Research Security Advisor

Imperial Enterprise; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary and remuneration package

43 days’ annual leave

Generous pension schemes

Flexible working policy from day one

Cycle-to-work scheme

Season ticket loan

Job summary

Imperial College London seeks a proactive professional to support its Research Security Team in aligning research activities with export controls and UK legislation. You will contribute to awareness outreach and build capability across departments to navigate a dynamic global security landscape.

The role emphasizes clear communication, collaboration, and independent judgment on sensitive matters within a world-leading university context.

Qualifications

• Foundational knowledge of the research security environment, including export controls and core UK legislation.
• Ability to communicate complex regulatory matters clearly, both in writing and verbally.
• Experience in the higher education sector is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support awareness campaigns on research security across academic units.
• Develop capability at individual and institutional levels in response to a dynamic security environment.
• Understand university context related to international research, innovation and teaching opportunities.
• Interpret regulatory frameworks as they intersect with core university activities and emerging science and technology.
• Provide advisory support within the Research Security Team to academic colleagues.

Skills

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Export controls

HEI sector experience

Education

Degree level (or equivalent)

Job description

International collaboration forms a major part of Imperial College London’s research, innovation and education portfolio, and with such internationalisation we need to ensure that this activity is carried out with the highest degree of integrity and in line with legislation and applicable international regimes. You will support Imperial in its mission in taking a responsible and informed approach to research security – including compliance with export and trade control legislation and connected research security requirements and considerations. As a member of the Research Security Team within the University’s central Research Support & Compliance Division (RSCD), you will work alongside and report into a team of Senior Research Security Advisors, tofacilitate a security-conscious approach to research at the University that is sensitive to the global context and both enabling and protective of the University’s academic mission, independence and integrity.

What you would be doing

• Help to raise awareness regarding research security considerations and requirements by co-delivering an ongoing programme of outreach and education
• Help to develop capability at individual, organisation unit and institutional levels in response to a dynamic research security environment within a global top ten university
• Develop and maintain a good understanding of the university context, including as relates to international research, innovation, entrepreneurship and teaching opportunities
• Interpret how the regulatory frameworks intersect with core university activities; fundamental, applied and emerging science and technology; geopolitical change and academic priorities
• Provide support within the Research Security Team and advise academic colleagues in managing research security risks in their interactions

What we are looking for

You should demonstrate a foundational knowledge of the research security environment, including export controls and other core considerations underpinning relevant UK legislation. It is also preferable, but not essential, that you should have gained previous experience of working in the HEI sector and be educated to degree level (or equivalent). You must possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral, being able to work both collaboratively and independently, with a high degree of integrity on complex and sometimes sensitive matters. You will have the ability to contribute to multi-faceted process and policy matters in addition to offering accurate technical and regulatory advice in specific cases.

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to develop genuine leadership and expertise in the field of Research security.
• To become an ambassador for Trusted (Secure) Research Principles.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to use science for humanity.
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days’ annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest‑free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing

Further information

Closing date for applications is Friday 20 th November 2026 (midnight UTC)

Interviews for the post are currently expected to be held in the within 2-4 weeks of the closing date.

These posts are full-time roles (37.5 hours per week).

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Mr. Diran Solanke, [e-mail].

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

If you have any general queries about this vacancy, please contact the hiring manager listed in the ‘Further Information’ section. Alternatively, you can contact the Recruitment Hub at [e-mail], and we will be happy to assist you.

If you experience any technical issues that prevent you from submitting an application, please contact our Technical Support team at [e-mail] , who will be able to help resolve the issue.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, eliminating discrimination, and creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages .

Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community.

Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.