Research Security Officer
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Before you apply
LocationTX-Dallas
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience3+ yrs
Company size10,000+ people
First seenOct 26, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live2d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Bachelor's degree
Minimum of three (3) years of work experience
Experience conducting research security risk assessments, developing mitigation plans, managing complex compliance cases, and monitoring corrective actions
Experience with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), NSPM-33, CHIPS and Science Act requirements, and federal research security program guidance
Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
Strong written communication skills
Strong problem-solving skills
Strong organizational, planning, and time management skills
In-depth knowledge of export control regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC)
Knowledge of NIST SP 800-171
Knowledge of NSPM-33
Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
Maintain accurate documentation
Exercise sound professional judgment
Experience with Microsoft Office 365 suite
Master's degree
Degree in Engineering, Biology, Law, or related field
Experience managing sensitive research security investigations, incident response, or complex matters involving legal counsel, information security, and institutional leadership
Experience collaborating with federal agencies and navigating sensitive or contentious compliance matters
Experience developing, delivering, tracking, and evaluating research security training programs, including role-based training
Experience with pre-award and post-award processes, federal contract requirements, research agreements, subawards, and electronic research administration systems
Working knowledge of federal research security requirements, including those established by DoD and DOE
Practical knowledge of EAR, ITAR, OFAC sanctions, restricted-party screening, and technology control plans
Skills
EAR
ITAR
OFAC
NIST SP 800-171
NSPM-33
Microsoft Office 365
Benefits
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Wellness programs
Retirement plans
Tuition reimbursement
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 serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.
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:
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ImplementResearchSecurity****Programs: Develop, implement, and administer research security programs and policies in alignment with institutional, governmental, and sponsor guidelines.
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EnsureRegulatoryCompliance: Interpret and apply regulations related to export controls (e.g., EAR and ITAR), foreign influence, and institutional conflict-of-interest policies.
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ConductRiskAssessments: Perform security assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in research projects and processes.
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ReviewResearchActivities: Review research proposals, awards, contracts, and technology transfer activities to identify potential security and export control risks.
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DevelopTrainingMaterialsandMaintain****Records: Create and deliver training and outreach materials for researchers and faculty on research security and compliance best practices. Organize, maintain, and secure records and reports to document compliance efforts and program activities.
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WorkScheduleFlexibility: Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
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.
Nice to have
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:
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Bend
•
Reach above shoulders
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Carry/lift 25 lbs.
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Squat
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Handle objects (dexterity)
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Kneel
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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.
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. 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 SMU and, if you meet SMU’s retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn’t just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.