Research Security Officer

at  Montana State University

The Office of Research and Economic Development (RED) at MSU includes the Office of Research Development, Office of Sponsored Programs, and the Office of Research Compliance.
This position will complement RED by supporting RED research security and positively impacting MSU by providing centralized research security program to the larger MSU research community.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Good organizational skills and ability to multi-task within a compliance program comprehensively, working independently with a high degree of self-motivation, accuracy and efficiency, with little or no direct oversight of day-to-day operations by supervisor.
• Expert knowledge and skill in applying and interpreting applicable local, state, and federal regulations and related standards, guidelines and, as applicable, campus policy.
• Advanced analytical skills and ability to organize, prioritize, and manage high-level and complex projects within time constraints.
• Must be Eligible for a U.S. government security clearance if required for access to controlled research, technology, and software.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field; supplemented with at least two (2) years of related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS – EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Leadership experience.
• In-depth understanding of ITAR, EAR, OFAC regulations, and federal contracting requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing research security and compliance programs.
• Advanced degree (Ph.D., JD, MA, MS) or equivalent combination of education and experience.

POSITION SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This position is supported by grants and contracts and while the need for this position is expected to be long-term, the nature of the position will evolve with the specific needs of externally funded projects.
Successful candidate must be able to comply with the federally mandated requirements of U.S. export control laws, which may require proof that candidate is a U.S. person. Per 22 CFR §120.15, U.S. person means a person who is a lawful permanent resident as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) or who is a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Research Security Officer reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Research Compliance. Duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintain expertise related to ITAR, EAR, OFAC regulations, NSDD-189, CUI policies, NSPM-33, CHIPS & Science Act of 2022, and federal contracting requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and update the University’s Export Control policy and Research Security Compliance program.
• Reviews technical data, grant proposals, foreign collaborations, and contracts with foreign vendors to determine export classifications and licensing requirements. Develops and maintains record management.
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets the federal register, drafts of proposed legislation, regulations and laws, and applicable standards and practices. Develops, implements, and audits procedures, practices, and policies. Consults with federal and state regulating agencies.
• Work with key constituents within the University to develop procedures, educational materials, website content, and best practices to strengthen research security and export controls programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for advice, resources, education, and coordination of export compliance and research security compliance, including regular technology screening activities, as well as faculty and staff education and outreach about export compliance, NSPM-33, CUI policies and related topics.
• Develops, maintains, and implements campus-wide Research Security and Export Control trainings.
• Implement and administer procedures for exports, deemed exports, travel, and shipping and Assists researchers in developing and implementing Technology Control Plans.