Research Security Officer

Southern Methodist University; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Methodist University on campus is seeking a Research Security Officer to oversee the Research Security Program, ensuring regulatory compliance and risk management for research activities.

The role collaborates with the Office of Information Technology to implement policies around export controls and CUI, develop system security plans, and manage mandatory training for researchers and staff involved in controlled research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters preferred.
• Minimum of three years of work experience required.
• Experience with CUI, NSPM-33, CHIPS and Science Act requirements.
• Experience developing, delivering, and evaluating research security training programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and administer research security programs and policies in alignment with guidelines.
• Interpret and apply export control regulations, foreign influence, and conflicts of interest policies.
• Perform security risk assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Coordinate and deliver role-based research security training and respond to investigations as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Time management

Export control regulations knowledge

NIST SP 800-171 knowledge

DoD/DOE regulatory knowledge

Microsoft Office 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Engineering/Biology/Law related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Job Description - Research Security Officer (PRO00000403)

Job Description

Research Security Officer - ( PRO00000403 )

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Research Security Officer reports to the Director of Research Compliance and is responsible for the direct oversight and management of the Research Security Program.

This person plays an essential role in implementing policies, ensuring regulatory compliance with export controls and foreign influence guidelines, performing risk assessments, developing System Security Plans (SSPs) in collaboration with the Office of Information Technology (OIT), and managing and tracking mandatory research security training for researchers and staff who handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and conduct research subject to export control regulations.

Essential Functions:

Implement Research Security Programs: Develop, implement, and administer research security programs and policies in alignment with institutional, governmental, and sponsor guidelines.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Interpret and apply regulations related to export controls (e.g., EAR and ITAR), foreign influence, and institutional conflict-of-interest policies.

Conduct Risk Assessments: Perform security assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in research projects and processes.

Work Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work some evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A Bachelor’s degree is required. Master's preferred. A degree in Engineering, Biology, Law, or a related field desired.

A minimum of three (3) years of work experience is required.

Experience conducting research security risk assessments, developing mitigation plans, managing complex compliance cases, and monitoring corrective actions is also required.

Experience with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), NSPM-33, CHIPS and Science Act requirements, and federal research security program guidance is required.

Experience managing sensitive research security investigations, incident response, or complex matters
involving legal counsel, information security, and institutional leadership preferred. Experience collaborating with federal agencies and navigating sensitive or contentious compliance matters desired. Experience developing, delivering, tracking, and evaluating research security training programs, including role-based training is a plus.

Experience with pre-award and post-award processes, federal contract requirements, research agreements, subawards, and electronic research administration systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills and the ability to explain complex regulations to diverse audiences, including faculty and staff. The ability to work effectively with internal teams, external agencies, and researchers to integrate security into the research lifecycle is essential.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify and analyze problems and devise solutions. Must also possess strong organizational, planning, and time management skills. The ability to evaluate activities and relationships objectively, identify potential compliance concerns, and apply established review procedures is essential.

Candidate must have in-depth knowledge of export control regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC), NIST SP 800-171, NSPM-33. Must also have the ability to handle confidential information appropriately, maintain accurate documentation, and exercise sound professional judgment.

A working knowledge of federal research security requirements, including those established by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Energy (DOE), and the ability to interpret and implement applicable institutional obligations preferred. Practical knowledge of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms
Regulations (ITAR), OFAC sanctions, restricted-party screening, and technology control plans desired. Practical knowledge of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, restricted-party screening, and technology control plans is a plus.

Candidate with experience with Microsoft Office 365 suite is required.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Reach above shoulders


• Carry/lift 25 lbs.


• Squat


• Handle objects (dexterity)


• Kneel


• Stand


• Push/Pull

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of healthand related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMUand, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.