs or law.
• Five (5) years of experience in the field of research administration in government or higher education and familiarity with federal and provincial government funding programs would be an asset.
• Highly developed and effective organizational and planning skills.
• Demonstrated superior oral and written communication skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively in an integrated team environment and across diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent listening, problem‑solving, critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Tactful diplomacy for predictable and unpredictable situations and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated proficiency in crisis/issue management.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning in the area of research security and job‑related duties.
• Positive and engaged participant in a team environment.

NOTE: In addition, a comprehensive background check will be required.

Employee Type: Regular

Position Number: 10921074

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 11/06/2026

Closing Date: 11/20/2026