Research Security Officer

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:

• 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.

• Review Research Activities: Review research proposals, awards, contracts, and technology transfer activities to identify potential security and export control risks.

•  Develop Training Materials and Maintain 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.

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