Senior Officer, Safeguarding Research

Competition 1745

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff (TLAPO) Agreement, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and an annual salary range of $67,731 to $112,811. This position has an end date of March 31, 2027, with a possibility of renewal contingent upon funding availability.

Location - This is a hybrid role with a mix of remote and in-person work. The position requires a minimum of 3 days per week on-site at North Campus in Edmonton, with flexibility to accommodate additional in-office days based on operational needs.

Working at the University of Alberta

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 First Peoples 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 more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 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.

Working for the Department

The Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio encompasses services supporting the Institution and its researchers in the provision of effective and compliant research activities. The Safeguarding Research Office (SRO) within RIS, is responsible for the University’s safeguarding research framework, support for the U of A safeguarding research governance framework, awareness-raising, training, capacity building, risk identification and mitigation, compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and international requirements, and management of several related programs.

Position 

The University of Alberta is seeking a Senior Officer, Safeguarding Research to join the Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) team. Reporting to the Director, Research Security, the Senior Officer will lead the day-to-day operations of the Safeguarding Research Office, overseeing the Risk Assessment and Mitigation team, and managing key research security programs, including the Contract Security Program, Controlled Goods Program, and Travel Security Program. This is a high-responsibility leadership role, requiring independent decision-making, effective judgment, and a strong commitment to safeguarding the university’s research efforts.

The Senior Officer will be responsible for managing a team of Safeguarding Research Specialists (SRS) and Implementation Support Leads (ISL), guiding them to meet strategic objectives and manage risks effectively. This role requires a combination of leadership, strategic oversight, and hands-on management of complex risk assessment processes to ensure that research at the University of Alberta is conducted securely and in compliance with federal and provincial research security requirements

Responsibilities:

Leadership of the Risk Identification and Mitigation Team (60%)

• Team Leadership & Strategic Oversight - Guide the SRS and ISL teams in risk identification, mitigation, and due diligence processes, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering a proactive approach to research security. Facilitate strategic meetings to enhance communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Coordination & Collaboration: Ensure effective resource allocation and coordination within the Risk Assessment Sub-Committee (RASC) of the Research Security Impacts Committee (RSIC). Build strong relationships across university departments (Research Partner Network (RPN), Research Administrative Services (RAS), Information Services and Technology (IST), University Services, Operations and Facilities (USOF), and the U of A Library) and external partners to ensure compliance with research security requirements.
• Risk Assessment Review: Review Risk Assessment Forms before submission for final decisions, ensuring accuracy and alignment with research security standards.
• Performance Management: Supervise the day-to-day operations of the team, providing mentorship, feedback, and guidance. Manage employee performance, set objectives, and support professional development in consultation with the Director, Research Security.
• Operational Efficiency: Track key performance indicators to measure team effectiveness, ensure responsible resource stewardship, and provide ongoing feedback on operational effectiveness.

Daily Oversight of Contract Security Program, Controlled Goods Program and Travel Security Program (30%)

• Provide strategic support and oversight to the Implementation Support Lead(s) in ongoing management and coordination of the Contract Security Program, Controlled Goods Program and Travel Security Program through to provision of supervisory oversight, advice, support and guidance.
• Consult with members of the academic communities of practice for the CSP and the CGP to ensure adherence to best practices.
• Consult with other U15 universities as appropriate to support the establishment and operation of a new Travel Security program.

Provision of Strategic Advice and Engagement (10%)

• Contribute strategic insights to the Director of Research Security to support the development and implementation of performance assessment frameworks and metrics to align security initiatives with broader organizational goals.
• As needed, support the Director, Research Security in the development of briefing materials for the Associate Vice President Research Integrity Support and/or the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) and in providing secretarial support to the Research Security Impacts Committee.
• As needed, represent the University of Alberta in the Alberta Research Security Community of Practice and the associated Executive Committee and in the ‘Team Canada’ national community of practice of research security directors and leads.

Qualifications

Education: 

• A University graduate degree is preferred; a combination of relevant experience and education may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of related, progressively responsible experience
• Minimum of  3 years of supervisory experience

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues to non-experts
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Diplomatic and tactful, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior executives
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

Knowledge & Experience:

• Experience in strategy development and implementation
• Knowledge of defense procurement, export controls, controlled goods, and sanctions is an asset
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and managing complex relationships
• Familiarity with national security or geopolitical issues is an asset
• Experience working with neuro-divergent individuals or teams, as well as implementing EDIA or GBA+ considerations, is an asset
• Familiarity with the University of Alberta or experience in a post-secondary institution is an asset

The successful candidate must be willing to undergo personnel security screening and able to successfully attain the requested clearance level (see https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/esc-src/personnel/information-eng.html)