Research Security Specialist

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University is hiring a Research Security Specialist to lead cybersecurity operations, risk management, and compliance for the Secure University Research Environment (SURE).

You will implement security controls, conduct risk assessments, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate with faculty, IT staff, and research administration to protect research data across programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years cybersecurity or related IT experience.
• Experience with security operations, risk assessments, and compliance programs.
• Familiarity with federal regulations and standards is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead maintenance and growth of NIST 800-171 security and compliance program in a research context.
• Serve as ISSM for the Secure University Research Environment (SURE).
• Conduct cybersecurity reviews, risk assessments, and risk management aligned with requirements.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, IT staff, and research administration to protect data.
• Assist in processing cybersecurity requests and support GRC initiatives.
• Explore AI impacts on cybersecurity and compliance.

Skills

Cybersecurity administration

Risk management

Compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT or computer science

Job description

NC State University is hiring a Research Security Specialist to lead cybersecurity operations, risk management, and compliance efforts within the university's Secure University Research Environment. The role involves implementing security controls, conducting risk assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, collaborating with various university stakeholders, and managing the university's NIST 800-171 and CMMC 2.0 compliance programs.

Highlights

• Lead maintenance and growth of NIST 800-171 security and compliance program in a research context
• Serve as Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) for the Secure University Research Environment (SURE), a CMMC Level 2 certified environment
• Conduct cybersecurity reviews, risk assessments, and risk management aligned with legal, contractual, and institutional requirements
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, IT staff, and research administration to ensure secure research data protection
• Assist in processing cybersecurity requests and support governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) initiatives
• Explore AI impacts on cybersecurity and compliance
• Required knowledge of federal regulations and standards including NIST 800-171/800-53, CMMC, FERPA, HIPAA, GLBA, PCI DSS, DMCA, and others
• Minimum 5 years cybersecurity or related IT experience with expertise in network, system, software, or cybersecurity administration
• Bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or related field, or equivalent experience
• Salary range $130,000 - $150,000 with full-time, 12-month recurring appointment in the Security & Compliance Department