Senior Research Security Analyst & Investigator

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Join Purdue University's Research Security and Export Controls (RSEC) team to safeguard transformative research. The role ensures compliance with regulations, investigates risks like foreign influence and intellectual capital theft, and supports secure international collaboration.

It involves collaboration across departments and training faculty in secure research practices. This position is eligible for hybrid, remote work, or office presence, with future policy adjustments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Four years of relevant experience in audits, investigations, conflicts of interest reviews, or related compliance roles.
• Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations relevant to research security.
• Proven ability to manage complex, sensitive investigations and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Familiarity with research administration and compliance within the context of sponsored programs.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex data to support institutional decision making

Responsibilities

• Conduct risk-based assessments and sensitive investigations related to foreign influence, export controls, and institutional vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with researchers, administrative units, and legal counsel to ensure regulatory compliance and empower global research partnerships.
• Develop practical solutions and strategies to uphold institutional trust and national interests in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.
• Offer training and guidance for secure research practices, and help colleagues navigate compliance challenges with empathy and expertise.

Skills

Strong research

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Independent judgment

Organization & detail

Written & verbal communication

Multi-priority management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

Req Id: 44177

Job Title: Senior Research Security Analyst & Investigator

City: WEST LAFAYETTE

Job Summary

Join Purdue University's Research Security and Export Controls (RSEC) team and help safeguard transformative research. This role ensures compliance with federal and state research security regulations, investigates risks like foreign influence and intellectual capital theft, supports secure international collaboration and disclosure, and provides training and guidance for faculty across the university. The successful candidate will collaborate widely to enable safe, compliant research.

This position is eligible for hybrid, remote work, or to work in the office, subject to changes in the future based on university policy and business needs.

What The Role Entails

• Conduct risk-based assessments and sensitive investigations related to foreign influence, export controls, and institutional vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with researchers, administrative units, and legal counsel to ensure regulatory compliance and empower global research partnerships.
• Develop practical solutions and strategies to uphold institutional trust and national interests in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.
• Offer training and guidance for secure research practices, and help colleagues navigate compliance challenges with empathy and expertise.

What the Role Is Not

• Not law enforcement or surveillance work.
• Not general IT or cybersecurity support.
• Not about restricting research; the focus is on enabling secure, innovative work.
• Not a solo position - it's team-driven across departments and disciplines.

Who Thrives Here

Success requires sharp analytical thinking, outstanding communication skills, and a commitment to confidentiality and ethical practice. Ideal candidates are adept at collecting, evaluating, and documenting information and can translate insights into actionable compliance strategies. Independence, empathy, and excellent judgment are valued, as is the ability to synthesize complex regulatory requirements.

About Us:

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we've been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation.

Our Research Security and Export Control team plays a critical role in Purdue's mission by protecting the university's research enterprise from evolving global threats, ensuring compliance with federal regulations, and enabling secure collaboration with government, industry, and academic partners. Joining this team means contributing to a vital effort that empowers researchers to pursue transformative discoveries while safeguarding national interests and institutional trust.

What We're Looking For:

Education and Experience

Qualified candidates will need:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Four (4( years of relevant experience in audits, investigations, conflicts of interest reviews, or related compliance roles
• Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations relevant to research security.
• Proven ability to manage complex, sensitive investigations and maintain strict confidentiality.
• Familiarity with research administration and compliance within the context of sponsored programs.
• Experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing complex data to support institutional decision making

Skills:

• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Sound independent judgment and decision-making capability.
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Nice to have:

• Juris Doctor (JD)
• Experience working in a higher education or research-intensive environment.

Additional Information:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

EOE

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Posting Start Date: 9/29/26