Safeguarding Research Analyst

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Safeguarding Research Analyst in the Research Security, Ethics, and Compliance division. This full-time fixed-term role (approx.

12 months) supports researchers with OSINT risk assessments, policy guidance, and risk mitigation strategies across the university. Reporting to the Manager, Due Diligence, the analyst will present verbal briefings, monitor security trends, and liaise with internal and external partners to implement best practices.

Qualifications

• University degree in a related field; master's preferred.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant area.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth OSINT risk assessments and prepare written reports on findings and geopolitical considerations.
• Deliver verbal briefings on risk assessment findings to university stakeholders.
• Provide guidance on research security requirements related to research funding.
• Explain risk mitigation methods for lab security, data/IP management, and related areas.
• Assist researchers with risk mitigation plans and risk assessment forms.
• Monitor research security policies in Canada and beyond; analyze trends.
• Track emerging open-source intelligence methods and geopolitical developments.
• Collaborate with compliance to identify evolving risks in projects and partners.
• Liaise with university units, external institutions, and government bodies to share best practices.

Skills

OSINT

Geopolitics

Policy analysis

Written/verbal communication

Time management

Education

Master's degree preferred

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Description

The Research Security, Ethics, and Compliance (RSEC) division in the Office of VP Research invites applications for a Safeguarding Research Analyst. This Full-time Fixed Termposition is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Security, Ethics & Compliance (RSEC) Division works within the Office of Research Services at the University of Calgary to support and advise researchers and employees across the University ecosystem on research security and ethics requirements, risks, and ongoing compliance. The RSEC team is comprised of a director, 4 managers, 14 specialists, and analysts.

The Due Diligence team supports the UCalgary community through the provision of open-source risk assessments, tailored risk mitigation plans, and advice and guidance on Canadian and international research security policies and requirements.

The Safeguarding Research Analyst reports to the Manager, Due Diligence. This role works on a regular work schedule (Monday to Friday), 35 hours per week, and is a member of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE).

The work environment is fast-paced and service-oriented. The position is driven by constant, multiple, and simultaneous deadlines, continuous change, and shifting priorities. The incumbent works independently, possesses very strong time management skills, superior research skills, high attention to detail, and superior organizational and communication skills.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Conduct in-depth open-source intelligence (OSINT) risk assessments on a wide range of entities. Prepare written reports outlining findings, potential risks, and geopolitical considerations.
• Deliver verbal briefings on risk assessment findings to members of the university community.
• Provide guidance on research security requirements related to research funding to the research community.
• Understand and communicate methods to mitigate risk in a research environment, including risks related to lab security, data management, IP management, etc.
• Provide the research community with in-depth guidance and support in the completion of risk mitigation plans and risk assessment forms.
• Monitor and provide analysis of research security policies in Canada and elsewhere.
• Monitor trends and understand emerging methods for the conduct of open-source intelligence.
• Monitor and provide analysis of key geopolitical developments that may impact research security.
• Work with the compliance team to monitor projects and partners and to identify new or evolving risks.

• Liaise with other university units, post-security institutions, and government bodies to understand best practices in research security, evolving research funding requirements and guidelines, and share risk intelligence.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A university degree with a focus on Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Economics, or Social Sciences. A master's degree is strongly preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong knowledge of research security, including Canadian research security requirements (e.g., Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern and National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships).
• Significant depth of understanding of geopolitics and risks for researchers.
• Demonstrated experience in a research environment, preferably at a major university or college, or government office.
• Experience with open-source intelligence gathering is a significant asset.
• Experience conducting policy analysis and producing written and verbal guidance is a significant asset.
• Demonstrated ability to apply high-level critical thinking consistently and effectively, and exercise high attention to detail in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide evidence-based advice and reasoning.
• Strong research skills with an ability to prepare detailed reports and resources.
• Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly proficient use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).

Application Deadline: October 23, 2026

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.