Senior Compliance Officer - Research Security (Audit and Compliance Officer 2 - MR12)
Office of Research Integrity
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
The Senior Compliance Officer - Research Security assists faculty, staff, and students involved in research activities involving proprietary, confidential, or sensitive information and technology that may be subject to regulations and restrictions related to national security and the foreign policy interests of the United States. The primary purpose of this position is to develop, implement, and maintain research compliance policies and procedures and monitor compliance in the following areas: Export Controls, Research Information Security, and Conflicts of Interest, including identification and disclosure of improper influence in research activities.
A hybrid work schedule is possible for this position.
Primary Responsibilities:
Export Control Officer
- Manage and direct Export Control Compliance Program, policies, and procedures
- Implement export controls management and monitoring plan and tracking database
- Stay abreast of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and sanctions imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Controls (OFAC)
- Participate in professional organizations and attend national conferences and seminars
- Advise, educate, and consult with university administrators, faculty, and staff at all levels to ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, and OFAC regulations and awareness of regulatory trends and enforcement activities relevant to the research enterprise
- Review proposals, confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements, and contracts for which export controls may apply; after consultation with researchers and contract negotiators, write export control determinations
- Determine and document EAR/ITAR classifications for equipment, software, and technical information, and license exceptions and exemptions that may be applicable
- Determine and document restrictions that apply to embargoed and sanctioned countries and their citizens, and screen end users and countries
- Assist researchers in developing, executing, and implementing Technology Control Plans for controlled projects
- Monitor status of export control compliance training for UTC personnel and students as applicable
- Screen foreign national hires and vendors to identify export control risks and license requirements
- Review itineraries for international travel to sanctioned countries by university personnel
- Screen vendors and research collaborators and provide guidance to travelers
- Draft and submit license applications and institutional registrations
- Obtain commodity jurisdiction and classification determinations from Department of Commerce and State
- Conduct internal export control risk assessments and audits and prepare necessary disclosures
- Prepare reports as necessary for the Director of Research Integrity and the Vice Chancellor for Research
- Maintain UTC Research Security & Export Control web site and coordinate with the webmaster to update as needed
- Serve as liaison between federal governmental and investigative agencies in all export control matters; if there is a federal investigation, serve as the primary contact (may testify in court)
Research Information Security Officer
- Provide guidance to researchers regarding University of Tennessee security programs and procedures for handling controlled unclassified information and proprietary materials, documents, and equipment used in research
- Ensure compliance with information security requirements as specified in research agreements
- Serve as a resource to faculty on research information security matters in coordination with Chief Information Security Officer
- Serve as liaison between UT Research Security Officer and UTC faculty/staff who need to obtain or are maintaining active security clearances
Research Conflict of Interest Reviewer
- Review outside interest disclosures for university personnel involved in the design or conduct of externally sponsored STEM research
- Communicate with faculty and staff who disclose outside interests to clarify nature of commitments; prepare summary for review by the university COI Committee as required
- Conduct screening and coordinate additional review of unpaid visiting researchers to ensure compliance with university and research sponsor policies and procedures
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- Substantive working knowledge of export control regulations and their applicability in academic research settings
- Knowledge of federal government contracting
- Knowledge of research administration and compliance principles, procedures, and terminology applicable in academia
- Knowledge of NIST cybersecurity standards and FAR and DFAR clauses specific to information safeguarding
- Ability to review and process complex information and adapt to an evolving regulatory environment
- Ability to apply a collaborative problem-solving approach, especially when assisting researchers and students facing deadlines re: proposal submissions and project completion
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
- Ability to negotiate solutions that minimize burden on researchers without violating policies and regulations
- Skill in collaborating with diverse faculty and staff in STEM disciplines and in building and maintaining relationships across functional areas
- Skill in developing NIST 800-171-compliant information security plans
- Skill in reviewing and interpreting large volumes of complex information
- Skill in making independent judgments regarding the interpretation and application of regulations and policies
- Skill in drafting policies and procedures
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent critical thinking and communication skills
- Discretion and sensitivity regarding confidential matters
- Determination, persistence, initiative, and trustworthiness
Review of applications will begin continue until the position is filled. In addition to the online application, a cover letter and resume are preferred.
Minimum Qualifications: Typically requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Preferred Qualifications: J.D. or Master's degree and 5 or more years of compliance related experience; and 3-5 years' experience in export control or related research compliance; ECTI certification in EAR and ITAR Compliance
Benefits of Becoming a UTC Moc
Why Choose Chattanooga?
The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.
