Athabasca University's Research Office is currently recruiting for the position of Research Security Specialist.
The Position:
Reporting to the Manager, Research Development, the Research Security Specialist is the primary support, contact, and representative for AU for all matters related to research security. They will build institutional capacity of research security, risk mitigation, and compliance by applying expertise in the principles and practice of safeguarding research, policy analysis, and effective communications. They will also serve as a key network liaison in key provincial and national communities of practice and advising groups related to research security.
The Research Security Specialist will support the University's research mission by providing content and process expertise. They will also support and advise researchers across the University ecosystem with the design, implementation, and ongoing compliance of the research security risk mitigation plans that are quickly becoming required components of applications for external research funding. The incumbent will draw on existing resources and knowledge of safeguarding research, the Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC) policy, and the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships—familiarity with research security related best practices, and compliance with Institutional policies and procedures, will be critical to achieve success in this position. The Research Security Specialist will also build awareness of research security across the university, provide a variety of training opportunities related to research security, as well as provision advice and assistance to researchers with export controls, controlled goods, and sanctions regulations, to ensure compliance with all requirements and support other portfolios in the Research Office (e.g. Research ethics, etc) as necessary.
Qualifications:
- A University degree, either an undergraduate degree combined with 3+ years of relevant work experience, or a graduate degree with 1+ years of relevant work experience.
- Experience in a research environment at a university/college—preferably at a post-secondary institution setting that is governed by the Tri-Agency Framework for the Responsible Conduct of Research—or in a government office, or in the Canadian intelligence environment.
- Extensive knowledge of research security, regulations, and national security priorities, including an understanding of export controls and sanctions, National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships, research data management, and cyber security.
- Demonstrable ability to consistently apply high level critical thinking, sound decision-making, and clear communication skills in a high volume, fast-paced environment is required.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as experience delivering presentations and briefings to both experts and lay audiences is an asset.
- Strong research skills with an ability to prepare detailed guidance resources for compliance and export control purposes is an asset.
- Demonstrable experience developing best practices, SOPs, processes, and policies as well as driving change.
- Demonstrable success navigating complicated, sensitive, and contentious issues with stakeholder groups who may have competing or conflicting priorities. And the ability to be comfortable in an ambiguous environment where diplomacy, discretion, and tact are paramount.
- Familiarity with risk management best practices.
- Familiarity with research ethics and integrity issues and best practices would be an asset.
The full job description can be viewed at: Research Security Specialist
For more information about this position, please contact Paul Daniels, Manager, Research Development, at pdaniels@athabascau.ca