Position Overview

The Research Security Division in the Research Services Office (RSO) invites applications for two (2) Safeguarding Research Analysts. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Research Security will serve as a one-stop shop in providing information and guidance on how to safeguard research from theft, interference, or unwanted transfer of knowledge in ways individuals and teams do not intend. Research Security is a division comprised of three units that includes: Academic and Outreach, Due Diligence and Compliance, Mitigation, and Special Investigations. This position will work within the Due Diligence team.

The team leads the University to build capacity and create expertise in how we do open-source intelligence gathering, develop risk mitigation plans, and ensure robust vetting processes and procedures are implemented. Using a risk-based approach, this team will educate and help build awareness of methods of use to perform this work and to ensure alliance with other teams across the University such as Cyber, IP, data management and Security Office.
 
The Safeguarding Research Analyst reports to the Manager, Due Diligence. This role will support the University's research mission to provide significant content and process expertise to support preparation, submission, review and on-going administration of risk assessments across the University (researchers, faculty members, administrators). As a key member of the team, this role will support and advise researchers and their staff on the preparation of risk assessments, which includes drawing on extensive knowledge of safeguarding research issues and requirements, knowledge of National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships and compliance with Institutional policies and procedures. The incumbent performs detailed open-source intelligence gathering using a variety of tools and established methodological procedures.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Triage and track new requests and ensure all requests to the team are answered quickly.
• Identify, review and process safeguarding research / research security risk assessments forms.
• Conduct independent pre-review of requests. Communicate  requests to researchers related to conformance with application standards, while also advising of appropriate methods and/or accepted practices to address these issues.
• Works with compliance team to monitor projects and partners and to identify new or evolving risks.
• Prepare OSINT reports on a range of entities.
• Stays up to date on changes and risk mitigation plans that are required to secure government funding.
• Through an in-depth understanding of the applicable guidelines, interpretations, best practices, and regulatory requirements related to safeguarding research, contributes to the file review and discussion at respective meetings.
• Stays up to date on best practices both within Canada and internationally as to how to best conduct due diligence related to partnership agreements and shares best practices to collect open-source information from the various sources.
• Update best practices and policies on how to conduct due diligence of partnership agreements and provide information and assistance to the research community.
• Contributes to the development and process of approval of written standard operating procedures and guidelines including institutional SOPs.
• Liaises with external agencies during and after application submission and with other units in Research Services and Research Accounting as necessary.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• University degree is required, either an undergraduate degree combined with significant work experience in a relevant area, or a graduate degree with work experience in an academic or funding agency environment, a legal office or working with open-source intelligence gathering and research.
• Demonstrated experience in a research environment, preferably at a major university or college, government office, and in administrative procedures and computer applications.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong knowledge of research security.
• Experience in open-source intelligence gathering would be an asset.
• Broad knowledge of technical procedures and terminology commonly used in open-source intelligence gathering and safeguarding research activities.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian Safeguarding Research standards and regulations (i.e. National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships, Export Controls, Data Management Strategy, Cyber Security Plans).
• Demonstrated ability to apply high level critical thinking consistently and effectively, sound decision-making and communication skills in a high volume, fast-paced environment is required.
• Highly proficient use of Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint is required and various OSINT Software)
• Highly detail oriented with strong research skills with an ability to prepare detailed guidance resources of due diligence procedures is an asset.

Application Deadline:  October 2, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.