Due Diligence Specialist (2 Years Fixed term)

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Cambridge is seeking an experienced Due Diligence Specialist to support governance, risk and compliance in the Research Office. The role focuses on identifying risks in third party research engagements and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and international collaborations.

The position is fixed-term for two years, with hybrid working arrangements and on-site time as required (Mondays and Thursdays).

Qualifications

• Experience using open-source research tools such as LexisNexis and Factiva.
• Analytical and drafting skills.
• Interest in legal frameworks and international affairs.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted analysis to identify and mitigate potential risks in third party research engagements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation for international engagement and research security.
• Support researchers and partners to navigate regulatory and geopolitical risks.

Job description

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

We are looking for an experienced research and due diligence professional to join the Research Office's Due Diligence team as part of the Governance, Risk and Compliance function. The Research Services Division takes a strategic role in the oversight and development of all aspects of the University's research activities.

The Due Diligence team help support researchers working with UK and international organisations to ensure their partnerships do not expose the University to risks, which could undermine the University's academic standing and delivery of its research mission.

What will you do?

As a Due Diligence Specialist, you will provide targeted analysis to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with third party research engagements and help ensure compliance with relevant legislation associated international engagement and research security.

The role will offer the successful applicant the opportunity to:

• Help safeguard the reputation of the University of Cambridge;
• Support researchers at the forefront of scientific advancement to navigate complex regulation and risks that come with international research collaboration in an evolving geopolitical landscape;
• Build specialist research expertise and apply to various regions and sectors;
• Be part of a growing team in the Governance, Risk and Compliance function;
• Work within one of the most dynamic and varied research centres in the world.

Skills

We are looking for a skilled researcher with an interest in legal frameworks and international affairs with excellent analytical and drafting skills

The successful candidate should have experience using open-source research tools such as LexisNexis and Factiva, as well as regional and language-specific databases and media sources.

Location

The University is supportive of hybrid working, where some work is undertaken on university premises and some in a remote working environment. The aim of our approach is to enable as many staff as possible to work in a hybrid way if they wish and where their role allows, with the majority of time spent on-site. The hours of work for the position are full-time with in-person working on Mondays and Thursdays.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Rebecca Reid ([e-mail]). Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University.

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working (min 80%) or other flexible working arrangements.

Please see the Further Particulars document for more details of this vacancy. Your application should clearly set out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification (the skills and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted based on these criteria.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

The closing date is Sunday 18th October 2026. It is anticipated interviews will be held in person in Cambridge on the 2nd November 2026.

Questions about the application process should be addressed to the Research Office Recruitment team at [e-mail]

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

£35,608 to £46,049 per annum