Research Security Analyst

Position description

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, 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. 

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice’s culture. They come through in the way we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name — RICE — Responsibility, Integrity, Community and Excellence.

Position Summary:

The Office for Research Security and Export Controls (RSEC) at Rice University is seeking a Research Security Analyst (RSA) to play a pivotal role in achieving the university's ambitious security objectives related to research, international collaborations, and commercialization activities. The RSA will report directly to the Director for Research Security and will aid in identifying and mitigating research security threats. This position requires the RSA to serve as a trusted resource for Rice's leadership, faculty, and community of scholars, while also engaging constructively with government officials and external advisory boards. 

The RSA will be expected to assist the Director for Research Security, the Research Security Manager and the Associate Vice President for Campus Safety and Research Security in strategizing and implementing Rice's research security efforts. This includes coordinating with various university offices to promote international research collaborations and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. In addition to conducting risk assessments and monitoring external threats, the RSA will assist in developing and providing training to promote research security across the university. The RSA will also be responsible for assisting in drafting policies and procedures, advising leadership on trends affecting the research enterprise, and establishing a robust research security program to address concerns such as undue foreign influence and economic espionage.

Ideal Candidate Statement: 

The ideal candidate for this role will possess a security clearance at the SECRET level and have substantial experience working on national security matters within the intelligence community, including agencies such as the FBI, CIA, NSA, and Department of Defense.

Workplace Requirements:

This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Remote work one day per week. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

This role is classified as an Essential Remote Position. During declared emergencies or crisis events, the incumbent is required to continue duties remotely to ensure business continuity. Employees in this role must remain accessible to leadership, support critical departmental functions, and maintain operations until normal on-site activities resume.

Hiring Rate: $75,000 Annually

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field 
• Four or more (4+) years of professional experience working for a government agency or a Carnegie classified research 1 university
  • In lieu of the experience requirement, additional related education above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis.   

Skills: 

• Demonstrated knowledge of the geo-political context of research and innovation, cyber security, intellectual property, and data governance.
• Strong communication skills to facilitate credibility and foster trust with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with federal law enforcement and funding agencies on research security matters.
• 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.
• Superior knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and database software programs.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and critical thinking to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets.
• Strong understanding of research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative approaches, survey design, and experimental techniques.
• Ability to collect, organize, and manage large datasets efficiently while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
• Capability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously, including planning, coordination, and timely execution while ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget constraints.

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 or similar complex entity.
• Established network of contacts in academic institutions or government agencies.
• Deep knowledge of academic research programs and sponsored research funding.

Essential Functions:

• Assist the Director for Research Security, Research Security Manager and the Associate Vice President for Campus Safety and Research Security with the strategy and implementation of Rice's research security efforts.
• Work with various Rice University offices to coordinate efforts promoting international research collaborations and compliance with laws and regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement continuous monitoring processes to promote research security and legal compliance.
• Monitor external threats and manage individual research security matters to include meeting PIs directly and regularly as needed.
• Develop and provide training and outreach to promote research security.
• Collaborate with Rice departments and administrative offices to understand research security threats and implement solutions.
• Draft and socialize relevant policies and procedures regarding research security.
• Advise leadership on trends and enforcement activities affecting the research enterprise.
• Report material research security concerns to applicable leaders.
• Establish a systematic records system to document program activities and create mechanisms for regular discussions on research security issues.
• Lead the strategic planning, conceptualization, and implementation of advanced research initiatives. Innovate methodologies and frameworks to optimize data acquisition and analysis processes.
• Conduct comprehensive gathering, interpretation, and analysis of intricate datasets sourced from diverse channels.
• Utilize advanced statistical and analytical tools to extract actionable insights and forecast trends. Develop sophisticated predictive models based on rigorous data analysis.
• Produce detailed reports, succinct summaries, and impactful presentations elucidating research discoveries.
• Effectively Communicate intricate data insights to stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Spearhead the design, development, and management of robust databases and data systems.
• Establish and uphold models and structures conducive to seamless data analysis and retrieval.
• Ensure the utmost accuracy, validity, and reliability of data through stringent quality control measures. Implement advanced validation techniques to authenticate research findings and conclusions.
• Drive the development and implementation of cutting-edge automated reporting solutions, optimizing data collection processes. Identify and execute enhancements in methodologies and data collection methodologies.
• Uphold stringent adherence to regulatory mandates and ethical guidelines governing research practices.
• Effectively manage timelines, resource allocation, and project budgets for complex research endeavors. Foster seamless coordination with various departments and external collaborators as necessitated.
• Remain abreast of the latest trends, tools, and methodologies in the realm of research and data analysis.
• Pursue continuous professional development avenues to enrich competencies and expertise.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Application instructions

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