(Audit and Compliance Officer 2 - MR12)

Office of Research Integrity

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

The Senior Compliance Officer - Research Security position combines three compliance areas: Export Control, Research Information Security, and Facility Security. They will assist 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 responsibilities of this position are to develop, implement, and maintain export control, research security and facility security compliance policies and procedures, and to monitor research controls.

Primary Responsibilities:

Export Control

• Manage Export Control Compliance Program policies and procedures

• Implement and maintain export control 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)

• Advise, educate, and consult with university administrators, faculty, and staff at all levels to ensure compliance and awareness with ITAR, EAR, and OFAC regulations, 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, when needed

• Conduct internal export control risk assessments and audits and prepare necessary disclosures

• Conduct screening and coordinate additional review of visiting researchers to ensure compliance with university and research sponsor policies and procedures

• Other duties as assigned

Research Information Security

• Develop and manage compliance policies and procedures for the identification and disclosure of foreign influence in research activities

• 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

• Develop and administer 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

• Other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities

• In coordination with the ORI Director, mitigate any research compliance concerns or issues

• Prepare reports as necessary for the Director of Research Integrity and the Vice Chancellor for Research

• Participate in professional organizations and attend national conferences, workshops and seminars to gain knowledge in the latest approaches for compliance within a university setting

• Maintain UTC Research Security & Export Control website and coordinate with Division webmaster to update as needed

• Assist with other research compliance activities as assigned (e.g. secondary coverage for Research Conflict of Interest functions)

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Knowledge of research portfolio and the university environment

• Knowledge of research administration and compliance principles, procedures, and terminology applicable in academia

• Ability to apply a collaborative problem-solving approach to minimize burden on researchers without violating policies and regulations

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision

• Skill in collaborating, building, and maintaining relationships with faculty, staff and students across multiple disciplines

• Skill in reviewing, interpreting, and making independent judgements of regulations, policies, and procedures

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Excellent critical thinking and communication skills

• Discretion and sensitivity regarding confidential matters

Review of applications will begin September 9, 2024, and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

In addition to the online application, a cover letter and resume are preferred.

Minimum Qualifications: 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; 3 or more years of experience in research, research administration, compliance related experience; knowledge and experience in export control and/or research security; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is preferred.

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.