Research Cybersecurity and Compliance Specialist

University of Maine; Orono (ME); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Disability coverage

Retirement plan options

Job summary

The University of Maine is seeking a Research Cybersecurity and Compliance Specialist within the Office of Research Compliance. The role administers security for systems handling CUI/FCI and supports researchers through training and technical guidance.

Responsibilities include monitoring, risk evaluation, and policy development to stay aligned with federal rules. Typical hiring range is $55,000 to $75,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• U.S. person status required for export controls compliance.
• Bachelor’s degree or four years of related education/experience.
• One year of full-time IT technical and troubleshooting experience.
• Strong working knowledge of PC and/or Macintosh hardware, software, OS.
• Ability to obtain and maintain at least Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Routinely monitor systems for configuration and patching vulnerabilities.
• Evaluate risks and track remediation via corrective action plans.
• Develop security policies and procedures aligned with federal regulations.
• Coordinate deployment of compliant cybersecurity tools and training researchers.

Skills

Information security knowledge

Customer service skills

Strong documentation & training

NIST 800-series familiarity

Export controls knowledge

Autonomy and teamwork

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Preferred: CS/Info/Cybersecurity/Engineering

Job description

This position is located within the Office of Research Compliance’s Research Information Security unit. The Research Cybersecurity and Compliance Specialist administers and maintains security for systems handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Federal Contract Information (FCI), and Covered Research Information. Primary responsibilities include routinely monitoring systems for configuration and patching vulnerabilities, evaluating risks, and tracking remediation efforts through corrective action plans within specified timeframes. Additionally, this role supports the development of security policies and procedures to ensure continuous alignment with federal regulations. The Specialist coordinates the deployment of compliant cybersecurity tools, supporting researchers in utilizing these resources through direct consultation, technical documentation, and targeted training. Typical hiring range for this position is $55,000 to $75,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Please review the Research Cybersecurity and Compliance Specialist job description for more information.

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu.

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees:

• Tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
• Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Short and long term disability
• Retirement plan options

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.

Qualifications:

• U.S. person status is required for this position in order to comply with the Arms Export Control and Export Administration Act. U.S. persons are U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3);
• Bachelor’s degree or four years of related, specialized post high school education and /or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One (1) or more years of full-time experience performing related IT technical and troubleshooting support.
• A strong working knowledge of PC and/or Macintosh hardware, software, and operating systems.
• Ability to complete Information Security Certification such as Associate of (ISC)2, Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), Security+, CEH, or GSEC within three years of hire.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Science, Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering or a related field.
• Two years of full-time experience performing related technical vulnerability management support.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously but also within a team environment.
• Demonstrated excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Broad knowledge of application software including email, productivity, and internet applications.
• Ability to provide effective technical solutions for a diverse community within a changing environment.
• Highly motivated, self-starter with ability to multi-task.
• Holds an Information Security Certification such as Associate of (ISC)2, Certified in Cybersecurity (CC), Security+, CEH, or GSEC.
• Knowledge of NIST 800 series security requirements and CMMC program requirements.
• Demonstrated professional experience in export controls and/or research security with knowledge of relevant rules and regulations.
• Demonstrated working experience at an accredited institution of higher education.
• Demonstrated working experience developing policies and procedures such as detailed documentation and training resources for customers.
• Eligible for, and able to obtain and maintain at least Secret level security clearance as required to perform assigned duties.

Other Information:

For questions about the search, please contact search committee chair Melissa Kimble at [e-mail].

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

Clery Act:

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish and distribute an Annual Security Report, (ASR) and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. You may view the University’s Annual Security Report. If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or you need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact: UMaine Police Department, 81 Rangeley Rd., The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5794, or call 207.581.4053.

The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.