Operational Security Analyst, Office of Research Security

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia is seeking an Operational Security Analyst to support UVA-ORS with tactical open-source analysis of security and malign foreign influence for federally funded programs. The role emphasizes reporting, risk assessment, and cross‑office coordination in a hybrid Charlottesville setting.

Key duties include producing detailed analytic reports, supporting program managers, and updating databases while maintaining strict security disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience in intelligence analysis or compliance is preferred.
• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Open-source tactical analysis of operational security and malign foreign risk for federal programs.
• Support cross-program risk reviews and reporting in due diligence workflows.
• Document analytical results and support triage of inquiries and reviews.
• Maintain databases, prepare ad hoc intelligence products, and assist in program coordination.
• Develop communications materials for the research community.

Skills

Open-source intelligence

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Prioritization

Discretion

Communication

Documentation

Coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Chief Research Security Officer (CRSO) at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks an Operational Security Analyst to join the UVA Office of Research Security (ORS). This position will primarily provide tactical analytical support for UVA-ORS's operational security and foreign influence programs. Duties will include supporting UVA-ORS Program Managers through detailed analysis and production of reports in support of federal sponsored program security / due diligence, operational security reviews, malign foreign influence inquiries, programmatic intelligence ingestion / triage, reviewing international activities for malign foreign influence and operational risk, preparing information and reports, risk assessments and briefings, recordkeeping, and updating databases and files as needed. In addition, this position will assist in the development and implementation of an open-source intelligence lab supporting all UVA-ORS programs.

Due to the nature of the compliance programs this position supports, this position is only open to persons with a current and active, US Government TS / SCI Clearance.

Essential duties of this position include:

• In-depth open-source tactical analysis of operational security and malign foreign risk to federal sponsored programs in support of due diligence reviews and reporting
• Tactical analytical support to cross-programmatic risk reviews including travel, financial, communications, and link analysis
• Documentation of analytical results supporting cross-programmatic processes and procedures
• Detailed analysis in support of triage of incoming communications (e.g., review requests, general questions, and reports of potential non-compliance)
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with other analytical subject matter experts, investigators, and collaborating offices (e.g., Sponsored Programs, Licensing & Ventures Group, Information Security, Procurement & Supplier Diversity Services, International Studies, and Compliance)
• Querying and updating databases and files; preparing ad hoc intelligence products; and performing periodic compliance reviews
• Assisting in the development and distribution of communications and informational materials to the research community

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree. 4 years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Additional professional education is preferred.
• Experience: Four years of relevant experience in intelligence analysis. Over ten years of relevant experience in intelligence analysis is highly preferred. Ideally with experience working closely with federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies in analytical or compliance roles and countering foreign targeting of university-based, U.S. government funded research.
• Clearance: Active TS/SCI Clearance

Required Skills:

• Complex, open-source intelligence analysis and production in support of intelligence, law enforcement, or compliance missions
• Strong research and analytical skills, including gathering, organizing, and evaluating complex information
• Critical thinking and sound judgment for risk assessment and decision-making
• Ability to prioritize and balance multiple work demands in a changing regulatory environment
• Confidentiality and discretion when working on investigations, compliance reviews, or sensitive institutional issues
• Excellent written and verbal communication to explain findings to diverse audiences
• Ability to follow established procedures, including documentation of outcomes or results
• Interoffice and interagency operational and analytical response coordination

Experience with the following is strongly preferred but not required:

• Comprehensive understanding of the operational security, foreign influence, and insider threat risks associated with university-based federal research
• Understanding and applying state and federal regulations
• Familiarity with U.S. export control regulations and enforcement, and malign actor evasion methodology
• Experience handling and safeguarding proprietary, confidential information, or classified material
• Experience providing analytical support to investigations of foreign malign actors targeting university-based research or controlled / classified information

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings, conduct briefings, and engage in UVA-ORS programmatic coordination.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

This is an exempt-level, benefited position. Learn more about UVA benefits.

This position has a term limit of 2 years with possibility of renewal dependent on department need and funding.

This position is based in Charlottesville, VA, and is eligible for a hybrid schedule, in accordance with UVA's remote work guidelines.

To learn more about UVA and in the Charlottesville area, visit UVA Life and Embark CVA.

Application review will begin after August 20, 2026.

Background checks will be conducted on all new hires prior to employment.

This position will not consider candidates who require immigration sponsorship now or in the future.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.