Director of Research Security

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center•Dallas, TX

44d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director works in close collaboration with the Research Security Officer, who also serves as the Associate Vice President of Research Regulatory Affairs. The Director is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring compliance with federal research security requirements. With support from the Research Security Officer and Research Security Steering Committee, the Director leads the development, implementation, and management of a comprehensive Research Security Program. This program aligns with federal mandates such as National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and ensures appropriate safeguards for sensitive research, data, technologies, and collaborations, particularly where national security and controlled technologies intersect. The Director promotes a culture of compliance, transparency, and secure collaborations across the university.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in a related field
10 years progressively responsible in a related field such as research compliance, export control, or national security
3 years of experience in a supervisory/managerial capacity
In-depth knowledge of state and federal research security frameworks and compliance requirements, including NSPM-33, NIST 800-171, and CMMC.
Experience in a compliance or security leadership role within an academic medical center or health system.
Familiarity with export control regulations (ITAR, EAR) and their relevance to biomedical research.
Proven ability to work across academic, clinical, and IT environments to implement policy and operational changes.
Work requires ability to lead, manage, and direct staff of various levels.
Work requires ability to monitor and maintain budget.
Work requires ability to ensure adherence to all policies and procedures of university.
Work requires ability to work with confidential information on a daily basis.
Work requires ability to effectively interpret and apply organizational policies, procedures, and systems.
Work requires excellent interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills.
Work requires demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and exercise decision-making and problem solving skills.
Work requires ability to read, write, develop plans, procedures, and coordinate persons and other resources to accomplish goals.
Work requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Work requires knowledge of personal computers.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (JD, MPH, MS, or PhD) in a relevant field
Relevant certifications (e.g., Export Control Certifications - ITAR/EAR, CCEP, CHRC, etc.)
Work may require ability to lead committees as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Develop and direct a comprehensive Research Security Program that ensures compliance with state and federal regulations as well as institutional policies.
Collaborate with key institutional offices such as Office of Compliance, Sponsored Programs, Conflict of Interest, Information Security, Legal Affairs, Office of International Affairs, and Export Control, to identify and mitigate research security risks, particularly related to foreign influence and sensitive research.
Provide guidance to investigators and departments regarding secure research practices, international collaborations, foreign talent programs, and requirements for disclosure.
Partner with Information Resources and Information Security teams to assess and maintain secure computing environments that meet federal requirements, particularly for sponsored clinical research involving sensitive patient data.
Review and approve international travel, shipments, and technical data exports in accordance with state and federal research security requirements, export control laws and institutional policies.
Lead institutional compliance with U.S. export control regulations (ITAR, EAR) as they apply to biomedical research, clinical trials, international collaborations, and the transfer of controlled technologies or data.
Oversee the development and delivery of institution-wide training program on research security, cybersecurity, and export control compliance for faculty, staff, and trainees.
Monitor federal regulatory changes and emerging threats; advise senior leadership on impact and institutional preparedness.
Lead investigations of research-related security breaches or compliance concerns in coordination with Legal, Compliance, and Information Security offices.
Prepare and submit required reports and certifications to state and federal agencies, sponsors and internal leadership.
Manage research security personnel and coordinate interdepartmental initiatives supporting secure research.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
Paid Time Off, available day one
Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
Paid Parental Leave Benefit
Wellness programs
Tuition Reimbursement
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

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