Research Cybersecurity and Compliance Specialist

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

Job summary

The University of Maine, located in Orono, is seeking a Research Cybersecurity and Compliance Specialist to administer and maintain security for systems handling restricted information. You will monitor configurations, assess risks, and track remediation activities while helping develop security policies to stay aligned with federal regulations.

You will also coordinate the deployment of cybersecurity tools and assist researchers through direct consultation, documentation, and targeted training.

Qualifications

• 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 within three years of hire.

Responsibilities

• Routinely monitor systems for configuration and patching vulnerabilities.
• Evaluate risks and track remediation efforts through corrective action plans within specified timeframes.
• Support development of security policies and procedures to ensure alignment with federal regulations.
• Coordinate deployment of compliant cybersecurity tools and support researchers with direct consultation, documentation, and targeted training.

Skills

IT troubleshooting

Hardware/OS knowledge

Security certifications

Customer service

Autonomy & teamwork

Security clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

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.

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 benefitsfor employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as 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.

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

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening.

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/.

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 will … ... The [ ... ].

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.