Research Security Specialist

University of Victoria; Victoria; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Victoria, Canada is seeking a Research Security Specialist to enhance research security and compliance initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, 2+ years of experience in research security, and strong analytical and communication skills. This role involves supporting research partnerships and ensuring adherence to security policies, with a commitment to equity and diversity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in research security or administration.
• Ability to deliver impactful training materials and presentations.
• Familiarity with university research administration processes.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research security and compliance efforts.
• Support national and international research partnerships.
• Ensure adherence to national security and research integrity.

Skills

Open source due diligence

Compliance with export and import controls

Effective training materials development

Communication of sensitive information

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration across departments

Familiarity with OSINT tools

Project management skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, International Relations, or related discipline

Master's or PhD degree

Job description

Reporting to the Senior Manager Research Security and Innovation at IPO, the Research Security Specialist (RSS) will join UVic’s Research Security Unit (RSU) and contribute to research security and compliance efforts. The role supports the university’s initiatives in fostering national and international research partnerships while ensuring adherence to national security, research integrity, and academic freedom.

The position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, International Relations, or a related discipline. A Master's or PhD degree is an asset. A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in research security or research administration is also an asset.

Experience Requirements

• Experience in or knowledge of conducting open source due diligence for research security considerations
• Experience in or knowledge of ensuring compliance with export and import controls, sanctions, and research security policies
• Experience in developing effective training materials
• Experience in handling confidential and sensitive materials

Skill Requirements

• High level of discretion and ability to handle and communicate sensitive information
• Ability to gather information from open sources such as online databases and websites efficiently
• Ability to connect open source information and draw insightful conclusions
• Ability to develop and deliver impactful training materials, workshops, and presentations
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail for comprehensive research security measures
• Excellent communication skills, including delivering effective presentations to large and diverse groups
• Problem-solving skills for resolving complex research security challenges
• Diplomatic skills to facilitate interactions on sensitive matters
• Ability to collaborate across departments and with diverse backgrounds
• In-depth understanding of research security policies, programs, and regulations
• Strong project management skills to lead and monitor initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal skills to foster collaboration
• Familiarity with university research administration and grant management processes
• Experience working with research security issues in academic or research environments (asset)
• Familiarity with OSINT tools for open source due diligence (asset)
• Commitment to principles of truth, reconciliation, respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Proficiency in MS Office software