Research Security Manager at Rice University in Houston, Texas

Job Description:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

All interested applicants should attach a resume and cover letter in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in a PDF format to avoid any formatting issues

Position Summary:

The Office for Research Security (ORS) is seeking a Research Security Manager (RSM) who will help Rice realize the ambitious goal by identifying, developing, and implementing strategies to meet Rice's security objectives that relate to research, international collaborations, and commercialization activities.

The Research Security Manager (RSM) reports to the Director for Research Security and will be responsible for identifying and mitigating research security threats; serving as a trusted resource to Rice's leadership, faculty, and community of scholars; and engaging constructively with government officials and external advisory boards.

Ideal Candidate Statement:

The ideal candidate will possess a security clearance at the SECRET level and have experience working on national security matters with a member of the intelligence community (e.g., FBI, CIA, NSA, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Defense Intelligence Agency, etc.).

Workplace Requirements .

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. (Insert hybrid schedule). Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.

*Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree
• 4 years of professional experience working for a government agency or a Carnegie classified research 1 university

Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of, and sensitivity to, the geo-political context of research and innovation, cyber security, intellectual property, and data governance.
• The intellectual acumen and communication skills to facilitate credibility and foster trust with a diverse, international range of stakeholders, including university leadership, faculty, staff, and scholars.
• Experience working with federal law enforcement and federal funding agencies on matters-related to research security.
• Experience working with university faculty, staff and students on organization-wide matters and collaborating with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience drafting reports, providing training, and issuing recommendations to a range of audiences, including senior leadership.
• Ability to work on confidential and sensitive matters with tact and discretion.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate level of security clearance from the U.S. government.
• Ability to work independently or in a team setting, with diverse individuals.
• Superior knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and database software programs
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Preferences:

• At least 5 years of professional experience working for a government agency, or a Carnegie classified research 1 university
• Doctoral degree or law degree from an accredited university
• Professional experience in a research university; international, federal, or state law enforcement agency; or other similarly complex and regulated entity
• Experience working with federal funding or law enforcement agencies on matters related to research security
• Established network of contacts in academic institutions and/or government agencies
• Deep and broad knowledge of academic research programs, including an understanding of sponsored research funding and obligations

Essential Functions:

• Assist the Director for Research Security and the Assistant Vice President for Research Security (AVP) for Research Security with the strategy and implementation of Rice's research security efforts.
• Work with Director for Research Security and other Rice University offices such as Compliance, Integrity, and Legal to coordinate Rice's efforts to promote international research collaborations and comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and guidance (e.g., NSPM-33; CHIPS and Science Act, DoD Risk-Based Security Reviews).
• Work with Director for Research Security and other Rice University offices such as Compliance, Integrity, and Legal to ensure Rice research ecosystem complies with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and guidance regarding international travel.
• Work with the Office of Research Integrity and the Chief Compliance Officer to address the certification requirement for research security programs in the Implementation Guidance for NSPM-33.
• Conduct risk assessments, implement continuous monitoring processes, and perform internal inquiries to promote research security and legal compliance.
• Monitor external threats, triage research security issues of reputational significance, and proactively and reactively manage individual research security matters.
• Develop and provide training and outreach to promote research security.
• Collaborate with Rice departments, research-related committees, and administrative offices, including the Office of the Provost, Office of General Counsel, and Chief Information Security Officer.
• Avidly engage with academic and non-academic units to understand research security threats; ensure that grant applications and international agreements feature best practices with respect to research security; and implement practical, collaborative solutions.
• Draft and socialize relevant policies and procedures.
• Advise the Director for Research Security and the AVP for Research Security on related trends and enforcement activities affecting the research enterprise, including those involving international activities.
• Immediately report material research security concerns to the Director for Research Security, the AVP for Research Security and other applicable leaders.
• Work with the Director for Research Security establish a robust research security program to systematically gather and analyze information from relevant sources, identifying concerns such as undue foreign influence, insider threats, and economic espionage.
• Monitor the regulatory landscape for emerging requirements and enforcement activities, and promptly notify the Director for Research Security, AVP for Research Security and other executive leadership.
• Aid in the development of research security response protocols and procedures, designing processes for the centralized management and dissemination of all institutional research security response actions.
• Establish a systematic records system to accurately record and document program activities.
• Create mechanisms for regular discussions on research security issues with stakeholders who contributed to the development of the institution's Research Security Program
• Develop research security training for the workforce, ensuring routine training sessions and integration into various mandatory training programs.
• Disseminate institution-wide information regarding research security activities that should be shared with the program, along with establishing reporting mechanisms.
• Other duties assigned.

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits-overview

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels. It considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

About Us

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio, and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lectures series, courses and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

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