This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has a term length of 2 years.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Reporting to the Manager, Safeguarding Research the Safeguarding Research Specialist supports the overall mandate of the Safeguarding Research Office (SRO) within the Vice-President (Research) by supporting researchers in identifying, assessment and mitigating risk, understanding research security requirements, conducting advanced Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) analysis to provide due diligence information and briefings. The position also provides support to U of A research security governance committees. The duties of this position are diverse and complex and require significant independent work and decision-making in a high-volume and fast-paced work environment. The Safeguarding Research Specialist must maintain an in-depth and detailed understanding of research security policies, directives and guidance. The Specialist must have strong knowledge of research security, in addition to a broad knowledge of technical procedures and terminology commonly used in open source intelligence gathering and safeguarding research activities. The Specialist must have strong knowledge of research security, privacy and open-source due diligence techniques and methods and respect for confidentiality.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) are required. This role requires significant capacity to work independently, to take initiative, and to exercise excellent judgement. This position carries significant responsibility due to the requirement to work directly and effectively with researchers and staff across a range of disciplines. The actions and decisions of the incumbent will reflect directly on the Safeguarding Research Office and the OVPR portfolio as a whole.

At The Office of the Vice President - Research (VPR), research is at the core of what we do. The VPR team supports and advances the university's large and complex research enterprise, providing leadership, guidance and diverse research services.

VPR supports the university's research function, helping ensure those involved in research and partnership activities adhere to the highest operational, financial, legal, ethical and safety standards. We also develop and administer policies to ensure regulatory compliance.

Support compliance with research security requirements (50%)

• Support researchers and their teams in understanding and complying with all applicable research security requirements.
• Provide advice and guidance on the identification and assessment of risk and development of risk mitigation plans and strategies.
• Maintain ongoing awareness and understanding of the evolving research security landscape and related requirements at the institutional, provincial, national and international level.
• Support the tracking and reporting of relevant performance/evaluation indicators.
• Identify training and learning requirements based on interactions with research teams, sharing these with the Education and Engagement leads within SRO.
• Consider and apply equity, diversity and inclusion as well as access, community and belonging principles in undertaking responsibilities.
• Liaise routinely with counterparts at other postsecondary institutions in Canada on the development of risk mitigation plans and compliance strategies.

Conduct Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analysis (Due Diligence) (30%)

• This position applies advanced OSINT techniques and methods to provide comprehensive advice to decision-makers. Users of the Safeguarding Research Office’s due diligence include members of the research community, administrative staff and senior leadership.
• Due diligence activities are undertaken with strict adherence to the Responsible Open-Source Due Diligence Framework developed by the SRO and supporting internal procedures and processes.
• This position is required to understand relevant policies, regulations, legislation and guidance applicable to research funding and to the various categories of due diligence conducted by the SRO (e.g. for risk identification, screening, compliance, disciplinary, conflicts of commitment and other purposes).
• As requested, the specialist provides and shares expertise and knowledge on OSINT methods, techniques, data analysis and visualization, tools and resources, and best practices.
• The incumbent stays abreast of the latest tools, techniques and information sources relevant to the provision of reliable open source due diligence results. The officer proactively incorporates the latest updates into the SRO process, in consultation with SRO management.

Provide briefings and overall support for SRO (20%)

• In addition to conducting open source due diligence, this position is responsible for collating, compiling and presenting the information clearly and effectively to support informed decision-making.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) are required to support the team’s provision of timely, clear and comprehensive open source due diligence information and related advice.

• Briefings to individuals and groups on research security requirements and due diligence results, requires the specialist to have excellent oral briefing and facilitation skills enabling them to provide impactful presentations with confidence and clarity.

• The Specialist participates in and supports SRO involvement in engagement and awareness-raising activities.

• The Specialist contributes to the development and process of written procedures and processes for the work of the SRO.

• The Specialist participates in local, provincial and national organizations and communities of practice associated with research security and due diligence.

• University degree required, specialization in data analytics, library and information sciences, or computer science preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of related, progressively responsible experience, preferably in the conduct of data analysis/visualization, research, intelligence analysis or equivalent field.

• Excellent written and especially oral communications skills - ideally to a variety of audiences and in a briefing format.

• Knowledge of, and experience in applying, successful stakeholder engagement principles.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Ability to effectively communicate complex or technical issues to non-practitioners.

• Ability to work with minimum supervision on a wide variety of tasks with competing priorities.

• Ability to be responsive to multiple internal stakeholders and capably prioritize projects and communicate prioritization and timelines to all stakeholders.

• High level of critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills required.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills.

• Ability to work diplomatically with a broad range of individuals and groups, including at executive levels.

• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential materials.

• Experience in the development and implementation of strategies.

• Familiarity with national security or geopolitical issues.

• Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office and Google applications.

• Experience in implementing ACB or GBA+ considerations is an asset.

• Knowledge of research security, export controls, sanctions and supply-chain integrity is an asset.

• Familiarity with the University of Alberta or experience in another post-secondary institution is an asset.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

Ability and willingness to attain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance is required.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package*.*

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.